👍 One of our cruise tips - stay in a hotel before and after your trip for the perfect relaxing vacation. You’ll never have to worry about a delayed flight messing up your cruise. We even have the hotels for you. Stay at the 4.5* Veriu Camperdown in Sydney (35% off) and the 4* Sheraton Waikiki in Honolulu (38% off).

👉 Embark on the ultimate ocean getaway, perfectly bridging the rugged beauty of Australasia with the idyllic luxury of French Polynesia. This 19-day journey is designed for discerning travelers seeking the perfect balance of relaxation, culture, and dramatic scenery. You will start with the dramatic coastlines of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands and the vibrant “City of Sails,” Auckland, before crossing the International Date Line into a world of turquoise lagoons. The itinerary shines with extensive time in the Society Islands, including the majestic volcanic peaks of Moorea, the vibrant culture of Papeete, and the “sacred” waters of Raiatea. It is a rare opportunity to unpack once and explore multiple destinations, ending with the iconic skyline of Honolulu. It’s the perfect blend of high-sea adventure and tropical serenity, providing a stress-free passage from the South Pacific to Hawaii.

🛳️ 4.5* Celebrity Edge

👩 2 adults

📅 18 nights - April 20 - May 8, inside cabin

⁉️ For 2: Pay $2,708 at Vacation Steal …. $3,048 on Retail cruise sites … or $19,124 on the brochure

💵 SAVE 11% off retail and 85% off brochure!

Port Highlights

• Depart: Sydney, Australia
  Set sail from one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours, with iconic views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge fading into the distance. Before departing, spend time walking through Circular Quay, visiting the vibrant cafes in The Rocks, or taking a ferry to Manly. The city offers a bustling cosmopolitan start to your Pacific adventure, with world-class dining and cultural experiences. Your ship leaves from the heart of the city, providing a dramatic departure experience as you glide past dramatic ocean cliffs.

• Bay of Islands, New Zealand (Tendered)
  Known as the “birthplace of New Zealand,” the Bay of Islands offers a stunning blend of history and maritime scenery. This subtropical paradise consists of over 144 islands, making it a hotspot for boat tours and dolphin watching. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed, for a profound cultural experience. Explore the charming historic town of Russell, or take a scenic cruise to the “Hole in the Rock” at Piercy Island, where your captain will navigate through the towering rock formations. The waters here are sparkling, ideal for swimming or snorkeling from a secluded beach.

• Auckland, New Zealand
  Auckland, “The City of Sails,” is New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, set on a narrow isthmus between two harbors. The skyline is dominated by the Sky Tower, offering breathtaking 360-degree views, while the city’s volcanic origins are visible in sites like Mt. Eden. Explore the bustling Viaduct Harbour, home to upscale restaurants, or take a short ferry trip to Waiheke Island for renowned wine tastings, olive groves, and beautiful beaches. The city offers excellent shopping and a fascinating insight into both European and Māori culture, making it a perfect urban contrast to the surrounding natural beauty.

• Raiatea, Society Islands (Tendered)
  As the “Sacred Island” of French Polynesia, Raiatea is considered the cultural heart of Tahiti and the traditional starting point for the migration to Hawaii. The main town, Uturoa, is a charming hub, but the true treasure lies in its navigable Faaroa River and the surrounding lagoons, which are ideal for kayaking or boat excursions. Snorkel in the vibrant coral gardens near Taha’a—a neighboring island sharing the same lagoon—where you can spot diverse marine life and explore the “Coral Garden of Motu Tautau”. It is a tranquil, authentic Polynesian experience, offering opportunities to visit local pearl farms or take a scenic hike.

• Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
  As the capital of French Polynesia, Papeete is a vibrant blend of French sophistication and laid-back Tahitian charm. Walk along the waterfront to the bustling Papeete Market (Le Marché) to browse local handicrafts, vanilla, and colorful pareos (sarongs). The city comes alive at night at the “Roulottes”—open-air food trucks offering delicious, fresh, and affordable meals. For a taste of the island’s natural beauty, drive along the coastal road to see stunning black-sand beaches, lush valleys, and the dramatic Teahupoo surf break.

• Moorea, Society Islands (Tendered)
  Moorea is often considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world, featuring dramatic volcanic peaks that drop sharply into an azure lagoon. This is the place for adventure, with popular shore excursions including snorkeling with stingrays and sharks in the shallow, turquoise waters, or taking a 4x4 safari to the heart of the crater, including a stop at the Belvedere Lookout for breathtaking views of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. Enjoy the relaxed, romantic atmosphere, and explore the lush, tropical scenery that inspired countless artists.

• Arrive: Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
  Your journey concludes on the vibrant island of Oahu, often referred to as “The Gathering Place.” Arrive in Honolulu, a stunning blend of urban luxury, historical significance, and natural beauty. Take a dip at the iconic Waikiki Beach, visit the historic Pearl Harbor National Memorial, or hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater for a panoramic view of the Honolulu skyline. This is the perfect end to a long, relaxing voyage, allowing for a few days to enjoy shopping, dining, and the warmth of the Aloha spirit.

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👍 Honolulu is the ultimate Pacific escape, blending vibrant urban energy with the tranquil “Aloha spirit”. Vacationers flock here to experience the legendary Waikiki Beach, where turquoise waters meet world-class surfing and sun-soaked relaxation. Beyond the shoreline, Honolulu offers an unparalleled mix of adventure and history—from hiking the panoramic Diamond Head volcanic crater to paying respects at the historic Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

It’s a destination where you can spend your morning exploring lush tropical landscapes and your evening enjoying high-end dining, colorful farmers markets, or a traditional luau. Whether seeking the adrenaline rush of snorkeling at Hanauma Bay or simply wanting to lounge under palm trees, this island playground caters to every pace. With warm, year-round weather and a unique fusion of Hawaiian and modern culture, Honolulu offers an unforgettable escape from the everyday.

🏩 4.5* Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

👩 2 adults

📅 3 nights - May 8-11

⁉️ Pay $1,068 on Vacation Steal (includes taxes and fees)… or $1,736 on Hotwire and other public sites

💵 SAVE $667 OR 38%!

Top city highlights

• Waikiki Beach Relaxation: Relax on world-renowned white sands, perfect for swimming, surfing lessons, and catching a breathtaking sunset.

• Diamond Head Hike: Experience a moderate hike to the summit of this iconic volcanic crater for panoramic views of Honolulu and the Pacific.

• Pearl Harbor History: Honor history at the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor National Memorial, a deeply moving, must-visit site.

• Hanauma Bay Snorkeling: Swim in a stunning marine life conservation area, featuring crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful tropical fish.

• Ala Moana Shopping: Explore the world’s largest outdoor shopping mall, blending high-end luxury retailers with local Hawaiian boutiques.

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7 TIPS

1. Port fees and taxes are significant costs that run 10-20% of your base fare.

2. Where are these fees in cruise pricing? They used to be separately priced. But they are now generally included in the quoted fare.

3. How do I see how much I’m actually paying for them. These charges are usually listed separately from the base cruise fare during the booking process. See an actual example above.

4. Are these inflated charges like automatic gratuity? No. They’re passthrough charges for the exact, mandatory costs charged by local governments and port authorities. They normally do not include any markup or profit.

5. What do the fees actually cover? Fees cover docking, pierage, and “head taxes” (e.g., $12.74 per guest at PortMiami) that pay for local police, security, and facility improvements.

6. What are typical port fees and taxes per trip? It depends on where you’re sailing, the number of ports, and the charges from those ports. They usually range from $100-$200 per passenger for a 7 day Caribbean cruise. Total fees for Alaskan and some European cruises can be as high as $350 per person.

7. Are port fees charged for the cruise lines’ own private ports? Of course. This includes:

   1. Perfect Day at CocoCay (Bahamas): Owned by Royal Caribbean, featuring a waterpark, massive pools, and beaches.

   2. Half Moon Cay (Bahamas): Owned by Carnival Corporation (used by Carnival and Holland America).

   3. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Bahamas): An eco-focused island owned by MSC Cruises.

   4. Castaway Cay (Bahamas): Disney Cruise Line’s private island.

   5. Labadee (Haiti): A private destination on the northern coast of Haiti owned by Royal Caribbean.

   6. Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas): Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island.

   7. Harvest Caye (Belize): Norwegian Cruise Line’s resort-style port in Belize.

   8. Princess Cays (Bahamas): Owned by Princess Cruises.

   9. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (Bahamas): Disney Cruise Line’s second private destination.

   10. Celebration Key (Bahamas): A new Carnival Cruise Line destination on Grand Bahama (opened 2025).

   11. Beach Club at Bimini (Bahamas): Used by Virgin Voyages.

13 TIPS

AI in the travel industry stands for All-Inclusive. But sometimes it’s just as mysterious as the Artificial Intelligence on the Internet.

1. Cruises are generally NOT all-inclusive. Click the link to read the AI Cruise Edition.

2. Know your cost options. There are a continuum of accommodation packages from a la carte to all-inclusive. The typical hotel room, Airbnb, or condo is mostly a la carte. Your accommodations include lodging and Internet. Everything else is charged separately. Cruises include some costs. True all-inclusive vacations bundle most hotel-related expenses like meals and drinks in the AI price.

3. Budget accordingly. Create a budget for all your expected vacation expenses and whether or not they’re included with the room. This ensures you can properly compare vacation types and don’t have financial surprises during your trip.

4. All-inclusive can be more expensive than a la carte. A few hotels offer both AI and room-only pricing. They charge $50-150 per person per day extra for AI. That’s more than what most people would pay a la carte.

5. All-Inclusive is convenient. One fixed price covers almost all your resort-related services once you step foot on the property. It makes budgeting simple. Your only other expenses are your flights, airport transfers, and your petsitter if your daughter can’t take the dogs. Bring extra cash for additional tips and a credit card for discretionary gifts. And that’s it.

6. All-inclusive can be an excellent value. 4* AI resorts are priced as low as $300/night, comparable to the hotel room alone in many cities. The affordable pricing is a key factor in their popularity.

7. When to AI. Consider AI vacations if you:

   1. Seek vacation and budgeting simplicity.

   2. Are a medium to heavy drinker.

   3. Will stay on property most or all of your trip.

   4. Eat 3 meals per day and enjoy quality dining. Let the hotel cook for you. Most AI resorts feature excellent food.

8. When not to AI. If you:

   1. Are fine with tracking expenses through your credit card.

   2. If you’ll be actively sightseeing, dining, and clubbing away from the resort.

   3. Are not a drinker.

   4. Seek to keep costs low and cook at your rental apartment.

9. Where to AI. Mid-market to luxury resorts, often at the beach, are the place to go for all-inclusive packages. Resort prices range from $250-$1,000+ per night.

10. All-Inclusives cover most property features. AI fees generally include lodging, unlimited meals (buffets and some à la carte), cafe food, alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks, pools and jacuzzis, on-site activities (non-motorized water, fitness centers, some fitness classes), Internet/wifi, entertainment, taxes, and tips/gratuities.

11. Be a mensch and still tip. Travel is still a person-to-person service business. Even though tips are included, it’s customary (at least for Americans) to additionally tip a modest amount to your direct service staff - housekeepers and servers. It helps ensure they give you the best service, look for you to get your drink order, and reward them if they go out of their way for you. Plus most international resort and cruise staff don’t earn much income. So a few dollars means a lot.

12. Special and premium services aren’t included in AI fees. This may include certain specialty restaurants, romantic private dinners, top-shelf alcohol, wine bottles, cabanas, spa and wellness treatments (massages, salon services), off-site excursions and tours, golf fees, motorized sports (jet skis, boat rentals), and childcare.

13. Double-check resort pricing. Some all-inclusive resorts offer both room-only and all-inclusive rates. But this choice may not be on your booking site or the info can be hard to find. Verify your booking with the resort to avoid problems.

If you’re a regular cruiser you’ve likely salivated at the dream of chucking it all and spending a year on the high seas, sailing to wondrous cities and countries across the globe. What about 3 years?

Miray Cruises from Turkey announced Life at Sea as the longest cruise ever - 1,095 days. The itinerary featured 382 ports in 140 countries. Prices ranged from $90,000 for an inside cabin to $975,000 for a suite, just $82/day for a couple. The $2,500 monthly price was less than that of most apartments in major cities.

The cruise was mostly all-inclusive with meals, soft drinks, tea, and coffee, a drink with dinner, housekeeping and gratuities, Starlink Internet, gym, laundry, entertainment and enrichment programs, and business center. It was perfect for digital nomads who wanted to travel the entire world.

Life at Sea started taking reservations in March 2023. Within a month more than half of the ship’s 400 cabins were under contract with deposits. Joe and Kara Youssef from Ohio in the United States signed on. They sold their apartments and belongings and emptied their savings accounts to make $80,000 in payments.

Giiligan’s three hour Hawaiian tour on the SS Minow met with disaster. So did Life at Sea.

There was just one problem. The cruise owners didn’t have a ship.

Their initial 400 cabin, 1,074 passenger ship wasn’t up to cruising the oceans. They tried to make alternate arrangements but were unsuccessful. The sailing was postponed in November 2023, two weeks before its scheduled departure from Istanbul. It was canceled the next month.

The Youssefs were left stranded in Turkey, trying to get their money back. They said “We sold everything we have to make this dream happen. We feel completely defeated.”

As of January 2024 only negligible refunds had been made to a few cruisers. The cruise principals were individually working on their own future three year cruises.

The Life at Sea website is still up with its broken promises. Read 3-Year Cruise. How It All Unraveled in the New York Times for more detail on this aborted adventure. We cannot find a more recent update on the Youssefs and cruise refunds at the time of this writing in March 2026.

New cruisers are hooked on cruise life. They see the sexy cruise line and YouTube videos and photos. Everybody is having fun on board, whether you seek relaxation in the sun, the experience of new ports, the enrichment of traveling the world, an ongoing party, meeting new friends, or the entire at sea experience.

Convenient domestic departure ports are a quick hop or even drive away without the need for long flights to other countries or even continents. Ships are large enough to offer plenty of entertainment options from water rides and games on top to comedy shows, discos, musical groups, and Broadway shows in the ship. Best of all, the price is affordable.

What’s not to love? Perhaps it’s the surprise in the total cruise bill. Unfortunately those bargain rates don’t tell the full story. You’re paying for your cabin and food, but far from everything on the sailing. That cheap fare is closer to just being an entrance fee than your all-in cost.

7 TIPS

Why your total cruise bill is far more than your cabin

1. Follow the money. The cruise industry spends over $2 billion on commercials, online advertising, and subscriber and member mailings. Their job is to hook you, not provide total disclosure.

2. Your cruise is not all-inclusive. Many all-inclusive resort expenses like beverages, drinks, and tips aren’t included.

3. The cruise lines automatically charge you for gratuities that are significantly more than just dining and housekeeper tips. They include ship crew expenses and compensation that other travel companies and restaurants consider regular corporate costs and pay themselves and/or include in the basic rate.

4. It’s how the industry operates for the mass market. They market a high-quality vacation at an affordable price. There is a powerful incentive to keep the advertised price as low as possible to be competitive in the travel market. It doesn’t pay for a cruise line to be different. Virgin Voyages tried. They initially offered an all-inclusive price. But they later unbundled drinks and tips to be more competitive with mainstream cruise lines.

5. 👉 Here’s what you can do so there are no surprises — Be a smart consumer and do your research. A cruise is a large expense. You wouldn’t buy the first car you see, would you? Make sure the cruise you’re looking at offers the type of cruising and ship features that are best for you. More consumer tips follow.

6. 👉 Look past the pretty advertising. Get the real scoop from the experience of people who have cruised in your life and online. Check out recent cruise line and ship ratings.

7. 👉 Create a budget. Your cabin fare is just one line item in your list of expenses that you can expect to pay.

An example

Your total cruise costs may be far higher from your initial purchase when you select a cabin. Here is a real example. I was on a 13 day Carnival cruise in early 2026. I paid $1,468 for 2 people (includes Vacation Steal’s discount, which was 9%) for an oceanview cabin. Here are key expenses that are cruise add-ons, which would be covered at an all-inclusive resort.

• The drink package alone ($70 pp/day + 18% gratuity) is $2,148, almost one and a half times as much as the cabin.

• Internet for 2 ($32 pp/day) comes to $832.

• The automatic gratuity ($16 pp/day) is $416.

• The total add-ons for gratuities and if you and your partner drink and need Internet are $3,396, over TWO TIMES your cabin. This doesn’t even include excursions or casino gambling.

What started as a $1,468 cruise actually costs $4,864.

Make sure you have a lot of room on the credit card you used for your onboard bill!

The cruise lines play marketing games that you need to be aware of.

• They make it hard to compare pricing. When shopping for your cruise - and the month before you sail after you’ve bought one, you’ll be inundated with lots of perks - free or discounted upgrade, drinks, excursions, onboard credit (OBC), and more.

• They disguise your full cost in advertised prices

• They bill passengers for crew member compensation and services the lines should be paying

• Some nickel and dime you for access that used to be free, such as charging for room service, a second entree, and some entertainment and rides.

Meanwhile they’re paying huge bucks to their CEOs. Mainstream cruise line CEOs receive $10-20 million in annual compensation. It’s not a good look when they’re extremely generous to their executives while stiffing customers. Here are the details.

• Royal Caribbean Group (RCL): CEO Jason Liberty’s compensation was $10.7

  million in 2022, $17.2 million in 2023, and $19.5 million in 2024.

• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH): Incoming CEO John Chidsey has a $1.7 million annual base salary, plus a $2.9 million bonus for 2026 and equity awards totaling $48 million over four years. Outgoing CEO Frank Del Rio made $8.7 million in 2022.

• Carnival Corporation (CCL): Past CEO compensation packages were typically valued over $13 million.

This is a real experience I had in 2024.

I saw the deal on Facebook – $199 for a 5 day 4 night Cancun vacation at the Garza Blanca Cancun. It’s a new gorgeous all-inclusive 5* resort selling apartments. What’s the catch? It required a tour. Still sounds like an amazing deal, right?

It went downhill from there.

The total amount I actually paid for the vacation was about $900, including reservation, booking, and hotel fees and taxes. No longer amazing at $200+ per night for 2. But still an excellent deal, yes?

The marketing company couldn’t book me at the resort. They had a list of hotels they could offer. The 4.5* hotel in the marketing ad wasn’t available. That’s probably a good thing as their reviews were atrocious. The only hotel that got passable reviews was a small 3.5* resort that I could have booked directly for not much more. So let’s call it a “small” deal.

At this point though I was “in”. I had already paid a deposit and spent a few hours researching everything online and talking to the tour marketer. So I took that hotel. At least it was all-inclusive with good food, unlimited drinks, and two pools, we were on the beach, and extra bonus, it was next to a clothing-optional resort.

The day of the tour:

• A little detail - our hotel was a half hour away from the 5* property where the tour would be given. A greeter met us with a taxi.

• First visit and wait was check-in.

• We met our sales rep who took us to breakfast. The star of the meal was a bacon tower. (cue haunting music) A freaking tower. I should have known. The fried, sizzling, artery-clogging bacon tower was the perfect symbol for gluttony and my descent into the nether world.

• Next was the tour of a few apartments and rooftop pool with inifinity pool looking out to the ocean Isla Mujeres, all gorgeous and new. It would have been nice stay there. Hell looks amazing on the outside.

• Then over to another building and the open sales room. Thankfully they served drinks. The obligatory bell was rung occasionally for closed sales.

• There was the sales video … meeting with the sales rep. … meeting with his manager … dropin from the sales VP, with waits between them all. Every time, a better deal. That I could only buy today. I considered and declined all.

• We were taken to the transportation booker in a different building. He gave me the 4th sales pitch of the visit for a minideal to return next year.

• Finally we taxied back to our hotel.

The sales tour was supposed to take 2 hours. Our ordeal lasted 6 hours. The experience pretty much wasted the day and stole a part of our souls.

You have to ask yourself - Is all that worth it to save a few hundred dollars?

9 TIPS

1. Cruise fare history is valuable when planning a trip. Stateroom pricing is dynamic, based on availability (demand), season, promotions, final payment date, and the departure date. Price patterns of similar sailings for that cruise line, ship, and itinerary aren’t a guarantee of future price patterns. But it’s a strong indicator to help you determine when to book.

2. Use CruisePlum to track fares of upcoming sailings. The chart above is for the Norwegian Spirit departing Tahiti May 15th and arriving Honolulu May 27th. The chat shows fares from when the cruise was listed in September 2024, almost 2 years before departure, to March 21st, 8 weeks before departure. The observations below show how to use the chart in your planning.

3. Don’t use CruisePlum for the best price. It’s fine to normalize fares when comparing cruises. To book use Vacation Steal where the wholesale price is 5-15% off public sites, including those shown by CruisePlum. This cruise was a featured Vacation Steal Live Steal. Buy a balcony stateroom now for just $2,970 for 2, 9% off retail.

4. Find a similar cruise (line, duration, departure port) for your analysis that leaves as soon as possible for the longest price tracking. Cruise lines increase discounts until sold out up to departure.

5. Booking early when the cruise is first listed often provides only a slightly lower price than a later booking. In our example the fares are mostly flat and rise less than 10% the first 14 months.

6. Fare typically and regularly drop after the final payment date - 3 or 4 months before sailing. In the cruise above, the fare reductions start a month early on Dec 8, over 5 months before departure. This early drop may be due to a holiday promotion. The final payment for most Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) sailings is due 4 months prior to the departure date. That applies to standard staterooms, suites, and The Haven, for both regular and holiday sailings.

7. Sometimes stateroom class pricing can be the same or even reversed. In our example there are a few late dates where Oceanview and Inside rooms are virtually the same.

8. It can be worth waiting for price reductions. The biggest drop on this cruise is over 61% for Balcony staterooms.

9. Watch out for sold out classes. The suites appear to have sold out Feb 26th, though one or few opened a week later.

10. When to purchase is a balancing act. You’ll need to weigh waiting for more discounts against cabin class availability. In our example, suites were unavailable for a week. Then fares flattened on March 8th. These are key buying signals.

👍 Never been to the South Pacific? Why stay at one island when you can visit several!

🛳️ 3.7* Norwegian Spirit

👩 2 adults

📅 12 nights - May 15-27, balcony cabin

⁉️ For 2: Pay $2,970 at Vacation Steal …. $3,222 on Retail cruise sites like Vacations To Go … or $40,232 on the brochure

💵 SAVE 9% off retail and 93% off brochure!

🏝️ STEAL THIS DEAL 🏝️

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Price is from an actual listing and must be booked on Vacation Steal, a private member site. Pricing is dynamic. Book resorts, hotels, villas, and cruises worldwide at WHOLESALE to save up to 89% off public prices.

Vacation Steal memberships deliver the best of both worlds. You get not only the convenience and power of online booking at VacationSteal.com, but also the expertise and service of a travel agent. Your agent can help you with travel and property questions, fast bookings, reservation help, correcting errors, and fixing problems while you’re on your trip.

In both cases you get our huge WHOLESALE booking savings at over two million properties!

Travel agents continue to offer real value in an era when almost anyone can book a trip online in minutes. While online booking is easy for simple point-to-point travel, it often leaves travelers to sort through endless options, fine print, and hidden tradeoffs on their own. A skilled travel agent helps cut through that noise.

One of the biggest advantages of using a travel agent is expertise. Agents know destinations, suppliers, cruise lines, resorts, tour operators, and airfare rules in ways that most consumers do not. They can recommend the right fit based on budget, travel style, family needs, and priorities, rather than just showing the cheapest or most heavily promoted option. That guidance can prevent expensive mistakes, such as choosing the wrong hotel location, booking risky flight connections, or overlooking visa and entry requirements.

Travel agents also save time. Instead of spending hours comparing websites, reading reviews, and trying to understand policies, travelers can rely on someone who already knows where to look and what questions to ask. Travel agents are ideal for complex itineraries, group trips, cruises, luxury travel, and special occasions.

Travel agents are critical when something goes wrong. If a flight is canceled, a hotel reservation is lost, or weather disrupts plans, the website doesn’t provide personal service. You’ll have to deal with multiple suppliers. A travel agent can step in as an advocate, coordinate changes, and help solve problems faster.

Agents can also provide added value through upgrades, onboard credits, package amenities, or insider promotions not easily found online. Even when prices are similar, the service and peace of mind can make the difference.

Online booking is useful for straightforward travel, but travel agents offer expertise, efficiency, personalized service, and support. For many travelers, that makes the difference in ensuring a travel experience to remember.

Check our Contact page to call or chat with our agents.

If you’re a VS Insider member, you already know it’s a great place to book travel. Vacation Steal provides WHOLESALE travel savings … access to two million properties, including resorts, hotels, condos and villas, and cruises … and full-service travel agents with personal concierge.

But Vacation Steal is more than a booking site. Our VS Charter Club takes your membership to the next level for a complete travel club experience.

• Full, unlimited savings. Save thousands of dollars per year with up to 89% discounts like below if you go on even one vacation per year.

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• Earn free travel on your travel and that of all your family and friends.

Best of all, the VS Charter Club can pay for itself in your first trip.

Set up a meeting now to learn more and Get a complimentary luxury cruise certificate!

Cruiser Profile

We are an early 60s athletic couple who dance and enjoy music and shows, but don’t drink, don’t gamble, and generally don’t participate in organized activities like theme nights and game shows. We cruise to relax together and get our fun from the gym, sun, and dancing.

The ratings categories show what’s important to us. Your mileage may be different.

Cruise Profile

Ship: Carnival Conquest, first sailed 2002. 2,980 passengers. Learn About the ship at bottom.

Sailing: 13 days in January out of Miami with 5 port stops - St. Thomas, Aruba, Bonaire, St. Lucia, Barbados. This was a specialty cruise due to a drydock schedule change under the SEA adults-only program. The sailing was not available via retail. It was marketed directly to Carnival casino and VIFP loyalty members, and quickly sold out.

Interesting fact: about 500 parties (30% of passengers) were on back-to-back cruises with the Conquest. There was a 12 day cruise immediately prior to ours. So that’s almost a month at sea for them!

Review

4.0 Average rating. Carnival put the emphasis on price and food. That worked for us and helped make up for many of the shortcomings below. We had an excellent cruise and recommend the long SEA cruises if they fit with your lifestyle (and you don’t bring the kids!)

Ratings - 1 to 5 (high)

5 Intangible - An adults-only long cruise is the way to go. It was relaxing, generally not busy, and mostly quiet, not like short sailings.

7 Value - The price was amazing (which was why it got extra points) - under $1,500 for the 13 day cruise oceanfront cabin. It worked out to $122 per day … for two. This includes the Vacation Steal wholesale discount, which saved another 9%. We essentially got a two week cruise for the price of just one. We had no unexpected expenses. There were few a la carte prices.

3 Ship - Includes room and programs. The ship was adequate. The Conquest is an older ship in excellent shape, only a bit dated, without the frills and attractions of larger and megaships. It was easy to get around (except for Deck 3 where you can’t go from front to back of the ship). We saw little evidence of its age. The 7 deck high atrium was cool. The room and service were fine. We rarely had to wait for elevators. There were a decent number of activities. But we found few compelling and mostly weren’t interested in or didn’t have time for them. The onboard wifi was excellent, though pricy.

5 Food - The SEA program boasted an elevated menu. This sailing did not disappoint. Lobster was on the main dining room menu almost every night. Many dishes, even at the buffet, were world-class. The buffet ranged from inspired to acceptable.

4 Gym - Very good selection of newer machines. Decent free weights and workout area. Enough treadmills and bikes. Better than many resorts. I typically didn’t have to wait for equipment. There were a few fitness classes and they all had a fee.

3 Dancing. “Showtime!” - the crew dancing during dinner to fun tunes was great fun, especially if you get up and join them like we did. The disco was fair. The space was fine but the music was hit or miss. We’re there to groove to music we know, not be impressed by the DJ’s catalog. There are literally a thousand hit and well-known dance tunes to choose from over the past 50 years. Why would you play a lot of B-sides or unknown groups?

2 Jacuzzis/Pools. There are 2 main swimming pools and 5 jacuzzis, not enough for a ship that size. Availability was hit or miss, though we always were able to find a deck lounge in the sun or the shade. It would have been much worse with children. Fortunately many people didn’t find our secret place - the hot tubs in the adults-only Serenity section on Deck 14 at the top of the ship.

2 Entertainment. Includes shows inside and rides outside. Entertainment was a disappointment. The cabaret shows and music on stage and the atrium were uneven. A few good acts, many so-so. No big or Broadway productions. Topside there was no water park or other attractions, just one slide, which was good.

What is Carnival Cruise SEA?

Carnival Cruise Line’s SEA (Sailings Exclusively for Adults) program offers 21+ adults-only voyages featuring enhanced casinos, specialized entertainment, and 5-star dining, debuting on select 2025-2026 itineraries. These, often invitation-only, sailings include themed parties, extended casino hours, and targeted perks for gamblers, running on ships like Carnival Dream, Glory, and Conquest.

About the Carnival Conquest

From Cruise Critic

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

When it was launched in 2002, Carnival Conquest was the largest ship in the Carnival fleet – a stretched version of the Destiny-class that now includes Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Sunrise, and Carnival Radiance.

Since then, the ship has undergone a number of refurbishments and refreshes that have left if in excellent condition, even if the décor onboard is decidedly “Old School Carnival” – and we’re OK with that. Then-lead designer Joe Farcus crafted Carnival Conquest’s interiors to be a feast for the senses, and they certainly are that, from the upscale confines of Alfred’s Bar to the absolutely retina-shattering décor in the Blues Piano Bar (which does look better at night).

Carnival Conquest was scheduled for a refresh after this cruise. Prior to that, it most recently refreshed in 2022, expanding the Tahiti Casino and adding Carnival’s new Adventure Store on Deck 5 (where Pixels Photo Gallery used to be), along with a new Dreams Photo Studio on Deck 3 (where the Art Gallery used to be).

Additionally, soft furnishings throughout the ship and cabins were replaced: our spring 2024 voyage featured brand-new carpeting, shower curtains and blackout drapes in our balcony cabin, plus new bedside lighting with much-appreciated USB power outlets – a must on these ships, which have always been notoriously short on in-cabin power.

The result is a ship that feels new and modern – even if some minor wear and tear is apparent around the vessel, crewmembers are always hard at work replacing decking, repainting, and cleaning 24 hours a day.

👍 Sydney is a premier vacation destination because it seamlessly blends iconic urban landmarks with a relaxed, outdoor coastal lifestyle. Visitors are drawn to world-famous sights like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, paired with stunning, accessible beaches such as Bondi and Manly. The city offers a unique combination of bustling metropolitan energy and natural beauty, including spectacular harbour views, coastal walking trails like the Bondi to Coogee path, and easy access to nature.

🏩 4.5* Veriu Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia

👩 2 adults

📅 7 nights - March 21-28

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Sydney offers:

• Iconic Landmarks & Culture: Exploring the bustling Circular Quay, historic The Rocks area, and world-class dining, particularly seafood.

• Coastal Lifestyle: Enjoying sandy beaches, surfing, and the famous ocean-front Bondi Icebergs pool.

• Unique Activities: Taking harbor cruises, whale watching (seasonally), or walking the spectacular coastline.

• Vibrant Atmosphere: Experience a cosmopolitan city known for its safety, diverse culinary scene, and pleasant weather.

• Nature Access: Exploring the Royal Botanic Garden or taking trips to the nearby Blue Mountains.

Whether it is for the vibrant nightlife, shopping, or stunning, relaxed, and sun-soaked landscapes, Sydney offers a diverse experience for every traveler.

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10 TIPS

AI in the travel industry stands for All-Inclusive. But sometimes it’s just as mysterious as the Artificial Intelligence on the Internet.

1. Don’t assume your cruise is all-inclusive. Don’t make the expensive mistake of thinking your sailing includes all costs. It’s very different from an AI resort vacation that bundles most hotel-related expenses.

2. Most cruises are not all-inclusive. Standard lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Norwegian, and Margaritaville sell the sun, fun, and/or peace. But you gotta pay up. Virgin was all-inclusive until October 2025.

3. Luxury cruise lines are an exception. High-end and specialty cruises often are all (or mostly)-inclusive, including excursions. These include Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and Seabourn. Many River Cruises include wine/beer at meals and daily excursions.

4. Consider the luxury lines if you enjoy your drinks. They can be price competitive with the mass market lines if you’re buying lots of add-ons like drinks, Internet, etc.

5. When to cruise. Cruises are financially attractive compared to AI resorts if you don’t need the typical cruise add-ons. You:

   1. Are not a drinker.

   2. Don’t need Internet.

   3. Enjoy visiting lots of ports.

6. When not to cruise. Consider AI resort vacations if you:

   1. Seek vacation and budgeting simplicity.

   2. Are a medium to heavy drinker.

   3. Will stay on the resort property most or all of your trip.

   4. You accept the automatic gratuity charge if on a cruise.

7. Standard cruise lines cover room, board, activities, entertainment, and basic facilities. The base fare typically provides for the cabin, transportation between ports, private island access, most meals (buffet, main dining rooms, some specialty restaurants), basic drinks (unbottled water, coffee, tea, juices), fitness center, activities (games, kids club, casino), and entertainment (live music and comedy, Broadway-style shows, movies, deck parties, fireworks at sea). Disney Cruise Lines provides fountain soft drinks.

8. Standard cruise lines don’t cover a lot of expenses like specialty dining, soda, specialty drinks (smoothies, espressos, capuccinos, bottled water), alcoholic drinks, Internet, gratuities, premium entertainment, premium rides, excursions, and private island beach premium access, food, and drinks.

9. Standard cruise add-ons can cost as much - or more - as the base cruise itself. Drinks, tips, wifi, and excursions can be costly. See Why your affordable cruise may cost 200% more than you think!

10. Plan for what’s not included on the cruise. Watch cruise line offers (like on the Royal Price Tracker), buy add-on packages before sailing, decline automatic gratuities, and book third-party excursions to save on costs.

7 TIPS

We highly recommend these sites for cruise research, planning, and booking.

1. Vacation Steal. Yep, that’s this site. You did your planning. You know ship, date, itinerary, and when to book. The final step - you’re ready to buy. Make us your last call or web visit. We save 5-20% over retail and travel agent cruise prices.

2. CruisePlum. We love this site. It tracks cruise pricing over time, provides 30 day and longer hot deals, and sends price drop alerts. It displays the ship’s pricing over time so you can make smart decisions on when to book.

3. Last minute tickers - Cruise lines have to fill empty cabins and may heavily discount starting at 90 days before sailing. Find terrific steals and deals at CruisePlum and VacationsToGo.

4. Royal Price Tracker. You booked a trip. Now you have to think about the extras, especially with the cruise line sending you daily offers on excursions, drink and beverage packages, and other add-ons. Get price drop notifications for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity.

5. CruiseMapper. Versatile site - Ship location, deck and cabin layouts, itineraries, port schedule (will it be busy when you arrive?), repostioning schedules (often half price regular fares)

6. What’s In a Port. Find cruise schedules, map, weather, and local tips and resources.

7. CruiseTimetables - Run port searches to see who’s coming to your favorite island.

The AARP Survey found that 64 percent of adults 50 and over expect to travel in 2026, even as costs climb and air and trip travel challenges increase. These travelers included 15% of respondents who are disabled or have health problems that required accommodations.

The survey was conducted after the US government shutdown from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, which resulted in increased flight delays and cancellations.

Over half of older travelers used air, hotel, and booking loyalty programs. The next step in trip savings is shopping for travel deals at a wholesale site like Vacation Steal’s membership program.

👍 Repositioning cruises like this provide the lowest daily cruise prices. You can barely get a Motel 6 for this rate. The fee includes cabin, all meals, most facilities, entertainment, and port stops. Of course you still need to consider airfare.

🛳️ 3.4* Costa Pacifica

👩 2 adults

📅 14 nights - Mar 15-29, 2026, oceanview cabin

⁉️ For 2: Pay $1,108 at Vacation Steal …. $1,162 on Retail like VacationsToGo … or $5,724 on the brochure

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If you’re a Vacation Steal member, log in or call reservations @ (888) VACAY 02 – (888) 822-2902.

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We paid $1,468 for 2 for a 13 day Carnival Conquest SEA adults-only Caribbean cruise oceanview cabin. See the bottom for more on the SEA program.

The price was so good that it truly was a Vacation Steal @ $122 per night for 2. It was like getting an extra week free. It’s half the price on a per day basis compared to other Caribbean cruises from Carnival, Norwegian, Margaritaville, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Celebrity, Princess, Holland America, Cunard, and Virgin that can run $200-300 per day for two.

You can’t get a good hotel for that rate, much less one where meals and entertainment are included. Typical 4 and 4.5 star all-inclusive resorts in Cancun cost 3 times as much - between $350 and $600 per night for two guests. But they include a patio or balcony, drinks, and wifi.

A few caveats on SEA bookings:

• They’re long. This was 13 days.

• No kiddos. They’re adults only.

• Time limited. Cabins were priced to go! Bookings opened Sept. 2025 for the cruise in 4 months) and sold out within a few weeks.

• Sailing limited. There were only a handful of sailings and itineraries on East and West coasts.

• Booking limited. The cruise was not listed in normal cruise retail channels. It was promoted directly to the Carnival Players Club casino loyalty program and VIFP Carnival cruise loyalty members.

• They may not happen again. The sailings were primarily scheduled to accommodate a rescheduled drydock. They were also a Carnival test of long and adults-only trips.

Recommendations

• It is an amazing value if you’re watching your travel budget. We were originally booked on a 4 night Carnival cruise on the same ship. This was just 50% higher in price for a cruise that was 3 TIMES longer. Yes, please.

• Join Carnival’s membership program to learn of future SEA sailings.

• You can’t plan on a trip like this (for now). You can only be opportunistic and jump on it if you hear about it and the cruise profile and timing are good for you.

What is Carnival Cruise SEA?

Carnival Cruise Line’s SEA (Sailings Exclusively for Adults) program offers 21+ adults-only voyages featuring enhanced casinos, specialized entertainment, and 5-star dining, debuting on select 2025-2026 itineraries. These, often invitation-only, sailings include themed parties, extended casino hours, and targeted perks for gamblers, on ships like Carnival Dream, Glory, and Conquest.

👍 We booked this Carnival SEA deal September 2025

🛳️ 4* Carnival Conquest

👩 2 adults

📅 12 nights - Jan 17-Jan 30, 2026, oceanview cabin

⁉️ For 2: Pay $1,468 at Vacation Steal …. $1,620 on Carnival … or $4,656 on the brochure

💵 SAVE $3,188 OR 69% off brochure!

🏝️ STEAL THIS DEAL 🏝️

If you’re a Vacation Steal member, log in or call reservations @ (888) VACAY 02 – (888) 822-2902.

Login

Not a member yet? Get a complimentary membership.

Become a Vacation Steal Insider

Price is from an actual listing and must be booked on Vacation Steal, a private member site. Pricing is dynamic. Book resorts, hotels, villas, and cruises worldwide at WHOLESALE to save up to 89% off public prices.