By Sarah Buttars

Temperatures are still dipping into the negative degrees, and there is no sign of the snow melting anytime soon. The cold weather is getting tiresome, and many are looking to get away to a more tropical climate to escape the weather. A cruise is the perfect solution for the heat-seeking traveler.

Today the Internet makes it easy to not only find a fabulous cruises but to research the cruise line, look at the ship, talk to people who have cruised before, and find a low price.

One might ask, why not just fly to a tropical destination and stay awhile? The good thing about a cruise is that it is almost all-inclusive. One pays a specific rate and receives transportation, a room, all

the food they could ever want, and entertainment. Ships have activities going on at all times as well as shows, dancing, and even karaoke.

According to Kevin Mullen, posting to a cruise newsgroup, "The extras are casino, liquor, soda, tips. The only other thing I can think of is shore excursions." This is a very limited amount of items not included in the price paid for the cruise.

Stephanie Jorgensen and Heather Ellsworth, two Utah State students, decided to take a cruise over the recent Olympic break.

Ellsworth said she went "to escape the crowds and winter cold." She was not disappointed when the temperatures on her Bahamas vacation reached up into the 80s. When asked what the weather was like Ellsworth responded, "Sunny, warm and inviting."

Some planning went into Ellsworth and Jorgensen's tropical retreat, but they were able to find a cruise to the destination of their choice, at a time they could go and a price they could afford.

Ellsworth and Jorgensen found their cruise through Vacations To Go, on online travel agency. Vacations To Go shows 90-day ticket deals that stem from the desire of cruise lines to fill up their ship. When they have extra room they drastically reduce the price in hopes to fill the space, a really great opportunity for the bargain-seeking traveler.

These discounted prices do not stay the same for long. If one finds a deal it's best to book right away to ensure they receive the price they found. It also is possible to put a cruise on hold for 24 hours at no obligation if one needs more time to consider, but doesn't want to lose the rate.

Most websites allow one to call and talk to a travel agent and book the cruise through them. Working with one individual is beneficial in case problems arise. Travel agents are also very helpful in answering cruise-related questions.

Vacations To Go along with several other sites such as Travelocity and Cruise Mileage let the cruise hunter select the port of departure, areas to visit, and month they want to travel. This makes it easy to scan available cruises and compare prices. Many of these sites offer pictures of the cruise ships, descriptions of the amenities, as well as a look at the cruise line. With a little searching one can find a website that is easy and efficient to explore and research a tropical cruise getaway.

Sometimes it is nice to get first-hand information from seasoned cruisers. A good way to do this is through news groups. There is a cruise news group that can be very helpful. One can post a question, or simply read what is currently being discussed.

Topics discussed are very broad, but helpful to answer such questions as what should I pack? This news group is also helpful to use before booking. Sometimes it is nice to get the opinion from a traveler on a particular cruise line that is being considered. One might not want to book a cruise based entirely on the information offered by the cruise line.

There is one caution to consider when selecting a cruise, one might not want to go back to reality. Kelly, who went on a cruise to the Bahamas and recorded her whole experience on Cruise Reviews summed it up well. "The depression hit me the next day when I woke up at home in my own bed with no one to clean my room for me and no one to bring me food. It was really a letdown being back in reality again."

Ellsworth and Jorgensen have tasted a bit of what cruising is all about, and they hope to go again. Ellsworth's next destination? "Alaska, or a longer excursion in the Bahamas." Jorgensen is also looking forward to another cruise in the future.

With a little planning and preparation one can find a cruise that fits their needs and their budget. Cruises offer a relaxing getaway with little planning necessary after the cruise is booked. So if the warm weather is calling, find a cruise. Happy sailing!

NW
MS

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