Deals abound for cruises this summer

Need help? www.CruiseTravelEscape.com or (877) 897-SAIL

While some economists are predicting an upswing in the economy the cruise lines aren’t acting like it’s going to happen any time soon.

Cruise lines are dangling all sorts of enticements to get you to book with them. They come in various forms, from two tickets for one, free airfare, discounts for third and fourth tickets, guaranteed prices, free tickets for kids, reduced deposits, early-booking bonuses, and discounts to regular prices.

Here are a few of the deals out there. Samples are based on starting prices, per person, double occupancy, do not include gratuities and fees and are in U.S. funds.

Yachts of Seabourn: Savings of 65 per cent on some Northern Europe and Mediterranean departures in 2009. The all-suite accommodations include your drinks and gratuities.

- Silversea Cruises: Offering free or reduced airfares out of selected cities for Alaska and Europe along with $500 shipboard credit on a wide variety of Alaska, Northern Europe and Mediterranean departures. In many cases you can combine the discounts. Booking deadline is July 31. (silversea.com)

Azamara: Gratuities are reduced as much as $780 per stateroom if you book before the end of May. It’s also the deadline for the deluxe cruise line’s European cruises. They also offer a price guarantee.

Celebrity: The premium cruise line is offering many cruises for under $100 per day. They are also offering a price guarantee up to 48 hours before departure that they will match any lower rates on your cabin.

Scenic Tours: The river cruise line still has some availability on their two-for-one deal on their European cruises with some prices starting at $1,198 per person. Tips, wine and sightseeing are included in the price. Most of their cruises are available over the next five weeks.

Princess Cruise Lines: Limited availability on their two-for-one offer for select Alaska and Europe destinations.

Royal Caribbean: They are offering discounts of $50 per person (up to $200 per stateroom) and $100 onboard credit if you reserve a balcony cabin. The credit rises to $150 if you reserve a deluxe stateroom. The offer ends June 30.

NCL: Booking deadline for their sale is at the end of the May for selected departures this summer and fall. Some Alaska departures cost $50 a day, Europe cruises cost $80 a day, and Hawaii works out to be $100 a day. NCL continues their Job Loss Protection Insurance.

Carnival: The largest cruise line in the world if offering early-saver rates and price protection. Carnival wants you to book ahead and is offering a $200 discount if you do. To take advantage of the offer, you must book three months in advance for cruises of five days or less. For cruises longer than seven days, the booking time is five months ahead.

Holland America: No deposit is required for third and fourth guests, plus the deposits for two passengers have been cut by 50 per cent. They are also offering 25 per cent off hotel packages and have reduced prices on many of their 2009 sailings.

BY PHIL REIMER, PORTS AND BOWS

Need help? www.CruiseTravelEscape.com or (877) 897-SAIL