The Real Deal: A round-trip sail from Miami with ports of call in Samaná, Dominican Republic; Saint Thomas, U.S.V.I.; Tortola, B.V.I.; and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas; seven nights in an inside cabin aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Pearl; all meals, water, coffee, tea, and juice; and port charges, from $299 per person—plus $84 in taxes.
When Depart Nov. 7; add $50 for Nov. 14, 28; $150 for Nov. 21, 2009.
The fine print: Taxes and fees are an additional $84 per person. Round-trip airport-hotel transfers are an additional $40 per person. Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $299. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact: Cruises for Less, 800/780-9002, cruisesforless.com.
Why it's a deal: The cost of this cruise breaks down to $55 a night and includes a seven-night sail with accommodations in an inside cabin, most meals and beverages, onboard entertainment, and taxes.
With a rate this low, you'd be saving 77 percent off brochure prices, although the rate is comparable to what you'll find on Kayak.
More: Optional shore excursions include a three-hour exploration of caves and mangroves in Samana ($79 per person), a one-hour jet-boat ride along the Saint Thomas harbor ($50 per person), a four-hour coast-to-coast scenic drive on Tortola ($55 per person), and seven hours of snorkeling in Great Stirrup Cay ($29 per person).
Add $100 per person to upgrade to an ocean-view cabin; $380 per person for a cabin with a balcony; $600 per person for a suite. Additional nights at the Hilton Miami Downtown start at $199 per room.
