Frommers.com Cruise Deals for the Week of March 18, 2008
Get up to 30% off barge-based tours of Europe as well as a host of discounts around the globe from the top specialty cruise agents.
By Heidi Sarna March 17, 2008
River of Savings
French Country Waterways (tel. 800/222-1236; www.fcwl.com) is offering savings of more than 30% on July and August sailings for passengers booking passage on its 8-passenger luxury barge Princess, formerly the private barge of shipping magnate Daniel K. Ludwig. The barge plies the Canal de la Marne au Rhin between Nancy and Hochfelden in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France on leisurely 6-day sailings, passing medieval villages, green pastures dotted with cows, and fields of grain and pine forests. The reduced fares start at $4,500 per person on all nine departures in July and August.
Daily excursions are included in the fares include the likes of a walking tour of elegant Nancy and visit to Musée Historic, a peak at the Chagall stained-glass window in the Chapel of the Cordeliers in Sarrebourg, a wine tasting in the village of Dahlenheim, and dinner at the Michelin two-starred Le Cerf in Marlenheim.
Rates include fancy French meals on board, dinner ashore at Le Cerf, estate-bottled wines at lunch and dinner, open bar, bicycles, English- and French-speaking crew, and private transfers between Strasbourg and the barge. The Princess has four suites with king-size beds, a salon with large picture windows and well-stocked bar, formal dining room, separate library, powder room and canopied sundeck for relaxing and al fresco meals. The discounts are not available on charters or in combination with other offers.
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 Cruises are capacity-controlled and offers may be withdrawn at any time.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 for an inside cabin unless otherwise stated, and include port charges. Rates for the ultra-lux lines may also include gratuities and some or all beverages.
RSSC Mariner: 7-night ultra-lux Alaska, Vancouver to Seward. From $4,465, June. 11 sailing. Deal includes a $500 new-to-Regent stateroom credit and free round-trip economy air.
RSSC Paul Gauguin: 7-night ultra-lux Tahiti, round-trip from Papeete. From $3,704, Aug. 2 sailing. Deal includes a $500 new-to-Regent stateroom credit and a $400 shore excursion credit.
Holland America Eurodam: 3-night Bahamas, round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale. From $399, Oct. 15 sailing.
RSSC Mariner: 7-night ultra-lux Alaska, Vancouver to Seward. From $4,465, July 23 sailing. Deal includes a $500 new-to-Regent stateroom credit, kids sail free and a $400 shore excursion credit.
Holland America Veendam: 7-night western Caribbean, round-trip from Tampa. From $499, Nov. 9 sailing.
Silversea Silver Shadow: 12-night ultra-lux Alaska, Vancouver to Los Angeles. From $3,998 Sept. 5 sailing. Deal includes a $500 onboard credit.
Carnival Elation: 5-night Baja Mexico, round-trip from San Diego. From $279, Apr. 19 and 28 sailings.
Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas: 7-night eastern Caribbean, round-trip from Port Canaveral. From $679, Apr. 27 sailing. Receive a 15% discount on all shore excursions booked online at Cruisesonly.com.
Celebrity Constellation: 13-night Transatlantic Ft. Lauderdale to London. From $599, Apr. 11 sailing.
NCL Norwegian Majesty: 7-night western Caribbean, round-trip from Charleston. From $529, Apr. 12 sailing.
Royal Caribbean Splendour of the Seas: 6-night Mediterranean, Lisbon to Venice. From $739, Apr. 20 sailing. Cruise 5+ nights in an oceanveiw cabin or higher and receive one free companion airline ticket for future travel.
NCL Norwegian Pearl: 9-night southern Caribbean, round-trip from Miami. From $679, Mar. 21 sailing.
Carnival Fascination: 3-night Bahamas, round-trip from Miami. From $229, Apr. 11 sailing. Book a 6A category cabin and automatically get a 6D category stateroom for the same price.
Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas: 5-night Bermuda, round-trip from Cape Liberty (Bayonne). From $849, Apr. 20 sailing. Cruise 5+ nights in an oceanveiw cabin or higher and get one free companion airline ticket for future travel.
Celebrity Infinity: 7-night Alaska Hubbard Glacier, round-trip from Seattle. From $649, May 9 sailing. Cruise 5+ nights in an oceanveiw cabin or higher and receive one free companion airline ticket for future travel.
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.
