If you act now, you can enjoy an inexpensive buy-one, get-one-free opportunity with Regal Cruises out of New York. Prices start as low as $848 for the first ticket, nothing (except port, service and handling fees of $140) for the second ticket. Better yet, the cruises go up to New England and Canada, out of the heat during the month of September. But the deadline for booking is September 1, so there is little time.
The price referred to is for the five-night cruises, and could go as high as $1,948 for the first person, depending on type of cabin requested. The figure for the first ticket also includes port charges. If you want a seven-night trip, the minimum cost for the first person is $1478, but it could go up to $2,718, depending again on choice of stateroom. In each case, the companion sharing a cabin with you pays nothing for his or her ticket, but will have to fork over the aforementioned port charges, which rise to $170 for the seven-night cruise.
You must mention code BYF2 when booking. There are four five-night sailings, departing New York on September 2, 8, 15 and 29, making stops at New Bedford (the "Whaling Capital of the World" during much of the 19th century), Saint John in New Brunswick, Bar Harbor and Newport.
The one seven-night fall foliage itinerary departs September 22, and replaces Newport with Portland ME, but adds on New London, Connecticut, where you can take optional tours to Mystic Seaport--home of the country's leading maritime museum and a world-class aquarium.
The free companion discounts are limited, so you should not dawdle in your decision-making. Reservations, more information and brochures can be had from travel agents or by calling Regal Cruises at 800/270-7245, fax 941/723-0900. The Web site is www.regalcruises.com.