The deal
For travelers looking to eliminate the cost of airfare, one of the latest trends in the cruising industry is a focus on ports that are closer to home, and right now in the center of this spotlight is the port of Baltimore.
Carnival Cruise Lines recently announced that it is starting year-round service out of Baltimore beginning in April, and Celebrity Cruises has cancelled its itineraries in New Zealand and Australia, only to reposition one of its ships to the “Charm City."
As a result of these changes, there are some irresistible deals on cruises leaving from Baltimore that sail to the Bahamas and Caribbean, starting from just $399.
The Carnival Pride departs this December and heads south to the warm waters of the Bahamas on a seven-night itinerary that’s priced at whopping 76 percent off brochure rates. Before reaching Nassau, the ship visits Port Canaveral, home to marine life like dolphins and manatees, and attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center and Walt Disney World in nearby Orlando. Next up are the white sand beaches of Nassau and Freeport, in the Bahamas, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. Although there are numerous embarkation dates available, there is only one sailing priced from $399, which departs on Dec. 13.
If you’d rather add a couple more days to your vacation, check out this nine-night Celebrity cruise sailing on Jan. 2. After leaving Baltimore, the Celebrity Mercury makes its first stop in the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina. After that, it visits the nightlife hotspot of Key West before sailing on to Nassau, Bahamas.
Also included in this itinerary is a visit to Cococay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas which is only accessible to Celebrity passengers. Interior cabins start at $719 with oceanview staterooms available from $849.
The dollars
All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Accommodations, meals, some beverages, entertainment, and port charges are covered in the cost. Government fees and taxes, as well as off-boat expenditures are extra.
The catch
You've got a while before these cruises sail, so start marking off the days on the calender.
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