In today's economy, travelers are looking for inexpensive vacation options that don't sacrifice a great experience for a lower price. The travel experts at CheapTickets.com, a leading online travel agency that knows "the less you pay, the better it feels(SM)," recommend cruises as a sound choice for those watching their bottom line.

As cruising continues to gain popularity -- the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) projected a record breaking 12.8 million passengers this year -- travelers will find distinct advantages to choosing an adventure on the high-seas. Offering five benefits to cruising and strategies for snagging the best deals, CheapTickets.com invites vacationers to explore their options to see the world aboard a cruise ship.

"Cruises are gaining popularity as consumers tighten their purse strings, and is a great option for a fall vacation," said Heather Leisman, senior director of merchandising for CheapTickets. "Not only are our customers taking advantage of the low-season prices for the most popular itineraries, but they're also avoiding high airfares by choosing one of the over 20 cruise homeports in the US."

CheapTickets Top Five Reasons to CRUISE:

1. All-inclusive costs: Most cruise companies include the cost of meals and onboard entertainment in their final price, making it easy for traveler to budget in advance. This proves especially advantageous for the Europe-bound traveler, who might otherwise be affected by fluctuating exchange rates.
2. More ports closer to home: There are now more than 20 cruise ports in North America, allowing many travelers to drive to the ship and avoid airfare costs.
3. Multiple destinations for less: Cruises are a cost-effective way to explore multiple islands or countries without incurring transfer fees between destinations.
4. Mobility in inclement weather: Today's cruise ships are outfitted with satellite technology that allows them to easily avoid inclement weather, making cruises a more secure investment during hurricane season.
5. Wide assortment of activities: The cruise industry has mastered the art of providing something for everyone. From kids camps and dance lessons, to rock climbing and yoga classes, cruises provide rewarding experiences for a wide range of audiences.

Online Tools and Tips

Cruise deals are plentiful on CheapTickets with cruises.cheaptickets.com featuring weekly promotions, often introducing one-day sales for specific cruise lines. In addition, the "Cheap of the Week" tab is updated daily, debuting fresh offers in the cruises section. Procrastinators will find notable savings on CheapTickets' "Last Minute Trips" tab, which highlights cruises departing in less than 45 days. For those looking to avoid airfare costs, the "Home Port Cruises" section directs travelers to ships departing nearby.

Savvy online shoppers will find added discounts thanks to CheapTickets special senior and resident rates, and cruising "alumni" often find reduced rates as returning passengers. For those looking to test the water, CheapTickets also features one-night dinner cruises. These events are an excellent way for intrigued travelers to board a large ship with a minimal investment of time and money.

Top Deals on Popular Cruise Routes(1)

-- Western Caribbean from $189: The 4-night Carnival Imagination Cruise departs from Miami, exploring Key West and Cozumel.
-- Baja Mexico from $189: From Los Angeles, the 4-night Carnival Paradise visits Southern California's Catalina Island and Mexico's Ensenada.
-- Bermuda from $549: Norwegian Dream departs Boston for a 7-night voyage.
-- Europe and North Africa - from $499: The 7-night tour with Costa Cruises departs Rome, visiting Genoa, Italy, Barcelona and Mallorca, Spain, Tunis, Tunisia, Valleta, Malta and Palermo, Sicily.
-- Alaska from $599: From Vancouver, BC, Canada, Holland America Line explores Juneau, Skaqway and Ketchikan.

Terms & Conditions:

(1)Sample rates shown were accurate and available on CheapTickets.com on 7/09/2008 on the travel dates specified and may not represent current prices because our real-time pricing booking engine is constantly updating prices and availability.

About CheapTickets

CheapTickets is a leading seller of discounted leisure travel products online through its Web site, http://www.cheaptickets.com. CheapTickets provides consumers access to its collection of airfares on hundreds of airlines. In addition to cheap flights, CheapTickets' family of discounted travel products also includes cheap hotels, cheap cruises, cheap rental cars, cheap vacation packages, condo rentals and Last Minute Trips. Founded in 1986, CheapTickets is a brand that is owned and operated by Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW).

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