In a sign of how concerned they are about filling ships, the cruise lines have been discounting their fares dramatically. Last year the cheapest fare for a seven-day Alaska cruise was $799 plus fees. This year, Princess Tours is advertising a seven-day trip for $399.

 

Here's a sample of the cruise deals currently available.....

The prices noted were accurate at time of publishing, but they are subject to change at anytime at

the sole discretion of the cruise line.

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The Cruise Deals Azamara Cruises: Low fares and 50 per cent reduction in deposits. Carnival: An Early Saver program offering as much as 25 per cent off on bookings made up to three months prior to sailing for cruises of five days or less and up to five months prior to longer sailings, including rate protection in case rates later drop further. Carnival is offering Early Saver Fares which give discounts of up to $200 per person on summer and fall cruises for those who book early. For cruises of five days or less, you have to book three months early and for longer cruises you have to book five months early. It also offers rate protection in case the rate falls below what you pay. Celebrity: Low fares and 50 per cent reduction in deposits. Crystal: Up to $1,500 in savings on Mediterranean and Baltic cruises and up to 50 per cent off on Value Collection cruise departures. Guests who book most 2009 voyages by March 31 receive 20 per cent off most sailings in 2010. Crystal also offers free one-way airfare for spring Panama Canal cruises, free air upgrades with most Europe cruises, and a Crystal Family Memories Program featuring one complimentary berth for every 10 full-fare berths. Crystal also offers $2,000 per couple shipboard credit on selected cruises. The credit can be used for pretty much everything except the casino. This luxury brand is offering a lot of other incentives including a price guarantee if ticket prices decline before your departure.

15 Top Name Brands ....    Itineraries, deck plans, ship details, and more   Great Deals. Save Big If you're looking for low, low rates, then welcome to Cruise Direct Online. Here you will find savings of up to 70% and higher off brochure prices! And many of these cruises offer great bonus extra's like shipboard credit, stateroom upgrades, and more on select ships and dates. Click on a cruise line's logo for more information.

Disney Cruise Line: Guests 12 and under sail free on most three-night voyages aboard the Disney Wonder from March 12 to May 28.

Holland America Line: A Vacation Stimulus Plan featuring low fares, 50 per cent reduction on deposits and cruise tours; and 25 per cent savings on the standard cancellation protection plan.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Families who book a cruise from February 2 through March 15, 2009 on any sailing can take their kids for as low as $99 each, and also receive up to $250 in on-board credit.

Princess Cruises: Balcony Bonanza offers a balcony for the price of an oceanview stateroom — representing a savings of up to $1,200 per cabin. The promotion applies to bookings made through February 28, 2009, but may be extended, on most 2009 summer sailings to Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Ultra-Inclusive voyages featuring free air, two-for-one fares and free shore excursions.

Royal Caribbean International: $200 onboard credit for Alaska cruise-tours, $300 onboard credit for Europe cruise-tours, low fares, and 50 per cent reduction in deposits.

Oceania Cruises: Oceania offers 70 per cent off on selected sailings, two-for-one cruises and free prepaid shipboard credits for gratuities and 25-per-cent single supplements on selected cruises.

Seabourn: Inaugural Celebration Savings of $1,000 per suite on top of early booking savings of up to 50 per cent on all seven-day Mediterranean cruises in 2009; Inaugural Celebration Savings of $1,500 per suite plus early booking savings of up to 45 per cent on northern Europe/Scandinavia cruises; and a Between Friends savings of $1,500 in shore arrangements per couple for guests who book three suites.

Silversea: Early booking discounts of up to 30 per cent, plus an additional 5 per cent advance payment bonus for those who pay six months prior to sailing. For 2010 voyages, the early booking incentive climbs to about 35 per cent, with an additional 15 per cent for payments made one year prior to sailing.

Windstar: A 50 per cent reduction in cruise deposits on all new bookings through February 28 for 2009 sailings; up to 50 per cent savings on selected 2009 European sailings; and a family offer featuring a 50 per cent reduction on the purchase of a second cabin.