Extraordinary Shore Excursions for Adventuresome Cruisers

Travel specialists Cruise Brothers pick their favorites.

Today's cruise lines, in addition to taking the vacation experience to new heights at sea, are now offering truly remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime, land-based shore excursions, guaranteed to intrigue even the most discerning travelers and adventurers.

“If you want an extraordinary experience and money is no object, look for a cruise to Italy on a cruise line that offers plenty of over-the-top shore adventures,” said Kerri Fitzgerald, Marketing Director of Cruise Brothers, a top cruise pricing Web site that allows consumers to obtain the best deals on cruise vacations. "Cruise guests should be prepared to spend the day -- sometimes even a few nights -- away from the ship, for these shore excursions take travelers well beyond any typical bus tour. There's something for everyone -- from children to seniors."

Travel specialists at Cruise Brothers have identified some of their favorite, out-of-this-world Italian adventures available today:

12 Night Mediterranean Cruise on Princess Cruises: Departing from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Ports of Call: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy | Portofino, Italy | Monte Carlo, Monaco | Ajaccio, Corsica, France | Sorrento, Italy | Messina, Sicily, Italy | Valetta, Malta | Kotor, Yugoslavia | Sorrento, Italy | Ravenna, Italy | Venice, Italy

12 Night Mediterranean on Princess Cruises: Departing from Venice, Italy
Ports of Call: Venice, Italy | Venice, Italy | Piraeus (Athens), Greece | Rhodes, Greece | Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

This popular cruise from Venice visits Rome, Venice, and goes into Greece. So, you've got Italy covered from the Grand Canal to Mt. Etna, as well as the treasures of Florence and Pisa. But, there's so much more.

11 Night Mediterranean on Azamara Journey: Departing from Venice, Italy
Ports of Call: Venice, Italy | Venice, Italy | Koper, Slovenia | Dubrovnik, Croatia | Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy | Marseille, France | Barcelona, Spain

Azamara cruise guests looking for a unique vantage point of the Italian countryside will thoroughly enjoy this eleven night Italian cruise.

"While traditional cruises are still popular, these private cruise deals take cruisers to far, out-of-the-way locales in the countries they visit -- and places typically not accessible to the general public," Fitzgerald said. "Most of these unique cruises are offered by luxury cruise lines that attract the world's most affluent travelers. Space is limited, so advance reservations are required -- along with hefty advance payments."

If you are interested in taking an adventurous cruise, but do not want to spend an outrageous price, check out Cruise Brothers, and for even more cruise deals, their partner Cabin Closeouts. Right now, Cabin Closeouts is featuring their exclusive Princess Cruise sale - going on right now. Take advantage of early booking savings for Europe & Alaska too!

Cruising Deals, Trends and Insider's advice

Kerri Fitzgerald, Marketing Director of Cruise Brothers says she is seeing some "absolutely amazing discounts" on cruises — like seven days on a new ship for $399-$499.

What are the hot trends in cruising? How will fuel costs affect the prices you pay? And what sort of stateroom do the experts book?

Kerri Fitzgerald, Marketing Director of Cruise Brothers, a leading cruise broker, offered her perspective:

Q: First up, the consumer issues: What will cruise pricing look like for this winter and into 2009?

A: What we are going to see ... in fact, what we are already seeing in the last month ... are absolutely amazing discounts. Most people buy cheap cruises a fair amount of time in advance. Then the downturn happened and people stopped buying or became more careful. So on our site, we have seen a lot more cruise deals and a greater variety of deals.

It's a fantastic value vacation. And that's not hyperbole. We're seeing $399 and $499 for seven-day cruises on new ships. That's crazy ... crazy good for the consumer.

Mexico cruises, especially those in the Mexican Riviera are going to be really hot this year. And South America.

Q: Will there be a fuel surcharge on top of those prices?

A: Yes, but in most cases it's fairly reasonable, usually $10 to $15 a day, and we are able to offer Mexico cruise specials that offer much more reasonable rates. It's different for every cruise line, so the challenge is to read the fine print. I don't see that going down just because gas prices are going down. I think we are stuck with that for a while.

Q: Say someone has done the basic West Coast cruises to Mexico and to Alaska. What's a good next cruise for them to try?

A: I think South America is a phenomenal destination that combines a bit of Alaska with a bit of Norwegian fjords with a bit of Europe. It's the most amazingly diverse cruise. One day you feel like you are in Paris, the next day you feel like you are in the fjords ... And I feel like the cruise lines are overexposed. So I think the pricing will be good in the shoulder season ... November and late February/March. Otherwise, I would suggest the Panama Canal, which is sort of a blend of history and Mexico/the Caribbean, so you get some beach time as well.

Q: What's on the horizon?

A: I keep saying Asia is going to be the next popular region for cruise travelers interested in more exotic destinations, and I'm curious to see if the Beijing Olympics will, via its coverage of China destinations, result in a boom. Cruising Asia really is a great way to sample the region for the first time to get a feel for the varied countries and cultures.


Q: What's the latest on homeporting?

A: Travelers do not want the expense of flying. So I think you're going to see more use of the regional ports. San Francisco is getting a little more traffic, and Los Angeles and San Diego are for sure. Cruisers will have more close-to-home options than ever before.

Q: You no doubt have to cruise alone sometimes for reviews. What are good cruise lines for the solo cruiser?

A: Two of the best are Crystal on the higher end, which offers specials where you pay 125 percent (instead of 200 percent, or double), and Fred Olsen, which is just now marketing to the United States. The Queen Mary 2 will be offering some good incentives to solo travelers.

And other lines do have sales.

Fred Olsen has this ingenious effort ... they actually have single cabins. They are sometimes the same size as a double, but with one bed. The idea is to make people who are traveling solo not have to look at this big empty bed.

Q: And what if the solo or senior traveler wants a little peace and quiet?

A: Then it's important to avoid kids ... because they will take over the ship. You want to avoid peak holiday times. That would be summer, spring break time between mid-February and April, and obviously the Thanksgiving and December holidays.

You can also pick longer voyages on ships that don't market to kids. Most families don't go longer than seven days. So pick a 21-day cruise. Or find a ship that doesn't have state-of-the-art kid facilities.

Q: How are theme cruises doing?

A: Theme cruises are enjoying a huge renaissance ... whether it's quilting or Three Dog Night you are interested in ... because it creates an instant community. That's a lovely way to find a community onboard.

Q: What kind of ships or cruises do you prefer?

A: I like smaller ships, meaning under 1,000 passengers. You have a decent spa and enough amenities and restaurants, but it's also cozy enough. I do not like ships with the fixed dining.

I love Oceania. I think it's my favorite line. The ships are roughly 700 passengers, and they go to really interesting destinations. I think they do the best job in the industry in terms of value.

Q: What's the best stateroom to book?

A: I think the best cabin has to be any cabin with a balcony. That's like a whole other room. There is nothing like sitting out having coffee in the morning, watching the sunset in the evening, opening the door and having the air coming through. That's something an on-land resort can't touch.

Cruise Brothers Bargains, Exotics & Affordable Cruise Vacation Choices

A Message From The President & CEO:

It's not to early to plan for your holiday cruise vacation, great choices still available! Check out our weekly bargains, early booking savings and unique sailings.
Our Cruise Specialists will be glad to help plan your cruise vacation or browse & Shop Online - "Don't get soaked on your cruise" - 1-800-827-7779. www.cruisebrothers.com.

Sincerely,
Steve, President & CEO


Current & Upcoming Specials:

• NCL Bermuda, Onboard Coupon Booklets All 2008 sailings: 7-night sailings to Bermuda from Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore from $629 - Call our Cruise Specialists or Buy Online today!

• Sapphire Princess: 7-night Mexican Riviera from $559. Big savings on Fall sailings, Sept 27, Oct 4 &18th. Buy Online or Call us today! Bonus: $50 shipboard credit per cabin.

• Italy, Italy & More Italy: Oceania Insignia, 12-nights of Ultra Premium Cruising - History, Villages & Architecture galore! Free Air & Shipboard Credit. October 19, 2008 from $3,299.

• Costa Classica from $899: 7-night round-trip Dubai. Overnights in Dubai, Bahrain & Oman. Limited sailing dates. Call or Buy Online today.

• Early Savings, Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas. 14-night Panama Canal, San Diego to Ft Lauderdale from $1,599. Solarium & Indoor Pool, Mexican Riviera, Full Transit, Shopping & Beaches. Buy Online or Call Today.

• Carnival Caribbean Close-Outs from $629. St Maarten, Nassau, Ocho Rios or San Juan, chose your summer sailing; 7-nights from Miami.

• Royal Caribbean Bahamas, 3 or 4-nights from $319. Short cruises from Port Canaveral or Miami, Summer Getaways, Family & Friends relaxation.

• Holland America Alaska from $649. Select North & Southbound sailings, Ketchikan, Scenic Glaciers, Skagway - ask about last minute tours too.

• Norwegian Canada/New England from $549: 7-night NCL freestyle cruising from Boston or New York. August & September dates, Fall foliage & Canadian hospitality. Call or Buy Online today!

• Princess Alaska: 7-night, round-trip Seattle from $759, Scenic Views, Wildlife and Wonderful Alaska Adventure. Call our Alaska Cruise Specialists for last minute summer sailings.

• MSC Europe Fall Specials, select sailing dates from $599. Set sail for your Mediterranean cruise, Italy, Greece & Croatia, and bring the kids too! History, Culture and Charm on and off the ship. Click here for sample dates available or call our Cruise Specialists for all the details.

Christmas & New Years 2008 - Book Early & Save!

• Costa Caribbean, Italian Style Cruising & Christmas at Sea, Dec. 21 Only $839. Stroll around Old Key West, Beaches of Cozumel & Excellent diving at Grand Cayman.

• Royal Caribbean Holiday ADVENTURE from $1,099 - Rock Climbing, Mini-Golf, Beaches of Aruba, St Maarten & history of Curacao. Onboard Extras, book early for your cabin choice!

• Mexican Riviera & Carnival Family Holiday Cruising from only $999. Beaches of Puerto Vallarta, ruins and history of Mexico. Sail from Los Angeles or San Diego, Early Savings still available.

• NEW Celebrity Solstice, Holiday Caribbean sailings from Ft Lauderdale! Innovative and NEW, with a refined elegance in style & design. Check out the expanded SPA facilities and real lawn for your family picnic at sea! Call our Cruise Specialists today for your Holiday vacation.

• Royal Caribbean Christmas from Tampa: 4-nights from $549. Key West & Cozumel, Bring the Family! Call Cruise Brothers or Buy Online today.

• Tahitian Princess Exotic Holidays, South Pacific & Panama Canal. 26-nights from Papeete to Ft Lauderdale from $3,579. Plan your Dream Escape: Call or Shop Online.

• CARNIVAL Caribbean Holidays from $799. 7-night sailings from Miami, Tampa, Port Canaveral & Galveston! Family Fun for All Ages.

• Oceania Regatta - Affordable Luxury! 12-night Southern Caribbean for the holidays, round-trip Miami, from $2,299. Intimate and casual cruising.

• MSC Lirica Holiday Sailings from $749. Key West, Grand Cayman, Dominican & more ~ experience Italian Style cruising. Kid Sail Free! Book a Suite and receive $100 shipboard credit. Call Us Today or Shop Online.

For more information on any of these cruise deals, visit the Cruise Brothers' website.