Cruise Deals Ride The Wave Season

Okay, I know the economy has slipped and, if you listen to the news, we're in the midst of a mini-great-depression. Even so, most Americans are still employed and we love our vacations. We might scale back, but we don't pass up the time to get away from the daily grind and go somewhere. Not knowing what the future may bring, we might not put down a deposit on a cruise for next year, but we still like to plan ahead and savor the anticipation.

So, consider this ... with so many ships to fill, cruise lines are nudging our natural instincts with bargains galore. If you book a "Fun Ship" cruise during their "Fun4All" promotion between Jan. 5-23, 2009, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering free best available upgrades on a wide variety of departures throughout 2009. Expedia.com has announced a Cruise Getaways Sale with "Deals by Destination" that include 4-night Mexico cruises from $189 per person, 7-night Alaska cruises from $499 per person, and 12-night Europe cruises from $799 per person. Plus, Expedia is offering "Featured Cruise Line Offerings" such as kids sail for free on Disney Cruise Line, up to $100 to spend on the ship aboard Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line cruises from $169 plus up to $500 onboard credit.

To celebrate the completion of its fifth year of business, Oceania Cruises launched its largest promotion ever on Jan 7th with price reductions on more than 40 voyages. Windstar is extending its 50% reduction of deposits on all new bookings made now through Feb 28, for any 2009 sailing that is not within final payment requirement, which means that between now and Feb 28, you can make a deposit of $375 per person, instead of $750 per person. Book a cruise before Jan 19th on Azamara Cruises and pay only half the usual deposit, plus get up to $200 in onboard credit.

Even luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas have announced fares that include shore excursions and Crystal Cruises is offering significant savings promotions that range from upgraded and complimentary air travel to family incentives, extended land programs, and dollars off. If you've ever considered a transatlantic crossing on Queen Mary 2, Cunard Line's grand ocean liner, 2009 fares start at just $745 per person.

You know you want to get away and now is the time to lock down a bargain on an otherwise out-of-reach cruise vacation. Certain promotions are time and capacity controlled and who knows how long the deals will last? Cruise Diva's Cruise News has the details on numerous available promotions.

So, where's Cruise Diva going? She's on assignment and arriving in Cape Town, South Africa on Tuesday to join the newly-refurbished Silversea's Silver Wind (pictured above). Watch here for blogs from the ship!