I've been seeing online articles about five-day cruises from Florida to the Caribbean that sound like alot of fun with sailing, touring, horseback riding, and even a sweat lodge. The de_script_ions sound wonderful, but there is no mention of a price on the splash page. Could you give us an idea of what a package like this would cost for two people? Second question: would you need a passport to go on these cruises?

In terms of cruise pricing on any length of cruise, a good rule of thumb is around $100 per person per day is a slightly below average rate. Less luxurious cruise lines can come in under $100 p.p.p.d. and more luxurious and inclusive lines usually come in between $100 and $200 p.p.p.d. so if you see a cruise line like Holland America where tipping is not allowed running under $150 p.p.p.d. then that looks like a pretty good deal.

All cruise lines have different levels of what is included such as sodas, drinks, tips etc. so this effects the price and, in turn, the value you are receiving for your money. That's why its really smart to check the fine print on what is included.

Don't think for a moment, however, that the other items you described, such as horseback riding and sweatlodges, would be included in the price! Every thing that takes place off the ship and a few things on the ship, are an extra charge. They are called excursions and you can pre-book them before you cruise or book them once you get on the ship at the excursion desk. Don't delay however, because many popular excursions book up prior to departure. If you have waited your whole life to ride horseback on a Caribbean isle, it would be mighty disappointing to find out that sold out for your cruise. Prices on excursions run from about $25 for guided shopping trips to multi hundred dollar helicopter rides and more.

The current state of dos and don'ts regarding passports is pretty long so I will make it short. You should have a passport anytime you travel outside the U.S.. More resources have been allocated to the U.S. Passport office so waits are back down to what they used to be at 6 to 8 weeks.

Thanks Angus, for a very useful answer. As I have never cruised before, I took the off-the-ship activities to be part of the price, so thanks for saving me a very expensive lesson! I will continue to put money in our vacation account and wait for something really special to come along.