It wasn't that long ago you could fly from New York or Chicago to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale for around $150.00 each way.

Not anymore.

Today the price hovers around $500 per person for a roundtrip ticket. Then, add the cost of a 7 day cruise sailing out of South Florida and what was once a cheap vacation, all of a sudden got very expensive!

The cruise lines recognize that with high airfares in place, their business is in jeopardy. With the average price of gasoline steadily rising to nearly $5 per gallon and jet fuel costs going up, little long-term relief is in site. However, increased energy prices have actually caused some cruise prices to go down. 

Cruise lines are offering to subsidize some long haul airfares. Last minute cruise deals seem to mirror the prices we saw years ago. And cruises close to home, where you can drive less than a couple of hours to the pier are actually lower than they were a year ago.

"As more consumers are planning to stay home because airfare prices are squeezing their budget and particular sailings aren't filling, the cruise lines have cut prices to maintain profitability at maximum passenger loads."

However, if fuel costs continue to rise, we predict there will be fewer people cruising to exotic destinations like Australia, New Zealand, South America or Asia. Even Europe and the Mediterranean will see less passengers. The cost of airfare to get there is too expensive and can cost you more than the cruise these days.  As an example, a 7-Day Western Mediterranean round-trip Barcelona cruise on Norwegian Epic Departs: September 25, 2011. Inside cabins were priced from $759 per peson in late April and a check online reveals the airfare at $1094 per person on American or Delta. That's a total of $3706 for 2! ( these rates are of course subject to change )

The cruise lines need to fill every cabin, every week. Cruise lines derive a lot of their income ( and profits ) by what you buy onboard: drinks, shore excursions, spa treatments, photography, specialty restaurant up charges, gifts and gambling.  An empty cabin can't earn this valuable per capita revenue.

 So, the cruise lines have been scrambling to reposition their ships closer to home, so Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera are your "best on a budget" bets.  Remember, if you drive instead of fly, you won't have to go far to feel a million miles away.  

Many of the major cruise brands such as Carnival, NCL, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises have been reluctant to add a "Fuel Surcharge" of $9 a day per person. $126 a couple for a 7 day cruise. Even though the cruise lines fuel costs have risen dramatically, they know from the last time they imposed such fees, that the traveling public takes a negative view of such actions. It's just not good PR.

So, they adjusted prices and set out to making it easier than ever to getaway on a cruise vacation with a huge selection of 7-10 day cruises sailing from as many as 20 close-to-home departure ports. And if time is short and you can't take seven-days off, consider a cruise from 3 to 5 days. This year you will find dozens of short cruise options at starting prices under $299 per person. With the way airline fares are going up, and baggage fees are soaring, driving a couple of hours doesn't sound like such a bad idea.

There are three, four- and five-night voyages that sail from Miami and offer both Eastern and Western Caribbean ports-of-call. On the West Coast, Royal Caribbean offers four- and five-night Mexican Riviera cruises. You can even take a five-night Bermuda cruise from New York. You can now sail from Baltimore on a year-round basis.

What are the benefits of booking a close-to-home cruise you ask?

So What Are The Benefits of Cruising Close to Home? No flight expenses No airport hassles No need to check in, and out of hotels The ability to stretch your vacation dollar A short drive to a perfect vacation Year-round cruising possibilities for 3 to 12 day vacations Close to home ports will get you to the Caribbean, New England, Alaska, The Bahamas or Mexico for a reasonable priced getaway.

So, save the cost of airfare and drive to where the ship departs. The high cost of air travel is a compelling reason to target cruise ships that sail within a day’s drive or less of your home. Cruising close to home has never been easier.

From the East Coast, you can sail from; Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, New York City, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Port Canaveral, Tampa.

From the West Coast; Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle.
From the Gulf Coast; Galveston, Houston, Mobile, New Orleans.

All total, some 20 close-to-home departures in the United States and Canada. With so many ships now in these close-in markets,  the competition for your cruise dollar is fierce. And that means a great cruise deal for you.

Close To Home Cruising Chart

Cruise Tip: Cruising from the United States to exciting destinations has never been more convenient. In this economy, sailing from a U.S. port is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollar. With over 25 departure ports to choose from, your family can find the perfect cruise! Choose from hundreds of voyages to destinations like the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Canada/New England, and Mexico, even Hawaii! All with the convenience of a short drive.  There are 20 departure ports in the United States and Canada that are ready to welcome you.

It’s only a short distance between you and the perfect cruise. So skip the flight , save money and indulge in fun!

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