Cruise deals come and go year-round from just about every cruise line that sails the oceans of the world. At any time, it seems that someone has something on sale. Free stateroom upgrades, onboard credit, bonus amenities and more are all part of special cruise fares. Intended to encourage us to book a particular ship, sailing date or itinerary, the greater the need to fill ships, the better the deal and right now is no exception.
Though January is coming to an end, cruise "wave" season is here and will continue into February and beyond in full force. Here are some time-sensitive promotions that can make a big impact on travel budgets.
Carnival Cruise Lines has a Vacation Awesome-ation sale running through Saturday with 50% reduced deposits, discounted fares and a chance to win a prize too.
The deal- Reserve a Carnival cruise for as little as $50 per person at discount prices and be entered to win a prize such as a stateroom upgrade, specialty restaurant dining, shore excursions, spa treatments and more.
What qualifies- select sailings booked via Carnival's Fun Select, Early Saver, Easy Saver and Past Guest cruise rates.
Significant to this sale is the 50% reduced deposit that will enable cruise travelers, still paying off 2012 holiday credit card buys and cash flow-challenged, the chance to book a cruise for late 2013 or 2014 with plenty of time to make payments that fit their budgets... or at least get that cruise booked for half the cash while waiting for their income tax return to pay it off.
Royal Caribbean International has a Designed for Wow wave season offer that runs through February 15th.
The deal- Book select 2013 itineraries and receive up to $400 onboard credit.
What qualifies- 2013 Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean and Transatlantic sailings of 6 nights or longer for up to $200 onboard credit or 2013 Europe sailings of 6 nights or longer for up to $400 onboard credit.
This promotion, like most of this nature on most cruise lines, can not be combined with other offers. Still, its a good idea to explore all discount options and special promotions. There are worse things than having to choose which promotion you qualify for yields the best benefit.
Norwegian Cruise Line has a wave promotion through February 28 that brings a reduced deposit plus up to a 4-category free upgrade
The deal-Book a cruise 3 days or longer and receive free upgrades
What Qualifies- All ships and destinations in 2013 and beyond.
Norwegian also has a deal to cut the cost of bringing kids along on a European cruise. Book a cruise to Europe and kids 17 and younger sailing as a 3rd or 4th guest in a stateroom cruise for 50% off.
Princess Cruises has a Cruise Deals and Air Steals sale running through February 15th.
The deal- Save up to $1,500 on cruises to Europe and Alaska. Save up to an additional $1,000 on airfare for two people.
What qualifies- A variety of Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Transatlantic, Alaska Cruisetours and Alaska Cruises.
Unique to Princess Cruises, active or retired military members get a generous onboard credit on every sailing of every ship.
Disney Cruise Line has a Kids Sail Free offer through February 25th.
The deal- Kids 17 and under sail FREE when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom.
What qualifies- Most Miami sailings through Feb. 25, 2013 in Categories 4A – 11B
This is Disney Cruise Line promoting the notion of sailing from Miami, something that could not be done until recently.
Regardless of the cruise line chosen, right now is a good time to buy. See your travel agent for more details, to explore sailings and to book your cruise. Every one of the above special offers were available to agents in advance of general release to the public, offering buyers a distinct advantage.
Comments