About a month ago, you might recall that I posted about the search for our next vacation. While our requirements were stiff, we finally found a winner a few weeks ago, and I forgot to share!
In late October we will be sailing east from Miami aboard the Norwegian Sky! Our trip includes four nights on the ship, with three full-day stops in Freeport, Grand Stirrup Cay and Nassau. I am still a little apprehensive about cruising, but I chose this route specifically because it allows us to be off the ship for at least 10 hours a day, if we choose to do so, and includes no full days at sea. I am terribly worried about getting seasick, and figured the option that allowed us as much land time as possible was the best idea! Although we were in the Bahamas in February, this sailing will allow us to see two new islands and we'll get to spend the day in Nassau doing a few things we didn't have time for before.
Immediately prior to sailing, we will be in Richmond, VA (where I went to college!) for the wedding of a dear college friend and his partner. We'll fly to Miami on Monday morning, board the ship and enjoy the Caribbean until Friday. We are debating whether to stay in Miami Friday night or return to Chicago-- while extending vacation is never an unwelcome idea, we are trying to be budget-conscious, so returning to Chicago might be the better idea.
Speaking of budgeting, we got a GREAT deal on the cruise thanks to a lot of price comparisons and bargain hunting. We spent under $600 for the cruise total, in an oceanview cabin for 4 nights, with all meals included. We even scored some on-board credits, 2 bottles of wine and a few other freebies that will come in handy! That shakes out to under $150 a day for lodging and meals-- we would definitely exceed that on our own had we booked a strictly land vacation. While I know we'll spend some money on at least on excursion and some alcohol, I feel really good about our adventure so far!
This summer will be light on travel for us. I do plan to go home to Virginia for a week in late July or early August, but beyond that, we'll be staycationing here in Chicago-- enjoying friends, festivals and all the fun this city can offer. What travel plans do you have for the summer, friends?
Wow that's a great deal! How'd you find it? I've never cruised before but would like to.
ReplyDeleteThis summer I'm limited in vacation time as a new employee so we're just taking some Midwest weekend trips to places like Indianapolis and Kansas City. We're hoping to go somewhere warm over New Year's though!
I bounced back and forth between Expedia, Orbitz, Costco and Southwest travel for a few weeks, looking for the best price. Right before Memorial Day, prices went way down and Expedia was offering a good freebie package. I jumped on it! The prices are still down now, but the freebies aren't as good.
ReplyDeleteYou can also set up a price alert with Kayak, I believe, that will email you daily and let you know about price fluctuations. Bing also does this with flights.
A warm New Year sounds amazing! I wish I could convince my family to vacation together for the holidays.