OCTOBER IS NATIONAL CRUISE VACATION MONTH

Hard to believe, but next week we swing into October, which also signals the start of National Cruise Vacation Month. The Cruise Lines International Association reports "more than 5,000 travel agencies in the U.S. and Canada are expected to participate in the event through special events, including online travel agency promotions throughout the month and special live, in-person travel agent events such as Cruise Nights at travel agencies and in partnership with other local businesses."

But the headline for the month is "save big on cruise travel." You can start your hunt for bargains on CLIA's special NCVW page, www.cruising.org/vacation/welcome to find exclusive deals during National Cruise Vacation Week, Oct. 21-27, from participating member cruise lines. Promotions include "up to $13,000 in bonus savings on a luxury cruise, $1,500 per couple savings on a river cruise in Europe, two-for-one pricing, free airfare, complimentary shore excursions, and up to $500 in shipboard credits. Twenty-five CLIA member lines representing more than 200 cruise ships are offering deals on cruises with a wide array of choices in itineraries, price and length of cruise." -- Gerry