National Cruise Week floats savings on all lines, all times

It’s National Cruise Week (aka “wave season”) when the carriers of the world decide it’s time to take deposits on their 2013 sailings. And to make sure you agree, they’re throwing in all kinds of deals, discounts and freebies for folks who reserve by this Saturday, October 27.

Here’s a rundown of known deals as of press time:

Carnival Cruises: up to $300 cash back and 50% reduced deposits on select sailings through December 2013.  Three to five day cruises will receive up to $200 per stateroom and cruises that are six days or longer will receive up to $300 per stateroom.  Past guest will reduced deposits will also receive 2 category upgrades on their stateroom.  Visit Carnival.com for complete details, sale runs from October 21-27, 2012.

Princess Cruises is offering free balcony upgrades and 50% reduced deposits on cruises to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and the Panama Canal from January to July 2013.  Visit Princess.com for complete details, sale ends on October 29, 2012.

Cunard is offering complimentary balcony upgrades, up to $300 in stateroom credit, and reduced deposits on 29 sailings on the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria.  Visit Cunard.com for complete details, sale ends on October 29, 2012.

Norwegian Cruise Line is offering up to $1,000 airfare credit, up to $250 in on board credit, 50% off deposits, and $300 in e-coupons on cruises 3 days and longer.  Norwegian is also offering air credits for Europe, Hawaii, and Alaska. Visit NCL.com for complete details, sale runs until October 31, 2012.

Holland America will be featuring specials on cruises to the Caribbean, South America, Asia, Europe, Australia, and Alaska.  Cruises will receive up to $200 per person in shipboard credit along with reduced deposits.  Visit HollandAmerica.com for complete details, sale ends on October 27, 2012.

If you need help deciding on a cruise, check out the consumer information at Cruise Lines International Association. Your local travel agent also has a wealth of advice.