Valentine's Day is Near

By PAUL MOTTER

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, but there is still time to think about giving your loved one something you both want and need - a cruise. You just got through the holidays with all of the family celebrations and other big gatherings. Wouldn't it be great for just the two of you to get away and spend some time together?

To get you in the mood, I suggest entering Carnival's "Read My Valentine" contest right away. All you have to do is write a story about anything romantic concerning you and yours. It can be about how you met, or a story about the two of you on a Carnival cruise, although the Carnival cruise element is NOT a requirement to enter the contest.

And after you have done that, book yourself a Valentine's Day cruise. The carnival contest closes on February 14th, so the cruise prize they award will be for a later date. The prize is a four-day Western Caribbean cruise in the Owner's Suite (!) on either Carnival Imagination or Inspiration.

Both of these ships (and all of this class) were just newly remodeled in several areas, including one you and your lover will surely enjoy, a new "Serenity Adults-only Area" with thick, cushy outdoor loungers and a quiet, kids-free pool area.

Don't be surprised if other cruise lines announce Valentine's Day contests soon as well. But don't hesitate to book that cruise now, because even the prizes awarded will not be for this year's Valentines Day.

In case you are wondering, Valentine's day falls on a Thursday, and most weekend cruises leave Friday afternoon and return Monday morning. What could be better than giving your mate a cruise that leaves the next day?

Here are our picks for the top Valentine's Weekend cruises (All prices were derived from the website of one of our sponsors):

Feb 15 - 18 Three Nights: Friday thru Monday: