Family Cruises: Deals

Thousands of people search the Web for "cheap cruises": scroll below for help in bargain-hunting. Meanwhile, if you want info about kids programs, or tips about cabins, babies, sodas, and more-- head to Family Cruises.

Find Cheaper Cruises!

• Disney Cruises: Magical Rates
  Disney Cruises are known for excellent kids' programs and entertainment with pizzazz; and docking at private island Castaway Cay isn't too shabby either. Every week, Disney Cruises publishes "Magical Rates" on its Specials page. Children's rates are available for kids 3 to 12 in a room with two parents. Under-three's are a bargain as they're free, unless you want to sign up for infant care Flounder's Nursery. (The other kids programs are free.)

See additional Disney Cruise deals, below.

• Family Deals - CruiseCompete.com
  Handy!This site organizes bargains by categories, and has a page for Family Cruise Specials: good way to find cheaper cruises, on a variety of lines, Disney, Costa, Norwegian...

• Tips for Finding Bargains - savvy strategies from Smarter Travel, such as: "Timing is Everything" (best times to find deals), and "Focus on the Extras" (-often add-ons such as shore excursions make the deal.)

• Expedia
  This giant travel site has a page for cruise bargains.

Families should be sure to make the most of their kids ages! Disney family cruise line has kids' rates for ages 3-17, under 3 is free; Carnival has special rates for under-12. Also, almost all lines charge less for 3rd and 4th passengers in the same room.

Find Cheaper Cruises -- at Popular Family Cruise Lines (alphabetical)

Cruise lines usually advertise specials at their web sites.

• Carnival Cruise Deals
  For those seeking value, Carnival ships offer fun for all ages; see a guest article.

• Costa Cruises: Kids Sail Free
  Costa sails "Italian Style" (-- see a quick profile--) and frequently offers deals whereby "Kids Sail Free", with certain conditions, of course.

• Crystal Cruises
  Crystal has often been picked by readers' polls for Condé Nast Traveler and Travel Leisure as "World's Best Large Ship Cruise Line". Check for Specials where kids sail free.

• Discovery Cruises: Kids Sail and Stay Free
  Discovery runs one-day sailings from Ft. Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island, and optional stays at participating resorts. Look for promotions where kids 6 and under sail free, and ages 7 to 12 pay a reduced rate.

• Disney cruise savings
  Brought to you by the excellent money-saving site, Mousesavers.com: a frequently-updated set of all the ways you can save money on Disney cruises.

• Disney: Specials
  Check the Specials page at the official Disney site for bargains, such as early booking prices. Kids' rates are available for children under 12 as 3rd and 4th passengers in a cabin. (See photos at Travel With Kids of Disney Cruise ship The Wonder, and article about Disney Cruises.)

• Disney Cruises
  Check this page at AllEarsNet for discounts on the Disney Wonder on specific sailing dates: 3 nights land, 4 nights sea. There are many sailing dates, and booking deadlines.

• Norwegian Cruise Line
  NCL is a major line with several special features for families including "freestyle" meals. NCL sails in both the east and the west, and offers discounts on many voyages including the Hawaiian islands.

For a more cruise lines, see About.com's Cruises alphabetical list.

--Continue to info about kids programs, and tips for Family Cruises.

* photo courtesy of Disney World Resorts.