lastminute-cruisedeals.com

Finding the perfect gift for the woman you love can be difficult, especially when the occasion warrants something really special. May we suggest surprising her with something that?s sure to delight her, something that she?ll never guess? Book a last minute cruise and whisk her away for a weekend or a week of romance on the high seas! It?s the ultimate vacation for two, and one she?ll remember for a lifetime.

In fact, a last minute cruise is the height of romance — a grand gesture that has everything that a great romance needs — sunshine filled days, moonlit nights, fine dining, dancing, pampering, glamour and exotic locales. Doesn?t it sound like the perfect gift for her?

There?s nothing as romantic as a cruise for those special moments

A cruise vacation is a great way to tell her you?d marry her all over again with three or more days of luxury, relaxation and pampering. And with last minute deals, you?ll have plenty left over to buy her something special at one of the great shops at your destination, whether it?s the Caribbean, Mexico or the South Pacific.

Thinking of proposing? Check into booking a last minute cruise, tell her to pack for a long weekend, and then sail into the sunset with her on a luxury liner. After a day of sunning on golden sandy beaches, snorkeling in pristine coastal waters and fabulous seafood, you can pop the question on the deck while a million stars reflect off cool waters.

Last minute booking means savings that you can use to set the scene perfectly. Chilled champagne, soft music, roses — whatever you want to make the evening special. Cruise ships are considered the height of luxury living for good reason — they cater to the wishes of every passenger, so let the captain know when boarding that this is going to be a special trip — he?ll be sure to see that everything is perfect for you!

Silver and golden anniversaries are also wonderful reasons to book a last minute cruise. If you?ve raised the children and have an empty nest, it?s even easier to get away for a sea voyage, and with the great discounts you can get by booking a last minute cruise, you can extend your trip to by several days for the same price. In fact, for the cost of what would normally be a three to four day cruise, you may be able to whisk your darling away for a week to ten days of ocean breezes, scrumptious food and wines and fabulous scenery!

Last minute cruise bargains surround you in luxury

There?s something so romantic about not worrying about your wallet when you?re romancing your fiancée or wife, isn?t there? With so many things to do on a cruise, the two of you will certainly want to try lots of things, and having saved so much on the cruise itself, you can splurge on some great extras. Some of the wonderful vacation activities you can enjoy together on these ultimate vacations aboard ship are:

- Fine dining in world-class restaurants - Las Vegas style shows - Gambling in the ship?s casinos - Dancing to live bands - Moonlight strolls around the deck - Luxurious day spa treatments

The romance of just the right destination

The cruise is a vacation in itself, but the romance starts all over again when your ship docks at your destination. Whether you choose the Caribbean, Mexico or the South Pacific, you will discover that discounts abound on shore as well. These popular vacation spots offer fabulous deals from local artisans and crafters for you to take home with you.

Seafood and tasty local fare are inexpensive, exotic indulgences for both of you to share. Spend the afternoon wrapped up together in a hammock swinging in a tropical breeze under palm trees and you?ll realize that a last minute cruise may be the greatest getaway you can give your loved one — what?s more romantic than an unexpected, grand gesture wrapped in warm, salt breezes and golden sunsets and delivered in ultimate luxury?

Trying something you?ve never done before can be a powerful bonding experience, and any cruise vacation provides the ultimate choice of new activities to try. Snorkeling, parasailing, windsurfing, rock climbing and scuba are just a few activities that you could try as a couple that will become cherished memories.

How do I pull off a last minute cruise surprise?

Check out the destinations, rates and departures for several different cruises, and then get ready to move quickly. Booking last minute cruises can net you big vacation discounts, but the spaces available fill up quickly, so you should get in the mindset that you need to make a decision fairly quickly if you spot the perfect trip.

There are a few things you?ll want to take care of before you spring your romantic surprise on her so that she won?t have to spend the few weeks leading up to her departure worrying. Once you have a few dates picked out, put them on hold if possible and start making some phone calls:

- Contact her boss and explain that you would like to arrange a few of her vacation days if possible. Explain that it is a surprise and ask him or her to keep the secret.

- Talk to her best friend to find out if any appointments are necessary. Will she want a pedicure a few days before leaving? Set one up.

- Let her parents in on the secret as well, but swear them to secrecy, too.

- Arrange for any pet care needed, including boarding of dogs or cats if necessary.

- If you have children, make the arrangements for them to stay with their grandparents or friends and swear them to secrecy. This will be the toughest sell — kids have trouble with big secrets, but try!

- Check her date book — if she has made any appointments or plans that will need to be rearranged, call and explain that you are planning a surprise trip, and that she may be calling later to cancel at the last minute. This will soften the news when she does call later to cancel her appointments.

- Get ready for some romantic days and nights on your last minute cruise that you won?t soon forget!

So you've always wanted to take a dream cruise vacation. Maybe it's one of those things that wound up on the back burner, but you've started to believe that you just won't be able to save up the money to take yourself and the spouse, or the whole family, on such a trip. Think again.

The cruise industry is growing faster than ever, and with this huge expansion comes more opportunities to save money on special cruise deals. With more vacationers taking to the seas cruise lines are growing larger and can afford to offer special discounts to customers to get more people hooked on this luxury style of vacationing. Those looking for a cruise vacation can make a few smart decisions and save themselves a lot of cash without much sacrifice.

The first step is to look into theme packages. Many cruises offer special discounts for certain lifestyles or age groups. There may be a family discount, a golden years discount, or a honeymoon discount available. Depending on what type of cruise you want and who's going with you, this can be a huge money-saver if you're willing to accept what is offered in the packaged deal.

When it comes time to book your cruise, believe it or not, don't be too hasty. Many cruise lines receive unexpected cancellations at the last minute, and are eager to fill the empty slots. A would-be vacationer can often get extremely good deals if their schedule allows them to wait until the last minute to book. Call a cruise line days before a ship sets sail, and you might be pleasantly surprised by what you hear regarding discount rates for last-minute trips.

If you find a cruise line that you like, consider booking any future cruise vacations with the same line. Many cruise lines give discounts to repeat customers and you will probably receive a good percentage off your rate if you book a cruise at the same time each year with the same company. Talk to a travel agent who specializes in cruises. Often these agents can get you deals as well, especially with cruise lines they book often. By booking through an experienced travel agent you may earn the instant right to be a preferred customer.

Finally, do your research! There are many sites online for discount cruise fares, just as there are for airfares and other types of travel. Some websites specialize in locating cheap cruises for those who wish to vacation on a budget. Make use of a search engine, and don't get discouraged… your cheap cruise is out there somewhere. The trick is using resources and a little brain work to find it.

If you want to take a relaxing vacation where you are totally pamper, you may want to go on a cruise. The best and most sought after vacation spot for a cruise is that of a Caribbean cruise. If this sounds like something you want to do, then discover the best Caribbean cruise lines available. If you are unsure of which Caribbean cruise lines to choose from, then please read on to learn about Caribbean cruise lines that are the best on the market.

The top rated Caribbean cruise lines are the best ones to consider. One of these Caribbean cruise lines is that of Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean has a 5 star rating. They are the biggest and most innovative of all of the Caribbean cruise lines. Their accommodations are the most superb and luxurious of all of the Caribbean cruise lines as well. On board you will be pampered by a well trained staff. There is free 24 hour room service and all meals are also included at any of the restaurants or buffets. The only extra thing you will have to pay for is the gambling at the onboard casino! There is also a spa treatment facility, a pool, hot tubs, and many other amenities. The prices for this cruise line varies by how long you wish the cruise to last and by what kind of room you stay in. There are 3 rooms to choose from: indoor, ocean view, and balcony.

The next top rated Caribbean cruise lines you should consider are that of the Carnival Caribbean cruise lines. Carnival Caribbean cruise lines have received a 4 and a half star rating. Carnival cruise ships are somewhat smaller than the Royal Caribbean cruise lines and not quite as luxurious. But if you have kids or a family, Carnival Caribbean cruise lines is the way to go. This is because they have many kid oriented activities on board and they cater to children more than most other Caribbean cruise lines. They have pools, saunas, shops, bars, restaurants that are all included with your ticket fee, and many other amenities. The cost again varies by how long you stay on the cruise, and by what kind of room you choose.

Both of these Caribbean cruise lines were the top rated and the most highly sought after for people vacationing on a cruise to the Caribbean. Before you decide which cruise liner you wish to use, do some research online. If you want a more adult oriented cruise, then go with a Royal Caribbean cruise. If you are taking children, then go with a Carnival cruise. With all of this in mind, you should be able to select between the 2 best Caribbean cruise lines!

Hurricane *season* can be a rather tricky time for summer travelers. Kids are home from college, the younger kids are out of school, mom and dad are *taking* time off of work and the family want to take a vacation. Wait…what about hurricanes? The official *hurricane* *season* in the Atlantic begins June 1 and extends until November 30, encompassing the entire summer *season* in the Caribbean.

In 1998 the Phantom, a ship on the Windjammer *cruise* line lost its ship and all of the crew members after it sailed off into sea to avoid a hurricane. In trying to avoid the hurricane, they ran straight into the storm. Thankfully, the passengers had all been dropped off safely on the shore, but the captain and crew of the ship were not so lucky. This is a wake up call to all of those out there who think that *cruise* liners are unsinkable–obviously, they are not. A year later a Carnival *cruise* liner experienced some problems during a hurricane, but fortunately the ship, crew, and all the passengers made it out of the storm in one piece.

Situations such as this can cause a lot of travelers to second guess their *travel* plans, thinking that cruises and hurricanes do not mix. Of course, *hurricane* *season* and *cruise* liners do not go together well at all, but somehow the cruising industry has managed to stay above the *hurricane* *season* at least most of the time, making the summer one of the best times ever to take a *cruise* to the Caribbean. From August to December, the prices of cruises and everything that goes along with it (dining, ship lodging, activities and such) are at an all time low.

Hurricane *season* can be a real bummer, and those of you who have had your summer vacation displaced by a pesky *hurricane* or have had your long-awaited and oh so well-deserved *cruise* vacation cancelled due to inclement weather know exactly why that is. The good thing in all this is that as technology has advanced, so has the capabilities of the *cruise* liners and the liner companies themselves. No, this does not mean that a *cruise* ship can take on a hurricane. What this does mean is that shipping companies and weather services go to extra measures to insure that mishaps such as those that occurred with the Phantom never occur again.

Of course, this means that nothing is promised. Do not take any *cruise* reservations to be final ones, because any slight inkling or joke of a storm will cause the shipping company to yank their ship (their biggest investment) and their passengers (those who fund their biggest investment) off of the ocean in heart beat.

A strong piece of advice is not to finalize anything! Don't pay any hefty deposits for anything having to do with your *cruise* during the summer months, the peak of the *hurricane* season.

Being a spur of the moment person has its advantages. It means you can ?seize the day? and run with it, enjoying an opportunity when it comes your way. So the next time you?ve lined up your vacation time and decided you?re just going to drive to the nearest lake or maybe visit some relatives, keep an open mind and check in on the great online cruise deals that show up as you get closer to your vacation dates.

You may discover that as your vacation rolls around the deals are getting better and better, and you simply can?t pass up the opportunity to take advantage of the great offers out there. At first glance you may tell yourself that even with the reduced cost of a cruise you?re still paying more to go on a cruise than you are to drive to a popular lake resort of beachfront rental property, but the discounts on last minute cruises are great bargains because they?re all inclusive!

All-inclusive Means Savings on Entertainment and Meals

A cruise includes your entire trip, the accommodations, all of your meals (and the meals onboard ship are fantastic!), and all of the ship?s entertainment, from dancing to Vegas style shows. Compare that to your vacation and you?ll discover that by the time you add up your room, transportation, meals and entertainment expenses, the cruise deals that are available at the last minute just don?t compare to your routine vacation plans ? the cruises are much better!

Think about the total relaxation factor — no trying to find a good restaurant or wondering if there?s anything decent in the way of entertainment. On a cruise vacation, everything?s right there, every night. Your vacation is filled with every kind of entertainment, relaxation and fine dining imaginable even before you get to your ports of call!

Some of the amenities found on the typical cruise ship — and available with last-minute cruise deals — include:

* Fine & casual dining
* 24-hour room service
* Swimming pool
* Fitness centers & spa facilities
* Day spa and beauty salon
* A variety of lounges and stages with world-class entertainment
* Casinos
* Duty-free gift shops

Is there a vacation anywhere that provides all of this in one location, all within walking distance, with gorgeous vistas of water and moonlight thrown in?

Finding Sizzling Hot Cruise Deals is Easy

How do you find fantastic cruise deals? The best way is to be flexible ? keep in mind that there are several reasons that last minute berths open up on cruise ships. Most commonly, cruise ships simply don?t fill every one of their rooms on most cruises, and they understand that it makes more sense to offer these spaces at a discount than it does to leave these rooms empty. The level of service and amenities are exactly the same as that for passengers paying full price!

There are also sometimes last minute cancellations for whatever reason, and the cruise company will try to fill these rooms as well. After all, they had anticipated having these sales and when a cancellation comes through at the last minute, they will want to fill that spot.

Tips for Getting the Best Cruise Deals

You can compound your cruise savings by booking last minute deals during off-season times when the rates are lower to begin with or cruising to destinations that you find intriguing but have unusual departure dates. A few general guidelines for finding great last minute cruise deals are:

* Start watching about two months before your vacation, and check back often — special discounts are snapped up quickly.
* Be flexible — if you can shift your travel dates by a few days one way or the other you may be able to save even more.
* Be adventurous — if you see a fabulous deal on an exotic cruise to someplace you?ve never thought of but that sounds intriguing — go for it! This is the time to use the savings to invest in broadening your horizons.
* Online is the best and quickest way to stay informed — the Internet constantly updates information on cruise deals as cruise lines post available openings.
* Know what you?re looking for — there are so many kinds of cruises now available with different themes that it can be confusing. If you and your husband are going, don?t bother looking at singles cruises — the savings isn?t worth being surrounded by singles. But a cruise geared toward honeymooners might put a bit of spark back in your marriage, especially if you?re looking for an anniversary getaway!

Theme Cruises are the New Trend in Packaged Cruise Deals

You can find some great savings on theme cruises, a new trend for people with special interests or hobbies. Because these cruises cater to very specific tastes, the price of open spots can drop more quickly when they are discounted because they realize the chances of filling the spots may not be as high as for a general cruise.

So if you?re interested in a last minute cruise and also happen to be a food and wine connoisseur, you may be able to find a drastically discounted price on a Wine Tasting or Chef?s Taste of Cultures cruise, combining two interests and saving money at the same time.

There are also cruises that correspond with times of the year, such as foliage cruises or whale watching cruises that may offer special savings if they have cancellations since these are only offered during small windows in time. If you happen to hit one of these, you can expect some really amazing discounts on unique, once-in-a-lifetime cruise opportunities.

Trade Up to a Cruise for a Lifetime of Memories

So when that staid vacation is planned and you?ve already blocked out your vacation days at the office, don?t be afraid to periodically check out the last minute cruise deals that can be found at rock bottom prices if you book just a few weeks in advance. Throw caution to the winds and pass on the lakeside fishing trip in favor of an unforgettable cruise to the Bahamas — with last minute bargains and fabulous all-inclusive packages you can turn that ho-hum trip into truly memorable one!

Taking a Mediterranean cruise is the dream of many people, especially for their honeymoon. Fortunately, if this has always been a dream of yours it is easier than ever to attain simply because there are so many yachts and cruise ships that focus on a honeymoon Mediterranean cruise and making your first vacation as husband and wife the best it can possibly be.

If you are on a budget, don't worry either because you can take a Mediterranean cruise for a good price if you simply do a little bit of searching. Many travel websites focus on Mediterranean cruise vacations and frequently offer discounted packages. Of course, you won't get a discount Mediterranean cruise if you simply sit back and do nothing about it. What you need to do is search all of the Internet sites that focus on cruises, even discount cruises. Then, find out what time of year is the best time for a Mediterranean cruise as well as the least expensive time of year for a Mediterranean cruise. These considerations can save you a significant amount of money on your Mediterranean cruise if you plan to travel in the off-season.

Also, different day packages as well as Mediterranean cruise destinations might affect the price of your Mediterranean cruise. Keep this in mind and don't have your heart set on an exact list of destinations or days, but rather work with what is available and less expensive. If you are determined to take a Mediterranean cruise for your honeymoon you will be able to find something that will be pleasing to you as well as your budget. The best advice is to start searching and making plans for your Mediterranean cruise as early in advance as possible in order to get the best deals.

They say that an early reservation on cruise ships provides big discounts. Most of the cruise lines want to fill up the ships with reliable vacationers beforehand so they would know if they have sufficient passengers. On the other hand, if you do your reservation in a last minute time, you can still do it well.

Honestly, last minute cruising can also offer a bunch of discounts. However, last minute reservation can involve a great risk. One of the risk is the ship could fill up by the early bird cruisers and leave no space for those getting last minute tickets. Aside from that, if you live far away from the airport and seaport, the airline fare could be very costly.

Both if the plane and shipping companies go with the flow of booking as early as possible. Booking early means cheap fees. As a result of this, having a last minute cruise can give you a much expensive fees.

Waiting until the last moment if not done wisely can cause problems. You must be prudent in a last minute cruise. You must find the best deals with each cruising companies. There are several companies that offer better departure time deals. These deals are intended for most of the last minute cruisers who have no other choice but to book at the last minute. For example, the company can increase the discounts for them in order to reach the designated passenger count for each cruise.

If you are a last minute cruiser, the very important thing that you should do is to sail off before sunset to book the cruises. You can also get a middle man. Middleman can do the entire booking job for you. Another thing is you can also save a lot of cash by using the online cruise booking system. Using online booking system can give you a trouble free access. Aside from that, online booking can also save time and effort all at the comfort of your own home or office.

Another thing to be considered is the flexibility of cruising plans. You must know what you have to do. You must know also where you want to go.

Finding a right last minute cruise deal needs a lot of solid leg work. Destiny helps the person who helps themselves. But if you find the best deal, grab the opportunity right away. Sometimes the shining stars are hidden inside the dark clouds and its up to you to find them.

Now here are some basic tips and strategy how to get into a last minute cruise easily.

? Collect all the important cruise brochures and flyers from the traveling office. Always make sure about the cruise features. Check out also the ships and deck methods online. By doing this, you will be able to find the best idea about the fees, destinations, atmosphere, amenities, recreational option, and types of accommodations.

? Outline places where you want to go. As much as possible talk to the travel agencies. The travel agencies can give you some knowledge regarding the cruise and its details. If not, you can also ask your friends for some advice and recommendations. There are a lot of places to go to and things to see in Alaska.

? Decide how many days you will stay in the cruise. Asking the traveling agencies will give you some idea. You can also ask them about their cruising programs. Normally most known cruises last from 5 to 18 days. On the other hand, there are also some companies that offer longer cruising schedules with more things to see and do.

? Plan how much money you are willing to spend. Your budget will determine what type of cruise you will have. Most probably you can level your budget with cheap, moderate, extra-deluxe, and deluxe type cruises. It is recommended that comparing these types will be a great step to know what to expect. By comparing the basic type of cruises you will know which one can make you most comfortable and enjoyable within your budget. ? Last minute cruise needs a short span of time reservation. To do this properly, talk to a travel agent by phone. Do not hesitate to tell the agent about your budget and your needs. Aside from that, you can also refer to some catalogs to select what cruises are right for you.

? With the assistance of the traveling agent, select the most convenient place of departure. After that, book your own departure points to the transportation office. Not only that, you must also get some additional cost for transportation.

Do not overlook last minute cruising values. You can have a better discount from ship reviews and other vital information. It is better to be prepared before leaving for cruise.

Probably price is the main crucial point when it comes to deciding a vacation, isn't it? How many times do you have to ensure that your vacation goes hassle free? If you thought that cruise vacation is not your cup of tea, then listen to this. Cruise Carnival offers a range of packages to suit every need and every wallet. There are a couple of choices for you to consider in planning your cruise, but you will have the time of your life knowing you are preparing to experience luxury and comfort like never before.

It completely boils down to these two things - the option of buying the tickets. You can directly buy it from Carnival that offers discounted pricing or from the clearing house websites.

Carnival offers special deals for last-minute tickets, as well as package deals for promotions. These last minute tickets give you the best offers. Starting as low as $269.00, you can cruise the Bahamas for three days and enjoy all the comfort you want with Carnival. These special deals are also available in 4 day, 5 day, and 7 day options, to meet whatever time frame and financial limits you may have. Smaller discounts are offered at promotional deals.

The second option - the clearing house - works this way. All you need to do is log onto their websites. A Bahamas trip for $299 might be one such deal that might be on offer. Deals which are only a few clicks away include, 11 nights in the Caribbean for $599.00 or 7 nights for $399.00. I bet you couldn't get a better deal than that anywhere. While customizing might not be an option here, at least it is well worth saving those few dollars and yet managing to get the best of vacations. An absolute way to ensure that you have saved so much and a good bargaining going your way. It's all about how you decide to do it. It is in your hands and what you see is simply what you get. Nothing hidden, nothing out of sight, its just that break which you wanted to take someday turning into reality now.

Last Minute Travel doesn't have to lead to expense. Let us show you how to get the best deals and bargains without the stress.

For any last minute vacations, it pays to know when the most expensive travel periods are.

The high demand for travel during certain periods drives the prices up for most essentials like airline tickets, cruises, hotel rooms and rental cars.

Fortunately, there are a few free tools, tricks and sites that you can use to make your last minute travel cheaper, faster, easier and more fun!

The other alternative is to buy last minute vacation packages. They are generally good but only if you cannot locate a cheap airfare.

And an understanding of how the airlines operate will help you get that cheap last minute airline tickets.

As for hotel reservations, it's true that most often you do get a better rate by simply picking the phone either from a phone booth nearby to book rather walking to the reservation counter.

Another way you can save on your car rental is to consider the parking charges instead, again this can be easily verify via the phone by simply asking the hotel staff for local advice.

Airlines, hotels, cruise ships and rental car companies lose money for every seat, hotel room, cabin or rental car they don't fill. Typically, they would rely on travel agents, or consolidators to help them clear their inventories.

By buying such items in bulk and repackaging them together into last minute vacation deals, it's unlikely you can buy these items separately on your own at a cheaper price.

For more tips and ideas on how to have fun, save more for your last minute travel, head on over to the Last Minute Vacations and Travel Guide.

If you are a first-time cruise traveler, you need to have at least an idea of what cruising is. Your travel agent will only provide you quotes or travel brochures from different cruise lines.

What if you have questions concerning the cruise package offered? What if you want to be informed of the latest in the cruising industry? Who will be your reliable source information to answer these queries?

Bookmark now Cruise Critic and you will be receiving and learning many stuffs about cruising.

Cruise Critic is an interactive community launched in 1995. All seasoned and first-time cruise travelers can join this community in order to share experiences, conduct some research, and planning either your next or your first cruise vacation.

It is a one-stop shop with all the information you need. It includes a complete and detailed cruise vacation-planning guide such as the following:

* Latest objective cruise reviews of 225 and more ships

* Business and company profile of 55 cruise lines

* Useful information on what to do and where to go in more than 135 worldwide ports

* Ratings and reviews of cruise ships based on the reader's perception and experience

* Different cruise package bargains, and

* Helpful cruise tips both for seasonal and first-time cruise travelers

Cruise Critic helps cruise travelers to sort out the best ship suited to their own personal interests and plan a perfect cruise vacation. They also delivers the latest news and views concerning the cruise industry.

Because of their popularity as a reliable cruise guide, they are one of the online cruise websites that receives heavy traffic with over 160,000 registered online members.

It features the following sections for easy cross-referencing of information and details needed.

* AT YOUR SERVICE section, where it tackles different issues and offer a clear and concise explanation about the policies, especially on-board rules and regulations

* BEYOND THE DECK section, which focus on answering different cruise questions straight from the cruise industry leaders. They also offer some behind-the-scene insights regarding cruise operations

* COMMUNITY section, where it features different reviews of cruise ships, cruise travel packages, and others by the members

* CRUISE BARGAINS section, where it focuses more on the latest deals offered by different cruise lines

* CRUISE NEWS section gives latest news and analysis concerning cruising. It is updated on a daily basis

* CRUISE PLANNING section, where it includes topics like latest cruising trends, different cabin packages, last-minute cruising, and others

* CRUISE SHIP REVIES AND CRUISE LINE PROFILES section. As mentioned earlier, it reveals the reviews on more than 225 operating cruise ships and the profile of the 55 cruise lines

* CRUISE STYLE sections with comprehensive reviews, humorous facts, and different ways of cruising styles including: 1. Romance 2. Family 3. Senior 4. Gay and Lesbians 5. Disabled 6. Solo 7. Luxury 8. Soft Adventure 9. Ocean Crossings 10. Holiday

* DESTINATION section, where it features comprehensive profiles of the 20 cruising regions and more than 135 ports of call worldwide

* EDITOR'S PICK section, which includes the top personal choices and recommendation and his Top Ten List

* FIND A CRUISE section, where you can choose the cruise best for your needs, whether by destination, cruise line, or price

* LINK EXCHANGE PROGRAM MESSAGE BOARDS section, where members and visitors can post all their comments, suggestions, and blogs

* TRENDWATCH section, which features different issues surrounding the cruising industry that have changed or in the process of change (like solo travel or low carbohydrate cruising)

Current Cruise Critics Prediction

Another feature that Cruise Critics offers is their prediction of the cruising industry. They are conducting it on every first quarter of the year. It also helps cruising industry leaders plan ahead. Here are some of the latest predictions of Cruise Critic for the year 2006.

* Cruising will be a perfect vacation for families because of family travel packages offered the previous years.

* Ships without comprehensive children program will have difficulty in managing hundreds of energetic children.

* Traditional swimming pool will now be out of style. The new approach is the on-board water park.

* Do not be surprise if Ronald McDonald will say hello to you on-board. Cruise lines are continuing to include favorite brand names into cruise ships and restaurants and dining facilities.

* Because of the growing amenities of cruise ships, an increase in cruise prices can be expected.

* More cruise destinations are coming up, with Cunard Lines' Queen Mary 2 will go around-the-world sailing.

More and more things will happen every year, so always stay informed by Cruise Critic-your one stop shop for cruising information.