CRUISE DEAL 2023
A new year means fresh offers, at least when it comes to cruises. Wave season, when passengers may discover the greatest cruise prices of the year, has here. The season usually lasts from January until March. This year, there are a variety of offerings for various sorts of holidays, whether you want to soak up the sun in the Caribbean or explore stops along the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
What cruise lines are offering wave season discounts in 2023?
Azamara: Through January 31, passengers may save 40% on certain cabins and receive $300 in onboard credit as part of Azamara's promotion. According to a news release, the deal is valid for certain cruises sailing from February 28 through April 3, 2024.
According to the line's website, the bargain only applies to the first and second guests in a cabin, and customers must pay a full deposit before the conclusion of the promotion period.
American Queen Voyages: For certain 2023 sailings, American Queen Voyages is offering up to $2,500 off each cabin and complimentary roundtrip flights. According to the airline's website, the airfare deal is only valid for economy flights, and customers can choose a $300 travel credit per guest instead. The promotion is valid until February 28.
The amount saved on a cabin varies depending on the cruise. The promotion is only valid for the first two passengers on a reservation, and it only applies to certain stateroom grades. The airfare or travel credit option is also not available for all of the sailings featured in the deal.
Carnival Cruise Line: Through January 9, passengers may save up to 40% off cruise tickets, up to $100 in onboard credit per cabin, and reduced deposits starting at $50 per guest as part of Carnival's Choose Fun Together Early Saver Sale. According to the line's website, the offer is valid for sailings through April 2025.
The deposit amount varies by sailing and is nonrefundable.
Celebrity Cruises: Through March 1, Celebrity is offering up to $800 in discounts per cabin, up to 75% off a second guest's cruise cost, and up to $800 in onboard credit. According to an email from a representative, the deal is valid for most voyages through April 30, 2025.
The second visitor must share a stateroom and receive a 75% discount on a nonrefundable price or a 60% discount on a refundable fare. Savings and onboard credit amounts vary according to sailing length.
Holland America Line: Holland America is now promoting its "Time of Your Life" offer through February 28. According to a press release, the package includes up to 30% discount rates, complimentary cabin upgrades for interior and ocean-view cabins, and free fares for minors 18 and under sailing as the third and fourth guests in a stateroom on certain voyages between summer 2023 and spring 2024.
In addition, the line is providing 50% off deposits for the first two passengers in a cabin. Those who book before January 31 will also receive up to $400 in onboard credit per cabin, with the amount varying according to the cruise.
The offer excludes Grand Voyages and sailings five days or shorter, according to the line's website.
Princess Cruises: The Best Sale Ever has returned. According to a press release, the company is providing up to 35% off cruise rates on any of its 15 ships, as well as up to $150 per passenger in onboard credit. The company is also giving $100 refundable deposits per traveler. The discount is valid through March 1 and only applies to certain cruises.
According to the line's website, the onboard credit amount varies by stateroom type and extends to up to four passengers in a cabin.
Virgin Voyages: If travelers book before January 31, they will receive a 60% discount on second guests in a cabin as well as a drink credit. Guests will get $300 in free beverages per stateroom for sailings of six nights or fewer and $600 for longer journeys.
The deal applies to sail dates in 2023 and 2024, depending on the ship.
What kind of cuisine is served on a cruise?
Cruise line tickets include a variety of goods that are often considered extra costs for travelers, such as meals. While some amenities, like specialized restaurants and alcohol, may require an additional fee, passengers may often dine well while spending as much or as little as they choose.
While many prominent cruise lines provide a choice of included meal options, some may have a wider selection than others. Some people mentioned that the adults-only cruise operator Virgin Voyages has more than 20 distinct eateries integrated into the meal, ranging from steak and seafood to Mexican cuisine. According to an email from a cruise company spokesman, 98% of the food on board is included in the trip fee. There are also a few "Treat Yourself" goods available for a price.
Just because an eating establishment is listed does not imply that everything on its menu is. According to the travelers will frequently "notice a small asterisk" next to things such as steaks that indicate an extra fee.
The included drinks to complement your dinner may also be restricted. Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line provide some beverages, such as iced tea or ordinary coffee, in the ticket but charge extra for others. Travelers said that depending on the beverages you enjoy, it may be worthwhile to spring in a drinks package.
Many cruise lines have a variety of beverage packages from which visitors can pick. According to the line's website, Princess provides a combined Coffee & Soda Package for roughly $20 per person per day plus an 18% service charge, while the Plus Beverage Package includes wine, beer, cocktails, and more for about $60 per visitor per day plus the service charge.
A Premier Beverage Package, which includes reserve wines and top-shelf spirits, is available for almost $80 per day per visitor, plus the service charge, among other possibilities. However, keep an eye out for per order or daily drink limitations.
