RiverBarge Excursion Lines (tel. 888/462-2743; www.riverbarge.com), a company specializing in folksy trips along America's rivers, is offering deals on outings this summer aboard its 198-passenger R/BRiver Explorer (that R/B stands for River Boat). Save $200 on the August 10th departure, a 7-night trip that starts in St. Louis, MO, and sails along the Ohio River before ending in Cincinnati. All-inclusive rates after the discount start at $2,130 per person. On the 7-night August 31st trip, get a $50 on board credit per stateroom that you can use toward cocktails and gift shop purchases. On this date, also reap savings of up to $200 off for guests who have sailed with the line before. This trip journeys from St. Louis to Nashville, traversing the upper Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland Rivers. All-inclusive rates start at $2,335 per person.
Tote the Tykes to Tahiti
Bring the kids to Tahiti this summer; they'll have lots to brag about when they get back. On the August 13 and 20 sailings of Radisson's (tel. 800/477-7500; www.rssc.com) elegant 320-passenger Paul Gauguin, children under 18 sail free when sharing a stateroom with their parents. This deal applies to one child per stateroom only. On these dates, rates for adults start at $2,195 per person. The weeklong cruises sail round-trip out of Papeete and call on Raiatea, Tahaa (Motu Mahana), Bora Bora and Moorea. Rates include wine with dinner, all soft drinks, stocked mini-bars, gratuities and watersports equipment. For $199 extra, kids 9 to 15 can sign up for the line's "Ambassadors of the Environment" program, which includes a bunch of interactive activities created by ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of legendary oceanographer and environmentalist Jacques Cousteau. Kids can learn about different types of coral and fish species as well as jungle life and local culture through hikes, snorkeling, whale watching and diving excursions.
Yes, it is a Big Deal
Buy one get, one free when you sign up for 7-night Costa Rica cruises on Windjammer Barefoot Cruise's (tel. 877/578-1301, www.windjammer.com) 92-passenger Amazing Grace, an eclectic supply ship that promises a unique experience. The deal applies to sailings on June 11 and 25, and July 9 and 16, and the cruises sail between Balboa, Panama, and Playa Herradura, Costa Rica. Rates, which start at $800 to $1,000 per person for these dates (before the promotion kicks in), include complimentary Bloody Mary's at breakfast, rum swizzles at happy hour and wine at dinner. The sailings include free organized kids activities for ages 6 to 17.
What Travel Agencies are Offering
Here are some of the best deals a handful of major travel agencies are advertising this week. Cruises are capacity-controlled and offers may be withdrawn at any time. Similar deals may be available from competing online and brick-and-mortar agencies. All rates are per person and include port charges. Rates for the ultra-luxe lines may also include gratuities and some or all beverages.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
