Cruises, Cruise News, Ship Reviews and Cruise Deals - Cruise Addicts: You'll want to plan ahead for that last-minute cruise

You'll want to plan ahead for that last-minute cruise
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ELLEN CREAGER on 13/09/2009 15:35:00
 
ABOARD THE MARINER OF THE SEAS OFF THE COAST OF ECUADOR -- I'm sorry, did you
say something? Oh, right. You want to know about what it's like to take a
last-minute cruise.
Sure.
Just let me climb out of this deck chair and grab my flip-flops, souvenir drink
cup and ``I Crossed the Equator'' T-shirt. My notebook is around here somewhere,
too, and it's not too wet, at least most of it. I did take notes, I swear, at
least at the beginning.
No, really. I have a little time to talk. Bingo isn't for another hour.
Aboard one of the world's biggest cruise ships, time drifts by for tranquil and
serene passengers on a stunning trip. Some are traveling the entire 16,892 miles
around the entire continent of South America, from Florida to Los Angeles in 47
days.
But here's the strange part. The 3,600-passenger Royal Caribbean Mariner of the
Seas is barely more than half full. And less than two weeks before departure,
fares for the final leg from Valparaiso, Chile, to Los Angeles were suddenly in
the bargain box -- starting at $899 for 16 days. - Read More