Issue date: May 21, 2000

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The trail to cruise line discounts

Because the eight companies listed here are all more or less in the same category and offer the same products, we've dispensed with descriptions. All work with virtually all major cruise lines, and offer discounts of between 20% and 50% (sometimes even more) off the published rates for almost any sailing. That's because all are "consolidators," companies that work in conjunction with the cruise lines to fill up unsold cabins for particular ships and dates. Because any one of them might have the best price on a specific cruise, we suggest you price the cruise you want from several sources.

• Spur-of-the-Moment Cruises (www.spurof.com; 1-800-343-1991)
• GalaxSea Cruises and Tours (www.cruisestar.com; 1-800-662-5450)
• Cruises of Distinction (1-800-434-7447)
• The Cruise Line Inc. (1-800-777-0707)
• Cruises Only (www.cruisesonly.com; 1-800-895-3771)
• I-Cruise.com (www.icruise.com; 1-888-909-6242)
• Cruise Value Center (www.cruisevalue.com; 1-888-282-7447)
• Cruise.com (www.cruise.com; 1-888-609-8224)

Surf's up at a wave of beach sites

If you're looking for the perfect ocean sunset, the gnarliest waves, the most stellar underwater universe or just a break from work, you'll find sun-kissed serenity at the Travel Channel's Beach Guide (travel.discovery.com/ideas/nature/beachgd/beachgd.html). In addition to ranking the world's top beaches, the site lets you chat, read postings on favorite shores, and find kid-friendly hotels from Waikiki to South Beach. Dive in and plan your next beach vacation by surfing these sites:

• www.sunprotection.org Before you pack the sunscreen, find out how the sun damages your skin. Click on the "Skin Types" link for a quick quiz on what SPF is right for your complexion.
• gorp.com/gorp/resource/us_ns/beaches.htm If your interests extend to above and along the water, check in at Great Outdoor Recreation Pages (GORP) for listings of national seashores and recreation areas, along with tips on where to hike, bike, kayak and water-ski. Click on Great American Beaches for sport-related beach sites from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
• surfline.com A surf report for more than 50 spots around the world (ever heard of Soup Bowls, Barbados?), plus cool pictures and live surf videos galore. Weather reports help fishermen and boaters, too.
• scuba.about.com Before you take the plunge, this information-packed page has a list of how-to articles for beginners, a primer on essential scuba jargon and links to online magazines and dive shops.
• beachcam.net Finally, for those who can't get to the beach but wish they could, a virtual paradise of beachcam sites lets you catch the action deskside. Here, see live footage of beaches in Fort Lauderdale, Santa Monica and Surfer's Paradise, Australia.