Every 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.  Happy Hunting! 

EUROPE

12-night Greek Islands and Turkey cruise sailing round-trip from Rome Oct. 24, 2009 on Carnival Freedom.  Porsts of call are Naples, Marmaris, Izmir, Istanbul, Athens, Katakolon, Livorno (port of Florence) and an overnight stay in Rome.  Per person, double occupancy fares start at $1049.  For reservations and additional information visit Cruise Market Place’s web site or call (800) 826-4333.

Seven-night RCI Voyager of the Seas Western Mediterranean cruise sails round-trip from Barcelona from May through October, 2008 at fares beginning at $709 per person, double occupancy plus free spa treatment for balcony & suite passengers.  Ports of call are Villefranche, Livorno (Florence), Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples and Palerno.  For information visit Cruises Only or call (800) 278-4737. 

ALASKASeven-night Alaska cruise aboard Celebrity’s Mercury departing May 18, 2008 sailing from Vancouver to Sitka, Alaska.  Ports of call are Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier and Juneau.  Per person, double occupancy fares start at $749 including prepaid gratuities (balcony or higher) and travel insurance.  For reservations and additional information visit My Cruise Value’s web site or call (800) 231-7447.

One week Island Princess Alaska cruise sailing from Whittier to Vancouver May 26, 2008.  Ports of call are College Fjord, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.  Per person, double occupancy rates start at $549.  For information and reservations visit Tripres’ web site or call (800) 758-5693.

Seven-night HAL Westerdam Alaska cruise departing May 25 and June 1 start at $609 per person, double occupancy.  Sailing round-trip from Seattle, the ship visits Glacier Bay, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria.  For reservations and information visit Cruise.com or call (800) 300-4804.

CARIBBEAN

Ten-night southern Caribbean HAL Maasdam cruise sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale March 25, 2008.  Ports of call are Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, Dominica, Curacao and Aruba.  Per person, double occupancy rates begin at $749.  For reservations and information, visit Iwantacruise.com or call (800) 935-2727.

BERMUDANorwegian Dawn sails on seven night Bermuda cruises round-trip from Manhattan.  The Nov. 26, 2008 voyage starts at $659 per person, double occupancy.  Reservations and information may be obtained at Cruise Planners, tel: 866-255-4886.

MEXICOThe April 12 and 19 Golden Princess cruises, sailing round-trip from Los Angeles, start at $474 per person, double occupancy.  Ports of call are Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas with three days at sea.  For reservations and additional information visit Cruise.com or call (800) 300-4804.

CANADA/NEW ENGLAND

Nine-night RCI Explorer of the Seas cruise sailing round-trip from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), NJ Aug. 28, 2008 to New England and Canada.  Per person, double occupancy rates begin at $989.  Ports of call are Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown; Quebec City and Halifax with three days at sea.  For reservations and additional information visit Cruise Brothers or call (800) 827-7779.