New Disney Ship Disney Dream Boasts Exciting New Features

Disney has just revealed some exciting new features for their newest cruise ship addition, the 128,000 ton Disney Dream. One of the most innovative and alluring features is a 765-foot long water coaster ride that will reportedly be called the AquaDuck. The Dream will also boast "virtual portholes" in the inside cabins which will be fed by video cameras on the outside of the ship.

According to the official Disney Cruise Website, 

"To step aboard the Disney Dream is to be instantly transported to an age of adventure and wonder, where elegance and sophistication mingle with Disney storytelling and whimsy. Inside is an attention to detail one would only expect from Disney. Lavish decorative murals mingle with sparkling fixtures and furnishings. Original paintings, statues and woodwork envelope Guests in a radiant Art Deco ambiance that is both rich and distinctive."

Here's an amazing video of the planned "Aqua Duck" water coaster from the Disney Imagineers...






Bookings for the Disney Dream open this week with her maiden voyage departing Port Canaveral on January 26, 2011.

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Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

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Previous Post: Priceline Coupon - Priceline Coupon - NCL Cruises from $149 + $300 Free Spending

Priceline Coupon - NCL Cruises from $149 + $300 Free Spending

Sail away with Priceline's super low prices on Norwegian Cruise Line and enjoy Freestyle Cruising from just $40/Night! Use this Priceline coupon to book NCL Cruises from $149, Plus get up to $300 FREE spending and more! The deal ends soon so hurry and check availability (Expires 11/10/09).

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Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

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Previous Post: Does the Price of a Cruise Include All Expenses?

Worried About Cruise Expenses

Q. Does the Price of a Cruise Include All Expenses?

A. I can't tell you how many time I've seen distressed faces on cruise passengers while waiting to disembark. I can't begin to count the number of times I've witnessed couples fighting over the money that was spent on their "all-inclusive" cruise. A fairly close friend of mine went so far as to say she would never set foot on a cruise ship again after the money she was forced to pay on her first cruise several years ago. She booked what she believed to be a very sweet deal, but she ended up paying more than five times that amount when it was all said and done. While the cruise worked out initially to be the cheapest vacation option, it ended up being the most expensive option by the time she factored in all of the extra costs.

This type of experience is completely unnecessary and can be completely avoided by doing some advance planning. You'll need to know what the cruise line expects you to pay extra for, and then YOU decide what you're willing to spend. Just lke you do at home, weigh the cost versus benefit of everything very carefully. If it's a necessary expense and vital to the cruise experience, then spend away. But if it's simply "fluff," then just say no!

Remember to keep careful track of your spending while onboard. Some cruise lines now allow you check your account balance live at any time on your stateroom television. If this option is not available however, make a quick stop at the purser's desk to get a printout of your account status. You should use this account information to adjust your spending patterns daily. If you go over budget, simply tighten the belt to get back on track

I recommend some studying before your set sail on your first cruise so that you'll be in the know on everything. There's an eBook called Cruising On A Budget - How To Go On Exciting Cruises Without Draining Your Bank that I highly recommend. It use to cost $47 but the company has reduced it to $9.97 which makes it a steal. Get to know this material backward and forward, even put it on your travel laptop, and you'll be certain to have a much better cruise experience.

You can get it on the Wings of Success Website.

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Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

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Previous Post: Cruise Strategy: Search Kayak, Then Bid Sky Auction

Cruise Strategy: Search Kayak, Then Bid Sky Auction

Did you know that scores of cruise cabins are cancelled at the last minute by early birds (cruise travelers who book cabins a year or more in advance)?  These cruises, as they become available, are relisted on Kayak and simultaneiousy auctioned off at SkyAuction.com.

Kayak is a cruise consolidator website with direct cruise prices from leading wholesalers, and SkyAuction is a cruise auction site where you bid for travel deals.

Tip: Before you put in a bid, know the fair market value of the deal by searching Kayak first. Then, refrain from emotional bidding and make a deal with yourself to limit your max bid on SkyAuction. Kayak then Sky Auction..., got it?

Related Posts:
Search Kayak for Cruises

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Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

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Previous Post: Intelligent Cruiser Ofers New Benefits

Intelligent Cruiser: Review of The "IntelligentCruiser" Program

Have you been dreaming about relaxing on a luxury cruise ship but find yourself worrying about the fare and incidental expenses?

A new program called IntelligentCruiser has been receiving rave reviews because it is making good on it's promises... InteligentCruiser promises to educate you quickly on how to book your discount cruise as the lowest price and how to go on all those great cruise excursions without spending any money! The program also tells you about all the “under-the-radar” techniques for saving big on cruises.

I have used Intelligent Cruiser since it's initial release and have been a VERY satisfied customer. With their cruise discount and savings program, you'll learn how cruise lines use certain fear tactics to get you to book through them. For example, they'll try to trap you by making up hypothetical situations like if you return late, experience a problem on an excursion, or fail to arrive back to your cruise ship on time. They'll tell you that if you do not book through them there are chances that you'll be ripped off. So, if you are a fully aware and well prepared cruise buyer then you'll be ready to defend yourself against these types of tactics and get the best deals. You don't have to pay more for your cruise to get peace of mind and you don't have to settle for over-crowded and boring excursions.

IntelligentCruiser tells you everything yo need to know about saving money on your cruises. Here are just a few of the things you'll get with the Intelligent Cruiser program:

• The KEY to avoiding the most critical mistake that 99% of passengers make.

• The two vital rules that guarantee you’ll be treated like royalty and be spoiled like crazy by every crew member.

• How to tap into a treasure chest of savings that even the most experienced cruise passengers don't know exist.

• The 6 little-known methods that allow you to CRUISE FOR FREE for the rest of your life…others are using these methods every day, so don't be left out!

• How to instantly slash the cost of every spa and salon treatment by 50% so that you can pamper yourself over and over again.

• How to make the most out of your trip and turn even a budget cruise into a dream vacation!

• The dirty hidden truth about cruise lines' shore excursion programs. Let me warn you: You will be left shaking your head in complete disgust with this one.

• A full list of 57 expert tricks that will guarantee you are the most well-prepared and educated passenger on your ship.

• How to save an insane amount of money on every tour and activity in every port of call. I'll uncover the false myths and you'll instantly save up to 75% on everything you want to do.

• How to exploit a loophole in cruise line’s casino policies that will actually boost your airline frequent flyer miles in seconds!

• Discover the only way that you can guarantee your cruise vacation gets off to a perfect, worry-free start.

• A magical trick to getting an amazing bouquet of fresh flowers in your cabin every single day for absolutely free while everyone else spends a fortune for just one rose!

• How to stay far away from the money-sucking traps cruise lines use to take advantage of unprepared passengers.

• A fool-proof method for becoming a member of a cruise line’s Loyalty Program even if you’ve never cruised before. Instantly receive every discount and benefit of a veteran cruiser.

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Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

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Previous Post: 4 Methods for Discovering Discount Cruises

Finding Discount Cruises

Contact Cruise Lines Directly
 
The first thing you should do is contact the individual cruise lines directly to see what they are offering. In this difficult economy, many cruise lines are offering last minute cruise deals that are really extraordinary. All of the major carriers have their own web sites and they're packed with valuable information.

Search Kayak for Discount Cruises
 
Second, check the Kayak travel website for cruise specials. Kayak is a cruise consolidator and can arrange some amazing rates, particularly on last minute cruises. There's a Kayak search engine in my topbar!

Speak to Travel Agency Cruise Specialists
 
Third, contact a couple travel agencies and speak to their cruise specialists. These folks specialize in cruises and can tell you just about everything you want to know on the subject.

Check the Travel Classifieds for Cruise Transfers
 
Fourth, check the travel section in your local newspaper to see if any individuals are selling out their existing positions. Occasionally individuals and families have a change in plans and will let their vacation go for a cheap transfer.

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Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

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Previous Post: Cruise Tips | Friendly Cruise Advice

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Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

---

Previous Post: Intelligent Cruiser: Review of The "IntelligentCruiser" Program

Intelligent Cruiser: Review of The "IntelligentCruiser" Program

Have you been dreaming about relaxing on a luxury cruise ship but find yourself worrying about the fare and incidental expenses?

A new program called IntelligentCruiser has been receiving rave reviews because it is making good on it's promises... InteligentCruiser promises to educate you quickly on how to book your discount cruise as the lowest price and how to go on all those great cruise excursions without spending any money! The program also tells you about all the “under-the-radar” techniques for saving big on cruises.

I have used Intelligent Cruiser since it's initial release and have been a VERY satisfied customer. With their cruise discount and savings program, you'll learn how cruise lines use certain fear tactics to get you to book through them. For example, they'll try to trap you by making up hypothetical situations like if you return late, experience a problem on an excursion, or fail to arrive back to your cruise ship on time. They'll tell you that if you do not book through them there are chances that you'll be ripped off. So, if you are a fully aware and well prepared cruise buyer then you'll be ready to defend yourself against these types of tactics and get the best deals. You don't have to pay more for your cruise to get peace of mind and you don't have to settle for over-crowded and boring excursions.

IntelligentCruiser tells you everything yo need to know about saving money on your cruises. Here are just a few of the things you'll get with the Intelligent Cruiser program:

• The KEY to avoiding the most critical mistake that 99% of passengers make.

• The two vital rules that guarantee you’ll be treated like royalty and be spoiled like crazy by every crew member.

• How to tap into a treasure chest of savings that even the most experienced cruise passengers don't know exist.

• The 6 little-known methods that allow you to CRUISE FOR FREE for the rest of your life…others are using these methods every day, so don't be left out!

• How to instantly slash the cost of every spa and salon treatment by 50% so that you can pamper yourself over and over again.

• How to make the most out of your trip and turn even a budget cruise into a dream vacation!

• The dirty hidden truth about cruise lines' shore excursion programs. Let me warn you: You will be left shaking your head in complete disgust with this one.

• A full list of 57 expert tricks that will guarantee you are the most well-prepared and educated passenger on your ship.

• How to save an insane amount of money on every tour and activity in every port of call. I'll uncover the false myths and you'll instantly save up to 75% on everything you want to do.

• How to exploit a loophole in cruise line’s casino policies that will actually boost your airline frequent flyer miles in seconds!

• Discover the only way that you can guarantee your cruise vacation gets off to a perfect, worry-free start.

• A magical trick to getting an amazing bouquet of fresh flowers in your cabin every single day for absolutely free while everyone else spends a fortune for just one rose!

• How to stay far away from the money-sucking traps cruise lines use to take advantage of unprepared passengers.

• A fool-proof method for becoming a member of a cruise line’s Loyalty Program even if you’ve never cruised before. Instantly receive every discount and benefit of a veteran cruiser.

---

Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

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Previous Post: Finding Last Minute Cruise Specials

The Kayak Cruise Search Advantage

I love the Kayak search engine for cruises because the output is so much simpler to understand than the traditional cruise websites. Kayak's reach is broad, quoting rates for all major cruiselines in one place. Kayak co-founder and CEO Steve Hafner says this about his business,

“We created the site to meet the needs of today’s consumers who are frustrated at having to search multiple sites to find the best deal. With just one click, visitors at Kayak.com will be able to see prices and services in real-time."

He goes on to say,

"Kayak.com’s reach is so comprehensive that consumers will often find an itinerary on Kayak.com that they may not have found on their own. Not only does Kayak.com provide consumers with more travel options than any other site, but it also gives consumers the freedom to choose where to buy their travel."

If you would like to give the Kayak search engine a try, look up - there's a Kayak search engine just above this post!

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Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

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Previous Post: Get Some Exercise While Cruising

Get Some Exercise While Cruising

The elevators on your cruise ship will usually be crowded, especially around dinner and show times. If you're physically able, why not get some exercise and try taking the stairs? I guarantee that it will make you feel better!

Another option for exercise outside of the cruise ship fitness center? Take a refreshing lap on the Promenade Deck.

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Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

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Previous Post: The Carnival Cruise "Smeller" Commercial

I just saw Carnival Cruises' “New Ship Smell” commercial on TV - the one with the nerdy guy in a track suit exploring the new Carnival ships.

It's pretty funny really. This geek kinda' guy starts exploring a Carnival Cruise ship and starts smelling things like the railings and decorations. It got me to wondering what types of new features these Carnival cruise ships must have.

If you recall, Carnival Cruise branding has always been strong on “FUN”. I wonder how these newer ships are implementing that concept in term of amenities,itineraries, etc.

These new ships, the Carnival "Splendor" and the Carnival "Dream" have fun and features for all ages.

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Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

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Previous Post: Carnival Cruise Line Now Offers Short Cruises - Test Your “Sea Legs” On a 2 Day Cruise

Carnival Cruise Line Short Cruises
If you’re relatively new to cruising and would like to try a shorter cruise voyage before committing to a long one, I suggest you look at one of the short cruises that are offered by Carnival Cruise Lines.

Carnival Cruise Lines has some terrific cruises available in the 2 to 5 day range. In fact, Carnival runs the largest short cruise program in the entire cruise industry. You can take a short ocean cruise on one of 12 different ships departing from 12 different North American home ports.

A short cruise gives new passengers a general idea of what cruising is all about. A Carnival 2 day cruise is perfect if you’re worried about becoming seasick or don't have enough time to take a longer cruise. The good news is that you can take a short cruise over the weekend and not even iss a day of work!

Enjoying the ocean air, eating amazing food, and watching some great live entertainment for a couple days is a nice way to refresh yourself from the boring routine of every day life. You can exercise in their  state-of-the-art fitness facilities, go swimming in their pools or get pampered in their wonderful spa too.

Another benefit of taking a Carnival 2 Day Cruise is the lower cost. You may have to pay for some of the extra things like spa treatments or shore excursions, but everything else is inclusive. Carnival has a very affordable short cruise that leaves from Miami Beach and Port Canaveral in Southern Florida. On the west coast, there’s a Carnival cruise that departs from Long Beach, California and journeys to Ensenada, Mexico.
To get the best selection and the best rates, you should always plan your cruise well in advance. If you can’t plan in advance, bookmark this blog for last minute cruise specials.

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Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

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Previous Post: 4 Tips for Finding Cheap Last Minute Cruises

Welcome to the Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog! In this initial article I will highlight some very basic tips on finding a cheap last minute cruise.

Contact Cruise Lines Directly
The first thing you should do is contact the individual cruise lines directly to see what they are offering. In this difficult economy, many cruise lines are offering last minute cruise deals that are really extraordinary. All of the major carriers have their own web sites and they're packed with valuable information.

Search Kayak for Discount Cruises
Second, check the Kayak travel website for cruise specials. Kayak is a cruise consolidator and can arrange some amazing rates, particularly on last minute cruises.

Speak to Travel Agency Cruise Specialists
Third, contact a couple travel agencies and speak to their cruise specialists. These folks specialize in cruises and can tell you just about everything you want to know on the subject.

Check the Travel Classifieds for Cruise Transfers
Fourth, check the travel section in your local newspaper to see if any individuals are selling out their existing positions. Occasionally individuals and families have a change in plans and will let their vacation go for a cheap transfer.

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Recommended Reading
Read the Intelligent Cruiser eBook - "an absolute treasure chest of cruise savings. We learned so much about cruise ship discounts and as a result were able to get our cruise fare reduced by $400 without any effort at all." 
       - Last Minute Cruise Specials Blog

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