Think Ahead: Cruise Deals for 2010

I know it seems early to be thinking about vacation next year, but many deals are out there for you to take advantage of. The travel industry is hurting badly, from airlines to hotels to tours and cruises. No change is expected, according to my recent edition of Travel Age West, a well respected industry magazine. Prices should remain low for the next two years, they say. This means great bargains. One particular cruise line that is offering remarkable discounts is Oceania Cruises.( http://www.oceaniacruises.com) for their European cruises are less than 50% off the brochure price, and include airfare. Oceania prides itself in 5 star food and service, smaller ships with less passengers, and excellent shore excursions.



One example of what you can expect to pay and what you get for that is a 10 day cruise from Barcelona to Rome. An outside cabin with ocean view starts at $3199 per person. What do you get for that? A beautiful stateroom of course, and wonderful food. The food at the four restaurants is supervised by chef Jacques Pepin, one of the finest chefs in the world, and former personal chef to Charles DeGaulle. Yes, it's true. The 684 passengers have a choice of open seating in the main dining room, or reservations at one of the several other restaurant choices.



This cruise line has activities such as martini tasting at night, wine tasting in the afternoon, afternoon tea, computer and digital photography classes, a casino at night, and lots of music and dancing. The shore excursions offered are many and varied. I urge you to check their website and see if any of their itineraries appeal to you. The price of Oceania Cruises next year cannot be beat.