Cruise the Atlantic with free air and 2-for-1 fares

The premium line Oceania is offering a spring repositioning cruise from Miami to Barcelona on the Regatta for fares starting at $1,299 per passenger -- that's $100 a day for 13 days -- including free airfare from 20 cities across the U.S.

One caveat: this cruise is for people who like to, uh, cruise, because there's only one port stop (seven hours in Funchal, Madeira) and ten full days at sea. In other words, it's a cruise for relaxation, eating, gazing at the sea, and whatever else you might like to do onboard.

Here's how I would look at it: as a relaxing alternative to flying if you have a couple of extra weeks to spare.

You might even want to splurge on a topflight cabin: the upper limit on this cruise, if you book by December 31, 2007, is $2,299 per passenger for a concierge level verandah stateroom. Compare that to first class airfare to Europe these days.

It's possible this special fare will still be offered after December 31, but there are no guarantees. And, in fact, the offer is subject to availability, so it could be withdrawn when cabins are booked up, even before the deadline. Some fees, taxes and surcharges are extra no matter when you book.

Book on the Oceania website or call 800/404-8652 or a travel agent.

Photo from Oceania Cruises.