Chicago Vacation

Chicago vacation tips? | Ask MetaFilter MetaFilter AskMeFi Projects MetaTalk December 28, 2005 2:55 PM PST Home Archives Tags Search Login New User Tags: chicago tourism November 8, 2005 Chicago: I'm visiting Chicago for the first time in a couple of weeks. I'll be there for the weekend with a friend, staying at the Hotel Allegro , and I'm looking for suggestions regarding fun things to do. Where should I go and what should I see? For example: Is the Museum of Contemporary Art worth the trip? Is the Navy Pier a waste? Is the train a convenient way to get around, or am I better off renting a car? What sort of attractions are within a reasonable distance of my hotel (located, I believe, in the Loop). That sort of thing. I've already got tickets to the Second City. Thanks in advance. posted by gd779 to travel & transportation at 5:39 AM PST the responses to my question earlier this year were pretty dang helpful. posted by sluggo at 5:54 AM PST on November 8 The Allegro is right in the Loop and you're right near the trains, so you have lots of options. You're within blocks of shopping (State Street), theaters, and lots of mid to high end resteraunts and bars. Millenium Park is about a 5 minute walk. The Art Institue is about a 15 minute walk away. For loads of shopping Michigan Avenue (the Magnifcent Mile) is 15-20 minutes away on foot. It's all pretty touristy where you are, so it depends what you're into. I've never found anything fun about Navy Pier, but if you're looking for carnival food or overpriced t-shirts that's the place to go. Check Gaper's Block (from MeFite Me3dia) for a look at some of the cooler things happening in the city while you're here. CitySearch and MetroMix have even more things to look at. posted by Slack-a-gogo at 5:56 AM PST on November 8 See also here posted by einarorn at 5:58 AM PST on November 8 Just about any of the museums are a full-day visit, including the Art Institute. If you are using public transportation, Argyle street and Devon make for pleasant international shopping and dining, low key and few crowds. (Red line north to Argyle. Devon is a bus trip.) Public transportation in the central Chicago area is great unless you have plans to get into the surrounding suburbs. posted by KirkJobSluder at 6:19 AM PST on November 8 If you're looking for bars and clubs and things that less touristy check out the Reader . The paper is free and can be found all over the city. It comes out on Thursday afternoons, and from the Allegro you can pick one up at Rock Records, which is exactly one block South on Washington (it's at about the same spot on that block as the Allegro is on Randolph). There are loads of ads and listings, so you should definitely be able to find something to do. TimeOut is also now in Chicago, and you can pick that up anywhere that sells magazines. posted by Slack-a-gogo at 6:19 AM PST on November 8 Oh, I love the Hotel Allegro. I put my maid of honor up there as a thank you when she came into town for my wedding. I think you'll be absolutely fine with relying on the train/buses. If you need to get somewhere that's not really accessible for whatever reason, you'll be able to get a cab really easily. I enjoyed going to Chinatown. You can take the Red Line south a few stops. It's not like San Fransisco or New York, but it's fun. posted by sugarfish at 6:27 AM PST on November 8 The Pier is nice for an hour or so but it's primarilly food and drink. There's the Shakespeare Theatre there if you're so inclined, tho. In the summer Second City runs shows there as well - I saw The Trial of Friar Lawrence there and it was superb. The aquarium is awesome too. I resisted going, having grown up in Miami and with no shortage of great aquatic displays, but went on my most recent visit and it was excellent. Beautiful, well laid-out and well worth the money. The perfomance shows are corny as such things always are, but still neat. Presumably they're done screwing around with the bean so make sure you go see it. It seems like a moronic concept but it's impressive up close. And take a picture . posted by phearlez at 6:35 AM PST on November 8 Whoops - I meant to suggest going to one of the Second City shows while you're there, too. posted by phearlez at 6:35 AM PST on November 8 When I was in Chicago, I was pleasantly surprised that I could get a five day bus/train pass [not including the Metra] for $18. This was definitely the way to go for travelling. There were very few places that I couldn't get to this way, be sure to bookmark their trip planner . posted by jessamyn at 6:36 AM PST on November 8 If you do decide you'd rather not take the Bus or trains, just take cabs. By the time you rent a car and pay for parking you'll come out close enough to even that it's worth it to pay for the convenience. posted by Wallzatcha at 6:41 AM PST on November 8 If you'll be using public transportation, use this site or just call 836-7000 from any Chicago area code and they'll plan your trip for you (i.e. tell you where to get on, get off, and transfer). posted by jtron at 7:11 AM PST on November 8 These may be a little too off the beaten path for your visit, but catching a show by The Neofuturists or browsing the stacks at Quimby's Bookstore will yield unexpected pleasures. If you opt to visit the more readily accessible Shedd Aquarium - may as well walk an extra block and catch the show at Adler Planetarium as well. Great views of the city from out there. posted by tristero at 7:13 AM PST on November 8 The Art Institute of Chicago has one of the greatest Modern Art collections in the world. If you like art, don't miss it. posted by scottr at 7:14 AM PST on November 8 I would recommend Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind The historical society offers tours of the city via the brown and purple lines on Saturday and Sunday. Navy Pier is not a waste if you would like to see an IMAX movie, eat at McDonalds, or buy something that says Chicago on it. I think the art museum and the Shedd are great. posted by srburns at 7:17 AM PST on November 8 The Allegro is great, the restaurant downstairs (320 Grille?) has the BEST scallops appetizer I have ever had. There is a fondue restaurant on the north side called Geja's (I believe it's pronounced "yay-ya's"). It's a good time, celler-like environment, full 3 or 4 course meal. Make a night of it, and expect to spend $50-$75 a person. Also, Mambo Grill on Clark street has amazing latin food. Don't rent a car- it's just too expensive. You can get everywhere you need to go by El or train. Thumbs up on Art museum, thumbs down on Navy Pier, especially in cold weather. The Field museum and Shedd Aquarium are both fun, and farther south The Museum of Science and Industry is amazing. If you are interested in Chicago history, the main building is what's left of what was built for the World's Fair in 1893. Check out " Devil in the White City " posted by bradn at 7:18 AM PST on November 8 The Art Institute is worth seeing, even if the layout is infuriating for the modern works. I like to go there for two hour chunks with a clear idea of what I want to see, in order to avoid museum fatigue (though I can go longer, usually the people I'm with start to whine like babies in the face of all the art. Also, I'm not shy about skipping stuff I think is crap in order to sit for ten minutes in front of the Rothkos. Which you should do.) The Museum of Contemporary Art is usually pretty solid, and can be done in an hour. The Contemporary Photography Museum is small, but absolutely fantastic with its rotating shows, and can also be done in an hour (and is an easy walk from the AI). Aside from that, if you feel like trecking, you can visit the Brookfield Zoo. It's an excellent spot if you're either with kids or on drugs. Or both. Even if you're not, the Rainforest exhibit is worth seeing sooner or later, but I'd be hard pressed to make the trip from the loop that far out just to see it. The Museum of Science and Industry is OK, if you want to feel wistful for the great public works projects of yesteryear, and feel deeply frustrated with the screaming children that decend like locusts to break everything tangible around while their parents ignore them. Most of the really cool stuff is gone, and computer monitors have replaced a lot. Instead of having an emphasis on the sheer achievement and monumentalism that made Modernism so amazing, it's turning into just a large hands-on museum, and one cluttered with the garrish and transient. Though they do have a WWII sub as a last gasp grab towards The History Channel viewers. The Aquarium is top-notch (though I again recommend drugs to push the experience over the edge into truly fantastic), but can have an ungodly wait to get in, especially on the weekends and whichever day of the week is the cheap one. You should see it at least once in you life though, it's really great. My second favorite aquarium, next to the one in Monterey Bay, California (which is totally different in scale and emphasis-- the one in Chicago is just huge and gorgeous, but there's no interaction with the fish). Right next door is the under-rated Museum of Natural History, which I enjoy quite a bit. But I also enjoy looking at the giant rings of trees, dinosaur skeletons and old decrepit mummies, so your milage may vary. For all of those places, you should endeavor to keep a few dollars with you for the plastic models that are die-cast right in front of you. They're probably toxic and cause cancer, but they're so damned cool. I'm working on a full set... If you like music, you should look to Out of the Past records, a dusty anarchic set of vinyl (seriously, no order at all) that has so many hidden treasures that it should be declared on the national registry. It's near the Museum of Science and Industry. Dusty Groove is good too, if you've got some time to kill and are around Wrigleyville. Lots of out-of-print stuff. Totally easy to blow cash there. I dropped $50 like breathing, and I'm a cheapskate... posted by klangklangston at 7:52 AM PST on November 8 Navy Pier will make your soul hurt for a couple of days hence. If you brave Michigan Ave. for shopping or the desire to get your toes stepped on, I'd recommend going to the top of the Hancock. It's a great view of the city and you can have a $12 martini. posted by MarkAnd at 7:53 AM PST on November 8 If you get a chance, try an Ino's burrito-- you won't regret it. There's also a nice little thai place on Michigan Ave. right near the Art Institute that's surprisingly cheap and pretty tasty. Or there's the Chicago Diner, if you go for upper-middle-class vegetarian food. posted by klangklangston at 7:53 AM PST on November 8 Oh, I second the Neo-futurists (or rather, I third it) - TMLMTBGB is the best! The architectural boat tour is one of my favorite things to do in the Chi - it's probably too cold for that, though, so maybe one of the walking tours sponsored by the architects? I know it sounds boring, but it's actually really interesting and fun and pretty. And please eat some pizza. Mmm, pizza. And also, don't get a car, you don't need one, and it would be a pain to park -- public transportation in Chicago rocks (and don't discount the buses, I love the bus system in Chicago). The bar at the top of the Hancock building has great views, too, if the weather is clear. posted by echo0720 at 8:30 AM PST on November 8 As others have noted, if you care even a smidge about art The Art Institute is a must. It's my favorite art museum in the US. Do not miss its spectacular collection of Joseph Cornell's work--the largest one anywhere. The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers a wide array of tours . If the weather is not abominable I highly recommend the river cruise. Devon street was mentioned--this is a great place to eat Indian food. If you like German food, the Berghof is a classic and very popular at lunch. And much to my chagrin as someone who grew up on the West coast and has been eating MExican food all my life, my hands down favorite Mexican restaurants are in Chicago-- Frontera Grill and Topolbampo . posted by donovan at 10:01 AM PST on November 8 Oh yeah, lemme recommend TMLMTBGB as well. Excellent. posted by klangklangston at 10:31 AM PST on November 8 These are all great suggestions, thanks! posted by gd779 at 10:47 AM PST on November 8 Go to the Hideout . Best music in a city which abounds in beautiful noise. posted by felix betachat at 11:36 AM PST on November 8 MeTa . (Just in case the dates work, gd779.) posted by felix betachat at 12:21 PM PST on November 8 Second the Hideout, definitely. Also second (third/fourth/whatever) the Art Institute, in particular the modern collection -- and the Joseph Cornell collection is, indeed, not to be missed. As for restaurants, I always love going to Reza's when I'm back in Chicago -- the fessenjen (cornish hen in pomegranate sauce) is spectacular. On the fancy-schmancy end, if you're in the mood (and have the means!), Blackbird is stellar -- I had one of the greatest meals of my life there. posted by scody at 12:26 PM PST on November 8 Check out Wicker Park starting with the intersection of Damen, North and Milwaukee. It's still a little piece of heaven in some respects. Record shops, coffee shops, thai food, noodle shops, the Double-Door and all sorts of assorted tomfoolery can be had. The Hideout isn't too far north of there either. You'll be on Randolph street which has undergone a huge resurgence. All sorts of awesome stuff if you get on Randolph and head west. Also, as touristy as it is, the area of Wells and Division has Second City and cool things to see. For Blues, avoid Kingston Mines and the neck-high frat crowd and head over to Rosa's on West Armitage. Of course you could always come to our meetup! ;) posted by KevinSkomsvold at 12:39 PM PST on November 8 ON REVIEW: The Out of the Past record store is NOT near the Museum of Science and Industry, despite my visiting it on the same day and somehow believing that it was. Out of the Past is at 4407 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60624. I still recommend you go there. posted by klangklangston at 5:12 PM PST on November 8 I love the area around Clark and Belmont Ave...get off the El at Belmont, walk to Clark, turn left and walk up the street toward Wrigley Field. Lots of cool shops and things there. You should also stop in the Marshall Fields flagship store on State Street. This is nothing like the Marshall Fields stores in the mall. It's a definite experience. Plus the Christmas windows will be done by then, so check those out. : ) posted by SisterHavana at 1:05 PM PST on November 10 « Older I love my lotus lamp. I hate t... | My company has an ISDN2 link w... 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Austria Travel

Ernest H. Robl: Austria travel data Specializing in Travel and Transportation Subjects For More than 30 years Stock Photography / Illustrated Articles AustrianTravel Data (for"The Slow side of the Danube") Where to get additionalinformation Austria (general) For additional information on the Wachauregion on the north shore of the Danube, contact Austrian National Tourist Office (click toconnect to Web site) P.O. Box 1142 New York, NY 10108 or Austrian National Tourist Office 500 Fifth Ave., Suite 2009 New York, NY 10110 (212) 944-6880 Austrian National Tourist Office 11601 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2480 Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 477-3332 Austrian National Tourist Office 500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1950 Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 644-8092 The Austrian National Tourist Office canalso provide some information on rail travel in Austria and theAustrian Federal Railways. Rail Travel Railroads are an important part ofAustria's transportation infrastructure. Austria, about the sizeof the U.S. state of Maine, contains some 3,500 route-miles oftrack -- with most still served by passenger trains. (That's morethan enough track to stretch diagonally across the continentalU.S. from Seattle to Miami.) For general information on rail travel inEurope, including currently available rail passes, contact Rail Europe (click toconnect to Web site) 230 Westchester Ave. White Plains, NY 10604 (800) 4-EURAIL (Rail Europe is a marketing subsidiary ofthe French National Railways, which also represents otherEuropean railroad administrations in North America.) Information on rail travel in Europe isalso available from Forsyth Travel Library (click toconnect to Web site) 9154 W. 57th St. Shawnee Mission, KS 66201-9968 1-800-FORSYSTH (1-800-367-7984) or (913) 384-3440 (This company specializes in sellingEuropean rail passes, a wide range of travel literature[guidebooks, maps, etc.], and travel accessories.) Keep in mind that brochures available fromthese organizations (and your local travel agents) emphasizeconnections between major cities -- and that most maps containedin them depict highly-simplified versions of route systems. Rick Steves: Europe through the back door (clickto connect to Web site) Rick Steves, best known for his Europeantravel programs shown on PBS stations, also offers extensive railtravel information and European rail passes through his own Website. Steam Trains Information on special steam excursiontrains in Austria is available from larger stations. Ask about orlook for posters advertising "Nostalgie" or"Dampf" trains. Or, mention your interest in thissubject when inquiring with the Austrian National Tourist Office. Schedule Information If you travel on secondary lines inAustria, a copy of the comprehensive Austrian rail schedule bookis a good investment. It's about the size of a paperback noveland contains about 1,000 pages of thin paper. Schedules are easy to decipher, even if youdo not read German. The introductory material includes a sectionin English which also explains symbols used in timetables. Afold-out map shows route numbers. Schedules are arranged by routenumber. The book is available at ticket counters atmost rail stations in Austria. Ask for the "InlandKursbuch." An appendix even includes schedules for theDanube steamers. You'll have to purchase this book (about$9) after you get to Austria; it is not available in the U.S. The Austrian Federal Railways(sterreichische Bundesbahnen or BB) have an excellent scheduleinquiry Web site . You canfind connections and complete schedules for various routes byclicking on the above link. ###ehr ### Returnto Danube travel feature. Returnto travel feature main page. [Business] [Transportationdata] [Stockphoto newsletters] [Ernest H. Robl Home Page] [Feedback(e-mail)]

Orlando Vacations Orlando Resources

Orlando Vacations | Away.com My Account | Sign Up | Feedback Destination Guides Interest Guides Travel Deals Special Features Travel Photos Free Offers United States Canada Caribbean Mexico Central America South America Europe Africa Asia Australia-Pacific Search for Destination Guides: HOME > North America > United States > Southeast > Florida > Orlando Vacations Orlando Resources Orlando Vacations Orlando Overview Orlando Hotels Orlando Airports Orlando Flights Orlando Trip Ideas Places Near Orlando Miami Kissimmee Saint Cloud Davenport Cape Canaveral Daytona Beach Tampa Saint Augustine Clearwater Saint Petersburg Gainesville Fairvilla Edgewood Pine Castle Pine Hills Azalea Park Winter Park Eatonville Belle Isle Union Park Aloma Maitland Lockhart Goldenrod Fern Park Altamonte Springs Louisiana Tennessee Kentucky Virginia Mississippi Other Guides United States Northeast Mid-Atlantic Southeast Midwest Mountain West Southwest Pacific Coast Canada Mexico Caribbean Central America South America Europe Scandinavia Western Europe Central Europe Eastern Europe Mediterranean Africa North Africa East Africa West Africa Southern Africa Asia Middle East South Asia Southeast Asia East Asia Australia-Pacific Orlando Vacation Guide Planning Your Trip Things to See & Do Feature Articles Orlando Overview In the beginning, Orlando was a collection of cow patties and orange groves, water-skiing shows and gators. Then came the Mouse. Or, more specifically, a mouse named Mickey and his creator, a man of fantastic imagination and vision (and not a little horse sense) named Walt Disney. And life in Orlando A.D. (After Disney) hasn't been the same since. Since the opening of... more Planning Your Trip to Orlando COMPARE PRICES on all Orlando Hotels Compare prices and availability on major travel sites with one click Search Partner Web Sites for Hotels in Orlando Expedia | Orbitz | Cheaptickets | Travelocity Orlando Hotels Seralago Hotel And Suites Main Gate Orlando, Florida 0.0 - The Westin Grand Bohemian, Orlando Orlando, Florida 0.1 Courtyard at Lake Lucerne Orlando, Florida 0.3 Embassy Suites Hotel Orlando-Downtown Orlando, Florida 0.3 CASA BOBBIE ORLANDO, Florida 0.4 Orlando Centroplex Travelodge Orlando, Florida 0.6 - Veranda, The Orlando, Florida 0.8 Eo Inn, The Orlando, Florida 0.8 Marriott Orlando Downtown Orlando, Florida 0.8 Orlando Central Knights Inn Orlando, Florida 1.1 More Hotels.. 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Travel Insurance for Europe,

Cheap UK Travel Insurance - Holiday Insurance, Single Trip Travel Insurance, Annual Travel Insurance, Family Travel Insurance for Europe, USA and Worldwide Travel Insurance Summary of Cover Policy Wording Useful Information: Compare Quotes Contact Us About Us Security & Privacy Policy Useful Links Email Us Additional Services: Car Hire UK Airport Parking UK Airport Hotels Ferry Tickets © 2005 Cheap UK Travel Insurance Cheap Travel Insurance Whether you are searching for basic single trip travel insurance cover for your holiday or annual travel insurance cover for multiple holidays during the year then look no further than: Cheap UK Travel Insurance .co.uk. We are leading providers of cheap travel insurance in Europe, USA, Canada, UK and Worldwide. Should you be taking a family holiday, our family travel insurance is great value for money and is available as both single trip and annual travel insurance cover. To get your no obligation Cheap Travel Insurance quote, click the blue link on the right and follow the on screen instructions. Single Trip Travel Insurance Single Trip Travel Insurance covers one trip from one day up to 31 days. Cover is available for trips in the UK, Europe, USA/Canada & Caribbean and the rest of the World. Take advantage of our Family cover Cheap Travel Insurance. For 2 adults and at least 1 child aged under 18, you'll find our cover very competitive. Annual Travel Insurance Annual or multi trip travel insurance covers multiple trips at up to 31 days per trip. Cover is available for trips in Europe, USA/Canada and the rest of the World. Travel insurance cover for the whole year across Europe from just £49. Please note, we can only offer insurance to residents of the UK. Travel Insurance Europe Travel Insurance USA/Canada Travel Insurance Worldwide Travel Insurance UK Europe Holiday Insurance USA/Canada Holiday Insurance Worldwide Holiday Insurance

Family Vacation Ideas Winter

Cheap Cruises - for families  You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Travel with Kids Family Cruises: Deals It's no surprise that thousands of people search the Web for"cheap cruises": bargain-hunting is the name of the game. Scroll down, below. See also: tips and info on onboard programs and activities for families. Find Cheaper Cruises! latest listings: Disney Cruises: Magical Rates Disney Cruises are known for excellent kids' programs and entertainment with pizzazz; and docking at private island Castaway Cay isn't too shabby either. [p[Every week, Disney Cruises publishes "Magical Rates" on its Specials page. For example, rates posted Monday December 5, 2005 are valid until Sunday, December 11, 2005. You might find a 4-night Bahamian cruise for $479, for Sept. 200 dates; or a 7-night Easter Caribbean cruise for $859 (per person, based on double occupancy.) Chidren's rates are available for kids 3 to 12 in a room with two parents. Under-three's are a bargain as they're free-- unless you want to sign up for Flounder's Nursery. (Other kids programs are free.) Costa Cruises: Kids Sail Free Kids 17 and under are free-- on most Caribbean 2005/2006 sailings, on the new Costa Magica or the Costa Mediterranea-- when sharing a stateroom with 2 adults paying Early Booking Discount rates. Book by August 31, 2005. (Read the web site for some fine print.) Sample price, for adult: from $479, for. a Dec. 18 departure; 5 nights. . Costa is a classy cruise line, "Italian Style"; read about Costa Cruises for families. Single Parents' Cruise Single Parents Tours is an offshoot of the Single Parent Network site, and plans several trips a year, negotiating low rates and ensuring that penalties aren't charged for single-parent families. (Most travel industry pricing is based on two paying adults; the single parent often has to pay a "single supplement".) This trip -- June 26 to July 1 2006-- is on a Carnival ship, and departs from New York for Canada, with port calls in Saint John and Halifax. Royal Caribbean: new ship, with waterpark The new Freedom of the Seas ship, debuting in June 2006, has an on-board kid-friendly waterpark, in addition to rock-climbing wall and other fun. Find 7-night Western Caribbean cruises as low as $700/person. Read more about Freedom of the Seas for families. Booking Buddy A helpful online tool for finding deals; part of the budget-saving Smarter Living network. Alaska and Oregon Adventures Glacier Bay Cruise Line is a small-ship line that aims to take you to "wild and special places", with onboard naturalists and adventure activities such as sea kayaking. Family trips during summer have special activities for kids, and a price break: kids save 50%. (Click "Itineraries", then "Themes".) Hotwire The popular discount travel site has a section just for cruises. Disney cruise savings Brought to you by the excellent money-saving site, Mousesavers .com: a frequently-updated set of all the ways you can save money on Disney cruises. Disney: Specials Check the Specials page at the official Disney site for bargains, such as early booking prices. Kids' rates are available for children under 12 as 3rd and 4th passengers in a cabin. (See photos at Travel With Kids of Disney Cruise ship The Wonder , and article about Disney Cruises .) Disney Cruises Check this page at AllEarsNet for discounts on the Disney Wonder on specific sailing dates: 3 nights land, 4 nights sea. There are many sailing dates, and booking deadlines. Windjammer Barefoot Cruises: Kids Free Forget the Loveboat, and picture instead a tall-masted sailing ship: every summer, (June, July, August), Windjammer has a great deal for families with kids 6 to 17. For ages 6 to 11, "Junior Jammers" program has many fun activities, and kids sail free. "Teen Jammers" is for ages 12 to 17. Water fun includes snorkeling and complimentary SASY (a kiddie version of scuba-diving) and Bubblemaker intro to scuba for ages 8 to 12. Older kids can try scuba. See sample activities for both age groups. Holland America: price break for family reunions The Holland America line has a price break for families-- big families, that is. Those who book five or more cabins for a family reunion will get a price break and a bunch of perks. Holland America has new-and-improved youth programs, too. Norwegian Cruise Line NCL is a major line with several special features for families. NCL sails in both the east and the west, and offers discounts on many voyages including the Hawaiian islands. Discovery Cruises: Kids Sail and Stay Free Discovery runs popular one-day sailings from Ft. Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island. Age 6 and under sail free; also children stay free (with paying adult) at a participating resort on Grand Bahama Island. Meanwhile, kids 7 to 11 pay only $49 for the sailing, and stay free at the resort. Discovery has a Kids Club, with focus on learning about marine life. TIPS: Advice from About's Linda Garrison, for families: The Disney family cruise line charges reduced rates for ages 3-17, and under 3 is free. Carnival has special rates that vary for those under 12. Almost all lines give special discounts for 3rd and 4th passengers in the same room. Current Deals *** A good place to hunt for cheaper cruises: the bargain page at About's Cruises site. Carnival Cruise Deals Check a bevy of deals. Carnival ships have lots of fun for all ages-- see article at TWKids . Crystal Cruises Crystal has for years been picked by readers' polls for Cond Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as Worlds Best Large Ship Cruise Line. Check for Specials where kids sail free. * photo courtesy of Holland America. From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! 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Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...