Discover top cruise destinations on one of 25 Carnival ships Western Caribbean 8, 690 Reviews Eastern Caribbean 4, 335 Reviews Onboard Carnival offers the usual assortment of onboard activities, from traditional napkin-folding classes, Vegas-style revues and kitchen tours to belly-flop pool contests and waterslide races. All of its ships offer size-appropriate spa and fitness facilities and have multiple pool areas. On Destiny-class ships and all subsequent new-builds save for Carnival Dream, one pool always lies under a retractable roof so it can be used year-round...

Enjoy impressive Washington DC sights spectacularly lit during an evening dinner cruise along the Potomac River. You’ll be able to get incredible views of National Harbor, the Capitol Dome and the Washington Monument from Spirit of Washington’s rooftop lounge or the windows around the climate-controlled decks. Savor dishes from Spirit’s creative and contemporary dinner buffet and choose from a range of signature cocktails and other beverages. Grab your dance partner or several friends and head out on the dance floor! Onboard DJ entertainment keeps the evening lively, playing popular music throughout the cruise. Dinner cruises run 2.5 hours to 3 hours in length and are perfect for a unique night out with friends, family, colleagues or clients. Couples interested in a special date night will also enjoy the atmosphere aboard a Spirit of Washington dinner cruise. See what our guests love about Spirit : "The highlight of our trip was the New Year's Eve Cruise on the Potomac! The service, food, drinks, music and the cruise itself were impeccable!! Many thanks to the entire staff!!"

Some beverages cost extra High-capacity ships may feel crowded, especially around the holidays Not all amenities are covered in cruise rates On Board Although Royal Caribbean cruises depart from ports all over the world, the company's primary clientele is based in North America. The company attracts cruisers in their 30s, 40s and 50s, many of whom travel with their families. You are more likely to encounter multigenerational groups on trips that are shorter than seven days and overlap with the winter holidays and school vacations in the spring and summer — during these times, cruise ships may be filled to capacity. More about the onboard experience» On Shore Royal Caribbean offers a wide selection of shore excursions that range from horseback riding, wildlife watching and golf expeditions to helicopter tours, 4x4 off-road drives and scuba adventures. You can explore new cities on a guided sightseeing excursion, or tour new flavors on a culinary discovery tour. Shore excursions vary ... More about the on shore experience» Before You Book All cruise fares are per person, based on a double occupancy of the stateroom. The price of your cruise will include meals in the ship's main dining areas, access to most sports and leisure facilities and evening shows. Internet access, gratuity and some food, beverages and amenities cost extra. Children younger than 6 months are not allowed on Royal Caribbean cruises. On Transpacific, Transatlantic, Hawaiian and some South American sailings, guests must be at least 12 months old to sail. Individuals must be 21 years or older to sail unaccompanied from North America and 18 for cruises departing from South America, Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Cruise prices do not cover taxes and fees. Your cruise must be paid in full at least 60 days prior to departure for three-, four- or five-night trips and 75 days prior to departure for itineraries lasting six nights or longer. You can cancel your cruise for a full refund if you notify Royal Caribbean 60 days prior to departure for a three-, four- or five-night cruise; 75 days before a voyage lasting seven nights or longer; or 90 days if you're sailing during a holiday season. If you miss those deadlines, cancellation penalties vary. For a to service fee, Royal Caribbean's AIR2SEA program will guarantee you pay the lowest airfare for flights to and from your departure port. If you sign up for the AIR2SEA program, Royal Caribbean will also help you handle any delays and cancellations that may jeopardize your cruise plans. Before You Board Royal Caribbean encourages you to check in for your cruise no later than three days prior to departure on the Royal Caribbean website. If you complete the online check-in process, you will need to arrive at the pier at least 60 minutes before the boat is scheduled to leave. If you do not register in advance, plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before the ship is scheduled to depart. For trips that begin and end in the United States, you will need a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license) and a government-issued birth certificate or naturalization certificate. All other cruises require a passport that is valid for six months after you return from your trip. You must ensure that you are physically fit for cruise travel. The World Health Organization provides a list of vaccines needed on a country-by-country basis. Royal Caribbean also requires that you bring any necessary inoculation records with you. Onboard medical care is not covered in the cost of your cruise. Before you depart, make sure you have all of your required medications. Shore excursions, meals at specialty restaurants and certain onboard fitness classes, spa treatments and entertainment offerings can be reserved four to 180 days prior to departure using Royal Caribbean's Pre-Cruise Planner. You might also like: Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Cruise Lines stays true to its lively reputation with its festive atmosphere and versatile entertainment options. Carnival's 24 ships depart from many cities in the U.S., including Miami, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Seattle ... Read More» Disney Cruise Line Disney Cruise Line's four ships — Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy — receive kudos from families and critics alike for their kid-friendly atmosphere, whimsical amenities and spacious staterooms. The cruise line's ... Read More» Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its fun, laid-back ambiance and inventive "freestyle cruising" concept, which promotes no enforced dress codes, no fixed dining times and comes with a plethora of onboard entertainment and family-friendly ... Read More» Find Royal Caribbean Cruises Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship's Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship's Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

To reserve your cabin and lock in the final price, you will be required to place a deposit on your cruise. After you have placed a deposit to secure your reservation, you will be asked to pay the remaining balance of your fare at the final payment due date. Deposit and Final Payment Cruise Type Deposit Amount Final Payment Due Date 3 nights $100 per person 60 days prior to sailing 4 nights $150 per person 5 nights 6 & 7 nights $250 per person 75 days prior to sailing 8 & 9 nights 10+ nights $400 per person Alaska Europe, Transatlantic and Panama Canal 90 days prior to sailing Carnival accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Card for all cruise payments. Cancellation and Refunds Cancellation and refund policies vary by cruise line, with penalties generally increasing as the sailing date approaches. If a cancellation occurs, the following charges will be assessed: Cruise Length Days Prior To Sailing Cancellation Charge 2, 3, 4 & 5 nights 61 days or more 60 to 46 days 45 to 30 days 29 to 15 days 14 days or less None (except for Early Saver* and Super Saver fares**) Entire deposit 50% of total fare or deposit, whichever is greater 75% of total fare or deposit, whichever is greater 100% of total fare 6 nights and longer (including Alaska & Hawaii) 76 days or more 75 to 56 days 55 to 30 days 29 to 15 days 14 days or less None (except for Early Saver* and Super Saver fares**) Entire deposit 50% of total fare or deposit, whichever is greater 75% of total fare or deposit, whichever is greater 100% of total fare Europe, Panama Canal and Transpacific sailings 7, 9 & 12, 14 and 17 nights in length 91 days or more 90 to 56 days 55 to 30 days 29 to 15 days 14 days or less None (except for Early Saver* and Super Saver fares**) Entire deposit 50% of total fare or deposit, whichever is greater 75% of total fare or deposit, whichever is greater 100% of total fare All cruises purchased under the Instant Saver Fare Any time after booking 100% of total fare **Non-Refundable Deposit at time of booking: Early Saver, Early Saver Last Call and Super Saver *Early Saver and Early Saver Last Call Guests who cancel prior to the final payment date will receive a future cruise credit in the amount of the deposit received less a $50 USD service fee per person. Guests must use the credit on a sailing within 24 months from the date of the cancellation. Non-Refundable Total Fare at time of booking: Pack & Go Single Occupancy: Requires 200% of the per person deposit. Reservations will be held until 30 minutes prior to departure without risk of automatic cancellation. Cruise lines do not refund in the event of "no shows, " or interruption or cancellation by the guest after the start of the cruise. Please notify your Vacations To Go cruise counselor immediately of any cancellations or changes. The above charges do not include cancellation or change fees which may be applied by air carriers, hotels and/or other independent service suppliers. A $50 service fee will apply if air is purchased through the cruise line and cancelled within 60 days of departure. The purchase of trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information on insurance, click here. Timetables and rates are subject to change, and exceptions may apply for holiday sailings. Deposit, payment and cancellation terms differ for group bookings; please confirm payment and cancellation policies with your Vacations To Go cruise counselor. Changes to names or departure dates are subject to the cruise lines' discretion and may incur cancellation penalties. Toll-free from Germany to our US office

Ship Details Price: $$ $$ Year Built: 2006 Ship Size: L How it Ranks: Norwegian Pearl ranks #3 out of 14 Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise Ships based on an analysis of expert and user ratings, as well as health ratings. Norwegian Pearl — which debuted in 2006 — splits its time between the Caribbean, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, shuttling up to 2, 394 passengers (and 1, 099 crew members) around beaches and glaciers. A member of Norwegian's Jewel class, Pearl is a hit with cruisers of all ages thanks to its diverse onboard offerings. During the day, families can enjoy quality time together on the basketball court, on the climbing wall or at the bowling alley. Or, parents can send youngsters to one of the clubs for kids and teens while they enjoy some adults-only time at the Mandara Spa or the Pearl Club Casino. As far as lodging goes, the Inside and Oceanview cabins are comparable to many other Norwegian ships, ranging from 138 to 161 square feet. Cruisers can find more room in the Balcony or Suite staterooms or The Haven, which cover 205 to 4, 200 square feet. Recent cruisers say all crew members — from room stewards to wait staff —provided a high level of service. The onboard cuisine, on the other hand, garners mixed reviews among past cruisers. While some past passengers weren't impressed by the caliber of cuisine at the buffet (there are seven other complimentary dining establishments to choose from), the seven specialty restaurants onboard garnered high praise. Another upside: Norwegian Pearl houses 12 bars, nightclubs and lounges, not to mention nightly comedy routines and Broadway-inspired shows. Read Norwegian Pearl Passenger Reviews» Norwegian Pearl Cabins Norwegian Pearl offers a wide range of accommodation options. Browse cabins to find the stateroom that suits your needs. See all cabin descriptions»

Cruise lines offer a wide range of services for their passengers, so it's no surprise they can book airfare for you. But the question has long been whether you're better off taking care of your own arrangements to get to your port of embarkation. Not all cruise line air/sea packages are created equal. Programs vary from cruise line to cruise line, and to further complicate matters, your itinerary will determine whether you'll see price benefits by booking through the lines. We scoured the programs and policies of the cruise lines, got cruise travel agents to weigh in and reviewed a range of anecdotes from avid cruisers. This revealed only one certainty: your travel personality probably will be the deciding factor as to whether you will find value in cruise lines' air/sea programs. "Some people just like to have everything taken care of for them, " says Linda Allen, with Cruises by Linda, a cruise travel consultancy. Some cruisers, such as Cruise Critic member dolphin2012 , who flew from Texas to Barcelona to sail on Carnival Sunshine, report positive air/sea experiences: "We just used the Fly Aweigh program in June with no problems, " dolphin2012 wrote on Cruise Critic's message boards. "... we were on the Sunshine so I didn't want to worry since we were flying in the same day from Texas to Barcelona... the flight only had one stop in Amsterdam and on the way back we did have two stops ... the flights were about 400 cheaper per person also." Others, though, learned the hard way that the programs can leave you susceptible to changes to your flight plans that you might find inconvenient. Cruise Critic member StrongMinded1 offered this experience: "I made the biggest mistake booking my air through Royal Caribbean's 'Partner, ' Choice Air. I purchased assigned seats for my party of 8 on a 6:40 a.m. flight back on 3/7/2011. The carrier changed the flight time to 7:30 a.m. but since the flight didn't change, I had the same assigned seats. On June 5th, Choice Air took me off my 7:30 a.m. flight with NO reason, DID not notify me and then TWO days later, put us on a 9:00 a.m. flight. Royal Caribbean called me and says the CARRIER made the flight change but after spending 4 hours on the phone yesterday with the carrier and Choice Air, I found out the change was voluntary by my agent, Choice Air. BOTTOM LINE - CHOICE AIR makes it completely THEIR choice to do what they please with the flights that YOU paid for. You have no control over your own reservation." To make an airfare choice that best suits you, it can help to simply know what to expect. What You Get With Cruise Line Airfare Cruise lines tempt travelers to book flights through them with a couple of incentives: low fares and assistance if travel plans go awry. The cruise lines generally promise to get you the lowest available rate on the base airfare. And because they negotiate bulk contract fares with the airlines, the cruise lines might be able to provide a nice savings on some routes. For example, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises' ChoiceAir program guarantees the lowest available rate on the base airfare - though watch out for added service fees of up to $25 per traveler. Cruisers who find lower airfare within 24 hours of booking with ChoiceAir get 110 percent of the difference in price applied as an onboard credit. In addition, when you use a cruise line's air/sea program, you typically get guaranteed assistance with alternative flights if there are any delays or cancellations with your originally scheduled flight. Carnival Cruise Lines' Fly Aweigh program, for example, guarantees that if a flight cancellation or delay makes you miss your embarkation port, you will be put on a flight to meet the ship at the next port of call, and Carnival will provide hotel and transportation at no expense.

The cruisin' is easy in the Caribbean, and so, one might think, is the packing. In such a paradisiacal setting, the checklist must be short, right? Toss in a teeny-weeny bikini or your loudest pair of board shorts, flip-flops or sandals, a cover-up or T-shirt, and a short stack of mushy-brain novels for those interludes between swims. Done. But don't zip the luggage yet. The sunny, laid-back setting can be deceiving. If they're not careful, ill-prepared cruisers could end up stuck in their cabins or under shady palm trees watching the good times roll right by them. Some of the hazards include the blistering tropical sun, leaky rental snorkel masks, runaway bikini tops and unexpected rain showers that dampen both the experience and the spirit. To be sure, cruise ships and Caribbean islands stock the basic necessities - remember, you're not going to Gilligan's Isle but to one of the world's biggest tourist destinations. However, for a smooth vacation, you must anticipate your needs before boarding the vessel, preferably during the crucial packing phase. To assist with this step, we have selected the 10 most important items to throw into your luggage. Follow these suggestions, and the Caribbean cruisin' really will be easy - and fully enjoyable. -By Andrea Sachs, Cruise Critic Contributor Photo: Di Studio/Shutterstock Sunscreen Stock up on bottles, tubes, sprays or sticks of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and protection against UVA and UVB rays. You'll save money by bringing your own supply, as ships charge a premium on this essential toiletry. You'll also find high prices and smaller selection at island convenience stores. When choosing your lotions, take a variety of sizes so you don't have to lug a giant bottle to the beach or pool. Travel-size is ideal, or carry a large bottle (remember to pack it in your checked luggage) and some empty minis that you can fill as needed. And don't forget your pucker: Toss in a lip balm or stick of SPF 30 or more. Photo: Mila Supinskaya/Shutterstock Bathing Suits for All Occasions Bikinis are fine for lying around like a seal on rock, but if you plan to participate in a sporty activity, such as kayaking or scuba-diving, you'll need a bathing suit that won't fly off. For women, pick an athletic one-piece or tankini; men, choose trunks with a secure waist tie and legs that don't balloon like a blowfish. Since you will probably spend 85 percent of your time in swimwear, pack at least two suits, if not three, so that you can rotate the wet and the dry. Photo: Nattanitphoto/Shutterstock Snorkel and Mask If you're serious about snorkeling or scuba-diving, bring your own equipment. Rental masks often fit poorly, letting in water or fogging up. Your own mask from home, however, fits your face perfectly, allowing you to concentrate on the sea life and not the pool of water forming under your nose. Snorkels are one-size-fits-all, yet if you are discomfited by the idea of using a plastic tube previously kissed by strangers, pack your own. Fins, however, you can leave home without - unless you have whale-size feet. Photo: MosayMay/Shutterstock Underwater Camera Island waters teem with sculptural coral, noodly seaweed and colorful fish. You'll likely want to document your experience with an underwater or waterproof camera. To consolidate equipment, pick a digital camera that shoots well above and below the waterline. Most major brands sell hybrid land-and-sea models. Depth ranges vary from snorkel-surface to scuba-deep. If you prefer to use your own camera, secure it in a durable waterproof case, and take the plunge. For a quick grab-and-go, consider a cheap disposable camera that you can knock around. Whichever type you choose, purchase the camera and extra memory cards before the ship departs, or you'll pay painfully inflated prices. Photo: Khoroshunova Olga/Shutterstock Wildlife and Night Sky ID Charts The Caribbean is home to land and marine life that's unfamiliar to novice naturalists. With laminated identification cards, available at adventure stores and scuba shops, you can instantaneously match the faces of fish, birds, shells and plants with their names and traits. The destination-specific sheets are waterproof, so you can expertly point out the queen angelfish or barracuda as it floats by. In addition, track the night sky with a star and planet locator (chart, wheel or map) that connects the universe's dots.

Cruise to Bora Bora After the end of World War II, some American soldiers stationed on Bora Bora didn't want to leave. In fact, they stayed until their families back home began complaining. It's hard to blame the soldiers. James Michener called the island the most beautiful in the world, and used the island as inspiration for his Bali Hai. The island's mountains, beaches, and lagoons are the default when you think "tropical paradise." Cruise visitors can dive into the clear waters of the lagoon, take a jeep tour into the high country, or relax on Matira beach and wonder what would happen if you stayed. Cruise to Hilo The east coast of the island of Hawaii throws out its arms, sticks its face into the moisture-heavy trade winds, and gathers all that wet air in to water its gardens, feed its waterfalls, and quench its volcanoes. Lili'uokalani Gardens, an authentic Japanese garden, sits on the shore of Kuhio Bay and contains 30 acres of pagodas, ponds, and picnic areas. Inland, along the furrowed lower reaches of Mauna Kea, Kolekole stream plunges 442 feet over a cliff at Akaka Falls. Closer in to town cruise travelers can see Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot drop. And it's just a short drive down the road to Kilauea, that fiery rent in the side of Mauna Loa. Cruise to Honolulu The ghosts of Waikiki ride surfboards. Honolulu's signature beach was long a retreat for longboarding royals, but today, the gentle waves carry many a happy, uncoordinated visitor, learning to surf. Waikiki tells one story of the Hawaiian capital. The dormant volcano of Diamond Head tells another. Pearl Harbor another. The city is a tapestry of commerce, natural beauty, and war history. Pearl Harbor made it an important way station for trans-Pacific trade, an ideal spot for a U.S. naval base, and of course, the military target that ignited American entry into World War II. Cruise travelers can see one part of that history at the USS Arizona Memorial and another at the Punchbowl military cemetery. Cruise to Maui (Lahaina) Lahaina was a battleground for warring chieftains and later the capital of a unified Hawaii under Kamehameha III. Long before that, though, there were the humpback whales. For millennia they'd migrate here in winter to calve and feed in the warm, protected waters. In the early 19th century, the whalers followed, and at times you'd see 300, 400, 500 whaling ships in Lahaina Harbor. The whalers would surge ashore and find Christian missionaries seeking to impose order on the chaos they made. Today, the town welcomes cruise visitors to its compact, pedestrian-friendly streets. There is a bounty of places to eat and shop (especially along Front Street) or just relax in the shade and catch the view. Cruise to Kauai (Nawiliwili) The island is moving slowly west as the Pacific Plate passes over the Hawaii Hot Spot, which is currently constructing the Big Island away southeast. Time and rain will eventually wear the old volcano away, but right now, Kauai is basking in its golden years. Roughly circular, the island is a creased emerald wonderland. On the north coast, the flying buttresses of the Na Pali cliffs drop 4, 000 feet to blue surf. In the interior, Mount Waialeale translates rain to endless waterfalls, and Waimea Canyon is grand. And on its fringes, Kauai offers cruise visitors countless beaches. Like Hanalei: all blond sand, green cliffs, and azure water.

LOGISTICS- Depending on where you want to go in Antarctica there are different ports around the world. The most popular and regular service is out of Ushuaia, Argentina. Other ports typically have chartered services where you have to reserve well in advance and are typically much longer cruises. Since the port of Ushuaia is the closest to the continent, high season in Antarctica is November to early February (the summer for this part of the world). During this time you can walk into any last minute cruise to Antarctica office find a spot on the ship, pay, and board the ship. I was told that there are patrons that have paid and hopped on a ship hours before it left. What people haven’t had access to is a list of these cruises to Antarctica offices which I provide below. COST- While costs typically vary for a last minute cruise to Antarctica, the first thing that you want to do is scour the internet for sales on cruises. The cheapest I’ve heard was a friend that got a cruise for $2, 200 THIS YEAR 2010. This was a special promotion that a tour company was having, this is not the norm. The high average is going to cost you $4, 000 to $4, 500 and the low average is about $3, 000 so you can typically look for something right in the middle at $3, 500. It’s going to be extremely rare to find a last minute cruise to Antarctica for $2, 200. Sometimes that’s just the luck of the draw but I personally wouldn’t pay any more than $3500 for the cruise. Its important to note that there are double and triple rooms. The cheaper cruises will typically a triple and on your last minute cruise to Antarctica it will be you, your travel partner, and the infamous annoying new guy. GETTING TO USHUAIA-FLIGHTS The cost of airfare to the Ushuaia depends on where you are in the world. Your first stop when you reach the country of Argentina will be Buenos Aires as the majority of routes throughout Argentina have a connection there. Only two airlines fly to Ushuaia, LAN Airlines and Aerolineas Argentinas. While my review of Aerolineas Argentinas is still in process I would highly recommend that you fly with LAN simply because everything the Argentinians do is backwards. LAN is a company based in Chile, the only 1st world efficient country in the world. I have been living in Chile and living in Argentina so trust me when I tell you which is best. The cost of a flight is about 0 – 0 high season is the same as Antarctica, Nov to February. Direct flights are about 3.5 hours and if you have a connecting flight (sometimes 2) lord help you because your luggage will play hide and seek with you. Unless of course you expect to be reunited with your luggage at the baggage claim. Aerolineas Argentinas typically has delayed flights as well, you can tell how much I love their service can’t you? For the cost conscious traveler you can take what I consider the most efficient and effective part of the Argentina economy, the bus. This is not an old Greyhound bus where you have to sit up for over 10 hours. These are plush double decker, fully reclining, dinner and breakfast serving, wine and liquor offering, wi-fi available, (do I need to continue) buses. There are no direct buses from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, you have to connect through a city called Rio Gallegos. For those with time I’d encourage you to take your time visiting every city In Patagonia because it’s an incredible country. In order to buy the bus tickets go to the retiro bus station a few days in advance and purchase your ticket. I’ve always purchased my ticket the day of and never had a problem. CRUISES- Since only 100 people are allowed at one place at a time in Antarctica you want to try and get the smallest ship possible. If you buy a last minute cruise to Antarctica with a ship of 500 people then your chances are more limited to step on the continent. Plan for a ship around 90-130 people, the cheapest cruises are normally 10-11 days.

This is part of the Family Travel Series on Choosing a Cruise by TPG Director of Operations, Danielle. Other posts include: Choosing a Cruise While Maximizing Points, Is the Disney Credit Card Worth It For A Cruise?, How to Choose a Cruise Based on Points, Using Frequent Flyer Miles for Cruise Flights, How to Get a Passport for Your Child. As I mentioned in my first post, my husband, Mike, and I are trying to choose a Caribbean cruise for a summer vacation with our two kids (ages 3 and 4) in June. One of our options is with Disney Cruises, which seems to be the most popular choice with families thanks to kid-friendly amenities like Disney character experiences, magic mirrors and “talking” paintings in the halls and rooms, activity pools, Broadway shows, live performances and events like “Pirate Night”. The only drawback is that staterooms and suites seem to be much more expensive than on other lines–in the range of 50% more! So if we were to book a Disney cruise, we would want to offset some of that extra cost either with discounts or by maximizing our point earning. We decided to look into the Disney’s Premier Visa® Card from Chase to see if it would be worth it to get it specifically for this cruise and any savings we could squeeze out of it. Some of the benefits of this card are a $200 Disney Gift Card after you spend $500 within the first 3 months from account opening, 2% in reward dollars on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and most Disney locations and 1% on all your other card purchases, and you can save 10% on select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at DisneyStore.com and Disney Store locations all for an annual fee of $49. To find out more details on this card, visit