Last minute cruise deals are real, and if your schedule is flexible they are worth knowing about.
The Deal I Found
Cruises departing this week are available at heavily discounted rates. I compared two Royal Caribbean options: Voyager of the Seas, a 7-night cruise, and Anthem of the Seas, a 9-night cruise on a newer ship with an additional port call into Port Vila.
The entry point is an interior cabin on Voyager, the older and shorter sailing.
The Real World Cost
Adding flights from Melbourne to Brisbane with Virgin Australia at around $400 including bags, a one-week cruise holiday becomes achievable for under $1,400 all in. That is a realistic number for a genuine holiday, not a headline price.
But Cheapest is Not Always Best Value
The more interesting question is whether Anthem of the Seas justifies the extra $1,100. You get a newer ship, two additional nights, and an extra port. Whether that is worth it depends entirely on what you are after. If the cruise experience itself is the priority, the newer ship and longer itinerary make a strong case. If budget is the main driver, Voyager gets you on the water for significantly less.
The Decision
More days, newer ship, extra port, higher cost. Or a solid week at sea for under $1,400 total. Both options sound great.
Which would you choose? Comment below.