Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Fall 2008
The deal
Want to sail the scenic shores of Canada and New England this year? Now is not the time to go but come spring ships will again start playing the Atlantic waters of this beautiful region. Prices will skyrocket, too, so now is the high time to arrange a trip! We found three early-bird specials, with discounts as high as 64 percent off the rack rates and prices on a Carnival, Norwegian or Holland America odyssey as low as $599.
September sail aboard Carnival Victory
September is a wonderful time to sail the shores of Canada and New England so we scoured a deal that will place the experience within reach. CruisesOnly offers early-bird discounts of 64 percent off a seven-night Canada and New England cruise on Carnival Victory. The ship does a circuit from New York, on its way north calling at Boston and Portland. In Canada, it visits Saint John, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia’s Halifax. Two days at sea are also thrown in. Regular rates on this journey start at $1669 for inside cabins but you can book one for $599. Oceanview staterooms sell for $769.
Norwegian cruise to Canada & New England
A similar itinerary aboard Norwegian Dream, with Boston as the first and final destination, is on offer by Orbitz. This weeklong journey has several departures in late August and September, now discounted by 35 percent. The regular price for inside cabins is $999 but with this special, the August 31 and September 7 departures plummet to just $649 for inside units and $50 extra for oceanview staterooms. The ship departs roundtrip from Boston, en route visiting Saint John, Halifax, Sydney and Bar Harbor in Maine. The itinerary also covers two entire days at sea.
Holland America odyssey in March
A more upscale and earlier journey is to be had from Vacation Outlet. Their seven-night Canada and New England voyage aboard Holland America’s Maasdam sells at a discount of 27 percent. While inside cabins regularly sell for $1099, this special rate reduces them to $799! The ship hits high seas from Canada’s Montreal on May 17, en route to Boston calling at the following Canadian destinations: Quebec City, Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, Sydney and Halifax. It also visits Maine’s Bar Harbor and spends one day at sea. Oceanview staterooms are also on sale, at $949.
The dollars
The rates above are listed per person, based on double occupancy. The cost covers onboard accommodations, meals and entertainment, as well as port charges. You’ll just have to dish out extra for government taxes and fees, as well as any shore excursions you may decide to take.
The catch
The fall foliage doesn’t turn spectacular until October.
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.