Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Various through Spring 2008
The deal
Alaska’s cruise season won’t kick off until late April but now is the perfect time to book a cheap cabin on a spring cruise to the 49th state. We found a trio of fantastic early-bird deals worth booking without further thought. In fact, you can save up to 69 percent with this A list of Alaska cruise deals while taking in the state’s epic grandeur aboard Princess, Holland America or Norwegian. Prices start at only $499 for a weeklong sailing!
Alaska aboard Island Princess
On May 19, the four-star Island Princess sets sail from Canada’s sleek Vancouver on a weeklong northbound journey toward the Gulf of Alaska. Regularly priced at $904, this cruise has dropped to just $579 in an inside cabin ($594 for oceanview). This CruisesOnly special saves you 36 percent off the brochure price. The voyage takes in four ports of call in Alaska — Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan Peninsula and Whittier as the final destination — with a day at sea and cruising time around the Glacier Bay and the College Fjord.
Sail the 49th state with Holland America
An almost identical itinerary, except that the ship disembarks in Seward instead of Whittier, is available with Holland America in late May. Orbitz now offers a seven-night glacier discovery cruise aboard the upscale Zaandam that’s selling at just $499 in an inside cabin and $599 in an oceanview unit. These discounted prices, reduced by a hefty 69 percent, are valid on the May 25 departure. All balconied units and suites have been snatched up already so you better hurry up and book your cabin today.
Voyage on Norwegian Star
We found another fantastic Alaska sail departing in May: a seven-night journey that departs round-trip from Seattle aboard Norwegian Star. Typically priced at $1,199, this voyage has been reduced by 42 percent. Indeed, inside cabins are now available through Vacation Outlet for just $699; oceanview staterooms sell for just $100 more. The route includes three ports of call in Alaska, three entire days of twisting through glaciers and passages, and a stop in charming Prince Rupert, British Columbia.
The dollars
The rates above are listed per person, based on double occupancy. For specific savings on each cruise, see details listed above.
The catch
Airfare is additional.
is a guide to top travel deals and destinations. Sign up for Sherman's Top 25 e-newsletter which features the best editor-screened deals from hundreds of travel providers and is delivered to over 4 million subscribers, free, each week. ShermansTravel also publishes trip ideas and travel features to inspire, guide, and go