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With cruise fares starting as low as C$75 per day and a wide variety of ships departing from easy to reach ports in the U.S. northeast, Bermuda is quickly becoming one of the best values in cruising.

Discovered 500 years ago by Spanish explorer Juan de Bermudez, the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda is a subtropical paradise with verdant hills, pink-sand beaches, and whispering breezes.

While many think of this pretty archipelago as a Caribbean island, it’s actually located in the North Atlantic some 1,000 km off the coast of North Carolina. This makes the territory’s climate warm, sunny and virtually perfect for touring from April to October.

The three major tourist stops on Bermuda are found in the capital city of Hamilton, the old town of St. George’s, and the charming Royal Naval Dockyard area at King’s Wharf (where the largest cruise ships dock).

Founded in 1793, Hamilton is a collection of pastel-coloured houses, quaint shops and English Bobbies.

Just down the coast from Hamilton lies the historic town of St. George’s, which boasts the oldest Anglican church in the Western Hemisphere, a replica of the Deliverance (the ship built by settlers in 1610), and the stocks and pillory in King’s Square.

The historic Royal Naval Dockyard is located at the North West end of the archipelago and now serves as a tourist attraction.  Several warehouses have been turned into shops and artists’ galleries, a pedestrian mall has opened in the clock tower, and the keep area is now the site of the Bermuda Maritime Museum.

One of the most relaxing and economical ways to visit Bermuda is by cruise ship, and a number of cruise lines sail to Bermuda including NCL, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival and Princess. They offer convenient departures from the east coast of the U.S. from ports like New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, and Boston.

There are a variety of well priced cruises to Bermuda from April through October with fares that range from C$603 for an 8-night voyage on the Caribbean Princess to C$635 for a 7-night cruise on the Norwegian Spirit.

But no matter which ship you choose, once in Bermuda you may find its pink-hued beaches and beautiful vistas difficult to leave. It’s a feeling that made this lush archipelago Mark Twain’s favourite island paradise, and inspired him to write: “You die and go to heaven; I’ll stay here in Bermuda.” 

You can thank the PIGS for another great season of attractively priced cruise fares in Europe.

The world’s major cruise lines had been hoping to significantly raise fares on European voyages this year based on what they hoped would be rising demand from passengers in the Euro-zone. But with countries like Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain (the PIGS) languishing in debt and sinking hopes for a quick economic recovery in Europe, it looks like we’re going to have at least one more year of bargain-basement cruise fares on the continent.

Not only that,  but with the Euro in free fall versus the Canadian and US dollars, the cost of a pre- or post-cruise land stay in Europe hasn’t been this attractive in more than a decade.

So what can you expect to see in Europe by cruise ship and how much money can you save doing it?

There are a wide range of European cruise itineraries this year including voyages to Northern Europe, the Western Mediterranean, the Greek Islands & Turkey, the Adriatic Coast, and the British Isles. You can sail through one of these regions in as little as five days, or combine a couple of them over a longer voyage of 10 to 14 days. And thanks to the PIGS, you can scoop up a large number of European cruises for less than C$135 a day.

For example:

- You can nab a seven-night cruise to the Western Mediterranean this fall for just C$624 or $89 per day. This cruise aboard the Norwegian Jade sails roundtrip from Barcelona, Spain on October 24 for Monte Carlo, Monaco; Livorno (for Pisa and Florence), Civitavecchia (for Rome), and Naples, Italy; and the island of Palma Majorca, Spain.

- For as little as C$999 ($100 per day), you can spend 10 wonderful nights aboard the MSC Opera on a combination Northern Europe and Mediterranean cruise that sails from Dover, England on September 10 for Venice, Italy. Along the way, you’ll get to see the beautiful ports of La Coruna, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Malaga, Spain; La Goulette, Tunisia; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

- Feel like combining a short cruise with a few days ashore in Spain? Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas is offering a five-night roundtrip voyage that departs Malaga, Spain on November 13 and sails to the Canary Islands and Madeira. Cruise fares start at just C$559 or $120 per day.

- Why not try something completely different by sailing roundtrip from Southampton, England to Iceland and the fjords of Norway for just C$1,428 or $119 per day.  The Crown Princess departs Southampton on July 29 for a 12-night voyage to Reykjavik and Akureyri, Iceland; and Aalesund, Hellesylt, Olden and Bergen, Norway.

- How about spending 14 nights exploring the coasts of Northern Europe, England, Europe and the Western Mediterranean with fares starting as low as C$1,868 or $133 a day? The Star Princess departs Copenhagen, Denmark on September 9 for Oslo, Norway; Rotterdam, Holland; Dover (for London), England; Le Havre (for Paris), France; Lisbon, Portugal; Gibraltar, Great Britain; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; Livorno, Italy; and Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy.

The bottom line is that there are still lots of European cruises available for very attractive rates throughout 2010. It may not be the scenario that cruise lines were hoping for, but with the European economy in crisis and its currency doing a nose dive, they don’t have much choice.

That’s great news for the cruising public. And we all have the PIGS to thank for it!

Imagine being able to book passage on an ultra-deluxe cruise ship for up to 65% off the regular fare?

That’s likely the only way most people could afford to sail with a luxury cruise line like Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent.  After all, brochure rates for an inside cabin on a these cruise lines can start at between US$700 to $1,300 per day, compared to less than $150 a day for premium lines.

Of course, luxury lines are worth the added cost if you can spare the money. They provide larger cabins, top-of-the-line service, gourmet food, and more interesting speakers. Some even include free extras like on board credits, airfare, shore excursions, tips and even alcohol.  

But let’s face it — luxury cruises on ultra-deluxe ships are just something the rest of us get to dream about while watching ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous!’

Well, that was the case until the last year or so when the global financial crisis and growing capacity in the upper end of the cruise market began to create more supply than demand. As a result, most luxury lines are currently offering heavily discounted rates that can sometimes cost no more than the price of a balcony cabin or suite on an economy line.

For example, just take a look at these deals (while they last):

Azamara Club Cruises

This upscale cruise line is offering two-for-one fares and pre-paid gratuities on all sailings through March 2011, plus a $500 on board spending credit and a $1,000 per couple airfare credit for selected sailings booked by June 30, 2010.  This means a 12-day Mediterranean cruise from Rome sailing roundtrip from Rome on October 22 that once cost US$5,298 per person for an inside cabin can now be had for as little as US$2,649 per person or just $221 per day.

Yachts of Seabourn

Seabourn’s ultra-luxurious ships are so small and intimate that they’re more like private yachts than cruise ships, which is why brochure rates can exceed $1,200 per day for an inside cabin. However, Seabourn is currently offering discounts of up to 65% off brochure rates for sailings over the next 18 months. For example, a 15-day Southeast Asia cruise from Hong Kong to Singapore via Vietnam and Thailand departing December 6 is selling for as little as US$3,999 or just $266 per day.

Oceania Cruises

This relative newcomer to the luxury cruise category is offering two-for-one fares on a number of sailings in Alaska and Canada/New England for the summer and fall of 2011. For example, discounted fares for a 10-day Alaska cruise roundtrip from Vancouver departing June 7, 2001 start at just $2,749 or $275 per day.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea is one of the top luxury lines in the world with brochure rates for an inside cabin on one of its exquisite ships exceeding US$1,300 per day. However, the line is offering deeply discounted fares on a number of sailings over the next year, including 60% off a 15-day Mediterranean/trans-Atlantic voyage departing Lisbon on October 24, 2011 for Bridgetown, Barbados. With the discount, cruise fares start at US$4,158 or just $277 per day.

Crystal Cruises

This luxury line is consistently rated one of the best in the world, which explains why its brochure rates can exceed $1,000 a day for an inside cabin. But Crystal is now offering various two-for-one cruises over the next 18 months, including a 12-day wine and food theme cruise in the Mediterranean that departs Barcelona for Venice on September 17. Discounted fares on this voyage start at US$5,150, but when you subtract the cost of various incentives being offered including on board spending credits ($1,000 per person), and pre-paid gratuities ($156 per person), the actual cost for this cruise is US$3,994 per person or $333 per day.

Regent Seven Seas

Brochure rates for an inside cabin on this ultra-deluxe cruise line can exceed $900 per day. However, Regent is currently offering two-for-one cruise fares, free roundtrip airfare, and free unlimited shore excursions on voyages booked before July 1, 2010. For example, a 15-day cruise from Montreal to Ft. Lauderdale with stops along the maritime coasts of Canada and the United States departing October 31, 2011 has rates starting at US$5,999 or $400 per day. And when you factor in the free airfare, free shore excursions and other incentives, the per diem is more like $300 per day, which explains why the lowest four cabin categories for this cruise are already wait listed or sold out despite the cruise being more than 18 months away.

While the pricing of these luxury cruises represent tremendous value, there are a couple of caveats.

First, it’s been a long time since most cruise lines, luxury or otherwise, have sold cruises for the full price listed in their brochure. In fact, brochure prices are now widely viewed as just the starting point to apply discounts – so prices for most luxury cruises are going to be available below brochure rates for a long time to come.

Second, many of these discounts and incentives are capacity controlled, which means they only apply to a certain percentage of cabins and can be withdrawn at any time. So if you want to get the best deals, it does pay to book early.

And third, since prices and incentives on these discounted luxury cruises can change quickly, it’s best to call a knowledgeable cruise-only travel agent (1-877-810-TRIP for Tripharbour.ca / Tripharbor.com) to get the latest deals.

In any event, with rates for some luxury cruises dipping below the price of a premium cabin on economy lines, this may be the only chance you’ll ever have to discover luxury cruising at economy prices.   

(Prices valid as of June 9, 2010)

One of the best times to find a great cruise deal is during the shoulder seasons – the two periods which begin and end a season of cruising in various parts of the world. For example, the months of May / September in Alaska; May / September / October in Bermuda; and April / May / October / November in Europe.

The shoulder season is not only a less expensive time for you to cruise, it’s usually less crowded, which means fewer people lining up at landmarks or joining the most popular shore excursions. And while the weather can be cooler during the shoulder season, it can actually be an advantage if you don’t like being outdoors for a long period of time in high temperatures and humidity.

For couples who don’t want to sail with a boatload of kids, shoulder seasons have another advantage:  they usually take place before and after summer vacation, which means most kids are in school.

So just how much money can you save by cruising during the shoulder season? Let’s take a quick look at three examples in Alaska, the Mediterranean and Bermuda during the 2010 season:

Save $380 per person for a week in Alaska:

A 7-night cruise aboard the Diamond Princess departing May 29 from Whittier, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia sails to Yakutat Bay, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. The starting cruise fare for this shoulder season departure is C$493 per person. But prices for the same cruise departing July 10 during high season start at C$873 – a full $380 per person more. With the savings, you could afford to spend a few extra days in Whittier exploring some of the interior of Alaska on a cruise tour.

Save $434 per person for a week in the Mediterranean:

The Celebrity Constellation departs Barcelona October 16 for a 7-night cruise to Nice, Genoa, Florence, Rome and Naples with cruise fares starting at C$719 or less than C$103 per diem. A similar cruise on sister ship Celebrity Century during the peak season in July has prices starting at $165 per day – a full $62 per person more each day. Take the shoulder season cruise and use the savings to pay for a few days on land in beautiful Barcelona.

Save $360 per person for 5-nights in Bermuda:

Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas departs Cape Liberty, New Jersey on September 11 for a 5-night cruise to the pink-hued beaches of Bermuda with shoulder season fares starting at just C$499 per person. Fares for the same cruise departing during high season on July 31 start at C$859 – or a full C$360 more per person.  Why not finish the summer with a shoulder season cruise to Mark Twain’s favourite island paradise of Bermuda? With the savings, you’ll have lots of money left for duty-free shopping in the island’s capital of Hamilton!

As you can see, there can be a big difference in cruise fares depending upon the time of year and season you choose to cruise. So if your calendar and family are flexible, why not save a ton of money by sailing during the shoulder season.

A cornucopia of ancient cultures and legendary landmarks are waiting for you along the beautiful shores of Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa. And it’s all available at incredibly attractive cruise fares that start at just US$86 per day – far less than you’d pay for a comparable trip on land. 

For example, take a look at the extraordinary value offered by these fall departures in the Mediterranean when the weather is still warm but the landmarks are less crowded:

7-Night Mediterranean from Barcelona departing October 9: This classic itinerary aboard the Celebrity Constellation will take you to Nice on the beautiful French Riviera, the UNESCO world heritage city of Genoa in northern Italy, the Tuscan port of Livorno for visits to nearby Florence or Pisa, Civitavecchia for the eternal city of Rome, and the southern Italian port of Naples for visits to Capri, the ruins of Pompeii, or Sorrento. And with prices starting at just C$719, you’ll have money left over for shopping!

11-Night Mediterranean from Genoa departing November 2: You’ll sail from Genoa aboard the MSC Melody to the Spanish ports of Almeria and Cadiz before passing through the Pillars of Hercules on your way to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and the Moroccan souks of Casablanca. Then you’ll cruise back to Genoa via the Balearic Island of Mallorca, the charming city of Valencia on Spain’s Costa del Azahar, and the beautiful town of Villefranche on the French Riviera. And the starting price for this cruise is just as idyllic as the itinerary – only US$949!

If you find the intrigue of North Africa and the raw beauty of the nearby Canary and Madeira Islands more appealing, take a look at this bargain cruise:

9-Night Canary Islands & Morocco from Barcelona departing December 3: The Norwegian Jade will take you to the scene of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s famous love story in Casablanca, before sailing to the Moroccan seaside resort of Agadir. Then it’s on to the lush Atlantic islands of the Canaries and Madeira before stopping at the charming city of Malaga, Spain. Sound romantic? So is the starting cruise fare of just C$828!

Further north, there’s a cruise to Scandinavia and Russia at prices that may never be this low again:

7-Night Northern Europe from Oslo departing May 29: The beautiful waterfront of Copenhagen and the old world charm of Tallinn are reason enough to cruise the Baltic Sea, but it’s the museums and palaces of St. Petersburg that make this voyage a truly remarkable experience. But what’s even more remarkable is that prices for this once-in-a-lifetime voyage start at just C$669 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas.

And finally, the ancient cultures of Croatia, Greece and Turkey are beckoning with bargain fares:

7-Night Adriatic, Greece & Turkey from Venice departing July 24: Sail aboard the Norwegian Gem as it cruises along the Adriatic Sea to the walled city of Dubrovnik, into the Saronic Gulf for the ancient city of Athens, through the Aegean Sea to the old Turkish port of Izmir and nearby Ephesus, and to the historic town of Nafplion on the Peloponnese Peninsula of Greece. This classical itinerary will not only fascinate students of history, it will delight accounting grads with a starting price of just C$1,085!

If it’s beginning to sound like prices for a European cruise may never be lower than they are this year, you’re getting the message.

A number of cruise lines have already announced price increases and/or the removal of special incentives like generous onboard credits, while others are quietly ratcheting up base cruise fares for 2011.  For example, the price of a 15-night Norwegian Fjord cruise with luxury line Crystal Cruises starts at just US$7,440 this year. However, next year the price jumps to US$9,230.

So if you’ve been thinking it’s time you cruised the beautiful shores of Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa, this might be the year to walk up the gangplank.

There used to be a television commercial where a woman tasted a brand of margarine that was so good she would exclaim “I can’t believe it’s not butter!” She knew it was margarine, but found it hard to believe it could taste so good.

I kind of feel the same way about the incredible incentives, fantastic fares and generous give-aways being offered by cruise lines this year to lure people up their gangplanks.  I know the deals are real, but each time I see another one cross my desk I can’t believe it’s that good.

Let me give you some recent examples of what I’m talking about.

Just yesterday, the latest offer from Princess Cruises arrived in my email basket. This one is promoting cruise fares from the Far East to Australia, New Zealand, Alaska and Canada starting at just US$899 or an amazing $56 a day per person. Add in the government taxes and fees, and you’re still talking less than $65 a day.

If this was the only dazzling deal being offered this year by cruise lines, it may not have gotten my attention. But it’s just the latest in a series of consumer friendly propositions that just about every cruise line in the world has been rolling out to stimulate the vacation industry, and cruise vacations in particular.

Here are some of the other incredible deals that have been announced for 2009:

- Celebrity Cruises has offered shipboard credits of up to $200 per cabin for select 2009 cruises booked between January 5 and February 1, 2009.

- Costa Cruises recently announced fantastic prices on European cruises starting at US$449 per week, or an incredibly low $56 per day.

- Regent Seven Seas Cruises has offered free shore excursions and discounted fares including some 2- for- 1fares on a variety of voyages in 2009 if booked by March 31.

- Oceania Cruises has announced 2 for 1 cruise fares with free airfare from selected US and Canadian cities on the April 4 sailing of the Regatta on its 14-day sailing from Barcelona to Istanbul.

- French Country Waterways has offered a 2-for-1 program on select April through August, 2009 departures.

- Crystal Cruise Lines has announced savings of $1,500, $1,000 or $750 per person off nearly all 11-day Baltic and 12-day Mediterranean cruises, and half that off most shorter European sailings, depending on accommodations selected.

- Hurtigruten Cruises has unveiled a broad spectrum of lucrative savings opportunities for “Norwegian Coastal Voyage” cruises booked by January 31, 2009. The deals include two-for-one savings, single occupancy cabins at no extra charge; complimentary cabin upgrades; senior saver rates in addition to 25% off the single supplement fare; and 25% discounts off cruise fares with free hotel nights in Bergen.

- Princess Cruises has offered savings up to 50% on select cruises aboard its fleet of small ships (Royal, Tahitian, and Pacific Princess) to the Holy Land, Mediterranean, Baltic, Alaska and Iceland this summer.

- Cunard Cruise Line has announced discounted fares for trans-Atlantic crossings on the Queen Mary 2 starting at just US$745.And I’ve only mentioned some of the deals here — many other cruise lines have announced attractive offers as well. These include lower deposit requirements, later cancellation periods, free or discounted shore excursions, and generous shipboard credits. In addition, most cruise lines have also eliminated fuel supplements.

So if you can already taste your next vacation, try sampling some of these great cruise deals. You may find yourself saying “I can’t believe it’s not more expensive!”