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TRAVEL RESEARCH SITES (rated and reviewed by our editors) |
Rating
Content |
Ease
of use |
Web Site 1 Balloon=Good 2 Balloons=Better 3 Balloons=Best |
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Radisson Seven Seas Cruises
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises sails to an impressive and exotic array of destinations on their small yet luxurious ships, including the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe, Asia and India. Information is extremely easy to find, as all cruise details correspond to the individual ships (5 in all). Each ship profile features activities, deck plans and room details, and fare and itinerary info is also easily accessed by ship name. Destinations by port are vividly described; on-line brochure ordering is a breeze; and current specials are money-savers.
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Cunard Cruise Lines
The always elegant Cunard Cruise Lines, home of the stately QE2 and other equally luxe ships boasts destinations, themes and ships galore. In fact, this site is so information-heavy, it's easy to get lost! Access itineraries by clicking on a ship and discover cruises with Bill Cosby and Andre Previn, fall foliage tours, Newport Jazz Festival jams, etc. Unfortunately, you must download special software to get room views, and you must contact the company for rates. FAQs for each ship are quite helpful, but their virtual cruise finder is slow to download.
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Windjammer Barefoot Cruises
Discover intimate and laid-back sailing with Windjammer Barefoot Cruises. Small and medium-sized clippers (50-120 passengers) head for dozens of Caribbean destinations ranging from the familiar (Virgin Islands) to the exotic and secluded (Berry Islands). Info on this free-flowing site is served up simply and concisely; enter the fleet section for fascinating ship profiles with historical tidbits. You can also find accommodation and fare details here. Booking is by phone or send an e-mail request.
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Carnival Cruise Lines
This handsomely designed site is the home of Carnival Cruise Lines, America's mainstream floating vacation for the whole family. With everything from spas to casinos to full kid programs, cruises go mainly to the Caribbean and Bahamas, with "special voyages" to Alaska, Mexico and Hawaii. Extensive itineraries are listed, but to get a price quote you have to fork over your ID info. To view rooms, locate the hard-to-find pictures under "Spaces" in "Fun" category.
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Celebrity Cruises Home Page
Celebrity Cruises is one of the superstars of the cruise world, offering the amenities of a mega-cruise line with the personalized services of some of the smaller lines. Their formerly mediocre site has been updated, and its snazzy layout now does justice to the fleet's quite stellar reputation. You'll find info about Celebrity's Aqua-Spa, vast casino facilities and gourmet cuisine as well some descriptions of shore excursions. Celebrity cruises mainly to Bermuda and the Caribbean, and there are brief itinerary details included here, or you can order a brochure online.The improved site includes fare quotes, although it seems the system still has some bugs. Best to look through their list of travel agents and ask them.
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Explore the Greek Isles with Renaissance Cruises
Renaissance Cruises specializes in luxurious yet affordable voyages to the Greek Isles and the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean. We found most of their inviting site to be useful, with clear itineraries, lush photos, port descriptions and travel tips. Another valuable feature is their "Last Minute Discount Notification", where passengers can sign up to receive deep cruise savings if they're willing to leave on a moment's notice. Lists of fares are included on site, although we were disappointed at the lack of cabin and amenities descriptions, which are only accessible if you log in. Book on-site.
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Holland America Line-Westours
A friendly crew serves up gracious 5-star hospitality at Holland America, which offers cruises to the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska and Asia. Destinations are vividly described on this easy-to-use site, including special theme cruises and an enticing "around the world" trip (30 ports of call). Activity info is not upfront, but kids can log onto a kid's club. Each ship's jump page offers accommodation details, but alas--no fare info. Check for promotions. No on-line booking but it's easy to order brochures and videos.
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Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean Cruises boasts a comprehensive site, including destinations (they have a quite impressive list of ports in addition to the Caribbean), things to do and enticing amenities. Actual package prices and fares are listed, which we greatly appreciated. Although the many maps here are handy, we wanted to see some mouth-watering Caribbean photos.
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Norwegian Cruise Line
Not an impressive site for Norwegian Cruise Lines, although their cruises to the Caribbean, Hawaii and Europe look first-rate. Find out about their special "Frequent Cruising" program called "Latitudes," sports and music- themed cruises with top talent, and many honeymoon specials. Although they offer a number of special package deals, prices included, we couldn't find even one phone number for booking a cruise or obtaining more info.
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Babkin Charters/Alaska
This small charter company offers intimate custom cruises on the waters of the the pristine Prince William Sound. Their clean looking site has plenty of descriptions of the wildlife you'll see, some nicely written history of the area, and photos of the landscape and the boats. Not too much actual cruise info; you'll have to e-mail, call or fax the company directly.
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Princess Cruises
Although Princess Cruises is a major line, their only web representation is on this travel-agency site that specializes in cruises. Princess sails primarily to the Caribbean and Mediterranean, Europe and through the Panama Canal, but you'll find nary a detail here except dates and inconsistent fare info. For many destinations you must submit an on-line form to receive price quotes from the agency. Highly disappointing.
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Destinations: Africa | Antarctica | Asia & the Pacific | Caribbean | Cruises | Europe | North & Central America | South America