Residents of and near the Big Apple are used to the marvelous Regal Cruise deals out of New York City in summer and fall, starting for one-night cruises to nowhere at just $137, 5-night trips to New England/Canada at $499, or 7-night voyages to the Bahamas from $699.
The Sunspree Party Cruises on the 900-passenger Regal Empress start at $137 for one-night trips and range from $319 for 3-nighters, out and back. Five-night sailings to New England/Canada begin at $499 and go up to $1,049. The Bahamas cruises range from $699 to $1,449. In autumn (late September onward), fall foliage cruises cost between $499 and $1,449. All prices mentioned are per person in a double cabin, and include port charges, handling and service fees.
Fair Warning: Don't go on the Sunspree Party Cruise unless you are a real party person, as there is said to be "non-stop" action, with dancing to live bands, outdoor barbecues, midnight buffets, Las Vegas-style shows, games and casino gambling. One-night cruises depart August 24 and September 7. Two-night party cruises sail on Fridays, June 28, July 5, 19 and 26, August 9 and 16, September 13 and 20 and October 4. There is only one 3-nighter, departing August 30 (just before Labor Day), with prices from $319 to $599.
The 5-night New England/Canada cruises stop in New Bedford MA ("the whaling capital of the world" back in Moby Dick's day), Saint John (New Brunswick), Portland ME, and a full day at Martha's Vineyard. Departure dates are June 30, July 14 and 21, August 4, 11 and 25 and September 2, 8 and 15.
The Bahamas sailings are on July 7 and 28, stopping at Nassau and Freeport. There will be two Fall Foliage Tours, a 7-nighter on September 22 and a 5-nighter on September 29. Stops for the former ($669 to $1,449) are New Bedford, Bar Harbor, St. John, Portland and New London CT. The shorter cruise ($499 to $1049) does not call at Portland or New London.
The Regal Empress, while nearly 50 years old, has been refurbished to the tune of more than $7 million in the past five years, with the addition of an Internet Cafe, new outdoor cafe, new teak decks, a sports bar and TV and safe in each cabin, to mention the most important.
For reservations, more information, brochures, etc., see your travel agent or phone Regal at 800/270-7245, fax 941/723-0900, Web site www.regalcruises.com.
