updated 11:23 a.m. ET July 21, 2008

Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Through January 2009

The deal
With must-visit corporate clients and even the occasional conference in far-flung locales, on-the-job globetrotting can be a great perk. But what about sightseeing? Should business take you to a different continent this fall or winter, why not make the most of the long flight by tacking on extra time to explore the region? We sought out a set of cruises from international hubs varying in length from four to ten days. These Royal Caribbean sailings, which depart from Singapore, Italy and Brazil, start at just $349!

Four-night Singapore sail from $349
Expected in Singapore? If you have four extra nights, consider Royal Caribbean’s two-stop island tour along the Thai-Malay Peninsula. Sailing from Singapore aboard the Legend of the Seas, you’ll visit Phuket in Thailand, after an entire day at sea. The next port of call is Malaysia’s Langkawi peninsula. January departures from the Southeast Asian city-state start at $349. If you’re traveling in December, prices are only slightly higher — interior cabins go from $379.

Venice to Lisbon starts at $799
Wrapping up work in Milan? In less than three hours, you can be in Venice embarking on a 10-night one-way excursion through the Mediterranean. Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas sets sail on November 22. The ship drops anchor in Dubrovnik (Croatia), Santorini (Greece), Tunis (Tunisia), Malaga (Spain), and Casablanca (Morocco). You’ll also have four days to relax at sea along the way before arriving in Portuguese capital of Lisbon. Interior staterooms start at $799.

Sample Brazil from $699
If you’re looking for a South American cruise early next year, you’ll be glad to know the Splendour of the Seas cruises again in January — this time from the Brazilian port city of Santos, 30 miles from Sao Paulo. The six-night trip has ports of call along the Atlantic coast with one day at sea. The ship heads north of Rio de Janeiro to reach its first destination, Buzios. Returning south, you’ll stop in sunny Cabo Frio, colonial Parati, and the island of Ilhabela. For the January 11 and January 25 sailings, interior cabins are priced from $699.

The dollars
All rates are per person, based on double occupancy and include meals, some drinks and port charges. You’ll have to cover any additional taxes, fees, alcoholic beverages and off-boat expenses.

The catch
Getting vacation time approved by the boss. Also, because quoted prices are based on two people per cabin, you’ll want a travel companion willing to make the long haul.

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