Ft. Lauderdale Last Minute Cruises

Ft. Lauderdale last minute cruises may be the ideal getaway for your next weekend trip. If you have some free time, consider booking one of the numerous cruises leaving from this southeastern Florida city to the Caribbean or even Mexico.

Positioned between Miami and Palm Beach, Florida, Fort Lauderdale is a popular cruise port. Each year, more than three million people come through the port, making it one of the busiest port cities in the region. The port servicing Ft. Lauderdale is Port Everglades. Before exploring the cruise options from this port, consider a few important facts:

Port Everglades operates year-round. Peak cruise season is from November through April. Since most northern United States' ports are nonoperational during the winter months, this southern port is popular during the winter. The port offers 300 miles of waterways, which helped earn the port the nickname: "Venice of America."

Several larger cruise lines operate through this port. Often, to fill up open space on board a ship, a cruise company will offer last minute deals. This can help you to save a substantial amount of money. However, it is difficult to book popular cruises at the last minute during the high season.

One of the most popular last minute cruises leaving from Ft. Lauderdale are those to the Caribbean. The cruises sail to the western and eastern Caribbean islands, as well as the east coast of Mexico. Cruises of all sizes, ranging from luxury cruises to smaller, yacht style cruises, are available for these trips throughout the year.

Some of the cruises from Ft. Lauderdale will take passengers through the Panama Canal. Others travel to the Bahamas. These are popular throughout the year and are best for those who wish to take a longer, last minute cruise. You may also wish to consider a repositioning cruise from this port. This type of cruise takes ships from the Ft. Lauderdale port and positions them for Transatlantic voyages. This occurs in April and May of each year.

Locating last minute cruise discounts from Ft. Lauderdale is possible. The key is to be as flexible as possible. The following websites can help you find available cruises departing from the popular Florida city:

Last Minute Cruises: This website provides detailed and up-to-date information regarding Ft. Lauderdale last minute cruises. Vacations to Go: The site promises to help travelers save as much as 75 percent off on last minute bookings. The company also posts daily cruise specials. Orbitz:This company has a listing of available cruises departing within 45 days. The company sometimes offers numerous discounts and upgrades. Princess Cruises: The cruise line has the most ships docked in Ft. Lauderdale. To find last minute offerings and get alerts about deals, register on the company's website. Carnival Cruise Lines: The company sails from Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas, Western Caribbean and the Eastern Caribbean, and posts last minute deals on its website.

In addition to these options, you can find a variety of other cruise companies setting sail from Ft. Lauderdale. The Port Everglades website offers a complete list of cruise companies using the port. You can also get information on single- and multi- day last minute cruises. Some may even offer same-day cruise availability especially for single day excursions.

You might also have luck finding a sweet money-saving deal by speaking with local travel agents. Often they are provided with advance notices on last minute sailings.

Historic Cruise on Lake Minnetonka

Take a trip back in time on the legendary Lady of the Lake. The historic paddlewheeler glides effortlessly through Lake Minnetonka's bays, inlets and harbors while highly knowledgeable guides provide an informative account of memorable chapters in Minnesota's past.

Despite the fact that the Lady of the Lake only sails seasonally, she is a magnet for visitors and locals alike. During the summer months, the iconic, white, three-deck sternwheeler can be seen from miles away navigating the waters of Lake Minnetonka packed with guests from around the world. Whether you are looking for the charm of a chartered cruise or you simply want to partake in a daily public voyage, the Lady of the Lake has a sailing option for you.

The Lady of the Lake's public tours run every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The 90-minute narrated cruise includes a historic look at the sights and sounds that surround awe-inspiring Lake Minnetonka, including posh Excelsior, Minnesota. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, the shores of Excelsior are dotted with palatial mansions and sprawling estates. In addition, the historic cruise on Lake Minnetonka also features unprecedented views of ancient Native American burial sites, including "Mound City" on the western end of the lake.

Tickets can only be purchased as you board the boat. Daily tours set sail at 1 p.m., and boarding begins 30 minutes prior to departure. Passengers are allowed to bring along a picnic lunch, which can be supplemented with the on-board beverage service.

In addition to its daily tours, the Lady of the Lake is also available for private charters. One of the most popular private cruise options is the corporate package. These sailings are designed to motivate or reward employees or clients and typically include a catered meal onboard the historic paddleboat. Most corporate sailings depart in the late afternoon or early evening so guests can enjoy spectacular sunset views from the Lady of the Lake's three decks. With a seating capacity of 110, these chartered dinner cruises offer a relaxing environment with plenty of elbow room. In addition, to the full-service meal, guests will also be treated to a narrated historic tour upon request.

If you are looking to tie the knot in a unique venue, then consider the Lady of the Lakes. The historic vessel also hosts weddings and receptions. With its charming decor, full bar and mouthwatering catering, you can make your wedding day one to remember forever. You and your beloved can exchange vows on the top deck of the iconic paddlewheeler overlooking the breathtakingly beautiful natural wonders of Lake Minnetonka. During the reception you and your guests can enjoy the relaxing sounds of lapping waves and the calls of indigenous birds from the outdoor sundeck.

Wedding packages include:

Appetizers Beverages Sit-down or buffet-style meals Flowers Wedding cake Theme decorations

The Lady of the Lake's three decks can be used in different capacities to ensure the comfort of your guests. The main deck is typically set up for dancing while the lower deck is arranged as a dining area. Meanwhile, the top deck is transformed into a cozy respite for guests looking for a tranquil retreat.

Minnesotans consider themselves to be very lucky to have access to spectacular Lake Minnetonka. The 14,500-acre body of water is an extremely popular resort destination located roughly 20 miles west of Minneapolis-St. Paul. That's where the Lady of the Lake operates its family-friendly historic cruises. However, the large body of water, which boasts some 200 miles of shoreline, is not the only feature with a storied past. The Lady of the Lake has a unique antiquity as well. The legendary vessel was inspired by the Belle of Minnetonka, which was first launched in 1882. Back then Lake Minnetonka was a remote outpost and the vessels that navigated it were far from recreational. These days, Lake Minnetonka is a tourist hot spot and the Lady of the Lake is one of the longest operating sternwheelers to guide visitors on an educational tour through its historic past.

How to Save on a Cruise

Setting sail on a high seas adventure is a lifelong dream for many travelers, but with the economy on shaky ground some would-be cruisers are shying away from taking the plunge. That's where Craig Rashid comes in. The owner and operator of CruisingVoyages.com and Elite Cruise Counselor with Cruise Lines International Association has practical advice on how to save on a cruise. LovetoKnow discusses these money-saving tips with him in this exclusive interview.

LovetoKnow(LTK): Craig, you've worked in the travel industry for 20 years and have taken nearly 70 cruises, how is the economy affecting cruise travel?

Craig Rashid(CR): A lot of people can't afford to sail on trips that require them to part with a large sum of money. My advice is to plan ahead and budget wisely. Consider booking six months to a year out or even longer, so you can take advantage of the numerous sales available for early birds. Some of these sales and special offers allow you to score onboard credits or upgrade to a cabin that may have initially been out of your price range. It's also very important to create a personal travel budget that allows you to experience popular cruise amenities, such as shore excursions, spa treatments and souvenirs.

LTK: What advice do you have for people who are flying to the point of embarkation?

CR: The most important factor is budgeting for the cost of airfare. If you have to fly from your home to your cruise departure point, it's best to book with a travel expert who has experience dealing with the major cruise lines, and knows about specific ships and itineraries. Just because you are contacting a large online travel provider doesn't mean you are going to deal with someone who can answer all of your cruise-related questions, or find you the best deals on flight and cruise packages.

Cruise for less.

LTK: What effects are you are seeing on cruise trends due to the struggling economy?

CR: There is an increasing interest in taking cruises that set sail from customers' homes, so they can save money. For example, where I live in Wisconsin, clients are looking to sail from East Coast ports such as New York, New Jersey, Boston or Baltimore. In most cases, clients can fly nonstop to these departure ports and if they have extra time such as during the summer months, they will make a road trip out of it and spend time sightseeing along the way. This is a great option for families who don't get to spend a lot of time together because of their hectic lifestyles.

LTK: What advice do you have for first time cruisers wading through various itineraries and price points?

CR: Do your research and find an agent who you believe can answer all of your questions correctly and in a timely fashion. Unless you have always wanted to travel to Europe, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, look to take your first cruise from the United States. Most first time cruisers should consider taking a tour of the Caribbean on a 5-7day sailing to see if they like it, and if it is worth the money.

LTK: Any other tips on how to get the most bang for your buck when booking a cruise?

CR: Make sure you ask a lot of questions. Don't book a cruise unless you are comfortable with the answers and the agent you are dealing with. Also, remember that most, if not all, cruise/travel websites will list a "starting from" rate; however, this price is NOT the total amount you will pay, and you need to be ready for that. A "starting from" price is generally the least expensive inside cabin found on the lowest passenger deck. The price also does not reflect all of the taxes you will need to pay. This is a very important bit of information, as this is how a lot of large online agencies will get you to call in, but if you aren't aware of additional charges, you can easily get frustrated and lose interest in taking a cruise. When clients contact me for a rate, I quote the complete price, including all taxes and fees, so they have all of the details upfront and are not misled.

Save while you sail.

LoveToKnow would like to thank Craig Rashid for providing great insider information about the cruise industry and how to stretch your dollar when planning a dream voyage.

Anniversary Cruises on Royal Caribbean

Nothing puts the sizzle back into a sedentary union more than setting sail on a romantic anniversary cruise on Royal Caribbean. The upscale cruise company offers passion-filled packages for couples looking to reignite the flames of love on the high seas.

Royal Caribbean anniversary cruises ooze romance and intimacy. From quiet sunsets and sweet musical tributes to sentimental ceremonies and elegant embellishments, rededicating yourself to your beloved onboard a luxury ocean liner has never been so memorable.

Fortunately, you don't have to go overboard planning a vow renewal service all by yourself. Royal Caribbean offers "Royal Romance Wedding Consultants," who create magical memories for couples looking to celebrate their wedding anniversary with a romantic vow renewal ceremony. A standard "Royal Encore" package includes:

Picturesque locale onboard a Royal Caribbean ship Vow renewal ceremony performed by the ship's social host Romantic music Elegant bridal bouquet Simple groom's boutonniere Keepsake vow renewal certificate. Four chocolate-covered strawberries and sparkling wine for married couple One-hour of professional shipboard photography service for the ceremony and post-vow exchange poses

If you decide to renew your wedding vows during an anniversary cruise onboard Royal Caribbean, keep in mind that the ceremony is not legal and couples with different last names will be required to show proof of marriage. In addition, couples interested in the vow renewal package must notify the cruise line 14 days in advance of sailing. An exact time and location of the ceremony will be coordinated once you are onboard the ship.

If you prefer a more low-key anniversary celebration onboard Royal Caribbean, then consider requesting a Royal Romance package which includes anniversary-related stateroom decorations and a "Congratulations" cake. The celebratory package deals range in price and can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. Packages vary depending on your destination and itinerary. The standard package comes with balloons, streamers, a banner and flower cake. However, if you don't mind spending a bit more, special gifts can also be included direct from the ship's boutiques and other retailers.

Some couples prefer to commemorate their anniversary with private celebrations. In these cases, Royal Caribbean offers a selection of special touches to add to your stateroom, from fresh flower bouquets to buckets of champagne and strawberries. You may request the enhancements upon boarding or order them prior to sailing, so that they are in place when you arrive in your stateroom.

Royal Caribbean loves to celebrate special occasions, but realizes that some guests prefer to observe their anniversaries without a lot of pomp and circumstance. If you are taking a cruise to commemorate five, 10 or 25 years of wedded bliss, and don't want the fanfare of balloons, streamers and banners, then opt to recognize the milestone by taking part in some couples-only activities. Onboard options include

Couples rock climbing Flowrider surf simulator lessons Pairs ice-skating lessons Couples spa treatments Golf lessons

Another way to reconnect with your beloved is to sign-up for adventurous or romantic shore excursions. Tour a European castle, stroll along a Caribbean beach or spend your anniversary hiking hand-in-hand through a tropical rain forest. Experiencing a dream date is made easy by contacting your ship's social activities coordinator.

Whether you go all out with an elaborate onboard vow renewal ceremony or you simply want to sneak off to a secluded section of the ship to enjoy a sunset cocktail with your spouse, Royal Caribbean has a litany of fun options for couples celebrating their anniversaries. You can also help pump up the passion by selecting a romantic cruise destination, such as Hawaii, Mexico or Puerto Rico. Finally, timing is everything. If you don't want to spend your anniversary rubbing elbows with large crowds, don't sail during the peak holiday season or when kids are out on summer break.

How to Pick the Perfect Kids' Cruise

Kick up your annual family vacation with a cruise that caters to the youngest members in your clan. There is a sea of fun-filled kids cruises to choose from; however, the sheer volume of choices often makes selecting the perfect voyage a challenge for parents. Roberta Backus Turner is no stranger to this dilemma. The spokesperson for Discovery Cruise Line specializes in helping parents pick the perfect kids' cruise. She shares her selection tips with LoveToKnow readers in this exclusive interview:

LoveToKnow (LTK): Sailing with kids is a great family vacation option, but what if you are cruising with children of varying ages?

Roberta Backus Turner (RBT): If you are cruising for the first time with very young children, then you might consider taking a day cruise. Discovery Cruise Line offers kids' cruises that depart from Ft. Lauderdale in the early morning and arrive in Grand Bahama Island by lunch time. Kids and their parents can visit the island's beaches or other family-friendly attractions. The ship departs Grand Bahama Island at 4:45 p.m. and arrives back in Ft. Lauderdale at 10 p.m. Two all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner buffets are included in the price and cabins are available so kids can relax during the cruise. Also, when you take a shorter cruise you don't have to pack as much. Most cruise ships offer a variety of food, beverages and activities to keep kids busy, so you don't have to bring along a ton of stuff. If you are sailing with older children, then consider a multi-day cruise to a destination that offers a variety of kid-friendly attractions. Discovery offers a Cruise N' Stay Vacation package which allows families to spend the night at local Bahamian hotels and explore the island by day.

LTK: What types of amenities should parents look for when cruising with children?

RBT: Kids' clubs are popular features in newer vessels. Discovery Cruise Line features a kids club that boasts computer games, arts and crafts, movies and a Wii room. Parents can drop off their children at Club Discovery, and then relax and enjoy the ship's adult amenities, while the kids get their faces painted, participate in scavenger hunts, eating contests and other games.

LTK: How does destination factor into the selection process?

RBT: Choosing the right destination is key to a memorable kids' cruise. If your kids love playing in the great outdoors, then head to Mexico, Hawaii or the Caribbean. Grand Bahama Island is an ideal vacation spot for families because of its beautiful beaches, kid-friendly restaurants and myriad of activities, such as swimming, kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling. Kids can even swim with dolphins. The best part is that it is so close to the United States, it doesn't take that long to get there and back, and when you cruise on Discovery getting there is only half the fun.

LTK: How can parents get the best deals when shopping for a kids cruise?

RBT: Timing is everything. Cruising during the off season will score you bigger savings. Also, look for buy one, get one free deals, reduced rates and other specials that cruise lines offer throughout the year. For example, for summer 2011, Discovery is offering a special money-saving promotion which allows one child under the age of 12 to cruise for free when accompanied by an adult. This allows families, who may be experiencing economic hardships, to experience a high seas adventure without breaking the bank.

LoveToKnow would like to thank Roberta Backus Turner for providing useful insider information on kids' cruises and tips on selecting the perfect voyage for children of all ages.

Cruise Specialist Shares How to Make the Most of a Family Cruise

It's family cruising with a twist. Multi-generational sailings are the 21st century's hottest travel ticket, and these days they are more accessible than ever. Diane Prejna knows all about these popular voyages, which involve the entire clan. The travel expert has been in the industry for more than a decade and has set sail on several multi-generational cruises. She shares her well-honed tips with LoveToKnow readers in this exclusive interview:

LoveToKnow (LTK): Multi-generational cruises are designed to create once-in-a-lifetime adventures for grandparents, adult children and grandchildren. How do you make the most of these unique vacations?

Diane Prejna (DP): Before you commit to a multi-generational cruise it's best to sit down together as a family and decide where you want to go and what you want to do. For example, if your teenage grandkids want to rock climb, swim and chill out in a video arcade while your daughter insists on doing yoga each morning, you need to find a ship that accommodates each person's needs and wants.

Another tough decision to make is where to sail from and to. If most of the family does not live near a major port, then you will have to discuss the cost of flying in from your respective hometowns. As for where to sail to, I would suggest having each family member list two or three top destinations, then put it to a family vote. Or, you could place the destination choices in a hat and see which spot is pulled. Personally, I would suggest cruising to the Caribbean. It is a wonderful place that features a variety of ports and options and appeals to a variety of age groups. It's also an affordable spot to cruise to, if you are departing from Florida.

LTK: Once you know how many family members will be cruising, there's the challenge of selecting staterooms. What tips do you have?

DP: This is a toughie since you can opt for connecting staterooms, individual suites, separate family cabins or a cluster of smaller rooms located next to each other. I would suggest looking at how many people you need to accommodate and the ages of each person. On our last multi-generational cruise we booked four balcony cabins in a row and three interior cabins for the teenage kids to share. With teenagers it is better for them to have a separate cabin so they can come and go as they please. Plus their mess and noise is contained and does not bother everyone.

LTK: With so many opinions floating around, how do you ensure everyone's happiness on a multi-generational cruise?

DP: The key to enjoying time together on a cruise is to establish expectations prior to departing. During one of our multi-generational family cruises the grandparents wanted the whole family to eat dinner together each night, but we could do our own thing the rest of the day. Grandma and Grandpa also saved a spot on one of the ship's decks where the rest of the family could check in throughout the day. In addition, individual families established their own rules, including curfews for their kids. The big rule was you had to be up on time for any scheduled shore excursions. Another rule we made was that everyone needed to be dressed up for formal nights because we booked a private photo shoot. There was a charge for the session, but the package included a free photo. We got some wonderful family portraits from our cruise.

LTK: What advice can you give to readers to help them score money-saving deals on family cruises?

DP: My top tip is to book early, so you can take advantage of the early booking discount. Another good idea is to inquire about group deals. Most major cruise lines offer reduced rates to families who are looking to book a large number of cabins. Again, you should book early if you want to make sure all of your staterooms are in close proximity to each other. Finally, search the Internet for cruise deals or contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises. By establishing a relationship with a travel agent you can be notified on great bargains as soon as they become available.

LoveToKnow would like to thank Diane Prejna for providing useful insider information on multi-generational family cruises and for sharing her personal experiences and photos. Her tips prove that with a little planning, grandparents, kids and grandchildren can enjoy an amazing adventure on the high seas without breaking the bank.

Chicago River Cruises

Chicago River cruises give a unique perspective of the Windy City and its legendary skyline. The educational and exciting sailings are a top attraction in the “City of Broad Shoulders,” especially for visitors who are looking to experience Chicago’s?famous sites in an unforgettable fashion.

The Chicago River is one of the Windy City’s crown jewels. The 156-mile waterway flows through the downtown area buffering some of the most architecturally rich structures in the nation. Originally, the river emptied into Lake Michigan. However, due to sanitation concerns, city leaders reversed the river’s flow, and now it heads away from Lake Michigan and empties into the Mississippi River basin.

The change in the river’s directional flow has done nothing to reduce visitors’ attraction to it. People travel from around the world to sail the Chicago River. Fortunately, there are several reputable companies that offer cruises on the iconic river, including:

Chicago’s First Lady Cruise is the official line of the Chicago Architecture Foundation. The group runs critically-acclaimed 90-minute architecture river tours from April through November. Voyages depart from the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Lower Wacker Drive and sail past Chicago's world renowned architectural wonders. All cruises are narrated by certified Chicago Architecture Foundation guides. The knowledgeable docents share insightful facts about the design and history of more than 50 of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Tribune Tower and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower). Chicago’s First Lady Cruise ships feature indoor and outdoor seating allowing you the option of sitting in air-conditioned comfort or enjoying unobstructed views on the vessel’s open-air decks.

Chicago Line Cruises offers in-depth historical and architectural cruises on the city’s famous river. Each 90-minute sailing departs from an exclusive dock located at historic North Pier/River East Plaza. The architectural cruise travels to the north and south branches of the Chicago River, while the historical voyage covers the Chicago River and parts of Lake Michigan. Both sailing options are narrated by professional guides and all passengers are treated to complimentary Starbucks coffee, lemonade, and cookies. Highlights of the cruise include unprecedented views of:

Trump TowerJeanne Gang's Aqua BuildingMerchandise MartWrigley BuildingRiver CityMarina CityWillis Tower

Those looking to take an evening sail on the Chicago River should consider booking a spot on a cocktail cruise. In addition to its architectural and historical sailings, Chicago Line Cruises also offers a cocktail voyage from May through October. Enjoy a libation as you sail past Chicago's famous skyscrapers aglow in the burnished hues of a gorgeous Midwest sunset.

Wendella Boats is a Chicago institution. The company has been offering public cruises on the Chicago River for four generations. The family run business is considered among the city’s best of the best, featuring the most comprehensive river tours narrated by highly-educated guides. Cruises are offered seven days a week from April through November. Sailings depart from Wendella’s dock at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Passengers can choose from a wide array of Chicago River cruises including the company’s most popular:

Architectural tourHistorical tourCombined lake and river tourChicago at Sunset tour

Another highly recommended Chicago River cruise for adults is Wendella’s two-hour wine tasting architectural cruise. In addition to learning about the Windy City’s architectural heritage, passengers are treated to different wines by Kafka Wine Company and are offered samples of delicious Italian dishes by Buca di Beppo.

Since cruises on the Chicago River are only offered seasonally, they tend to sell out quickly. To ensure a spot on the voyage of your choice, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets in advance. You can do so by visiting the companies’ ticket booths at their respective docks or by buying seats online at the companies’ websites. Finally, remember to be at the dock at the hour printed on your ticket, as the cruises set sail promptly at their scheduled departure times.