Let's face it - not everyone can afford to pay up front for a cruise, especially a last minute cruise (last minute meaning within 3 months or so). I know this was the case for a few of our friends (2 families) that REALLY wanted to join us for our latest cruise. Fortunately, I was able to find a solution for them!

I work in an office building and in one of the offices right beside where I work is a company called Players Vacation Club. Since I pass several of their "boss type folk" in the hallway every day, I decided to have a chat with them to find out exactly what it is they offered with regard to vacations. I was stoked when they told me about their program/club! We were nearing the 2 month mark of our next cruise and my wife, while happy about the upcoming cruise, was racking her brains out trying to figure out a way to have our friends join us.

I immediately called her on the phone and told her about Players Vacation Club. She was ecstatic, to say the least. I provided her with the phone number and within the next week or so, they were all booked on the cruise!

There is NO credit check when joining Players Vacation Club. You pay $89/year to join the club. Once you join, it's time to pick your vacation! Again, there are no credit checks - all you need is a job and a checking account! Be sure to read their FAQ page (Frequently Asked Questions). They do require a down payment which is based on the cost of your vacation package:

* $0.00 - $1,150.00 = 20%

* $1,151.00 - $2,000.00 = 25%

* $2,001.00 - $3,000.00 = 30%

*Total package cost for two travelers.

Example: Say your cruise will cost you and your travel buddy $1400. Your breakdown is as follows:

Deposit you'll pay to Players Vacation Club (25%): $350.00* Your monthly payment for the next 18 months: $58.35*

*Please don't hold me to these numbers... I'm terrible with math.

The balance (INTEREST FREE!) is withdrawn from your checking account over the next 18 months (as mentioned above). Feel like paying it off before the 18th month? No problem, there is no penalty.

Without this company, our friends would NOT have been able to join us on the cruise. ALL of them were extremely happy for going on the cruise and were literally making plans for the NEXT cruise 3 days into their first cruise!