The Washington Post today is featuring a round-up of great spring and summer cruises for this season. From excursions to Albania or week-long ventures in the Bahamas, to a European river cruise down Germany’s Elbe River, this guide will give you some great ideas on how to plan your own getaway.

A couple of great discounts and travel deals are highlighted in the Dallas Morning News, including Southwest’s double Rapid Rewards credits for paid flights to and from Florida for travel through March 9. Other deals you will want to keep in mind is Amtrak’s 20% off winter fares on many routes for tickets purchased by January 25, and Delta’s sale on bargain airfare to Europe from Dallas, under $600 for round-trip airfare to Paris, London, Rome, and Milan.

Cruise Planners have organized an exclusive event, the Cruise With World Famous Astrologer/Psychic David Wells. David Wells, billed as one of the world’s leading astrologers, psychics and “past-life therapists,” announced this week he’ll be hosting a voyage focused on the topic for the first time in June on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas. The seven-night group sailing, organized by a branch of travel agency Cruise Planners, is on the ship’s June 13-20 departure out of Miami.

$45 a night for the New Orleans: Parc St. Charles Hotel. The hotel is located next to Lafayette Square, the second oldest park in New Orleans, and sits within walking distance of Riverwalk Marketplace, Audobon Aquarium of the Americas, Harrah’s Casino, and scores of world-renowned art galleries and restaurants. What’s more, the French Quarter, Louisiana Superdome and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center are all within five blocks of the establishment, and the hotel’s prices are good through the Mardi Gras celebration.

The Chicago Tribune highlights the great deals on skiing in the Midwest, detailing ample options for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and tubing. Families can put their kids in special winter programs and share in outdoor activities such as sleigh rides, dog-sledding and hiking, all the while inhaling clear country air and without incurring the cost of traveling out of state. Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin locations and prices are covered, and there are a number of great midweek packages for even bigger discounts!

The Guardian has a special section in travel called ‘Beenthere’ where people can suggest travel tips and highlight deals that might otherwise be overlooked. In today’s comments, one member points out how to save significantly on tours in Japan, by using the web site called “Tour Guide-interpreter Search System” maintained by Japan’s own Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, which can connect you with a licensed Tour Guide directly, saving you both time and money.

And of course, you can add to the discussion both here on BestTravelDeals.net and over at twitter, where you can follow @BesTravelDeals.

The holidays bring cold weather.  And cold weather brings thoughts of cruises and tropical vacations.  The Yachts of Seabourn is offering the ultimate luxury cruise experience at a steeply discounted price.  But the experience doesn’t start once you arrive at the port.  Seabourn is luring customers with door-to-door luxury.  Packages, which start at $7,980, include round-trip business-class airfare to destinations in Asia, as well as airport transfer and luxury accommodations.  Pricey? Yes.  But these are no mere quick, generic Caribbean cruises.  The line’s ship Seabourn Pride has ports of call including Dalian, China and Kagoshima, Japan.  Each 12-day leg includes multiple stops.

The $7,980 price tag represents a 45% discount.  To take advantage of the door-to-door packages, tickets must be purchased by February 15th.  The Pride’s journey on the other side of the Pacific begins in January.  The cheapest leg includes stops in China, Vietnam and Thailand.

Other options include trips from Shanghai to Kobe, Japan and Bangkok to Shanghai.  These legs are priced at $8,500 each, if booked before the February deadline.

Seabourn offers an ultra-luxury experience.  This is the kind of cruise line that stocks its wine cellar with vintage fine wines and has as many crew members and service personnel as passengers.  The ships are smaller than most luxury liners, accommodating just over 200 passengers with plenty of room to spare.  The line also offers cruises in Europe, though these are not part of the business-class airfare deal.  More information about that can be found on the Seabourn web site.

Travel deals for November 20th include reduced fares to China, Japan, and the Bahamas, deals on Mexican spa vacation packages, hotel deals in Europe, and much more.

Reduced Fares to China and Japan, roundtrip starting at $736 & up to many destinations. See such attractions as Shenyang Imperial Palace in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, or check out the Hong Kong Highlights in today’s NYTimes for the end of December.

Ten of the best Christmas markets: Susan Greenwood picks her top 10 festive fairs at home and away for The Guardian UK

Looking for Europe Hotel Deals? Here’s a luxurious hotel with prime location – 5 star in Dublin, from £111.71 to £142.99 just steps away from the Cultural Quarter, Temple Bar, and the famous shops of Grafton Street.

There’s also a 4 star hotel in Leeds, England from £58.65 per room. Or there’s a stylish 4 star hotel with fantastic leisure facilities in Heathrow Airport from just £39 a night.

Another great deal: Tophams Hotel, a 4 star Hotel in London, just re-opened after an extensive £6 million refit as a 48 bedroom luxury hotel situated in the heart of Belgravia, one of the most exclusive residential areas in London. Stay in Tophams from £144.79 to £281.25 per room, only a few minutes walk from Victoria Station.

Cruise fans already know the Oasis of the Seas set sail from South Florida.  USA Today has a live blogger onboard posting from the ship.

Speaking of cruise news, the Disney Dream is due to start sailing January 2011, and will feature ‘virtual portholes’ in its inside staterooms, showing the seas in real-time and occasional animated visits from Disney characters.

Last Minute Las Vegas Hotel Deals: $39-$69 per night for rooms in the Brand-New Biloxi Casino Hotel (Midweek Only).   Guest rooms range in size from 325 to 375 square feet and include a 27-inch plasma television and luxurious bath products from Gilchrest & Soames.

4-Night Mexico Spa Package from $616 location features 48 spa treatment rooms, three restaurants, lighted tennis courts, an 18-hole championship golf course, fitness center, as well as many walking/hiking trails.

Ski resorts roll out the discounts, featuring fewer blackout dates and better value-added incentives, such as getting a third night free on a two-night booking.

Saving the best for last, Fly Round-Trip to the Bahamas from $210! There’s only three stipulations, your tickets must be purchased by December 15, 2009, outbound travel is valid beginning November 20, 2009, and all travel must be complete by January 31, 2010.