Cruise Tracker: A Novel Way to Fund Your Cruise, Holiday Sailings and More

by  Donna Tunney | Oct 28, 2014
Cruise in the ocean
Cruise in the ocean / Vladimir_Timofeev/iStock

Which cruise lines are making headlines this week? We’ve got the latest on luxury sales, a great idea for crowd-funding your next vacation, holiday itineraries, and more. 

Now here's a great idea for newlywed travelers: Rather than asking for home appliances, why not have friends and family contribute to your post-nuptial trip? Princess Cruises' Honeymoon Wishes Registry allows others to chip in for everything from cruise fare and shore excursions to specialty dining and drinks by the pool to relaxing spa treatments. All gifts are applied as an onboard credit to the couple’s stateroom account to use during their honeymoon cruise, and the bride and groom can create an accompanying website to share wedding details and personal photos.

While we're on the topic of love, Paul Gauguin Cruises has rolled out a Fall in Love with Paradise sale on certain 2015 voyages for Tahiti, French Polynesia, South Pacific, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Savings depend on the itinerary and ship -- the luxury line operates the intimate 332-guest Paul Gauguin and the 88-guest Tere Moana. For example, a seven-night Tahiti & Society Islands cruise departing February 28 on Paul Gauguin is now priced at $3,995 per person, knocking nearly 20 percent off the previous $4,945 rate. Must book by November 1.

Still looking to make holiday plans?  MSC Cruises has created three affordable holiday Caribbean voyages departing from Miami on its newest ship, the 3,500-passenger Divina. All itineraries are seven nights, and we encourage you to act fast -- bookings made by October 31 qualify for the line's National Cruise Vacation Month deal, which means nabbing free gratuities and balcony staterooms at ocean view rates. The details:

  • The Thanksgiving cruise, departing November 22, calls at Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico, and the Bahamas -- and features a traditional turkey dinner as well as all-day football games in the ship's sports bar. Special events for kids include a costume parade and scavenger hunt. From $379 per person.
  • The Hanukkah cruise leaves December 13 for St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. The ship will host nightly Menorah lightings and serve traditional holiday foods, with kosher meals available (must be ordered in advance). From $329 per person.
  • The Christmas cruise, decked out in festive decor, leaves December 20 and makes calls at Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Carol singing, a visit from Santa, and special holiday menus are all on the program. From $599 per person.

Good news for mojito revelers mourning the recent closure of Tobacco Road, the iconic Miami bar that had been in business for 102 years. The legendary watering hole will find a new home aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's new 4,200-passenger Norwegian Escape, homeporting in Miami and beginning service in the fall of 2015. The venue will sport elements of the original bar, including its neon sign and photographs showcasing the history of Miami through the lens of the bar's events and happenings. Guests can enjoy brews and spirits, along with specialty cocktails being created for the establishment. The ship will be the largest to call Miami home and will sail six-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean.

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