The past few years were challenging for the cruise industry, but things are finally turning around. Cruise companies are now resuming operations with the expectation of clear sailing ahead, and it’s a great time to catch a killer cruise deal. If you’ve stayed away since the World shut down, cruise ships want you back, and have open arms to incentivize you aboard. Be sure to compare cruise operators and sort prices “low to high” for the best fares.
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
These 3 Night Getaway Cruises are sure not to break the bank; be sure to sort price “low to high” on each respective website to see the cheapest options. MSC Cruises has a no-frills “cruise only” option starting at $169/pp (“per person”) out of Miami to the Bahamas and back for 3 nights; longer 4-night versions start at $289 USD/pp. 3-Night Carnival Cruise options start at $299/pp plus fees, stopping at Nassau Bahamas; there are also options from Royal Caribbean around the same price (Royal Caribbean also has last minute bookings). Royal Caribbean cruises also go to Haiti from $319 USD/pp and to the Western Caribbean for $312/pp for four nights each, respectively. Three are longer versions for 5, 6, or 7 nights departing from places such as South Carolina, Alabama, and Virginia. Lastly, for the cheapest deal on the market, you can cruise from Florida to the Bahamas on a famed Jimmy-Buffet Margaritaville for two starting at $75/pp for two nights, $150/pp for three nights, and $175/pp for four nights. Costco Travel last minute cruises start at $298 to the Western Caribbean.
4-Night California To Mexico
Multiple cruises from the West Coast of America travel to Mexico. Starting at about $335 per person (“pp”), 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 $299/pp) and Royal Caribbean (4-nights $308/pp). Princess also offers 4-day options headed to Mexico from Los Angeles starting at $549/pp with a stop in San Diego.
7-Days Alaska Glacier Tour
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. This 5 or 7 day cruise will lead you directly from beautiful British Columbia Territory to numerous ports in Alaska, starting at $626/pp for 5 nights and $710/pp for 7 nights. Alaska’s glaciers have molded its environment for millions of years, with valleys, mountains, and fjords as their beautiful product. These cruises make it easier than ever to see these natural beauties, stopping at ports in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway along the way. Princess cruises also has 7-night options from $799/pp.
Sydney Seacations
Various roundtrip cruises from Sydney, Australia travel 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 $409/pp based on double occupancy, or 7 days for $649/pp. Meanwhile 11 night options going to New Caledonia and Vanuatu starts at just $979/pp.
Canada Cruise Pacific Coast
Coastal cruises await to and from San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles and Vancouver, Canada. 2, 3, and 4 day options abound from various ports. 2-day interior from Seattle starts at $179/pp, while 3 night from Vancouver to SF start at $370/pp. 4 day LA to Vancouver is $379/pp and the reverse is $389/pp. 5-day is $432/pp. Victoria in British Columbia is 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. 6 day Pacific coast cruises from LA to Vancouver with stops in Wine Country start at $769/pp. 5 Day round trip from SF start at $649/pp.
Mediterranean Cruises
Costa Cruises has multiple 8-night cruise options from $652.98/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. 3-day options from Costa Cruises start at $303.14/pp for interior rooms and 4 days at $374.11/pp, with 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. There are also a host of cruise lines, companies, and cruise websites that offer cruises for seniors (with varying age qualifications), given the popularity of cruising amongst older people. This all makes for a rare opportunity to get back out there and enjoy your holiday while keeping more money in your pocket.
Travel restrictions have been easing across the world, and with operators getting back into full swing, now is a great time to research a new cruise booking, while prices are low.