Whether it's the dreary Northwest weather or the return of a loved one from a recent deployment, there are plenty of good reasons to take a tropical vacation. Leisure Travel Services, located on Joint Base Lewis-McChord Main, has a handful of great deals for military service members and their families on cruises and vacation packages to various locations. Here is a sample.

Cruises

Seven-night Alaska Sawyer Glacier Cruise (Royal Caribbean cruise line)

While a trip to Alaska won't necessarily fulfill the tropical requirement, this trip might make up for it in beauty. There are glaciers the size of Rhode Island, misty rain forests and spirited communities that celebrate their varied heritage. The cruise covers some of the most beautiful parts of Alaska.

Passengers will have ample time to admire the landscape and perhaps catch sight of a few native animals as they cruise through stops in Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord and Ketchikan.

Cost is $539 per person and the boat leaves from Vancouver, B.C. and finishes in Seattle.

Five-night western Caribbean Cruise (Royal Caribbean)

This cruise is all about beautiful beaches and sparkling blue waters. The boat stops in George Town, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico. In addition to the tropical paradise settings, the islands are home to rich culture and complex histories.

Although the boat leaves from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the cost is just $299 per person.

Seven-night Mexican Riviera Cruise (Royal Caribbean)

Passengers can either explore a colonial city or discover the joys of a siesta on a white-sand beach. Just south of the U.S. border lays a vibrant culture, world-class beaches, lush green rain forests and vividly painted architecture. The boat stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, and leaves out of Los Angeles. Cost is $899 per person.

Vacations

Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas (Hawaii)

This three-day package is highlighted by Maui's gentle climate and the fabled surroundings. Located on Ka'anapali North Beach, The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas offer exclusive vistas of this exotic location and an idyllic setting for most any activity. Although it is an area steeped in tradition with a mystique all its own, guests find the familiar stylish Westin touch abounds. From magnificent ocean views to stately foyers, the resort is in harmony with the culture and the environment.

Cost is $650 per person and flights leave out of Los Angeles. Children ages 5 and younger stay and eat for free.

Cancun three-day Getaway (Mexico)

Located on a pristine beach, Playacar Palace is within walking distance to the village of Playa del Carmen and is just five minutes from the Playacar Spa and Golf Club and famous Mayan ruins. This beachfront resort offers 209 guest rooms with double Jacuzzis, three restaurants, three bars, an outdoor pool with a swim-up bar, theme parties and much more. An all-inclusive option includes all meals, drinks, activities and more. Children ages 12 and younger stay and eat for free. Cost is $669 per person and flights depart from San Francisco.

For more information on these and several other vacations, call Leisure Travel Services at 253-967-3085 or visit the office located in Building 2166 on JBLM-Main. Some cruises and packages have purchase dates or airfare restrictions. You can also search the LTS Web site (http://fortlewis.mwrtvl.com) for other deals by entering destinations and departure dates.