You can save hundreds of dollars on a cruise vacation if you choose a ship that sails from a port you can drive to, rather than paying for airfare.

Norwegian Cruise Lines' (NCL) Gem sails out of New York and 1,400 of the 2,400 passengers on a recent sailing were Canadians who drove to the ship, mostly from Quebec. Gas to get to the port and parking at $30 per day (U.S.) is less expensive than airfare for a family of four to Florida where most Caribbean cruises start.

Cruise lines are recognizing the growing interest in drive-to cruises and therefore moving an increasing number of ships to northern ports to capture cost-conscious passengers who would rather drive or take a bus or train.

"As well as the Norwegian Gem, we are also bringing the Norwegian Jewel to New York in 2010 to give guests even more choice to escape the cold northeast winters without the hassle of air travel," says Kevin Sheehan, NCL president and CEO.

Passengers appreciate the savings and avoiding the stress of potentially late flights, lost luggage and long lineups at security checkpoints when flying.

Terry Dale, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) says: "The aim is to enable vacationers to choose the cruise that is right for their individual taste, interest and budget. A big part of that for millions of travellers is having a departure port close to home."

The savings on airfare allows a bigger budget for more shore excursions and another favourite port-of-call activity – shopping.

NCL offers about 24 cruises from New York, six from Boston, three from Philadelphia, two from Baltimore and two from Quebec City.

Carnival offers about 75 cruises out of New York, 70 out of Baltimore and eight out of Norfolk.

Princess has 32 cruises from New York and four from Quebec City.

Holland America has about six cruises leaving Boston, four from Montreal, four from New York City and two from Quebec City.

These cruises range from one-night sailings around New York and weekend getaways to Bermuda, to 21-night transatlantic voyages.

While the first day of a cruise heading out from northern ports can be rough, if sailing south it doesn't take long to reach a warm, sunny climate.

On the Gem sailing out of New York, the weather was cold and raining for the first day and the ocean waves were big, gentle rollers, enough to make some people nauseous. However, most passengers didn't seem to care and were inside enjoying the many bars, restaurants, shows, casino, spa, shops, bowling alley, arcade, children's centre and more.

By the time the ship made its first port of call at Port Canaveral (Orlando) a day and a half later, the weather was warm and people were ready for shore excursions to Disney World, Universal Studios, Kennedy Space Center and other attractions.

Other ports of call on this itinerary include NCL's private island in the Bahamas called Stirrup Cay for a day of beach and water activities, and then Nassau and Freeport for excursions ranging from swimming with dolphins to visiting the Atlantis Resort with its water slides and river tubing.

On the Gem, satisfying an appetite is the most popular activity and easy to do since there are 10 restaurants and 12 bars. NCL is famous for their dine anytime program so you can make a reservation or show up whenever you want.

For pampering, the Yin and Yang Spa and Beauty Salon has 20 treatment rooms, three of which are designed for couples. The spa also has a thalassotherapy saltwater pool with massage jets, hot tubs, whirlpools, heated mosaic tile loungers, saunas and steam rooms.

Staterooms include some of the most high-end accommodations afloat such as two impressive Garden Villas of about 4,400 square feet each with their own private pool and sundeck. But if a villa is too large, there are about 10 different types of staterooms with and without verandahs. Many have inter-connecting doors for multi-generation or large families travelling together.

For more information visit ncl.com or call 866-234-7350.