3 last-minute cruises for procrastinators

By Valerie Moloney

It's not tolate to plan a spring break vacation. Try a last-minute cruise on Navigator of the Seas.

Between the kids’ diorama projects, birthday parties and dance classes, plus a mood-draining winter, I, like the rest of the country, am looking to the spirit-freeing week of spring break. I can’t wait to don the white sundress that’s been sitting in the back of my closet — the one bit of sunshine during this frigid season. If you’re like me, though, you haven’t even started planning a family vacation. How did the CEO of the household forget such an important detail as this? Instead of making excuses, I’ve got my eye on these three last-minute cruises:

1. Navigator of the Seas (4-night Western Caribbean)
The Navigator of the Seas wasn’t simply designed for leisurely strolls on the deck. Active travelers can test their flexibility and strength on a rock climbing wall, practice their put on a mini golf course and lace up the skates for a spin on the indoor ice rink.

2. Celebrity Century (5-night Western Caribbean)
This Miami-based cruise liner satisfies its family base, starting with tots to teens and all in between with diverse activities such as karaoke, treasure hunts and dancing. So when the tweens are at the “club,” mom and dad can enjoy down time at the spa, shops, pools or casino.

3. Norwegian Star (7-night Mexican Riviera)
The star indulges one of my favorite past times: restaurant and lounge hopping. Afreestyle cruising option means that I won’t be confined by where and when to eat or sitting with strangers, which will no doubt absolve the guilt of returning to the same restaurant in the morning after a full dinner even though the ship has 13 total. Yes, I’m a glutton.

Insider tip: Book a spring cruise by March 31 on Orbitz to take advantage of upgrades, air credits and more on select cruise lines.

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Valerie Moloney is a writer for Orbitz who was born in the Philippines, lived in Morocco and married a native Irishman. She now covers hotels around the world and contributes to the Orbitz blog.

Tagged: Cruise, Family time