Challenged to test Wal-Mart's "Always Low Prices" claim as it applies to cruising, I did this quick comparison of five major online travel agents to see what kind of discount fares they offered. If you look below, you'll see that Wal-Mart consistently offered the lowest prices on the Web -- but in most cases these deals either matched Expedia or beat it by less than ten dollars per person. Additionally, with the exception of the Tahiti cruise, all prices were very close.

Keep in mind that by paying the lowest available price you'll get one of the least-desirable staterooms. With cruise deals like these, you're likely to book an inside cabin on a low deck than a roomier and more romantic verandah cabin -- which could cost twice as much, or more, per person.

Also note that Walmart only sells Carnival Corporation cruises, which include the Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Seabourn, Windstar, and flagship Carnival brands. So if you have your heart set on a Princess "Loveboat" cruise, a Norwegian "freestyle cruising" voyage, or a luxurious Radisson Seven Seas cruise in ultimate comfort, you won't be able to purchase them on the Wal-Mart site.

Cruise price comparisons were conducted on 6/20/02. Prices were per person and did not include airfare.

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