Looking for a fabulous way to escape the cold this winter? A last-minute cruise to the Caribbean, Mexico or the Bahamas may be just the answer. These cruises can offer excellent value when compared with other tropical land-based vacations, especially given the skyrocketing prices of hotels and resorts. Cruises to sunny destinations leave from many convenient U.S. ports, eliminating the need for expensive international flights and making these vacations hassle-free.

Those dreaming of taking an affordable last-minute tropical escape can take heart. Prices on cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico can be more than 60% off regular fares on some sailings. Sites such as VacationsToGo.com, Cruises.com and others make it easy to find great cruise deals, or you can contact your favorite travel agent for assistance.

Travel shoppers can find cheap vacation deals on tropical winter voyages with cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Margaritaville at Sea, and MSC Cruises. Cruise fares on a select number of sailings are currently less than $300 per person for a three-night cruise. Daily meals, activities, and entertainment are included as well.

Airfare is generally one of the most expensive parts of a winter beach vacation, particularly for last-minute flights. Cruises from close-to-home U.S. ports will take to some of the same tropical destinations, sometimes for less than the price of a round-trip international air ticket. Cruise lines have positioned their ships in a variety of locations within driving distance of major cities, making last-minute tropical cruise vacations easier and less expensive.

Cruise lines offer winter sailings from a wide variety of U.S. ports, including New York, NY; Bayonne, NJ; Baltimore, MD; Norfolk, VA; Jacksonville, FL; Port Canaveral, FL; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Miami, FL; Tampa, FL; New Orleans, LA; Galveston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA; and other areas. Parking can be found near all cruise terminals.

If you have a tight budget and limited free time for your getaway, research short cruises. These two- to five-night cruise vacations are often very affordable and provide accommodations, food, and entertainment at a reasonable price. To compare your vacation options accurately, research what's included on a short winter cruise versus a land-based tropical vacation and price out similar trips.

If you’re considering taking a last-minute cruise escape, here are a few tips.

Consider Driving To Your Cruise
Last-minute airfares for flights are often high. Check on airfares to possible embarkation ports before starting your search process. Sites such as Google Flights can be good places to start. If fares are expensive, make plans to drive to your cruise and focus your search on ships departing from convenient embarkation ports.

Be Flexible With Cruise Options And Sailing Dates
Being willing to try something new or different can result in a great cruise deal. Instead of being fixated on a specific cruise line or itinerary, consider all available cruise options within your budget. Then, decide whether the savings are worth the trade-offs. Flexibility with your sailing dates can make a big difference as well.

Check With A Knowledgeable Cruise Travel Agent
Using a top-notch travel agent is often a smart bet for booking a last-minute cruise getaway. An experienced cruise travel advisor can save you time, money, and countless vacation hassles. They understand the differences between cruise lines and specific ships, as well as the various itineraries available. Look for a travel advisor with membership in the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and/or Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). In addition, if you are focused on a specific cruise line, seek out a travel agent who has preferred status with that line. You might receive special discounts and added perks. Make sure to ask about special rates for military members, residents of certain states, past guests and other offers.

If You Must Fly, Take A Direct Flight
Direct flights can be more expensive, but that’s not always the case. Use a good travel agent or book your flights immediately after you purchase your cruise for the best results. If connecting flights are mandatory for your cruise, make sure to allow plenty of time for connections. This is particularly important during the winter months when snowstorms can occur. If you have a choice of connection cities, stay away from those prone to bad winter weather and heavy traffic delays.

Purchase Travel Insurance
Make sure to purchase trip insurance to protect your vacation investment in case of an unforeseen transportation problem, family illness, or other issue. When buying your insurance, however, it’s important to make sure that your flights are wrapped in the coverage. Some vacationers buy insurance directly from their cruise line when purchasing their cruise and then obtain their own flights separately. When a problem arises with their flights, they can find that their trip insurance only covers the cruise. Make sure you understand what is covered by the trip insurance policy you’re purchasing and read the fine print carefully. For the best results, talk with your travel agent or call the travel insurance company directly and ask questions to understand intricate coverage issues.

Advertised cruise fares change constantly, and cruises can sell out rapidly during the winter months. It’s important to be prepared to make decisions quickly. Here is a sample of a few of the tropical cruise vacation deals available this winter. Check with your travel advisor, online sites and cruise lines for the best current rates.

Bahamas Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line offers three – and four-night winter cruises on Carnival Conquest, departing from Miami and visiting Princess Cays or Half Moon Cay and Nassau Bahamas. Advertised base rates for a four-night sailing on select winter departure dates have been advertised as low as $376 per person.

Margaritaville at Sea offers two- to four-night cruises on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, departing from Palm Beach, Florida, and visiting Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas. The port of Nassau, Bahamas is featured on some longer sailings. Base fares for two-night itineraries have been advertised as low as $99 per person on select winter departure dates. Specials are often available, including discounts, onboard credit, free stateroom upgrades, Kids Sail Free, and Heroes Sail Free. Check the cruise line's website regularly for the most current deals.
MSC Cruises offers four-night cruises on MSC Divina, departing from Miami, Florida, and visiting Ocean Cay Marine Reserve and Nassau, Bahamas. Base cruise fares for winter sailings have been advertised as low as $291 per person for select dates. Kids 17 and under often sail free on certain sailings as third and fourth guests.

Caribbean Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line features five-night Caribbean cruises on Carnival Freedom from Port Canaveral, Florida. These winter cruises visit Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Amber Cove, Dominican Republic. Advertised base rates have started as low as $549 per person for winter voyages.

Carnival Cruise Line offers seven-night Caribbean cruises on one of its newest ships, Carnival Celebration. Voyages depart from Miami, Florida and visit Nassau, Bahamas; Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands; and Amber Cove, Dominican Republic. Advertised base rates have started as low as $722 per person for winter voyages.

Mexico Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line offers five-night Mexico cruises on one of its newest ships, Carnival Firenze. These cruises depart from Los Angeles and visit Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. Base rates for these sailings have been advertised as low as $399 per person for select winter departure dates.

Carnival Cruise Line offers four- and five-night Mexico cruises on Carnival Valor. These cruises depart from New Orleans and visit ports in Mexico, such as Cozumel, Costa Maya and Merida. Base rates for these sailings have been advertised as low as $484 per person for select winter voyages.

Margaritaville at Sea offers a variety of exciting four- to seven-night cruises on their newest ship, Margaritaville at Sea Islander. The newly renovated ship sails from Tampa, Florida, to ports in Mexico and Key West. Base fares for four-night cruises have been advertised as low as $199 per person for departures on select dates. Special offers are often available, including upgrades, discounts, onboard credit, Kids Sail Free, and Heroes Sail Free. Check the cruise line's offers page regularly for the latest deals.

MSC Cruises offers seven-night cruises on MSC Seashore, departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, and visiting the ports of Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. Base cruise fares for winter voyages have been advertised as low as $366 per person. Kids 17 and under often sail free on certain sailings as third and fourth guests.