Cruise companies are now resuming operations with the expectation of clear sailing ahead for 2023; it’s a better time than ever to catch a deal on a cruise. For the last couple of years, most cruise ships have been sitting docked and collecting dust, while cruise companies have scrambled to gain access to capital and emergency loans to stay afloat. With the sun on the horizon, the cruise industry is relaunching, and its offering some very attractive pricing, even free drinks and WiFi, to lure customers back to the Tropics and the Mediterranean.
For the last couple of years, many cruise ships were sitting docked and collecting dust, while cruise companies have scrambled to gain access to capital and emergency loans to stay afloat. With the sun on the horizon, the cruise industry is relaunching, and its offering some very attractive pricing, even free drinks and WiFi, to lure customers back to the Tropics and the Mediterranean.
Mexico 4-Nights
Multiple cruises from the West Coast of America travel to Mexico. Starting at about $214 USD per person, you will see the beautiful Pacific Ocean, as well as the charming town of Ensenada in Baja California Norte. There are options from both Carnival (3-nights $214/pp) and Royal Caribbean (2-nights $229, 3-nights $276/pp). If you would like a longer West Coast cruise, Princess also offers 5-day options headed to Mexico from San Francisco starting at $358/pp with a stop in San Diego.
Florida Getaways to Bahamas
This 3 Night Getaway Cruise is sure not to break the bank, starting at $179 USD/pp with Carnival and stopping at Nassau Bahamas. It and other Royal Caribbean cruises leave from either Miami or Orlando area, though the cheapest price is out of Miami. MSC Cruises also has “cruise only” options starting at $159/pp out of Miami to the Bahamas and back; longer 4-night versions start at $269/pp. Lastly, you can cruise from Florida to the Bahamas on a famed Jimmy-Buffet Margaritaville for two starting at $99/pp for two nights.
Mediterranean
Costa Cruises has multiple 8-night cruise options from $449/pp. Leaving from either Barcelona or Savona Italy, these “Mediterranean Sale” cruises travel to Marseilles in France, Barcelona in Spain, as well as Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Islands and Palermo in at Italy’s Sicilian tip. Enjoy the famed architecture of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona, whose Sagrada Familia Catholic church is still under construction nearly 100 years after the architect’s death. You can also see the beautiful south of France in Marseille, famed for delicious seafood and the novel “La Gloire de Mon Père. You’ll also have access to fitness facilities, pools, hot tubs, and sports courts. 4-night options from Costa Cruises start at $369/pp for interior rooms, and include stops in Marseille, Italy, and Spain.
7-Days Alaska Glacier Tour
This 7 day cruise will lead you directly from beautiful British Columbia Territory to numerous ports in Alaska, starting at $398 USD/pp. Alaska’s glaciers have molded its environment for millions of years, with valleys, mountains, and fjords as their beautiful product. Princess makes it easier than ever to see these natural beauties, stopping at ports in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway along the way. Some of the lowest pricing right now on Alaska cruises can also be had from Royal Caribbean (despite the non-tropical nature of the destination), with multiple fares being offered at $299 USD per person for 7 nights.
West Coast
Coastal cruises await from San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles. 2, 3, and 4 day options abound from various ports, all sailing to Vancouver, British Columbia. 2-day interior from Seattle starts at $167/pp, while 3 day from S.F. and 4 day from L.A. start at $187/pp and $189/pp each respectively. Most itineraries also include a stop at Victoria in British Columbia, one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. Known as the Garden City, it is a very popular tourist destination, with beautiful gardens and parliament buildings dating to the late 1800s.
Sydney Seacations
Various roundtrip cruises from Sydney travels to Hobart, Tasmania in varying lengths, from 4 to 11 nights. The Royal Princess has a breathtaking piazza-style Atrium and beautiful views from its glass-floor. Adults-only areas, water shows, and delicious dining are among the amenities, and it is the most popular cruise ship according to Cruise Critic. Right now this four day journey starts at $199 USD/pp based on double occupancy, while 11 night options going to New Caledonia and Vanuatu starts at just $668 USD.
In Conclusion
Major cruise operators have implemented generous policies on rescheduling and cancellation (be sure to check their fine print) to ease customer concerns regarding the potential for cancellation. With new health & safety protocols and elevated standards of sanitation and cleanliness, you can have peace of mind about your cruise booking. Right now, many cruise operators are offering perks to lure back travelers, including free drinks, WiFi, and gratuities. This all makes for a rare opportunity to get back out there and enjoy your holiday while keeping more money in your pocket.
With travel restrictions easing across the world and cruise companies resuming full operations, now is a great time to search for a great cruise deal while prices are low.