For travelers looking for a long weekend away, a four-day cruise round-trip from Miami is just the thing. On the Norwegian Sky cruise ship, prices start at under $200 for a trip to the Bahamas and back, with stops at Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay. Each port offers a range of excursions such as snorkeling, kayaking and dolphin encounters. The Norwegian Sky is a family-friendly ship with 10 restaurants, 11 bars and a 1000-seat theater. Spend the day at the pool if you don't want to disembark, or work out at the fitness center. Gamblers will enjoy the on-board casino too.
Norwegian Cruise Line
7665 Corporate Center Drive
Miami, FL 33126
866-625-1166
ncl.com
Cruise lines offer incredible deals on one-way repositioning cruises, during which a ship moves from its summer destination to winter (or vice versa). Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas takes passengers on a six-night trip from Fort Lauderdale to Colon, Panama, with stops in Mexico and Costa Rica along the way. The luxurious ship has something for everyone, from a rock-climbing wall and outdoor jogging track to eight bars and more than a dozen restaurants. Guests can choose between traditional, fixed-time dining or 'My Time' dining, which offers more flexibility. Excursions include walking tours, stingray encounters and shopping.
Royal Caribbean International
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
866-562-7625
royalcaribbean.com
Alaska is a huge state and touring it by cruise allows travelers to see much more than by car. Cruises to Alaska are especially cheap early in the summer, when the tourism season has just begun. Princess Cruises offers a seven-day Vancouver to Whittier trip on the Coral Princess that includes stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord. Stay warm on-board by taking a dip in one of two hot tubs and playing a round of mini golf. An especially memorable way to see Alaska's glaciers is on a flightseeing tour, a personal helicopter ride to the face of a glacier.
Princess Cruises
24844 Avenue Rockefeller
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
1-800-PRINCESS
princess.com
