Next time you're planning a cruise, Instead of zipping in and out of a major city that you haven't explored in depth, why not spend some time there at the beginning or end of your trip?

One option: Save money with a CityPASS discount attractions pass valid in a dozen major cities. If you have time to explore before or after your cruise, check to see if your arrival/departure destination has a CityPASS program.

CityPASS offers discounts of typically 40-50% and prepaid admission to top attractions in a city. Port cities with the CityPASS program include Boston, Chicago (seasonal cruising between Chicago and Canada), Houston (near Galveston), New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco and Tampa. 

In New York, for example, a CityPASS ticket booklet saves travelers 42% off admission to such attractions as the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 9/11 Memorial and Museum and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. In Houston, visitors save 48% on admission to Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, the Children’s Museum of Houston and more. And, in Seattle, pass holders enjoy 48% off admission to the Space Needle and four other big attractions.

For more info: Citypass.com.