Go cruise, young (wo)man, go cruise

Sigh. If only I could take advantage of these deals -- my work schedule allows no time off unless somebody dies for the first four months of the year. But that doesn't mean YOU can't.

Yet another reason why: American, United, JetBlue, AirTran and other major airlines just cut prices on flights through April. And if you're flying out of the DC metro area, there's some great stuff -- especially if you can fly mid-week. But you gotta book by January 14th (that would be the day after tomorrow).

Hey, you know, there are worse ways to boost the economy. I'm just sayin . . . .

Feel the 'wave'!

January is often called "Wave" season -- where cruise lines assess their open inventory and discount as appropriate. With the tanking economy, if you can sneak away in the first four months of this year, there are fabulous deals to be had. Royal Caribbean is offering discounted deposits and rates; Princess is slashing costs for certain Caribbean sailings; and everywhere you turn, there are great deals to be had -- if you can go NOW!!

Having said that, here's my surprise deal:

Nine days out of Baltimore on Celebrity on December 12th. Goes to Charleston, NC; Key West, FL; Nassau, Bahamas; and CocoCay (Celebrity/Royal Caribbean's private island), along with three sea days. A whopping $700 ++ per person for an interior cabin -- roughly $1,550 for two for nine days for a couple, or $87 per person per day. Seriously??? On Celebrity???

Don't say I didn't warn you.