Cruisy prices for stand-by deals

We are seeking websites that display last-minute standby offers for cruises. Do you know of places we could register or enquire?

- P. Hennessy, Cronulla.

Cruisecritic (cruisecritic.com) is one such site. Click on "Deals" and let your imagination run riot, especially if the Caribbean is your glass of rum.

Cruises.com is another option. It features a "Cheap Cruises" tab - and who could quibble with a four-night trip from Miami to the Bahamas starting at a measly $120, or a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona starting from a paltry $550? The deals are not quite so sharp with Cruise Discounters (cruisediscounters.com.au) and Oz Cruising (ozcruising.com.au) but these are sites designed specifically for Australian cruisers and they might serve as a more practical last-minute solution.

Another option is to get in touch with a travel agent who specialises in cruises - and there are several in the Sydney area. Tell them what you're looking for and that you are prepared to travel at short notice and see what they come up with. Call them back, drop in for a chat and nag them from time to time. Travel agents, like all of us, tend to forget you unless you're on their case. A frequent reminder never hurts and you'll be packing your Bermuda shorts and floral shirts in no time at all.