On Wednesday, ShipCritic runs the best cruise bargains of the week.  If you see a terrific bargain, pounce: the best deals go first and, in some cases, only a handful of staterooms are available.  Unless otherwise indicated, rates are per person, double occupancy and do not include taxes and fuel surcharge.  Happy Hunting! 

CARIBBEAN

Sail round-trip from New York to the Caribbean on eight-day cruises starting at $769, per person, double occupancy aboard Carnival Miracle.  Ports of call are San Juan and St. Thomas with relaxing days at sea.  The May 9 departure starts at $769 and the May 1 voyage begins at $799 per person, double occupancy.  For reservations and additional information visit Cruise Brothers’ web site or call (800) 827-7779.

MEXICO

A seven night Dawn Princess Mexico cruise sailing round-trip from San Diego starts at $395 on the April 20 departure.  Ports of call are Cabo San Lucas; Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan with three days at sea.  For reservations and additional information visit iwannacruise’s web site or call (800) 935-2727.

BERMUDA

A five night Bermuda cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, sailing round trip from Cape Liberty (Bayonne) NJ, starts at $749 per person, double occupancy on the May 17 departure.  For reservations and additional information, visit Cruises Only’s web site or call (800) 278-4737.

NEW YORK CRUISE TO NOWHERE

Holland America introduces its newest ship, the Eurodam, in New York this August and you can be one of the first to sail aboard her on a three night cruise to nowhere departing Aug. 29, 2008.  Per person, double occupancy fares start at $470 (inside); $888 (oceanview) and $670 (balcony).  For reservations and additional information visit icruise’s web site or call (888) 427-8473.

EUROPE

A 12-night Grand Mediterranean voyage aboard Carnival Freedom starts at $1,249 per person, double occupancy on the May 22 and June 3 departures.  Sailing round-trip from Civitavecchia (the port of Rome), ports of call are Naples, Dubrovnik, Vennice (overnight), Messina; Barcelona, Cannes and Livorno (port of Florence & Pisa).  For reservations and additional information visit Cruises Only’s web site or call (800) 278-4737.

Celebrity Cruises’ Century sails on a 12-night Scandinavia & Fjords itineray at fares starting at $1,699 on the July 28, 2008 departure.  Sailing round-trip from Amsterdam, Century visits Alesund, Alta, Honningsvag, Tromso, Molde, Olden and Bergen.  Visit Cruise.com’s web site or call (800) 300-4304 for reservations and additional information.

The Oct. 30, 2008 10-night Azamara Journey Mediterranean cruise sailing round trip from Barcelona starts at $1,599 per person, double occupancy and includes pre-paid gratuities.  Ports of call are Tunis, Malta, Sorrento, Rome, Livorno, Portoferraio and Monte Carlo.  Visit America’s Vacation Center’s web site or call (877) 358-4211.

TAHITI 

Star Clippers is offering free air travel to Tahiti from Los Angeles on seven departures in 2008 for seven-day Star Flyer cruises sailing round trip from Tapeete, Tahiti.  In addition, passengers flying from other U.S. gateways are eligible to save $800 off the airfare.  The seven-night itinerary calls at Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay, Moorea, with an overnight in Papeete before disembarkation.  Eligible departure dates for the seven-night cruises are June 29, July 6, Aug. 10 and Dec. 14. The 10-night cruises with the special savings depart July 24 and Aug. 28. The 11-night cruise departing Aug. 17 also is included in the offer.  For reservations contact your travel agent.  Additional information may be obtained by visiting Star Clippers’ web site.