The Real Deal: Five nights' accommodations aboard the Celebrity Century, musical performances, all meals, and a Super Bowl party, from $1,399 per person—plus taxes and fees of $249.
When: Depart Jan. 31, 2009.
The fine print: All meals, musical performances by award-winning artists, autograph signings, interview panels, late-night jam sessions, and a Super Bowl party are included. Taxes, port charges, fees, and prepaid gratuities are an additional $249 per person. Based on double occupancy; single supplement starts at $1,050 for an interior stateroom. Airfare is not included. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact: Cruises Only, 877/529-9729, cruisesonly.com.
Why it's a deal: Each traveler saves $50 thanks to the waived fuel surcharge. Consider also that the trip cost breaks down to $330 per person per night and covers taxes, fees, accommodations, all meals, and a Super Bowl party, as well as headliner shows, lounge shows, poolside entertainment, jam sessions, autograph signings, and meet and greets with award-winning artists.
Trip details: The Smooth Music Cruise special includes five nights aboard the 1,814-passenger Celebrity Century, all meals, a Super Bowl party, and live performances by winners of Grammy, Tony, and Emmy awards. Larry Carlton, Marion Meadows, Boney James, Mindi Abair, Heather Headley, Acoustic Alchemy, Steve Cole, Shilts, and Alan Hewitt are among the 16 scheduled performers.
The lowest price is based on a stay in an interior stateroom, which measures 174 square feet and comes with two twin beds that can convert into a queen. Expect standard amenities like air-conditioning, a private bathroom with a shower, cotton towels, bathrobes, a minibar, and a 20-inch TV set.
Upgrade to an ocean-view room for an additional $100 per person or add $400 per person for an ocean-view room with a veranda. Cabin upgrades for solo travelers start at $175 for an ocean-view stateroom.
The ship features a luxurious spa, AquaSpa, a two-story restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, a clubroom, and a martini bar. Can't live without e-mail? You'll be relieved to know that Internet stations are available.
You'll set sail in Miami and make stops in Key West, Coco Cay—a Celebrity Cruises private island where you'll hang by the beach—and Nassau, the capital and commercial heart of the Bahamas. Land activities are not included, so you'll be free to explore the ports of call on your own. The journey concludes in back in Miami on February 5 around 10 a.m.
For tips on what to do in the areas, visit the official Web sites of the Florida Tourism Board, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas.
Getting there: Here's a sampling of round-trip fares to Miami, departing January 31 and returning February 5: $166 from New York City (American), $180 from Chicago (Delta), $255 from Houston (Continental), $277 from Seattle (Northwest), and $289 from L.A. (American).
