2020 was a terrible year for the cruise industry, and 2021 saw an extension of those challenges. Cruise companies are now resuming operations with the expectation of clear sailing ahead, and it’s a great time to catch a killer deal on a cruise.
For the last couple of years, most cruise ships have been sitting docked and collecting dust, while cruise companies have scrambled to gain access to capital and emergency loans to stay afloat. With the sun on the horizon, the cruise industry is relaunching, and its offering some very attractive pricing, even free drinks and WiFi, to lure customers back to the Tropics and the Mediterranean.
3 Night Miami Getaway
This 3 Night Getaway Cruise is sure not to break the bank, starting at $179 USD/pp plus fees, stopping at Nassau Bahamas; there are also options from Royal Caribbean around the same price. Be sure to sort price “low to high” on each respective website to see the cheapest options. These cruises leave from either Miami or Port Canaveral, though the cheapest price is out of Miami. A 4-night Royal Caribbean option also exists to Haiti instead of the Bahamas for $309/pp. Three are longer versions for 5, 6, or 7 nights departing from places such as South Carolina, Alabama, and Virginia. Similarly, MSC Cruises has a no-frills “cruise only” option starting at $159/pp out of Miami to the Bahamas and back; longer 4-night versions start at $269/pp. Celebrity Cruises also has options from $280 USD per person for 4 nights. Lastly, you can cruise from Florida to the Bahamas on a famed Jimmy-Buffet Margaritaville for two starting at $99/pp for two nights. Tropical looking Nassau lies on the island of New Providence, with neighboring Paradise Island. A popular cruise-ship stop, it is known for its beaches and coral reefs. It retains many of its colorful British colonial buildings. Don’t forget to check out the pink Government House.
4-Night California To Mexico
This 4 day cruise from the West Coast of America travels from Los Angeles down to Mexico in Ensenada. Starting at just $214 USD pp plus fees, you will see the beautiful Pacific Ocean, as well as the charming town of Ensenada in Baja California Norte. There are options from both Carnival (3-nights $214/pp) and Royal Caribbean (2-nights $229, 3-nights $276/pp), so be sure to compare; most all are available right around $200 per person based on double occupancy. If you would like a longer Mexican cruise, there are options 7 day options leaving Texas that include stops in Costa Maya from just $473/pp. There are also 5-day options from SF at $358/pp to Ensenada an San Diego.
7-Days Alaska Glacier Tour
This 7 day cruise will lead you directly from beautiful British Columbia Territory to numerous ports in Alaska, starting at $398/pp. Alaska’s glaciers have molded its environment for millions of years, with valleys, mountains, and fjords as their beautiful product. Princess makes it easier than ever to see these natural beauties, stopping at ports in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway along the way. Some of the lowest pricing right now on Alaska cruises can also be had from Royal Caribbean (despite the non-tropical nature of the destination), with multiple fares being offered for $299 per person for 7 nights. Carnival currently has Alaska cruise dates sailing for 7-nights from $634/pp.
Sydney Seacations
Various roundtrip cruises from Sydney travels to Hobart, Tasmania in varying lengths, from 4 to 11 nights. The Royal Princess has a breathtaking piazza-style Atrium and beautiful views from its glass-floor. Adults-only areas, water shows, and delicious dining are among the amenities, and it is the most popular cruise ship according to Cruise Critic. Right now this four day journey starts at $199 USD/pp based on double occupancy, while 11 night options going to New Caledonia and Vanuatu starts at just $668 USD.
Canada Cruise Pacific Coast
A host of coastal cruises await you on the Pacific Ocean, from San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles. 2, 3, and 4 day options abound from these various ports, all sailing to Vancouver, British Columbia. 2-day interior from Seattle starts at $167/pp, while 3 day from S.F. and 4 day from L.A. start at $187/pp and $189/pp each respectively. Most itineraries also include a stop at Victoria in British Columbia, one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. Known as the Garden City, it is a very popular tourist destination, with beautiful gardens and parliament buildings dating to the late 1800s. Princess also offers 5-day options headed south to Mexico instead of north to Canada starting at $358 with a stop in San Diego.
Mediterranean Cruises
Costa Cruises has multiple 8-night cruise options from $449/pp. Leaving from either Barcelona or Savona Italy, these “Mediterranean Sale” cruises travel to Marseilles in France, Barcelona in Spain, as well as Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Islands and Palermo in at Italy’s Sicilian tip. Enjoy the famed architecture of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona, whose Sagrada Familia Catholic church is still under construction nearly 100 years after the architect’s death. You can also see the beautiful south of France in Marseille, famed for delicious seafood and the novel “La Gloire de Mon Père. You’ll also have access to fitness facilities, pools, hot tubs, and sports courts. 4-night options from Costa Cruises start at $369/pp for interior rooms, and include stops in Marseille, Italy, and Spain.
In Conclusion
With such attractive pricing on cruises, you really can’t go wrong. All of the major cruise operators have implemented generous policies on rescheduling and cancellation (be sure to check their fine print) in order to assuage customer’s concerns regarding booking now. With new health & safety protocols for your peace of mind and elevated standards of sanitation and cleanliness, you can rest easy. Right now many cruise operators are offering free drinks, WiFi, and gratuities. Some operators are offering free excursions, free specialty dining, and free kids, while other operators are offering discounted airfare packages. This all makes for a rare opportunity to get back out there and enjoy your holiday while keeping more money in your pocket.
With the end in sight, book a cruise before prices head back to normal, and get your holiday off right and proper.