Explorer_of_the_Seas

Deal Alert: If you're looking for fall or winter getaways, check out these killer cruise deals...and I'm not just saying that because I work at Travelocity! Rates start at $149. Seriously.

I am going to scream if I talk about the silver lining in this economic crisis one more time. Well, cover your ears, people, because I'm belting it out...again. NOW IS THE TIME TO TRAVEL. When I say travel, I'm not talking cheap airfare and low hotel rates. This time, I'm talking about the tempting cruise deals that travelers can snag right now.

Photo of Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas

I've had my eye on these cruise prices for months and have said time and time again that this recession is the perfect occasion for would-be-first-timers to try out a cruise. I went to Travelocity's resident cruise experts to round-up a few ideal itineraries for cruise virgins, and they recommended nine cruises that depart from various ports around the country.

These suggested itineraries have a few things in common that are important to first time cruisers: they're good deals; they're shorter itineraries; and they're newer, fancier ships.

Nine Tempting Itineraries for Cruise Virgins

1. Bahamas from Miami

Deal: $249 / $62 per night (oceanview)

Length: 4-nights

Ship: Norwegian Sky (1999)

Find it here.

2. Eastern Caribbean from Miami

Deal: $339 / $68 per night (oceanview)

Length: 5-night

Ship: Carnival Destiny (1996; refurbished 2008)

Find it here.

3. Bermuda from New York City

Deal: $573 / $115 per night (oceanview)

Length: 5-night

Ship: Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas (2000)

Find it here.

4. Baja California from San Diego

Deal: $319 / $64 per night (oceanview)

Length: 5-night

Ship: Carnival Spirit (2001; refurbished 2006)

Find it here.

5. Western Caribbean from Miami

Deal: $448 / $90 per night (oceanview)

Length: 5-night

Ship: Celebrity Century (1995)

Find it here.

6. Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale

Deal: $580 / $83 per night (oceanview)

Length: 6-night

Ship: Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas (2008)

Find it here.

7. Mexican Riviera from Long Beach

Deal: $580 / $83 per night (oceanview)

Length: 7-night

Ship: Carnival Splendor (2008)

Find it here.

8. Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles

Deal: $484 / $69 per night (oceanview)

Length: 7-night

Ship: Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas (2003)

Find it here.

9. Canada/New England from New York City

Deal: $729 / $104 per night (oceanview)

Length: 7-night

Ship: Norwegian Dawn (2002)

Find it here.

Editor's Note: I highly recommend springing for an oceanview room at the very least. They're slightly higher in cost than an inside room, which has no windows, but having a view vastly improves the ship experience.