Imperial Majesty Cruises offer an unusual cruise option in their 2-day Bahamas cruise from Florida. The Regal Empress is a smaller ship than the extra-large cruise ships that are standard among the major cruise lines. Yet, it offers a pleasant ride for those who wish a shorter getaway.

The Extras

People from the cruise line go to the terminal when you arrive for your voyage. They will help you with your luggage and take it aboard the ship. This takes the place of porters who usually handle your luggage. There is even a steward who will take you to your cabin when you arrive.

You also have a chance to pay for upgrades in cabins, as some are usually available. Cabins are unusual in that you will find an abundance of storage for all the items you have brought along on your trip. What is more, those card keys that can be so difficult to make work at times are not used on the Regal Empress - you get a real key instead.

The Dining

Reviewers rate the food on Imperial Majesty Cruises as some of the best available on cruise ships. The focus of the food service is on quality, not on how much food they can prepare. The foods are made of fresh ingredients, which is easy since the ship goes back to its starting point every other day. All the dishes are prepared with care.

There is another place to eat besides the main dining room, too. La Trattoria is a small buffet that is available late nights for night owls who get hungry between karaoke and dancing. These buffets are themed with such themes as Italian night or Latin food night. You will also find snacks being served on the deck in the afternoons.

The Cruise

The cruise is a two-day cruise, so you do not have a lot of time spent in the Bahamas. In fact, you usually get about six hours in port. The short vacation can be a relaxing break for you if your life is especially stressful. However, do not expect more vacation than you can get in two days.

You will have time for live entertainment, time at the casino, discos, lounges, and more while you are at sea. The six hours you spend in Nassau are actually enough to see and do many things. If you get right out there, you will not feel as if you have traveled to the Bahamas for nothing.

Imperial Majesty Cruises are good for introducing you to cruise vacations if you have never gone on one before. They are much like the large cruise lines, but on a smaller scale. You do not have to spend nearly as much money or set aside as big a block of time to take one of these cruises. That makes it ideal for you if you do not want to make a large commitment.

Orlando Money Savers - Vacation Rentals vs. Hotel

The area in and around Orlando is absolutely covered with hotels, resorts and vacation rentals of every shape, size and price range. While the options for places to stay in Orlando are limitless, it's also easy to get swept up in planning a vacation and not do enough research. This can cost you hundreds of dollars per day and even thousands over the course of your vacation if you don't know where to look for the truly great deals. One way to trim your trip budget is to forego a standard hotel or resort for one of the very affordable vacation condos in Orlando and its surrounding areas.

One hotel room at a resort or country club located around Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida will average about $150-$200 per night. This is for a double occupancy standard hotel room. More elaborate hotels can cost into the thousands, but the average you should expect to pay is in the $150 to $200 range, and up to $1400 for a week. For this price you might get a continental breakfast and use of the public pool. You may also get a lovely view of panoramic scenery or a balcony that overlooks the dumpsters. You often never know what you are going to get in a hotel, and anything extra will show up on your final bill.

Vacation Condo Rentals are Abundant and Affordable

Vacation condo rentals in Orlando and Kissimmee are abundant and much more affordable than you think. When comparing size, features, location and comfort, most condo rentals are much less expensive than even moderately priced hotels. You can also find them in areas that are less crowded by tourists, quieter neighborhoods and easier to navigate through. Staying on the property of a resort has its perks, but if you are looking for a quieter, more relaxing vacation, you should look into renting a condo.

Many companies specialize in condo rentals around the area of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios because they know that not everyone wants to cram a family into a tiny hotel room. Through these companies you can find a wide range of prices and sizes. For example, a standard vacation villa near Walt Disney World rents for about $600 per week. This particular unit has room to sleep five people for a daily rate of about $87.

A 4-Bedroom Condo with Private Pool for $140 Per Night

If your traveling party is rather large, there are condo rentals for you too. Large parties stand to benefit the most from condo rentals because they are splitting the nightly or weekly rates among more people. A four bedroom condo with use of a private pool exclusive to the condo occupants can rent for as little as $140 per night. Compare this to a standard hotel, which is about the same price for one hotel room. This condo sleeps up to ten people and has amazing features including a full kitchen, multiple televisions including DVD players, and some even have game systems in the unit. You can shop around all you like, but you won't find a hotel that can beat these prices for what you are getting. Hotel owners beware: vacation condos in Orlando are taking over.