Busy Booking Season Can Still Result In Great Cruising Deals

By: Valarie D'Elia

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Travelers have several options to get the best deals on cruises during the busiest booking time of the year. NY1's Travel reporter Valarie D'Elia filed the following report.

The cruise industry is smack in the middle of "Wave Season," the busiest booking time of the year, and plenty of deals are floating around out there.

Travelers can save of up to $1,600 per stateroom on 2012 Europe and transatlantic crossings onboard the venerable Cunard Line. View details at www.cunard.com.

Also in the "luxury for less" category is Seabourn, with savings up to 50 percent on its fleet of small ships, along with complimentary suite upgrades. Visit www.seabourn.com for more information.

Act fast to save on another upscale line. Crystal Cruises is offering up to $800 in complimentary shore excursion credits with bookings made by February 11. Look at www.crystalcruises.com for details.

Oceania cruises is offering Business Class air upgrades from $999 per person, one way, on select 2012 summer sailings, plus two-for-one deposits on all sail dates for bookings through March 31. Visit www.OceaniaCruises.com for more information.

Royal Caribbean is introducing specialty dining plans on select ships for $50 to $120 per guest, saving guests 25 percent compared with booking those restaurants separately. Royal Caribbean's six-night or longer sailings out of Bayonne, N.J. to Bermuda this year are eligible for a free romance package with wine and roses when booked in the month of February. Details are at www.royalcaribbean.com.

One special perk for families sailing voyages from New York to the Bahamas or Florida on Norwegian Gem beginning February 19 is the addition of Nickelodeon-themed family events, shows and activities. There is more information at www.bookncl.com.

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As is common practice in the travel industry, Travel With Val often receives complimentary travel or reduced "media" rates at hotels, resorts and attractions, including those that may be featured in these reports. Such consideration is not taken in exchange for any express or implied promise or understanding of any nature, particularly regarding the content of these reports. These reports only feature travel providers personally recommended by Valarie D’Elia in the exercise of her independent editorial judgment, and do not represent the endorsement of Time Warner Cable or any third party.