Thousands of people search the Web for "cheap cruises": scroll below for help in bargain-hunting. Meanwhile, if you want info about kids programs, cabins, nurseries, and more-- head to Family Cruises.
Find Cheaper Cruises!
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Disney Cruises: Magical Rates
Disney Cruises are known for excellent kids' programs, and for live shows 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.)
- Family Deals - CruiseCompete.com
Handy! This site organizes bargains by categories, and has a page for Family Cruise Specials: a good way to find cheaper cruises, on a variety of lines.
- 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.)
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Expedia
This giant travel site has a section for cruise bargains.
Families should be sure to make the most of their kids ages! For example, Disney Cruise Line has kids' rates for ages 3-12*, 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.
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Carnival Cruise Deals
For those seeking value, Carnival ships offer fun for all ages; see a guest article.
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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.
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Crystal Cruises
Crystal has often been picked by readers' polls for Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisureas "World's Best Large Ship Cruise Line". Check for Specials where kids sail free.
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Discovery Cruises: Kids Sail and Stay Free
Discovery runs one-day sailings from Ft. Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island, and optional stays at some popular family resorts. Look for promotions where kids 6 and under sail free, and ages 7 to 12 pay a reduced rate.
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Disney Cruise Savings
Brought to you by the money-saving site, Mousesavers.com: a frequently-updated set of ways you can do cheaper cruising with The Mouse. Also, for Disney Cruises: check this page at AllEarsNet for discounts on specific sailing dates. And of course -- as noted above -- you should check Specials at the Disney Cruise site.
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Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL is a major line with several special features for families including "freestyle" meals. Look for cruise deals at the site.
See More Cruise Lines at About.com's Cruises' alphabetical list.
--Continue to info about kids programs, and tips for
Family Cruises.
* photo courtesy of Disney World Resorts.
