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PROMOTIONS

Tips for Choosing a Cruise Among the discount vacation package deals offered this summer are savings on cruises from almost every major cruise line. For first-time cruise goers, however, choosing a cruise can be an intimidating experience. Here are a few tips to making buying a cruise vacation package easier: Define your budget. For most people, this is the top factor. Cruises generally start around $100 per person per day. For a seven-day cruise, anticipate spending anywhere from $600 to thousands of dollars, in addition to beverages, port costs, and excursions. Decide in advance how much you want to spend and weed out the ones that go over your limit. Choose your itinerary. Longing to sail the Caribbean? Or would you rather travel across the Atlantic? Pay close attention to what's included in the itinerary provided by the cruise line. At hundreds to thousands of dollars a pop, you're better off choosing an itinerary that interests you than one that doesn't. Food/entertainment. Like choosing your itinerary, the quality/amount of food and entertainment that you require depends on your preferences. If you're a foodie who likes Broadway shows, a cruise line that's known for its gourmet fare and solid entertainment is the way to go. If you prefer to talk to people and can get by on average cuisine, a cruise that emphasizes activities and socialization is probably for you. The type of stateroom you select will depend on how much time you plan to spend in there. Want to rest and relax in the solitude of your room? It may cost more, but you'll probably want an outside cabin or a cabin with a balcony. Plan to spend as little time as possible in your room? Go with an interior cabin instead. Traveling with kids. Many cruise lines offer activities specifically designed for kids. Be sure to ask about this before booking to avoid six days at sea full of kids constantly harping, "Are we there yet?"