The cruise lines are already promoting cruises for the fall of 2008, and we've selected three of the best deals. Choose from Caribbean cruises in August or September; or a Mediterranean cruise in November.  We've also got a last-minute deal on an 8-day Mexican Riviera cruise. Priced from $73 to $88 per night, these deals won't last long. Learn more:

http://www.cruiseguidenetwork.com/bargains.html

 

Cold? Tired? Bored?  Looking for a little excitement but not willing to wait months to go someplace?  TheRealPlaces "Last Minute Trips" section always has special prices available on air + hotel packages for getaways scheduled within 2 weeks!  Sun, snow, big city excitement: whatever you're looking for, there's a package waiting for you. 

As part of a Valentine's Day promotion, Carnival Cruise Lines is giving away a cruise to the couple who submits the most romantic story. Recount a story about your loved one on any topic you choose - from a "how we met" tale to a memorable Valentine's Day or even your favorite romantic memory from a Carnival cruise.

The on-line contest runs from January 14 to Feb. 14, 2008. The top five entries will be selected by a team of judges from Carnival and then posted on carnival.com where visitors to the site will vote for their number one choice. The contest winner will receive a four-day western Caribbean cruise for two in the luxurious owner's suite aboard the Carnival Imagination from Miami or Carnival Inspiration from Tampa.

Both of these ships recently underwent multi-million-dollar upgrades as part of Carnival's extensive "Evolutions of Fun" shipboard refurbishment program and feature such new amenities as a Serenity adults-only area, redesigned main pool, Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, and renovated 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival health club.  Enter the contest at: http://www.carnival.com/: