Editors' Travel Deal Review

Early-bird discounts on winter Caribbean cruises

Sail Carnival, Norwegian or Holland from $469

By ShermansTravel Staff

July 15, 2008 12:16 pm EDT

Book By: ASAP

Travel By: January 2009

The Deal

Though shoveling the sidewalk, digging out the car and wearing four layers of clothes may seem unfathomably far in the future – it is only July, after all – it’s not too soon to start planning your winter escape. In fact, you can reap savings as great as 72% by booking now for Caribbean cruises kicking off in January. The toughest decision will be which route to take. Of course, with discounts of more than half the brochure price, maybe you won’t have to choose!

72% off Carnival rates to eastern Caribbean
With tropical ports of call in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Maarten, the seven-night Carnival Liberty voyage we found on Orbitz is a real steal. Rates, based on inside cabin occupancy, now start at only $469. That’s a serious discount off rack prices of $1669 – in fact; you will save up to 72%! The Liberty sets out for the Eastern Caribbean twice in January 2009. Departure is roundtrip from Miami and the itinerary includes three days at sea.

A week in the Western Caribbean from $559
If you’re holding out for a weeklong Western Caribbean excursion with deep savings, don’t let the Carnival Legend pass you by. With three sail dates in January, you have multiple opportunities to take advantage of discounts that go up to 68%. Interior cabin accommodations, normally priced at $1769, are going for a mere $559. The seven-day itinerary includes Grand Cayman, Mexico, Belize, and Bay Islands (Honduras), before returning to port in Florida’s Tampa.

Save 54% off Southern Caribbean sailing
Looking for a family-friendly freestyle cruise? We spotted a nine-night Southern Caribbean bargain with Norwegian Cruise Line. Rates on the Norwegian Jewel start as low as $799 for inside staterooms. That’s $980 off brochure prices! Setting sail from Miami on January 9 and 23, 2009, the ship will make stops in the Dominican Republic, Tortola (British Virgin Isles), Antigua, Barbados, and St. Lucia. Three days at sea are also thrown in.

The Dollars

The quotes are per person, based on double occupancy and cover port charges, on-board meals, entertainment and some beverages. Taxes, gratuities, alcohol, off-board expenditures and other fees are not included.

The Catch

Additional expenses, including airfare to your port of departure, will add up quickly.

Booking Details

For Carnival’s Eastern Caribbean cruise, visit www.orbitz.com or call 1-888-656-8184.

For Carnival’s exotic Western Caribbean sail, check out www.vacationoutlet.com or call 1-800-825-3633.

For the Norwegian cruise, go to www.cruisesonly.com or call 1-800-CRUISES.

Terms and Conditions

Check for the best rates on hotels anywhere across the globe with QuickSearch. All prices, dates, and booking details listed above were valid at the time of publication. Some information may have changed since that time.