Antarctic Last Minute Cruise Deals

Last-minute cruise deals to Antarctica allow budget-conscious travelers a precious opportunity to explore one of the hottest ecotourism spots in the world. The unsettled land is home to awe-inspiring frozen vistas, snow-capped mountains, gigantic icebergs and miles of unspoiled natural wonders.

For those who dream of traveling to the edge of the Earth, a cruise to Antarctica is an experience that can't be duplicated. Antarctica is a bitterly cold continent surrounded by ocean and has very few residents. It shouldn't be confused with the Arctic which is all water punctuated with regions containing a healthy mix of human and animal life. The "White Continent" boasts an unaltered isolation rarely found on the planet, making it prefect for travelers who crave peace and tranquility. However, the downside to this pristine remoteness, free of traffic, cell phones and pollution is that it is not easily accessible.

Most ships that sail to Antarctica are considerably smaller than traditional ocean liners that cruise to the Caribbean. The vessels are built as icebreakers designed to withstand the frigid, ice-filled waters. What's more, due to Antarctica treaty laws, no more than 100 passengers are able to explore a port at one time. This can be challenging since the window for Antarctica voyages is so limited.

The majority of Antarctica cruises sail exclusively between November and February when the temperatures are a tolerable 20 to 50 degrees. While it may be winter in North America, Antarctica enjoys high summer and 20 plus hours of daylight from December through March.

Access to its abundant natural gems and supreme solitude combined with its short sailing season make cruising to Antarctica an expensive travel option. Keep in mind that because of its isolated ports, most Antarctic voyages require a minimum of 10 nights, though most average about two to three weeks. The length of travel can put a glacier-sized hole in your wallet. Fortunately, there are ways you can save on sailings to South America.

Last-minute cruise deals to Antarctica can help you pocket up to 50 percent off traditional rack rates. The money-saving deals can be found through travel agents, though the best way to know if you are getting a real bargain is to compare last-minute sale prices on these reputable cruise travel websites:

In order to take advantage of the last-minute deals:

It pays to be as flexible as possible. Due to its remote location, you will likely have to spend a fair amount of time flying to your port of departure. The most popular and closest cruise port to Antarctica is located in Ushuaia, Argentina. If you are traveling from North America it is a good idea to arrive in Ushuaia at least a day in advance of your Antarctica cruise. This will give you time to recover from the long flight and get acclimated to the region before boarding the ship. Since most last-minute deals bundle pre-cruise hotel stays with regular sailing fees, you shouldn't have to worry about breaking the bank by arriving a day prior to departure. If you live near the port of Ushuaia you have the best chance of scoring the biggest savings on last-minute deals to Antarctica. Since the vessels that explore the waters around the continent are smaller than traditional cruise ships, it is not unusual for travelers to be able to purchase spots on Antarctica voyages less than 24 hours prior to their departures. Local travel agents often advertise the rock-bottom fares; however, all last-minute purchases must be made in person.

Securing a last-minute deal on an Antarctica cruise is akin to hitting the jackpot for nature lovers. The one-of-a-kind sailings are better classified as educational explorations. In addition to enjoying immaculate landscapes, cruisers are given the chance to get up close and personal with Antarctica's wildlife. This includes:

Coming face-to-face with animated penguins Breaching humpback whales Wandering polar bears Languishing seals

It's an opportunity you can't put a price tag on. What's more, since most voyages to Antarctica include at least four to five days at sea, passengers are given the chance to participate in on-board lectures led by veteran naturalists and top-rated researchers that thoughtfully explain scenic wonders, from the colorful prisms of light that bounce off massive icebergs to the sculpted volcanoes that dot the snowy continent.

Galapagos Island Cruises

Galapagos Island cruises acquaint travelers with the uninhabited environment of the Galapagos archipelago. Cruises are small and intimate, offering luxury accommodations with exceptional services. The mood is casual and friendly, with a wide array of exciting and educational activities. No matter what cruise you choose, you will experience an unforgettable journey through the Galapagos Islands.

The Galapagos archipelago is located on the equator west of Ecuador's mainland. Cruises sail the Galapagos Islands year-round as the climate is quite pleasant in every season. Many travelers explore the islands after visiting the mainland of Ecuador, and most cruise companies offer extended packages, including adventure sailings, plus hotel packages on the mainland.

Environmental standards are closely regulated to ensure preservation of one of the most isolated archipelagos left on earth, thus travel by water is restricted to small, environmentally regulated modes of transportation. You can choose to tour the islands on a sailboat, mid-sized yacht or luxury cruise vessel designed to accommodate up to 100 guests.

Smaller-sized ships not only help preserve the natural ecological environment, but afford adventurous cruisers the opportunity to explore some of the archipelagos' most remote locations. Another advantage of smaller-sized ships is the cozy social atmosphere they offer. The larger expedition cruises are not nearly as intimate as smaller sailboats, but offer additional perks, such as roomier cabins and a larger range of onboard services and activities.

Most cruise ships navigating through the Galapagos Islands offer some type of all-inclusive package tailored to the ship's style and expedition experience. Some companies offer packages that include full itineraries and meals, but do not include airfare or other courtesies, such as transfers or gratuities, within the total package price. The all-inclusive package offered on Celebrity Cruises for the 2011 season includes the following:

Gratuities Airfare Transfers Meals and beverages Expert onboard naturalist guides Daily itinerary and excursions

Before booking an expedition, read the fine print for a full description of what is included in the ship's all-inclusive package. This ensures a more pleasurable voyage and minimizes unexpected last minute expenditures that can so often break the bank.

Virtually every cruise in the Galapagos Islands offers a full itinerary of daily excursions and activities included in the package price. Cruisers can expect to experience at least one guided port of call each day led by a qualified naturalist fluent in English. Some naturalists are also fluent in multiple languages. The opportunity to select an activity level preference, from active, moderate or minimal exertion is provided for each daily excursion. Each activity level is formed into a small group. Different activities featured on Galapagos cruise itineraries include:

Snorkeling Whale watching Bird watching Guided hikes Zodiac cruises Scuba diving Kayaking Cave explorations Photography excursions

A Galapagos expedition cruise is a luxury cruise coupled with adventurous and educational activities designed to inspire both your mind and body. Although luxury class expedition cruises are smaller in size, everything a world cruiser would want and need is packed into these cozy luxury liners. You will find world class service, an intimate and relaxed environment and luxurious accommodations, including:

Complimentary sparkling wine Fruit baskets Binoculars Snorkeling equipment Daily hors d'oeuvers Stocked minibars

Galapagos Island cruises are managed exclusively for exploring one of the most uninhabited regions of the world. Moreover, Galapagos cruises are sustainable and are either locally or privately managed. The one exception is Celebrity Cruises' sailings, which is one of the large cruise ship companies operating within the archipelago. All cruise lines hire onboard staff fluent in English, and sometimes skilled in multiple languages. Below are a number of luxury class cruises that sail within the isolated boundaries of the Galapagos Islands:

While planning a vacation to the Galapagos Islands keep in mind most cruise ships sailing through this destination book one year in advance. However, it is also advantageous to explore last-minute cruise deals, as they often include incentives, such as free airfare to the region.

Chicago River Cruises

Chicago River cruises give a unique perspective of the Windy City and its legendary skyline. The educational and exciting sailings are a top attraction in the “City of Broad Shoulders,” especially for visitors who are looking to experience Chicago’s?famous sites in an unforgettable fashion.

The Chicago River is one of the Windy City’s crown jewels. The 156-mile waterway flows through the downtown area buffering some of the most architecturally rich structures in the nation. Originally, the river emptied into Lake Michigan. However, due to sanitation concerns, city leaders reversed the river’s flow, and now it heads away from Lake Michigan and empties into the Mississippi River basin.

The change in the river’s directional flow has done nothing to reduce visitors’ attraction to it. People travel from around the world to sail the Chicago River. Fortunately, there are several reputable companies that offer cruises on the iconic river, including:

Chicago’s First Lady Cruise is the official line of the Chicago Architecture Foundation. The group runs critically-acclaimed 90-minute architecture river tours from April through November. Voyages depart from the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Lower Wacker Drive and sail past Chicago's world renowned architectural wonders. All cruises are narrated by certified Chicago Architecture Foundation guides. The knowledgeable docents share insightful facts about the design and history of more than 50 of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Tribune Tower and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower). Chicago’s First Lady Cruise ships feature indoor and outdoor seating allowing you the option of sitting in air-conditioned comfort or enjoying unobstructed views on the vessel’s open-air decks.

Chicago Line Cruises offers in-depth historical and architectural cruises on the city’s famous river. Each 90-minute sailing departs from an exclusive dock located at historic North Pier/River East Plaza. The architectural cruise travels to the north and south branches of the Chicago River, while the historical voyage covers the Chicago River and parts of Lake Michigan. Both sailing options are narrated by professional guides and all passengers are treated to complimentary Starbucks coffee, lemonade, and cookies. Highlights of the cruise include unprecedented views of:

Trump TowerJeanne Gang's Aqua BuildingMerchandise MartWrigley BuildingRiver CityMarina CityWillis Tower

Those looking to take an evening sail on the Chicago River should consider booking a spot on a cocktail cruise. In addition to its architectural and historical sailings, Chicago Line Cruises also offers a cocktail voyage from May through October. Enjoy a libation as you sail past Chicago's famous skyscrapers aglow in the burnished hues of a gorgeous Midwest sunset.

Wendella Boats is a Chicago institution. The company has been offering public cruises on the Chicago River for four generations. The family run business is considered among the city’s best of the best, featuring the most comprehensive river tours narrated by highly-educated guides. Cruises are offered seven days a week from April through November. Sailings depart from Wendella’s dock at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Passengers can choose from a wide array of Chicago River cruises including the company’s most popular:

Architectural tourHistorical tourCombined lake and river tourChicago at Sunset tour

Another highly recommended Chicago River cruise for adults is Wendella’s two-hour wine tasting architectural cruise. In addition to learning about the Windy City’s architectural heritage, passengers are treated to different wines by Kafka Wine Company and are offered samples of delicious Italian dishes by Buca di Beppo.

Since cruises on the Chicago River are only offered seasonally, they tend to sell out quickly. To ensure a spot on the voyage of your choice, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets in advance. You can do so by visiting the companies’ ticket booths at their respective docks or by buying seats online at the companies’ websites. Finally, remember to be at the dock at the hour printed on your ticket, as the cruises set sail promptly at their scheduled departure times.

Top 10 Tips for a European River Cruise

Forget about flipping through an entire book of sailing suggestions; rather, get all the help you need for your dream voyage be reading the following top 10 tips for a European river cruise. The advice will help you decide if an interior waterway sailing is right for you and how you can make the most of your European vacation.

These simple tips are applicable to cruisers looking to take a discount sailing or those with money to spare. Regardless of your budget there are things you should know before you tour Europe up close and personal on a river cruise:

River cruises are a far cry from ocean adventures. The intimate voyages are packed with scenery and a myriad of shore excursion opportunities unlike ocean cruises which can feature days at sea with little to look at other than endless blue water. In addition, river vessels in Europe, which are much smaller than ocean liners, can easily navigate the region’s narrow waterways. Most European river boats can carry about 250 passengers. The limited space creates a cozy environment, allowing you to get to know your fellow passengers very well. What’s more, due to the smaller size of the vessel, most staterooms are located on the outside of the boat, which means you are able to enjoy unobstructed exterior views.

The small size of European river boats means that you will not be offered the same amount of onboard amenities as those featured on massive ocean liners. Moreover, the type of activities offered on European river cruises are a bit more sedate than those found on larger ships. Sample activities include cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, historical lectures, and concerts.

One of the benefits of taking a European river cruise is that you are afforded the luxury of sailing to the very heart of the historic cities and ancient villages that call the continent home. As such, most cruise itineraries feature more stops than those found on traditional ocean cruises which typically grace the edges of vacation destinations. On a river journey you are given the chance to tour everything from vineyards and medieval castles to historical landmarks and world-class restaurants.

More stops means more time exploring top European tourist attractions. In many cases this translates to a lot of walking along ancient cobblestone streets and stairs. If you are planning an extensive shore excursion, it’s a good idea to know your physical limitations. If you have a heart condition or other medical condition, be sure to check with your doctor before climbing 300 steps to the top of an Austrian hilltop or a French castle.

If you are looking to take a budget European river cruise, then shoot to sail during the spring and fall. Winter voyages, especially Christmas cruises, are expensive and hard to come by given their popularity. Summer river cruises are also a bit pricey, since demand outweighs supply during the busy travel season when kids are out of school and the weather yields spectacular views of lush flora and fauna in the South of France.

European river cruises are readily available throughout the year, so be selective when booking an itinerary. Since there is no shortage of rivers in the region, you don’t need to feel as though your choices are limited to the popular Danube and Rhine rivers. Other tourist-friendly European rivers serviced by cruise companies include:

DouroElbeMoselRhoneSaoneSeineDneiper

Europe features a plethora of cruise destinations, including:

AustriaBelarusCzech RepublicFranceGermanyNetherlandsPolandPortugalRussiaSerbiaUkraine

It’s a good idea to review your options before settling on a specific region and cruise company. Some cruises combine water and land packages. An experienced travel agent will be able to help you find the European river cruise that best suits your time frame, interests and budget.

It’s likely that you will be taking a commercial airliner to get to and from your cruise ports, so you need to be mindful of packing light for the flight and cruise. Fortunately, most European river cruises don’t feature formal nights, so you can leave your fancy clothes and shoes at home. What’s more, most river boats feature onboard launderettes where you can wash your garments. Suites and other upscale staterooms include complimentary laundry service.

There’s no faster way to endear yourself to Europeans than to learn the local language. This doesn’t mean taking a crash course so you can speak fluent French for your cruise down the Seine. Rather, learn a few key phrases, such as “hello,” “thank you” and “excuse me.” Your efforts will be appreciated by local shopkeepers and restaurant staff.

If you are overwhelmed by the array of different European river cruise options, then consider narrowing your search by considering a theme sailing. Possible itineraries include everything from a three-night wine tour on the Saone to a 30-day odyssey that encompasses a litany of amazing stops on rivers and tributaries from Amsterdam to the Black Sea.

Regardless of which European waterway you choose to tour, it’s always a good idea to consult with the experts before you go. Contact a reputable travel agent in your area or query a representative at one of the leading cruise companies that specialize in European river cruises, such as AMA Waterways, Avalon Waterways or Viking Cruises.

Family Reunion Cruises

Family reunion cruises offer convenience, value and high seas adventures that will be remembered for years to come.

When it comes to group sailings it doesn't get more exciting than cruising with the entire clan. Decades ago cruise companies introduced the concept of family reunion voyages as a way for multi-generations to experience a vacation of a lifetime minus the hassles of cooking, cleaning and coordinating hotel rooms, rental cars and community hall rentals. Whether the high seas gathering is to mark a milestone birthday, anniversary or to simply add some spice to an annual get-together, family reunion sailings offer the perfect setting for families looking to make memories to last a lifetime.

Convenience is one of the top incentives for families to set sail on a reunion cruise. Today's state-of-the-art cruise ships have something for everyone, regardless of age or gender. By hosting a reunion of loved ones on a cruise ship, you have access to luxurious amenities and a host of family-friendly activities, such as:

Swimming Rock climbing Ice-skating Roller blading Shopping Gambling

In addition, many ships offer kids programs, seminars, guest lecturers, and cooking classes to keep family members entertained on reunion cruises. Exciting amenities aside, family reunion cruises also offer a litany of other benefits, including:

Cruises are famous for allowing travelers to get the most bang for their buck. High seas sailings are all-inclusive, which means one price covers accommodations, meals, on board activities and entertainment. What's more, several popular cruise lines offer special group discounts and rates for extended clans. For example, Carnival Cruise Lines offers a family reunion vacation package for groups who reserve at least eight staterooms on a single voyage. The package includes deep discounts on rack rates and VIP in-room amenities. Likewise, Royal Caribbean's family reunion deal includes on-board family scavenger hunts, personalized cakes and a group discount. Not to be outdone by its competitors, Disney Cruise Line also offers a spectacular family reunion voyage complete with special t-shirts, group shore excursions and a commemorative family reunion certificate.

You will likely see a spike in attendance, if you hold your next family reunion on a cruise ship rather than at the local Lions Club. One of the main reasons for this is variety. Multi-generation reunion cruises cater to family members with varying tastes and budgets. This is especially noteworthy when deciding on sleeping arrangements. Cruise ships offer an array of different staterooms from suites and balcony staterooms to oceanview and interior cabins. While you may prefer to stick with a budget-friendly interior stateroom, Aunt May and Uncle Gordon may want to treat themselves to a luxurious suite with fabulous ocean views.

With so many cruise lines offering family reunion voyages, it is not hard to find a convenient departure point. Cruise ships set sail from more than two-dozen ports in the United States and Canada, most of which are located in or within driving distance of major cities, including

San Diego Los Angeles New York City Miami Baltimore Philadelphia Galveston New Orleans Seattle

Before you send out the save-the-date cards for your next family reunion sailing, consider the following helpful tips:

Start Early: Cruise lines recommend that you begin planning a family reunion voyage at least six months in advance. Doing so allows you to lock into group rates and secure staterooms and preferred dining times for the entire clan. Consider Special Dates: If your family includes a boatload of kids, then you will want to book a summer or holiday reunion cruise. The downside to doing so is that ships will be crowded and you may have to pay more given that you will be sailing during the high season. Length is Key: Not everyone in the clan can commit to a 14-day trans-Atlantic reunion cruise. Some people have less flexibility with their vacation and work schedules, so you may want to select a shorter sailing if you are accommodating a huge crowd.

Finally, while it's tempting to do so, don't over plan a family reunion cruise. Many reunion coordinators fall into the trap of planning out every single minute of a multi-generation cruise. It's best to allow family members a little flexibility with their itineraries so they can explore the ship on their own and take part in activities they enjoy the most.

Royal Caribbean 14 Night European Transatlantic Cruise

Royal Caribbean's 14-night European transatlantic cruises take?passengers on an amazing?journey across the ocean to various tourist hot spots. The luxury cruise company offers amazing amenities for you to enjoy along the way, so your trip will be as memorable on day one as it is on day 14.

Royal Caribbean has?several 14-night transatlantic cruise options, which travel?both eastbound and westbound, including:

14-Night Eastbound: Leaving from Galveston, Texas, this cruise has ports of call in Ponta Delgada, Azores, Malaga, Cartagena, and Barcelona, Spain.14-Night Transatlantic: This cruise leaves from Colon, Panama, and travels through the?stunning?ports of Willemstad, Curacao, Bridgetown, Barbados, and the Canary Islands before docking at Palma De Mallorca, Spain.14-Night Westbound: This westbound cruise leaves from Barcelona, Spain. It travels to Cartagena, Malaga, the?Canary Islands, and the?Bahamas?before it docks?in New Orleans.14-Night Westbound Transatlantic: Another westbound option from Royal Caribbean leaves from Palma De Mallorca in Spain. This trip has ports of call in?the Canary Islands, St. Maarten, St. John's, Barbados, and other?exotic travel destinations?before?docking in Colon, Panama.14-Night Barcelona:? Royal Caribbean?offers a spectacular?fall transatlantic?cruise, which?leaves from Barcelona, Spain, and?stops in Cartagena, Malaga, Cadiz, the Canary Islands, and then docks in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.14-Night Eastbound Brazil: Another transatlantic option is to leave in the spring from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and?cruise to?Rio De Janeiro, Salvador De Bahia, the Canary Islands, and Cadiz before ending in Lisbon, Portugal.

In addition to the aforementioned?options, the company also offers transatlantic cruises from Miami, Florida to Barcelona, Spain. Also, you can book a slightly longer sailing, a 16-night cruise, departing from Civitavecchia, Italy to Galveston, Texas.??Finally, you can?set?sail from Harwich, England and travel to Boston, Massachusetts.

Visit the Royal Caribbean website to find the company's?most current?transatlantic?voyages and to book your cruise.? The website also features a number of ways to save on your next transatlantic cruise.? Discounts are available to military personnel, law enforcement professionals (in both the U.S. and Canada) and for those over the age of 55.

All of Royal Caribbean's 14-night transatlantic?sailings yield a vast array of?exciting onboard activities and amenities including world-class dining, live entertainment, shopping, spa treatments?and luxury staterooms.? In addition, Royal Caribbean's transatlantic cruises often feature a wide selection of unique shore excursions, which explore the highlights of various port cities, from Europe's hottest shops to the Canary Islands' most famous natural wonders. The cruise company also provides a variety of?onboard?workshops?and seminars that aim to educate passengers on the various waterways and destinations covered during the two-week dream voyage across the ocean.? ?

When planning a 14-night transatlantic voyage on Royal Caribbean?it's a good idea?to book as early as possible, as the popular?cruises fill up fast.? Also, keep in mind transatlantic cruises?typically take place?during the warmer summer months.? However, cruises from Brazil may occur as early as April while northern?departing cruises don't set sail until August.??Cruise itineraries also vary, though most feature several nights at sea.? To learn more about the cruise options available, visit CruiseAdventures.com or CruiseTransatlantic.com.

Dress Code on Royal Caribbean Cruises

Knowing the dress code on Royal Caribbean Cruises before you set sail on your dream voyage can help spare you from embarrassment and preserve your vacation budget. After all, you don’t want to have to shell out big bucks for a new outfit on the high seas when you could have packed one from home. It’s best to know the dress code before you go, so you are prepared for all occasions.

While you don’t have to dress like royalty to be treated like a king or queen on a Royal Caribbean voyage, the upscale cruise line does have a moderately strict dress code that passengers are required to?follow, if they want to partake in all of the activities the ship has to offer.

Reserve your t-shirts and slippers for daytime activities on Royal Caribbean Cruises. Casual attire, including shorts, sundresses and tank tops, is the standard dress code for passengers exploring the line’s luxury vessels during daylight hours. However, depending on the type of onboard activities you choose to participate in, the dress code may vary. For example, if you plan to ice skate on Voyager and Freedom Class ships, then you are required to wear long pants, long shorts or Capris and socks for your comfort and safety. In addition, footwear with wheels, including Heelys shoes and rollerblades are prohibited on Royal Caribbean Cruises regardless of the passenger’s age.

Where you are sailing to and from also plays a huge role in determining the dress code on Royal Caribbean Cruises. For instance, if you are embarking on a voyage to Alaska or Canada you don’t want to restrict your wardrobe to shorts, swimsuits and flip flops. Rather, your cruise attire should include clothes that can be layered with lightweight jackets, sweaters and raincoats, especially if you are traveling during the rainy season.

Royal Caribbean has three mandatory dress codes for the evening, if you plan to eat in the main dining room or any other reservations-required restaurant onboard?the ships:

Casual: Dress code for casual night includes khakis and an oxford or polo shirt for men and a casual dress or skirt and blouse combination for ladies. In addition, nice footwear is required. Flip flops and slippers are not allowed in the main dining room.Smart Casual: This dress code requires men to wear ties, jackets and slacks. Meanwhile, women are encouraged to wear nice pantsuits, dresses or skirts with a tasteful blouse.Formal: Men are encouraged to wear tuxedos; however tails are not required. If you don’t own a tux, you could opt to wear a dark business suit or a sports coat and tie with matching slacks. Ladies are requested to don cocktail dresses, evening gowns, elegant skirts or dressy pantsuits.

The length of your cruise will determine your evening dress code. Some 12-night European cruises may have three formal nights while seven-night sailings typically feature two formal nights with a mix of smart casual and casual nights for the remainder of the cruise. Meanwhile, shorter voyages traditionally have just one formal night. All other evenings are casual; though jeans and shorts are discouraged in most restaurants save for the buffet on the Lido Deck. The dress code at the Lido Restaurant, which is typically located near the pool at the rear of the ship, is extremely relaxed. However, this doesn’t mean you can show up wearing just your swimsuit. Passengers are required to wear shorts, shoes and footwear at all times inside the Lido Restaurant.

Royal Caribbean strongly enforces its dress code which pertains to all of its passengers, including children. Kids are not allowed to eat dinner in the main dining room wearing shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. In fact, the upscale cruise line requests that shorts not be worn in public areas after 6 p.m.; however, common sense rules. If you plan to dine in the Lido Restaurant, then casual attire is accepted, but don’t expect to be greeted with open arms if you show up in torn denim cut-offs, a tattered baseball cap and a crop top.

For a complete rundown on Royal Caribbean’s dress code, visit the cruise line’s website.