This fall represents a great opportunity for cruise deals if you're looking to take to the high seas.

Fall is traditionally a bargain time because it coincides with autumn hurricane season and the kids being back in school. But in the wake of August's debt ceiling standoff and U.S. debt downgrade, Americans have really lost confidence in the economy and are putting off big purchases that much more.

At the same time, many of the big cruise lines have too many ships that were commissioned during the boom years now coming into rotation. So supply is completely out of whack with demand.

If you're a relatively new cruiser, I prefer that you look at a website like CruiseCritic.com to help you know when to buy, what ships you're going to like based on your preferences and even what to do on individual ships. The website offers user-generated reviews by fellow cruisers.

On the other hand, if you prefer to travel by air, the airfares to Florida are phenomenal. JetBlue has increased its presence in the Northeast to Florida and the Caribbean. Southwest Airlines, meanwhile, has increased its presence in the Northeast. Look to travel between Dec. 1 and Dec. 15 for the ultimate bargains. Nobody goes on vacation those two weeks!

Editor's note: Today's broadcast originated in Hartford, Conn., at an event hosted by affiliate WTIC News Talk 1080. This segment originally aired in Sept. 2011 and subsequently on Oct. 11, 2011.