Cruise options reflect deep discounts

If you think there aren’t any hot travel deals out there, just check out this list of 10 amazing seven-day cruise bargains — all under $400 per person — good on trips taken this month and through the coldest weeks into mid-February! One of the cruise deals listed below calculates to under $40 per person, per day!

Each of the following deals are on ships rated by Vacations To Go as 4.5 stars out of a top ranking of 6 stars — with 4 stars as “very good” and 5 stars as “excellent” and the rare 6-star ranking as “exceptional in every way.”

The prices shown are per person in an interior cabin and based on double occupancy, or two sharing the cabin. Prices are exclusive of airfare to the departure port city, taxes, fees, port charges and staff tips. In brackets is the published brochure price; today’s savings percentage and the reference number to book a cabin).

• Fort Lauderdale, Nov. 21, Carnival Splendor, $399 ($1,669; 76%; #28848)

• Miami, Nov. 22, Carnival Liberty, $299 ($1,669; 82%; #18728)

• Fort Lauderdale, Nov. 29, Carnival Splendor, $349 ($1,769; 80%; 28849)

• Miami, Dec. 6, Carnival Liberty, $299 ($1,669; 82%; 16003)

• Miami, Dec. 14, Carnival Valor, $279 ($1,669; 83%; 21076)

• Miami, Jan. 11, Norwegian Pearl, $299 ($1,539; 81%; 14469)

• Miami, Jan. 25, Norwegian Pearl, $329 ($1,539; 79%; 14731)

• Miami, Feb. 1, Norwegian Pearl, $349 ($1,539; 77%; 14795)

• Miami, Feb. 7, Norwegian Dawn, $399 ($1,449; 72%; 28309)

• Miami, Feb. 8, Norwegian Pearl, $399 ($1,539; 74%; 14870)

To see more detail on these and hundreds of other cruise deals, visit Vacations To Go at www.vacationstogo.com. Registration is required. Or phone 1-800-998-6925; open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. or Sun. 10 a.m.-11 p.m., EST.

This short column is not to say that every traveler out there should book this category and price of cruise ship. There’s a ship for every budget and style! The column simply points out that many cruises can be discounted as much as 75 percent from brochure rates (a price rarely paid by anyone).

When you seek a top-value vacation, consult with a cruise professional. Most certainly, the first-time and rookie cruiser should be booking cruises with a local professional vs. via the Internet. He or she can assist you in choosing the right line for your expectations and budget.

Find a cruise expert in your neighborhood at www.cruising.org. The Web site also has a page of FAQ’s for cruise newbies — including packing, tipping and staying healthy.

• Your Money: ajc.com’s guide to living well while spending less