While you can’t visit the Alps, Grand Canyon or Yellowstone Park by cruise ship, many of the world’s most intriguing places are best explored by waterborne conveyance. The perfection of a cruise is that when you travel by ship you can be as enriched and fulfilled as you desire, or pursue each day at a snail’s pace.

Let your imagination wander and cast your net on a few spectacular places you probably never thought of cruising to, but should. These are at the top of my list!

Galapagos. A cluster of islands so isolated that many of its creatures can be found nowhere else on earth, this is where Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was conceived. From the giant tortoises that bear the Galapagos name, to the marine iguanas and “Darwin” finches, the Galapagos Islands afford visitors the chance to observe a living laboratory of adaptation. Travel in comfort aboard Celebrity Xpeditions to this cluster of remarkable islands.

The Panama Canal. While the full Panama Canal transit is between Florida and Mexico, I prefer the partial transit sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, with more time to explore Costa Rica and the jungles of Panama plus Caribbean ports, Cartagena, Columbia and Grand Cayman. Both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer frequent sailings.

Arabian Peninsula and Bahrain. Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas sails round-trip from Dubai with port calls in Fujairah, U.A.E.; Muscat, Oman; Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

Sea of Cortez. Lindblad Expeditions has 30 years of experience exploring Baja California so you’re almost guaranteed to have an up close and personal encounter with gray whales, dolphins and other aquatic life. Join naturalists and experts aboard the 62-passenger ship for a once in a lifetime voyage.

The Danube River. Uniworld Cruises makes visiting Germany a pampered experience. Sail from Nuremberg on Main/Danube Canal Transit visiting Regensburg, Deggendorf, Passau, plus Melk, Austria and Vienna, Austria

Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires. Visit the two greatest cities in South America aboard Holland America’s Veendam with port calls in the Brazilian ports of Buzios, Ilha Grande, Santos (Sao Paulo) plus Montevideo, Uruguay.

Iceland,Greenland, Scotland – Sail between New York and Dover, U.K., stopping in some of the least known ports in the world. Greenland is renowned for its beautiful fjords and scenic towns while Iceland’s rugged coast, waterfalls and small villages is a memorable stop.

South of France by riverboat. Sail along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers with Viking River Cruises past some of the most beautiful vistas the French countryside has to offer while exploring Burgundy and the lavender fields of Provence. Visit Gallo-Roman ruins in both Vienne and Arles; walk the cobbled streets of Arles and visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon,

Caribbean aboard a (almost) private yacht. Sea Dream Yacht Club’s 112-passenger small cruise ships sail to the Caribbean’s most exclusive ports of call including St. John St. John, U.S.V.I.; Saba; Gustavia, St. Barts; Anguilla;Virgin Gorda, B.V.I and Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I as you sample extraordinary cuisine, lovely amenities and a pampered voyage normally only available to owners of private yachts.

Tahiti & South Pacific. Yes you can cruise through the Hawaiian Islands but why not aim for the ultimate, a Paul Gauguin cruise in Tahiti or the South Pacific. On a one-week cruise you’ll visit Raiatea, French Polynesia; Taha’A, Society Islands; Bora Bora, French Polynesia and Moorea, French Polynesia.

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You’d still love to cruise the Greek Islands & Croatia and tour Italy this fall but high air prices have been a deterrent.  Here’s a particularly good September, October, 2011 deal:   a 16-day cruise/air/hotel package that includes transatlantic air fare, three nights in both Florence and Rome, breakfasts, most transfers, train tickets, sightseeing tours and a 10-day cruise from Venice, down the Dalmatian Coast to Dubrovnik and on to Greece.  In Greece the cruise visits the beautiful island of Corfu, the port for Olympia and its classical ruins, and the two most popular Aegean Islands,  Santorini and hip Mykonos, with a final two nights in Athens.  Per person, double occupancy fares start at $2,459.

The fall trip departs from Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia on September 11, September 25 and October 9.  The $2,459 is for a Tourist Package—3-star hotels and an inside cabin–booked by July 15.   Fares are higher ($2,839 to $2,895) for a Superior Package—4-star hotels and an inside cabin–which must be booked by August 1. Prices are higher still for later bookings and exterior cabins or suites.

The cruise portion of the trip is aboard the ex-Celebrity Cruises Zenith (now operated by Pullmantour Cruises).  Hotels in Rome include the 3-star Brasile or 4-star River Palace.  In Florence it’s the 3-star Meridiana or 4-star Kraft and in Athens, it’s the 3-star Polis Grand or 4-star Electra Palace. Add-on air fares are $100 from New York, $68 from Miami, $82 from Atlanta, $165 from Chicago, $49 from Houston, $180 from Phoenix and $170 from Los Angeles.

All prices quoted are per person, double occupancy are subject to availability and do not include fuel surcharges of about $420, airport taxes of about $110, port taxes of 175 euros and a cruise service fee of 65 euros, both of which must be paid on board in euros.  Reservations must be paid for within 72 hours of booking.

For additional information and booking information, visit http://www.tourcrafters.it/tour.lasso?ID=71.

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I bought a dress and a week later encountered someone with the same dress, which she bought on sale for half the price I paid.  My response?  “Oh well….”

* * *

Bought a new car and paid $23,974.   A month later I open the newspaper to find the same dealer is now selling my car for $20,798.   My response?  “Wish I’d know prices would drop and I’d get a better deal …. oh well.  Win some, lose some”

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In January cruise lines said they were raising Mediterranean  cruise fares because of increased demand.  Cruise writers said the big discounts we saw last year were a thing of the past and many advised booking early to lock in the cabin I want   So I booked my August Greek Island cruise in January.   Now I find the same cabin selling for half the price.

My response?  #0!?@$!#!!!    I was screwed by the cruise line and the travel agent into paying twice as much as everyone else.  Now I find I can’t even cancel without losing thousands of dollars!!  Boy, am I gonna get them for it.

* * *

What is it about cruises that makes people see red when fares drop after we booked?  Not only that, we take it personally: “they screwed me”!   After all, the price of any item we purchase may — and frequently does — drop.  The difference is we don’t go ballistic about it.    We don’t scream that the store, website, car company or dealership tried to screw us.

Why Did Fares Fall So Much?

Cruise line raised their fares last year in anticipation of what they believed would be a big increase in passengers.    What no one factored in was the rise in the price of fuel which resulted in airline prices skyrocketing.  And no on predicted that the citizens of Tunisia and Egypt were fed up with totalitarian regimes to the point that thousands of people took to the streets demanding that leaders step down.

Americans rethought their vacation plans, deciding airfare make the vacation prohibitively expensive; besides, do I want to go if there’s all this unrest?   Many Americans are geographically-challenged — they  backed out of Greek Island cruises because they were just too close to Egypt.  Actually, until a few days ago, when riots broke out in Greece as well, I planned to suggest grabbing some of the incredible deals available now, which, in some cases, offset the high airfare.

So the cruise industry, which had steeply increased capacity (Royal Caribbean moved half its fleet of 22 ships to Europe), was stuck with a huge number of ships no one was booking.    Of course they had to slash fares.

According to the New York Times,  Royal Caribbean offers “the cheapest rates.  Hotwire.com recently listed a seven-night Mediterranean cruise departing from Venice on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas in late June for as low as $499 a person for an inside cabin, roughly 30 percent off the normal price in late June.”   However,RCI isn’t alone:   Norwegian Cruise Line announced a fare of $349 per person, double occupancy on a one-week Europe cruise which was snapped up quickly by bargain hunters.

A few weeks after the fall of Lehman Brothers I went into Saks Fifth Avenue because I’d heard there were incredible sales.  What astonished me was seeing large bins overflowing with stacks of cashmere scares and gloves,  $200 sweaters reduced to $70.  But after a few months New Yorkers got a grip and things went back to a “new normal” … none of us were blowing money recklessly on needless things but we still shopped.  Before Lehman Brothers fell, however, I’m sure people paid full price for many of the same items now slashed by up to 70% yet nowhere did I read that angry Saks’ customers were storming the gates because they paid more.

Sometimes you win, sometimes you loose. Isn’t that the attitude most of us take when it happens to us?   The exception is a cruise.

What You Can Do About It

First of all, watch the price of the cabin you booked.  If you start seeing big drops in fares, call your travel agent.

According to Jean Mallory, Manager of White Travel (which has sold cruises exclusively for 36 years),  “As long as the client has not made their final payment,  MOST cruise lines reduce the prices MOST of the time.   Some cruise lines will  adjust the rate even after final payment.”   But she pointed out that the cruise lines know that up until final payment , the client can cancel with no penalties.  They don’t want to lose passengers.

Remember, it’s YOUR responsibility to keep a tab on cruise fares.  That’s why you shouldn’t blame anyone but yourself  if, after final payment is made, you wind up with a much higher rate than others

What’s Ahead

Historically the lowest cruise prices are found in the fourth quarter (Sept. to December) and it looks like this year won’t be different.   Between hurricane season, the kids returning to school and the approaching holiday, most people prefer to head to the Caribbean after the new year.

An added bonus is that cruise lines are repositioning ships out of the Caribbean to east, west and gulf ports because over-capacity leads to price wars.   And, with the expense and hassle of flying, most of us prefer to drive to a local port, if possible.

This winter:  While Caribbean cruise fares are usually lower than ships sail from New York, Baltimore, Charleston, where there is less competition, you may want to pay a bit more to avoid the high costs of flying and the hassle.

But whatever happens, please don’t blast the cruise line and travel agents if you must spend a bit more.  Remember, when you booked the cruise the price you agreed to was reasonable; you booked it because you could afford it.

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At the end of the cruise we invariably pick the “best port” of our voyage, the one where we had the most fun, a place that fulfilled our fantasies. And, there are some ports of call so special you never forget them. Sometimes it’s an extraordinary shore excursion, in other instances it’s breathtaking scenery, historic treasures or time spent exploring on your own.

Picking out personal favorites is tough because there are incredible ones I’ve left off.

Kauai, Hawaii: Aptly name “the garden isle” Kauai is where I took the best shore excursion of my life. By high-speed zodiac we toured the Na’pali coast, where sheer cliffs rising thousands of feet are lined with lush green foliage and pristine deserted beaches. Close to shore dolphins leap from the water as sea turtles languidly surfaced to breathe as we stopped for a picnic lunch.

New York: When standing on the deck of a cruise ship entering or leaving the harbor, one can feel the awe of millions of people who arrived in the United States to start a new life. The scenery is dramatic: gliding beneath the enormous Verrazano Bridge you pass the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island where immigrants were processed. Then we glide past the canyon of skyscrapers before docking in mid-Manhattan.

Prague. I started my Rhine River cruise by spending a few nights in one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. A guided walk takes you through Old Town to the famed Charles Bridge. After the tour, take the rest of the day to explore; see the Town Hall’s intricate 15th-century Astronomical Clock, spend time in Wenceslaus Square, visit one of Prague’s many

Puerto Rico. Hanging out in San Juan for a day is a chance to indulge in two favorite activities: shopping and history. El Morro Castle towers over the harbor much as it did when the Spanish began construction in 1589 to ward off pirates including Sir Francis Drake in 1595. A short distance from the castle is the historic area, Old San Juan, where it’s fun to stroll the cobblestone streets and browse the through stores in search of resort clothing, jewelry and crafts.

Stockholm. Before arriving in this stunning port the ship pasts what seems like a thousand small islands dotted with cabins, summer cottages and elegant homes. I always visit the Vasa museum, which houses the restored vessel with the same name. Sunk in 1628, it was raised and re-assembled in 1961. And, don’t miss the grandest buildings in town, City Hall and the Royal Palace where King Carl XVI Gustaf lives.

Santorini: Entering the harbor is where the excitement begins. The island is perched 900 feet above the rim of an ancient volcano, accessible only by cable car or perched atop a donkey. When you reach the top, stroll narrow streets of cafes, restaurants and souvenir stands – when you can take your eyes off the spectacular view.

Vancouver: Many people begin and end an Alaska cruise in this city, which is worth at least an extra day for sightseeing. Ringed with high peaks, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful ports in the world; in fact, to spend a peaceful day and get completely emerged in nature, head for Stanley Park.

Venice: Venice is one of the world’s most magical cities, where one can feel history seeping through narrow stone alleyways. The all streets lead to the famous square, San Marco, where visitors marvel at sights like the St. Marks Church (constructed in 828), the opulent Doge’s Palace and clock tower.

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Last week I spoke to a high-placed cruise line executive at a very successful company who said 2011 Europe cruises are surprisingly difficult to sell.   Not only are Eastern Mediterranean cruise sales slow (good for cruisers!) but 2012 is turning out to be a much bigger challenge than anyone predicted.

In order to spill the beans on the inside story of what’s really going on, the cruise line executive agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity.

Sluggish sales of  Eastern Mediterranean cruises can be largely blamed on the unrest in the area and cancellation of port calls.   And, Americans are notoriously poor in geography *  — many are bypassing Greece this year because of its proximity to Egypt, Israel, Tunisia — which means there are very good deals indeed for those of us who can read a map.    When Costa Cruises announced it was canceling port calls in Israel, at the time it was because most cruisers want itineraries that combine stops in Egypt and Israel.     Unless the situation between the Palestinians and Israelis stabilizes quickly other cruise lines will cancel stops in Israel as well.

TOO MANY CRUISE SHIPS?

According to the cruise line executive, another problem is overcapacity.  He said it’s not the number of vessels, it’s the huge increase in capacity.    In 2011 there are 30 ships cruising in Europe, the same number of vessels that spent the season in this region a decade earlier.    However, in 2001, average capacity in the region was 1600 passengers whereas today that number is 2,900 passengers.    (For purposes of comparison, Europe includes the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, the Aegean, the Baltic and sailings around Britain and Iceland. )

I call the phenomenal growth in ship building “berthing pains” — there is the constant pressure of competitiveness not only in terms of size and amenities of specific vessels, but for the entire fleet.   The newest ships get the highest per diems, naturally.    But, you see, there are all these older ships that have to be filled as well.  In order to do that,  a cruise line’s  fleet must be newer than competitors.

Have you noticed that each new ship that enters service is significantly larger than other  vessels in the fleet?    While cruise lines want you to think they build ships bigger and bigger in order to add all the restaurants, kids programs and other bells and whistles cruisers demand, that’s not the real reason.   It’s economics:   the larger the ship the more passengers it can carry resulting in a lower cost per cabin.   You have one set of officers, one set of engines and air conditioning units.    Add to that ship yards constantly come up with new technology that make ships more efficient — and less costly — to operate.

So from a cruise line’s perspective it makes sense to keep build bigger ships that are more fuel efficient  Toss in gimmicks  like rock climbing, glass blowing, croquet courts on the top deck,  water slides, adult-only areas while increasing the number of alternative restaurants to get publicity and lure passengers to your new ship instead of the competitor’s.

CRUISERS MORE PICKY BEFORE BUYING

White Travel’s Jean Mallory told me that today potential cruisers spend much more time shopping around before buying a cruise.    In addition to cruise fares, they’re comparing cabin size, suite amenities,  kids activities and quality of food  to ensure the cruise ship they wind up on  gives them the biggest bang for their buck.    It’s not about the cheapest price, it’s much more about value.

So this is how we end up with overcapacity.    It’s certainly true that the lowest cruise fares are found in the Caribbean between November and April.    It may also be true in Europe this year when factoring in obscenely expensive airfare and and the cancellation of popular ports of call like Egypt.

In the short term, overcapacity benefits cruisers because cruise fares are lower.  But in the long run?   We wind up with ships so enormous they can’t stop at some of the world’s most fascinating ports.       The larger the ship, the more service deteriorates.  You’re further removed from the ocean and the charms of port stops.

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While I know that cruise prices are supposed to be going up this year, there are still a lot of bargains around, especially in Europe.    As you know, these low fares are valid as I type them but may be gone by the time the sentence is finished.  Well, not that fast, perhaps, but suffice to say when you find a “too good to pass up cruise deal” pounce, because someone else will.

All cruise fares are per person, double occupancy.   For reservations and additional information, contact your travel agent.

Europe Cruises

*** Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Epic, sails on seven-night voyages Western Mediterranean round-trip from Barcelona June 12. Inside $649,  Balcony from $819, Suite from $1109 – Plus, a $150 on-board credit for ANY stateroom booked on any 2011 or 2012 Norwegian Epic 7-night Mediterranean sailing.  Click Here for itinerary and cruise specifics.

*** Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas 12 night repositioning cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale to London.  Departure date:  May 6, 2011.   Inside from $679, outside from $759, balcony from $1079, suites from $2149.    Click here for ports of call.

*** Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship,  Carnival Magic,  sails on 12-day Mediterranean voyages round-trip from Barcelona, visiting ports in Italy and France.    The June 12 departure starts at $849 (inside), $1099 (outside), $1399 (balcony) and suite $3899 (suite).  Click here for ports of call.

*** Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam sails from Venice to Barcelona on 12-day itineraries showcasing Italy, Greece and Croatia.   The June 3 departure starts at $1199 (inside), $1399 (outside), $1799) (balcony) and $3299 (suite).  Click here for detailed itinerary.

*** The 680-passenger Azamara Journey (Azamara Club Cruises), sails on a terrific seven-day Baltic itinerary with three nights in both Stockholm and St. Petersburg.   The June 14 and 21 departures start at $2149 (inside) $2399 (outside), $2899 (balcony), which includes gratuities.   Click here for detailed itineraries.

*** A ten-night luxury cruise that’s practically all-inclusive.   Regent Cruises’ Seven Seas Mariner sails from Athens to Barcelona August 24 on an eastern Mediterranean voyage with prices starting at $6499.  BUT WAIT!  The cruise fare includes round-trip airfare, pre-cruise hotel stay, gratuities,  on-board alcohol and shore excursions.   Click here for the itinerary.

*** Oceania Cruises also includes lots of extras in cruise fares, which makes Insignia’s September 5 Western Europe cruise so enticing.    Starting at $4699, the fare includes round-trip airfare, pre-cruise hotel stay, gratuities and $100 Canyon Ranch spa credit.   Click here for the itinerary.2011

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In increasing numbers, families are exploring the historic, heritage and cultural appeals of Europe aboard a cruise ship. Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean report that the number of younger passengers grows each year along with an increase in the number of families with children. And, when Carnival Cruise Lines and Disney Cruises position ships in Europe, it’s a good sign that family cruising in the Mediterranean is here to stay.

Alex Gaynor celebrated her tenth birthday on a Royal Caribbean ship docked in Mykonos, which will certainly be a memorable experience. Travel writer Luisa Frey Gaynor decided her daughter was old enough to appreciate what she was seeing and to spend long days of touring.

“I’m a big proponent of learning outside the classroom,” Luisa says. “I can’t think of a better way to bring history and cultures to life than taking kids to Europe. Cruising in Europe is a perfect way to see the historic sites because you have all the kid comforts, such as youth programs and kids’ menus, while taking full day tours to see the attractions of many countries.”

Cruise lines are accommodating families by revising children’s scheduled activities so they open before tours depart. In some ports, younger children may stay aboard ship while their parents take teens ashore for the full day. Among the most popular family excursions are a full day in Rome and Florence and those that focus on the antiquities of Greece and Turkey. Mediterranean itineraries present the opportunity of alternating an intensive day of sightseeing with a more relaxing day at the beach.

Increasingly, cruise lines are offering new shore excursions targeted at families. For example Princess’ “Family Adventure with Boat Trip” in Istanbul is a private yacht trip along the Bosphorus stopping at the Blue Mosque , a Turkish tea house and shopping excursion to the Grand Bazaar. The “Family Adventure Ephesus and Beach Club” includes a tour of the ancient ruins followed by an afternoon at a private beach club. Special family swimming outings are available in many Greek ports while during a port stop in Naples, a beach break is combined with a tour of Capri.

While most families choose the Mediterranean because there are so many recognizable sites, other areas are growing in popularity. For example, Carnival’s newest ship, Carnival Splendor, will debut in Northern Europe this year with an itinerary that features an overnight stay in St. Petersburg, which will be popular with passengers of all ages.

The best part of taking children to Europe on a cruise ship is that history comes alive in a way they never experienced before. Teens studying ancient Greece or Rome will find a trip to the Parthenon, Coliseum or the ruins of Pompeii will leave an indelible mark. As Luisa Frey Gaynor points out, “The best part of taking your children to Europe via cruise ship is that history comes alive in a way they never experienced before.”

And when they return to the ship after a fun day ashore, your children will have a great deal to share with new-found friends at the vessel’s youth facility. And while it’s wonderful to visit the world’s greatest historic attractions, it’s comforting to come back to food you know and sleep in the same bed. Probably the biggest advantage to taking children on a Europe cruise is the relief from moving hotels and adjusting to new food.

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This winter I’m really learning the meaning of “cabin fever”.  In New York we’ve had 50 inches of snow and while I love the white fluffy stuff, enough already.  The only way I know to beat the winter blues is to start planning my next cruise and I can report there are still attractive fares for those planning an Alaska or Europe cruise or snagging a late deal.

All fares are per person, double occupancy.  As I’ve mentioned before it’s important to pounce if you find a hot deal on the ship of your dreams … it can disappear in a nanosecond.

Europe in the Spring: Swan Hellenic, which offers destination-intensive cruises, offers a cruise deal that also includes shore excursions, gratuities and overnight stays in port.    The 350-passenger Minerva makes a 15 day voyage between Rome and Civitavecchia, the port of Rome.  Ports of call are Ravenna, Kotor, Crotone, Palerma, Cagliari, Napels, Gaeta and Bonfacio;  fares start at $2159.

Royal Caribbean’s Europe:  Navigator of the Seas sails round-trip Civitavecchia (port of Rome) on seven night voyages.  The June 12 cruise starts at $689 with port calls in Messina, Kusadasi (port of Ephesus), Athens and Chania with two days at sea.   Travel agents all sell this deal so contact them for reservations and additional information.

Celebrity’s Baltic cruises: Celebrity Constellation sails on 12-night Northern Europe voyages round-trip from Amsterdam visiting Berlin (Warnemunde), Stockholm, Helsinki,  St. Petersburg,  Tallinn and  Copenhagen at rates starting at $2049 on the June 15 departure.    Travel agents all have the same fares.

Holland America’s Roman Empire cruise aboard Noordam, a ten-day cruise sailing round-trip from Civitavecchia (port of Rome), visits Dubrovnik (Croatia), Santorini, Athens, Kusadasi (Ephesus) and Messina.   Fares start at $1449.  See your travel agents for reservations and additional information.

Princess Cruises will upgrade you to a balcony stateroom for the price of an outside cabin if you act quickly. For example, the 14-day July 23 and September 3  Grand Princess cruise sailing round trip from London starts at $3199 for a balcony stateroom.  Ports of call are Malaga, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome, Naples, Ajaccio, Gibraltar

Azamara Fall Europe Cruise –Experienced travelers know that the best times to visit Europe is the Spring and Fall.    The October 8 Azamara Quest cruise between Rome and Athens stops in the Greek ports of Sorrento  Taorima (Sicily) followed Greece:  Chaina, Mykonos and Kusadasi (the port of Ephesus).  Fares for the one week cruise start at $1649; reservations and additional information may be obtained from travel agents, who all offer the same deal.

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The cruise industry’s heaviest booking period, called “wave season”, is typically January and February.   It’s also when cruise lines dangle their best deals . Best deals + heavy booking means you’ll want to jump in quickly, especially since cruise fares are steadily rising this year and you won’t find much last minute discounting.

The exception: peak season Caribbean and the fourth quarter (October through December). In the first instance there will continue to be overcapacity in the Caribbean and, like this year, you’ll be able to get terrific deals. The fourth quarter is always the slowest period in cruise industry, when fares are at their lowest.

Remember two things: always book with a travel agent. Most of the cruise lines (Carnival, NCL, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Azamara) have a flat pricing policy, which means the fare is the same whether you buy from the cruise line or a travel agent.   But where travel agents can still be creative is by offering extras, like pre-paid gratuities, discount on shore excursions and airfare.    However you can still get a better price — if you ask — on Princess Cruises and Holland America sailings but only from travel agents.

Note:  I picked these deals, which were in effect at the time of writing, with quality of cruise ship and itinerary in mind.   All fares are per person, double occupancy.

EUROPE, 2011

Swan Hellenic, a British cruise line offering the most in-depth educational itineraries in the world coupled with top flight experts, is having a sale on Spring, 2011 itineraries.   The  352-passenger Minerva, a jewel of a cruise ship, feels like a stately country house with touches like polished wood, fresh flowers and gleaming brass.  The 15-day May 11 “Italian Serenade”, starts at $2159, which includes all shore excursions, gratuities and three overnight stays.

Seabourn’s tiny yacht-like ships are discounted by up to 65+, with one week Europe itineraries starting at $2499, including tips, alcohol and wine.   If you’ve ever thought of upgrading to luxury, grab these deals while you can because I don’t think they’ll last.   Parent company Carnival Corp. booted all the top brass and announced Seabourn will move to Seattle under the savvy marketing guys at Holland America.

Princess Cruises‘ Star Princess sails on one of the best Eastern Mediterranean itineraries I’ve seen on five departures during June, July and August.  Sailing between Venice and Citivecchia (port of Rome), the ship visits Dubrovnik, the port of Kusadasi (Ephesus) and seven Greek Isles.  Since you can negotiate Princess’ rates, I picked a deal from a travel agent:  the June 5 voyage starts at $1674 at Cruise.com

ALASKA, 2011

Outside the luxury category, the two top cruise lines in Alaska are Princess Cruises and Holland America Line.   Historically both cruise lines offer their biggest discounts to people who book nine months before departure so I suggest s quickly as possible.    During peak season (June 15 – September) cruise fares are already pretty high, starting around $1200 for a seven day voyage.     Be sure to use a travel agent and ask for a better price.

Oceania Cruises‘ first Alaska season kicks off this year with the 684-passenger Regatta sailing round-trip from Vancouver on 10-day cruises and longer voyages.  The cruise-only fare for an outside cabin starts at $2949 (cruise only) on the June 10 departure;  add airfare and the starting price is $3799 for the ten-day cruise.

If you want nature up close, you’ll have the best Alaska cruise experience possible aboard a Lindblad Expeditions vessel, such as the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Bird.   If you book by March 31, an eight-day cruise between  Juneau to Seattle fare starting at $5990 includes  round-trip air Seattle/Alaska plus $500 off on select departures.

2011 CRUISES FROM NEW YORK

Canada/New England. On June 9 & 23, 2011, Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas sails from Bayonne, NJ on a nine-night Bermuda/Caribbean voyage. Per person, double occupancy fares start at $1039.

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 sails on six night/seven day transatlantic voyages between New York and Southampton, UK.   June, 2011 fares start around $1000 per person, double occupancy at present; I suggest asking your travel agent for a better price.

Holland America’s Veendam sails on one week Bermuda cruises from New York and, she’s the only ship that docks in Hamilton and St. George, instead of the much more inconvenient Dockyard.    Right now June departures start at $1099 so I advise not waiting much longer to book.

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While you can’t visit the Alps, Grand Canyon or Yellowstone Park by cruise ship, many of the world’s most intriguing places are best explored by waterborne conveyance.     The perfection of a cruise is that when you travel by ship you can be as enriched and fulfilled as you desire, or pursue each day at a snail’s pace.

Let your imagination wander and cast your net on a few spectacular places you probably never thought of cruising to, but should.   These are at the top of my list!

Galapagos. A cluster of islands so isolated that many of its creatures can be found nowhere else on earth, this is where Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was conceived.  From the giant tortoises that bear the Galapagos name, to the marine iguanas and “Darwin” finches, the Galapagos Islands afford visitors the chance to observe a living laboratory of adaptation.   Travel in comfort aboard Celebrity Xpeditions to this cluster of remarkable islands.

Partial Transit of the Panama Canal. While the full Panama Canal transit is between Florida and Mexico, I prefer the partial transit sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, with more time to explore Costa Rica and the jungles of Panama plus Caribbean ports, Cartagena, Columbia and Grand Cayman.   Both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer frequent sailings.

Arabian Peninsula and Bahrain. Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seassails round-trip from Dubai with port calls in Fujairah, U.A.E.; Muscat, Oman; Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

Sea of Cortez whale watching. Lindblad Expeditions has 30 years of experience exploring Baja California so you’re almost guaranteed to have an up close and personal encounter with gray whales, dolphins and other aquatic life.   Join naturalists and experts aboard one of Lindblad’s 62-passenger ship for a once in a lifetime voyage.

The Danube River in Germany. Uniworld  and Viking River Cruises make visiting Germany a pampered experience.   On a riverboat you’ll find a greater degree of sightseeing flexibility because the at night boat ties up in the middle of town giving the opportunity of sampling nightlife and local restaurants.   Sail from Nuremberg on Main/Danube Canal Transit visiting Regensburg, Deggendorf, Passau, plus Melk, Austria and Vienna, Austria.

Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires. Visit the two greatest cities in South America aboard Holland America’s Veendam with port calls in the Brazilian ports of  Buzios,  Ilha Grande,  Santos (Sao Paulo) plus Montevideo, Uruguay.   Oceania Cruises and Royal Caribbean also winter in the southern hemisphere.

Iceland,Greenland, Scotland – Sail between New York and Dover, U.K., stopping in some of the least known ports in the world.   Greenland is renowned for its beautiful fjords and scenic towns while Iceland’s rugged coast, waterfalls and small villages is a memorable stop.   The Ocean Princess also stops in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Edinburgh and the Shelter Islands before arriving in Dover.

South of France by riverboat. Sail along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers with Viking River Cruises past some of the most beautiful vistas the French countryside has to offer while exploring Burgundy and the lavender fields of Provence.  Visit Gallo-Roman ruins in both Vienne and Arles; walk the cobbled streets of Arles and visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon.

Caribbean aboard a (almost) private yacht. Sea Dream Yacht Club’s 112-passenger small cruise ships sail to the Caribbean’s most exclusive ports of call including St. John  St. John, U.S.V.I.; Saba; Gustavia, St. Barts; Anguilla;Virgin Gorda, B.V.I and Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I as you sample extraordinary cuisine, lovely amenities and a pampered voyage normally only available to owners of private yachts.

Tahiti & South Pacific. Yes you can cruise through the Hawaiian Islands but why not aim for the ultimate, a Paul Gauguin cruise in Tahiti or the South Pacific.   On a one-week cruise you’ll visit  Raiatea, French Polynesia; Taha’A, Society Islands; Bora Bora, French Polynesia and Moorea, French Polynesia.

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