The Best Cruise Line Deals for 2011

A recent study by a global market research firm, TNS, has found that cruise passengers are more

loyal to cruising than other consumers are with other products or services. Undoubtedly, a vacation

onboard a cruise line is the ideal way to relax and de-stress. Cruise lines have come up with great

discounts and packages that has helped them to stay afloat during the recession. Their strategy has

worked well as 15 million people in 2010 (most of them being first time cruise vacationers) chose

to take advantage of the best cruise line deals, and vacationed on a cruise liner. If you live in the

Seattle area, there are several deals you can take advantage of.

This year, cruise liners have come up with even better cruise line deals. Outside of their enticing

deals and attractive packages, destinations have been chosen with care. If you appreciate wildlife

scenery and/or are a photography fan, Seattle Alaskan cruises are just the right thing for you. For

cruisers who wish to get up close and personal with the Alaskan wildlife, Princess Cruises’ Sapphire

Princess leaves on a 10 day sojourn in August. The package starts from $889 and ports of call

include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and British Columbia.

Food and wine have always been an integral part of cruise vacations. Some cruise lines have

decided to take this interest a little further with food and wine themed cruises. If you’re a wine

enthusiast looking for wine cruises, set sail on Avalon’s “Tranquility” for a wine river cruise. As the

ship cruises along the river Danube, learn the difference between an Austrian Gruner Veltliner and

a German Riesling Spatlese. Distinguished wine authorities describe the various grape varieties and

the qualities to look for in a good wine. You can also participate in a wine tasting excursion in

Prague, or visit the legendary Austrian Wachau Wine Valley.

And for those looking to enjoy a laidback vacation on a small cruise ship, consider a river cruise

aboard a Uniworld Boutique River cruise ship that sets sail from Amsterdam and travels to

Bucharest sailing on the Rhine, Main and the Danube rivers with stops in Germany, Austria,

Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, and Bulgaria. What’s even better is that you get you save up to

$800 per couple on this voyage!

But if you’re looking for the best cruise prices in Seattle, there are several travel agencies that

specialize in cruise travel and are well connected with cruise lines. When booking through a travel

agency make sure that they are well established and affiliated with international associations like

the CLIA. An affiliation with these associations is an indication that the travel agency follows

industry set standards. If you are a first time vacationer, and apprehensive about traveling on a

cruise ship, cruise travel experts can help you book the right cruise ship and the best cruise line

deal.

Turner is an expert on cruise travel and has written several articles on Seattle river cruises and

Seattle Alaskan cruises. She also helps people find the best cruise deals in Seattle.