• You’re a dedicated cruiser–it’s all about the on-board experience since you’ve “been there, done that” when it comes to ports-of-call.
• You’ve cruised the mainstream ships, and you’re interested in “trading up” to one of the luxury lines without breaking the bank
• You’re into great values when it comes to cruising and you can take the time for something special

We’ve done a lot of price checks and the most interesting ones are noted in this post.  You can see the all the transatlantic cruise deals–we have them grouped by contemporary, premium and luxury lines.  We’re showing the prices below on a “per person, per-day” basis to make comparing them easier–of course, taxes and government fees are extra.

The Bottom Line:  $50/Day or Less

We currently have four voyages starting between $42 and $47 per person, per day for an interior stateroom.  And not just in the contemporary category; Celebrity Constellation is doing a 15-night from Southampton that’s just $47 per day–even a balcony on this trip is just $77/day.  If we move the per day threshold up to $75, there are 22 voyages available this fall.

Balconies as Bargains–from $69/Day

If you’re into gazing out over the endless horizon, enjoying leisurely mornings dining al fresco in your stateroom, and just the extra light and space that a balcony offers, then we have have 17 departures below $99 per day for a balcony.  These range from 13 to 24 nights and include a mix of contemporary cruises from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian as well as premium offers from Celebrity and Holland America.  The least expensive on a per-day basis is a Celebrity Eclipse 13-Night from Barcelona for just $899 ($69 per day)

Suite-est Deals of All

If there was ever a cruise where I’d want a suite it would be one with lots of sea time and despite the length of these itineraries, there are some wonderful prices to be found!  On a per guest/day basis, we have a dozen cruises priced less than $150.  However, what hast to be THE BEST DEAL in this bunch is the Seabourn Spirit 12-night at just $1,999 for a Suite on an absolute luxury ship!  This works out to a paltry $167 per day which also includes all your adult beverages, gratuities and more.  Compared to a contemporary cruise, if you’re even a moderate consumer of both soft and hard drinks, this is more like the equivalent of $137 per day.

Living Large (or Small) in Luxury

In the luxury spectrum, you can choose from the large-ship choices on Crystal and Cunard, or the small-ship intimacy of Seabourn.  I like small ships, but on a transatlantic I think there’s a lot to be said for a larger vessel that carries more on-board options and activities.  Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is available as low as $128 per guest/day in an interior stateroom, but does offer ample space outside your cabin door.  And while you can’t call the Crystal offers “cheap” their transatlantics are a relative bargain compared to other voyages.

Not Just about Crossing the Ocean

There are numerous cruises were the crossing is just part of the itinerary, and you’ll get to several ports in Europe, the Caribbean, or both.   We have the Crystal Serenity at $294 per guest/day in a balcony for a 23-night cruise that offers a lot more than just the crossing.  In fact, any of the itineraries that are longer than 13 nights will usually include a few ports of call.

We’ve compiled a bunch of these voyages all in one place so you can browse–but I would not wait as the best of these deals aren’t likely to last.

World cruisers in Funchal, Madeira

A world cruise vacation is one of the most exciting vacations to plan, but one that requires in-depth preparation.  It is not a vacation that you will want to book online on a whim by yourself.  Each full world cruise is unique in the sheer number of days you will be sailing and the destinations you will be visiting around the globe, but most are about three months long and will hit around 40 ports of call.   

If you plan to invest your money and time in taking a world cruise vacation, you will want it to be a trip you remember for the rest of your life.  That’s why working with an experienced travel agent who understands the nuances and special attention to detail involved with a world cruise is critical.

A knowledgeable world cruise agent will help you: 

World cruise send off party

1. Choose which cruise line that offers world cruises that meets your lifestyle and budget.
2. Select the most ideal cabin or suite for your needs and comfort level.
3. Coordinate other travel arrangements if desired (flights, pre or post cruise hotel stays, ground transportation, etc.).
4. Help you choose appropriate and desirable shore tours based on your ability and interests.  They should be able to point out what tours may require extensive walking.
5. Alert you to the travel documents you will need for your journey.  Many of the countries you will be visiting require special travel visas for entry.
6. Recommend special programs and activities you will want to take part in on the ship.  Aside from traditional activities you may enjoy onboard, most cruise lines offer unique learning and enrichment programs during your time at sea.
7. Offer insider tips on the sights you won’t want to miss.  They should be able to tell you what you may find interesting at each port of call, and if they don’t know personally – they should have resources available to them to find out for you.
8. Celebrate any special event or milestone during your cruise.  They will help you make your special event or date even more memorable with some behind-the-scenes planning.
9. Offer tips on packing for your world cruise.  These experts will be able to point out what you may want with you such as pictures from home to hang on your cabin wall or suggest taking an extra suitcase along to fill with treasures you find on your journey.
10. Be there for you before, during and after your world cruise.  A good travel agent will be your resource and advocate starting from the minute you book your cruise through your safe return home.

Find world cruise experts

Cruisers booked in the Cruise Specialists group are invited to attend a prestigious Bon Voyage Gala and will receive overnight luxury hotel accommodations in Los Angeles, complimentary chauffeured pre and post cruise transfers, a three day inclusive overland adventure in Beijing, an exclusive shoreside gala event, special gifts and onboard parties and events.

Read about the Crystal world cruise 2012

ms Amsterdam

Cruise Specialists recently provided an overview of the 2012 Holland America world cruise on their popular cruise blog.  Cruise enthusiasts will find out what extra amenities Cruise Specialists offers their guests on this highly anticipated world cruise such as a unique bon voyage gala and hotel overnight stay in Ft. Lauderdale, extremely experienced world cruise hosts, special cocktail parties and meet and greets and distinct commemorative gifts.

Read about the 2012 Holland America world cruise

Checkout the World Cruise Options for 2012