The Real Deal: Five nights' aboard a cruise ship, meals, all beverages except for soda and alcohol, and most entertainment on board, from $549 per person — plus estimated taxes and fees of $92.
When: Depart from Norfolk, Va., on Saturday, May 2, 2009; add $10 for May 16; $100 for May 30; $200 for June 13; other dates are available at a higher price.
The fine print: Transportation to and from Norfolk, Va., is not included. Additional government taxes and fees are an estimated $92 per person. Airport-port transfers are not included but can purchased for an additional $24 per person. Based on double occupancy; solo travelers pay $953. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact: Royal Caribbean, 866/562-7625, royalcaribbean.com.
Why it's a deal: This cruise package breaks down to about $128 per night and covers five nights of sailing with shipboard accommodations, meals, some beverages, entertainment, and taxes. Considering that the brochure rate for this cruise is $799, you'll be saving $250 per person.
Itinerary: Depart from Norfolk, Va., at 4 p.m. Sail two nights and arrive at King's Wharf, Bermuda, at 9 a.m. Spend one night docked at King's Wharf, departing at 4 p.m. on your second day there. Spend two nights cruising and arrive in Norfolk at 7 a.m. No activities are included while at King's Wharf; your time is yours for enjoying the pink-sand beaches, the historic streets of St. George, the arts and crafts markets, and other island offerings as you please.
Lodging: Five nights in an interior stateroom aboard the 2,446-passenger Grandeur of the Seas. Add $150 per person for five nights in an outside cabin; $700 per person for five nights in a room with a balcony; and $950 per person for five nights in a deluxe suite.
More: No activities are included while at King's Wharf, but you can choose to add on a variety of excursions, such as a two-hour glass-bottom-boat cruise ($46 per person) or a two-hour cave adventure ($65 per person). Check Royal Caribbean's Web site for a complete list of activities. You can also add pre- and post-cruise hotel stays in Norfolk. For example, a two-night pre-cruise stay at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott is about $404 per room; nightly rates vary depending on hotel and availability.
Before you go: For more information about Bermuda, visit the official Web site for the Bermuda Department of Tourism.
