Summer Cruise Vacation: It’s not too late to plan

While it may be mid-June, it’s not too late to plan your summer cruise vacation. Ideally, yes – you would have had your summer plans lined up, but life often gets in the way and before you know it, summer is here and you’re left without something to look forward to in the weeks ahead. Should you give up and just wait until next summer? Absolutely not!

Last month I needed to get away and while I didn’t have any plans, I didn’t let that stop. In less than 24 hours I planned and purchased airplane tickets to Miami and was on a cruise sailing to the Bahamas. If you think it’s not possible, I’m proof positive that it is!

Here are a few travel options for you that you might want to consider before you bail on your vacation plans entirely. The best options available are for those with flexible schedules. As travel prices fluctuate, these are examples of what you may find, but prices can and do change. I’m pricing inside cabins to show you the lowest rates, but great rates are also available for oceanview, balcony, and suites when available.

Out of Baltimore:

Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas sailing out of Baltimore on July 11, 2014: This 7-night cruise is heading to the Bahamas and you can take off for seven nights of fun for as little as $729 per person plus taxes/fees in an inside cabin for two people. That’s a little more than $100 per person per day for your accommodations, entertainment, and food. Not bad especially if you’re able to travel on short notice.

Carnival Pride sailing out of Baltimore on June 29, 2014: This 7-night cruise has a Bahamas itinerary and inside guarantee cabins are starting at only $709 per person plus taxes/fees (double occupancy). Guarantee cabins means that the cruise line will assign the cabin for you. For only about $100 per person per day, that’s a great deal that lets you get out of work and off to the beach at an affordable price.

Out of Miami: If you’re willing to travel, you might be able to get an even better deal!

Norwegian Getaway sailing out of Miami on July 12, 2014: This is a 7-night cruise sailing to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Getaway. I sailed on her in March and she is a beauty! Inside cabins (double occupancy) start at only $549 per person per day plus taxes and fees. Do the math and that’s about $78 per person per day. Not bad!

MSC Divina sailing out of Miami on August 30, 2014: This is a 7-night cruise sailing to the Western Caribbean on MSC Cruises. I sailed on the Divina in December and she is not like most ships I have been on before. Big, beautiful, and best of all, an abundance of pools. How about this for a great rate? $379 per person plus taxes/fees for an inside cabin for two? That’s just over $54 per person per day. Bet you spend at least that much on gas, food, and entertainment at home so why not go on a cruise?

Carnival Victory sailing out of Miami on August 28, 2014: This 4-night cruise sails out of Miami to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico. Inside cabins (double occupancy) rates start at only $279 per person per day plus taxes/fees. That’s just under $70 per day if you’re looking for a quick getaway.

Norwegian Sky sailing out of Miami on July 7, 2014: This 4-night cruise sails out of Miami to the Bahamas. If you can’t get away for a week, but need to get away, how does $199 per person per day plus taxes/fees (double occupancy) sound to you? That’s just under $50 per day to sun on a beach, enjoy a frosty drink, and not have to go to work. I sailed on the Norwegian Sky last month and had a blast!

Always remember to check rates based on where you live (residency rates), senior rates for those over 50, special rates for those who are frequent and dedicated cruisers to specific cruise lines, or specials. You might get an even better rate than those listed here.

Don’t bail on your summer cruise vacation yet! Do your research and you, too, can enjoy a vacation full of memories, including a great tan line that will make you the envy of all your friends.