The biggest cruise deals right now — and whether or not you should book
Looking ahead to sunnier skies and smooth sailing with these discounts.
After pausing operations for several months, some cruise lines are offering deals. Several companies, including Carnival, have reportedly seen a surge in bookings after announcing plans to set sail as early as August. Other companies, like Holland America, are offering limited-time sales on future cruises, though they haven’t yet specified an embarkation date.
Though some lines are resuming cruise operations in July and August, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hasn’t approved cruise travel just yet. The April 9 No-Sail Order bans cruises through July 24. It’s not yet clear if the order will be lifted or extended at that point.
If you can’t resist the call of the sea and are willing to take a risk, these cruise lines are offering rock-bottom deals — just be aware there’s a chance your cruise could end up getting canceled. Make sure you understand the cancellation and refund policy before booking. While many cruise lines offer flexibility, some deals are nonrefundable.
| Cruise line | Deal |
|---|---|
| AmaWaterways | Save 5% on 2022 Europe, Asia and Egypt river cruises. Book before Sept. 30. |
| Carnival | Up to 30% off cruises and reduced deposits from $50 per person for sailings beginning in August. Ends May 12. Sailing destinations include the Bahamas, Mexico, western Caribbean and more. |
| Celebrity | Discounted fare on select itineraries and 50% off third and fourth guests. |
| Crystal | Up to 50% advance savings for 2021 European river cruises. Nonrefundable fare. |
| Holland America Line | Perks like free drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, select dinners and 50% reduced deposit on cruises starting late 2020 and into 2021 and 2022. Extra discount on nonrefundable fare. Offer ends July 31. |
| MSC | Free drinks, Wi-Fi and $100-per-stateroom shipboard credit on select cruises. Deposit reduced to $49. |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Cruises from $499 include open bar, free dining packages, excursions and Wi-Fi. Kids cruise free. Ends May 12. |
| Oceania | Roundtrip airfare, shore excursions, drinks + 1 free amenity included on select cruises. Plus, up to $800 shipboard credit. |
| Royal Caribbean | 30% off each guest and kids sail free. |
| Viking | Free airfare and other savings on select European cruises. |
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