• At the right price, cruise ships can provide a low-cost, high-enjoyment vacation.cruise ship image by Nick Wade from Fotolia.com
  
  With an ever-growing number of cruises leaving ports around the world, there are often cheap tickets available if your dates and destination/departure ports are flexible. Those buying tickets well in advance will often be eligible for discounted fares, however, those who wait until the last minute may do even better.
  
  

Carnival Cruise Line 5-Day Western Caribbean from Galveston, Texas

• A Carnival Cruise ship departs Texas waters for the Caribbean.cruise ship image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com
  
  The Carnival Cruise Line 5-Day Western Caribbean from Galveston, Texas, departs from October through August with stops in Progresso and Cozumel, Mexico. Progresso sits along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and features easy access to Mayan sites and excellent beaches. Cozumel has long been known as a diving paradise and a seaside tourist town.
  
  The ship is a mid-size vessel at 70,000-plus tons, and has a healthy dose of the "fun ships" motif per the Carnival company profile. For the active traveler, the ship features a fitness center, jogging track, exercise classes, a nine-hole mini golf course, ping-pong tables, outdoor saltwater pool, two swimming pools, an aqua park, two water slides and a serenity adults-only retreat.
  
  Inside the ship, guests will find one of the largest casinos on any ship, the full-service Spa Carnival, the Galleria Shopping Mall, a host of themed and Vegas-style nightly shows, party and theme nights, dance classes, contests and prizes, a library, art auctions, movies and laser tag.
  
  Dining options include a formal restaurant with assigned seating time as is the norm on most cruise lines. In addition guests may choose to have meals at the Panorama Bar & Grill, Rolls Royce Cafe, Pizzeria, or Sushi Bar. If you really don't feel like going out, there is always 24-hour room service available at no charge. Rates for the cruise start at $299 per person for select sailings as of October, 2010.
  
  Carnival Cruise Line 5-Day Western Caribbean from Galveston, Texas
  
  888-227-6482
  
  carnival.com
  
  

Carnival Cruise Line 7-Day Western Caribbean from Galveston, Texas

• Carnival ships cruise the Caribbean with many itineraries and departure ports.cruise ship at dock image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
  
  Onboard the massive 110,000-ton Carnival Conquest, the Carnival Cruise Line 7-Day Western Caribbean from Galveston departs almost weekly all year round. The boat stops in Montego Bay, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and Cozumel, Mexico, during a loop-shaped itinerary from and to Galveston.
  
  Built in 2002 and refurbished in 2006, the Carnival Conquest has its share of features, including the Carnival Seaside Theater, a huge LCD screen where activities and movies are shown, an expansive sports deck, swimming pools with slides, a jogging track, health club and "Boulevard" shops.
  
  For those traveling with children, the ship has a recreation center and video arcade, teen coffee bar and dance club, Camp Carnival and Club OC. The French-art-themed guest dining and lounge options include a formal restaurant, a buffet choice, an extra-fee deluxe restaurant, a 24-hour pizzeria, sports bar, wine bar, casino bar and several other choices.
  
  Cabins on the Conquest are brightly and simply adorned with floral patterns and island-themed decor. All have SAT TV, air conditioning, en-suite facilities and 24-hour room service. Rates for the cruise start at $449 per person for select sailings as of October, 2010.
  
  Carnival Cruise Line 7-Day Western Caribbean from Galveston, Texas
  
  888-227-6482
  
  carnival.com
  
  

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

• Cruises are a great way to see several destinations during one vacation.caribbean 02 image by Reinhold F??ger from Fotolia.com
  
  Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise onboard the Voyager of the Seas is a year-round sailing that visits Cozumel, Mexico, George Town, Grand Cayman, and Montego Bay, Jamaica, over a slow-paced jaunt through the Caribbean Sea.
  
  The mega-large 138,000-ton Voyager of the Seas was built in 1999 and refurbished in 2004. For a short time when built, it was the largest cruise ship in the world. With all that space, the ship has much to offer like a champagne bar, seven-story central atrium, a day spa and fitness center, rock climbing wall, royal promenade and ice skating rink, three swimming pools, movie theater, library and theater.
  
  The ship's dining options are named for some of the world's great operas and include three main dining rooms where traditional meals are served, the Portofino Italian restaurant, Windjammer Cafe, Cafe Promenade, 24-hour room service and a Johnny Rockets.
  
  Cabins on the ship start at 160 square feet and feature artwork, bright colors, en-suite facilities, SAT TV, mini-bar and air conditioning. With a somewhat more adult passenger base, the Royal Caribbean ships provide a good experience at the lower end of the price scale. Rates for the cruise start at $509 per person for select sailings as of October, 2010.
  
  Royal Caribbean Cruise Line 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
  
  888-359-8941
  
  royalcaribbean.com