You could hear the jaws dropping as Disney Cruise Line announced their “buy one, get one for $99” cruise deal for 2009, but how many families can really take advantage? It’s a wonderful opportunity for those who can. Cross your fingers and look over the following to see if their deal is right for you.

The Basics

Per DCL’s website, travelers can now take advantage of their “Paradise Twice for an Amazing Price” cruise discount. How does it work?

* Book a 4 or 7 day cruise to take place during the following times: January 31 - March 9, March 21-28
* Book by December 15, 2008
* Must book a level 4 to 12 stateroom or rooms
* Must use special booking code, FBO

If you do all that, following your initial cruise, you will be able to book a second trip, a 3-day Bahamas sailing, for $99 per person. Your second trip must meet the following guidelines:

* Must book for the same number of travelers
* One of the original passengers must be in traveling party
* Must include same level and number of staterooms
* Must fall within certain dates, namely August 13 - December 17, 2009
* Must book between April 6 - May 30, 2009
* Other specials, offers and credits do not apply
* This offer is subject to availability

Depending on the size of your traveling party, you could save quite a lot of money. This is a great deal for families who have the vacation time and would like to take a cruise with both sides of their families. Granted you can find a room. It’s also a good option for friends who both want to sail, but neither want to pay full price. Obviously, this is an arrangement in which a travel agent could come in handy. Either a cruise or Disney specialist would be a good idea. It would also be helpful to discuss trip insurance.

Critics of the deal say most families won’t be able to take advantage of the special because the dates are too close together for most families to get away from work. There’s also the question of whether the savings are worth it. While Disney wows families, both on land and sea, Royal Caribbean is hailed for family friendly cruises and costs a portion of the price.

Sources: Disney Cruise Line

[Image: Disney Cruise Line]

In 2000, InSight Cruises debuted with the “Perl Whirl,” and have been specializing in educational cruises ever since. Much like conferences, meetings or industrial shows held in high profile places, a seminar aboard a cruise ship gives attendees time to unwind while getting intense, specialized training. It’s also much more convenient for family members and friends to come, have fun, and reconnect with attendees in their down time. Not to mention stops at several of the world’s top destinations.

Top Educational Cruise Providers

Combining Training and Travel

InSight Cruises is not the only educational cruise company in the world, but they are one of the top rated. Current offerings include:

* Mac Mania 8 - Get certified in Mac OS X Support Essentials while cruising through the Eastern Mediterranean. Stops in Italy, Sicily, Egypt, Cyprus, Turkey and Greece.

* Shakespeare at Sea 2 - A ten day cruise featuring live and filmed performances, lectures and workshops while moving through the French Caribbean.

* Scientific American and Smithsonian seminars set against the backdrop of the South Caribbean and Panama Canal, and more.

National Geographic Expeditions continue the training off-deck, as experts lead hikes and other onshore activities. Trips are split up further by interest, with excursions set up for families, photography, adventure and more. Current offerings include:

* Amazon River Cruise
* Baja and the Sea of Cortez
* Epic Voyage to the Indian Ocean, and others

Regent Seven Seas also offers a quality “Circle of Interest” program aboard their cruises. Joined by Jean-Michel Cousteau and the Ocean Futures Society, attendees learn about the ocean and environment during cruises to the world’s top destinations. Introduced in 2009, is the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program.

Ways to Save

Long gone are the days when cruises court only to society’s richest members, but educational cruises can cause your jaw to drop. Suites aboard the Regent Seven Seas start at $20,900.00. There are ways to find savings, however, and programs that aren’t so expensive. (One way, of course, is to enter to win fare for free). Others include cruising in the off-season, and going through a travel agent specializing in cruises.

You may also see a savings when members of your party aren’t interested in the educational programs.

Having Fun

The best thing about educational cruises, of course, is the abundance of regular ship-related activities on board. Cruise ships really can be considered floating cities, some with their own roller rinks, wave pools, and amusement parks onboard.

Sources: InSight Cruises, National Geographic Expeditions, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Image: Creative Commons