Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Feb. 21
The deal
There’s never been a better time to go to the Caribbean. If the palm trees and sun-kissed beaches weren’t enough to lure you away from the dead of winter and the pressure of Valentine’s Day (Did I say pressure? I meant delight!), then check this out: Norwegian Cruise Line is offering a 7-night sailing on Feb. 21, aboard the Norwegian Spirit, starting from just $509 (originally $1,399).
After sailing south from New Orleans and spending day two catching sunny rays in the Gulf of Mexico, the Spirit ventures into the port of Costa Maya, a quaint village with all the perks of a modern city, including restaurants, bars, and shops.
Next, the vessel arrives in Santo Tomas Bay in Guatemala — a rare, beautiful, and relatively new cruise-ship destination (since 2004), possessing many undisturbed Mayan artifacts. After Guatemala, the ship makes a stop in Belize City, allowing willing passengers to zip-line through jungles and scuba dive in its reef-spackled waters.
The last hurrah before returning to New Orleans is Cozumel, located on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The epitome of eco-tourism, Cozumel features miles of sugary-sand beaches, preserved natural resources, and locally sustained restaurants.
The dollars
The prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. They include port charges, but do not include airfare (where applicable), airport, or government taxes or fees.
The catch
You’ll have to make your own way to New Orleans if you aren’t already there.
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