Cruise

Winter is thawing out, and spring is upon us. So what's a good buy in April, and what should you hold off on buying?

Cruises
Typically, April is a good month for cruises. But we discovered last month that cruise prices in general have been dropping when compared to last year, likely due to the industry's tumultuous string of recent public disasters. In fact, when compared to similar cruise deals from this time last year, 2012's offers are as much as 11 percent less. And we have continued to see an increase in the sheer number of cruise deals as well, making it still a good time (price-wise) to look into a vacation on the seas.

Spring Apparel… Almost
The general rule of thumb is to wait about two months after a new line of apparel hits stores to start seeing some of the better discounts. Many retailers began to debut their spring merchandise in late January and February, so that places April at about the two-month mark for some. Look closely at the discounts though: a spring sale that takes 30 to 40 percent off is still a mid-season promotion; you'll want a sale that takes at least 50 percent off or more, and if you can hold steady for a stacking coupon code, all the better. If you truly want the lowest prices — which of course comes with reduced selection — you'll likely want to wait until May.Read more

The new year hasn't been kind to the cruise industry. In the past two months we've seen one ship capsize, three separate norovirus outbreaks, a horrible engine room fire, and a ship excursion robbed at gunpoint in Mexico. Images of the helpless ships and passengers captivated viewers on TV and spread across the Internet like a brush fire, creating a public relations nightmare for the cruise industry.

But tough times for the public image of cruise companies mean good times for a customer's wallet — assuming you still want to step aboard a cruise ship at all. After all these ugly mishaps, the industry is not only combating a bad reputation, but also hesitation from travelers. Thus, to coax them from their indecision, numerous cruise lines have offered decreasing prices on their vacations.Read more

By Jeff Zbar
www.chiefhomeofficer.com

Sitting aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines' Enchantment of the Seas, typing blogs about our travels as I gaze seaward into pitch darkness, I'm awaiting an encounter with the sun at the morning horizon. I'm perched in the heralded Viking Crown Lounge, the elevated, disk-like retreat with full panoramic views of the horizon. I call down to the front desk to find which direction we're traveling.

East-northeast, the night-shift receptionist tells me.

In actuality, I cannot see the seas, the horizon, or anything beyond the glass that surrounds me. I hear wind howling and see a driving rain hitting the glass. Mother nature is being thoroughly uncooperative this Sunday morning. No sunrise to be seen, and quite possibly, no sunbathing on deck either. Read more

AirTran Airways just announced a John Mayer sweepstakes promotion where the winner and a guest will be sent on a four-day, four-night Carnival cruise to Mexico with musical artists John Mayer, Guster, O.A.R. and more, from March 27 - 31, 2009. Visit www.airtran.com/cruise from now until February 13 and register for your chance to win.

Airfare will be provided by AirTran Airways to Los Angeles International Airport, near Port San Pedro in Los Angeles, where the Carnival cruise ship is leaving for its destination, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. To be eligible for the sweepstakes you must be a member of AirTran Airways' frequent flyer program, A+ Rewards.

Th cruise, hosted by John Mayer, includes two days at sea on Carnival’s newest ship, the Splendor, with music, contests, karaoke, theme nights and more. The Splendor includes four pools, a spa, casino, 24-hour room service and 22 lounges and bars.

For more information on the John Mayer cruise, visit: www.mayercraftcarrier.com.