Blount Small Ship Adventures announced a 23% year-to-year increase in bookings for the 2011 cruise season.

“Travelers in 2011 are searching for a great value and an even better experience,” said Nancy Blount, President of Blount Small Ship Adventures, “and we’re giving it to them in the form of great base prices paired with more included excursions, live entertainment, guest lecturers, and onboard workshops than ever before. I think it’s safe to say that small ship cruising has arrived!”

Value seekers are also discovering that North American and the Caribbean cruises are an economical alternative to European destinations, which often require expensive airfare. With cruises throughout the United States, Canada, Central & South America and the Caribbean, all embarking at large ports in major US cities, travelers with Blount Small Ship Adventures save big on transportation costs.

“Our guests don’t have to spend half their vacation budgets on airfare,” continued Blount. “They can embark near their home, sometimes even in their own city!”

The company is now offering couples a chance to save up to $1,200 per couple on 2012 sailings.* This early booking discount supports the launch of the company’s 2012 catalog, featuring eight new cruise itineraries to exciting destinations like the Galapagos Islands, Canada’s Bay of Fundy, and the Mississippi River.

Travel agents will also find great earning potential with Blount Small Ship Adventures, including increased commissions on not only the cruise portion but also on protection plans and pre/post night stays and extensions; as well as on special promotions.

The company’s most popular cruise itineraries include:

•  Gems of the Virgin Islands (10 days)
•  The Best of Belize, the Barrier Reef and Guatemala (12 days)
•  Great American Waterways (16 days)
•  Islands of New England (6 days)
•  Magical Lake Michigan (8 days)