Cruise deals to good to pass up.
Back when the economy was kind of predictable, cruise lines would look at the load factors of their departures and discount fares on sailings that weren't selling according to plan.
If a voyage was really underbooked, they'd start lowering the price to fill up the ship. Big cruise ships are like movie theaters - they make their money on concessions. Because an empty cabin represents a lost opportunity to sell shore excursions, drinks, and poker chips, the cruise lines do what it takes to fill their berths.
These deals used to be available a relatively short time before departure. But these days, if you're willing to put up some cash, you can get a deep discount more than a year in advance.
Take Viking River Cruises, for instance. They're offering special pricing on their 2009 departures. Whether you want to explore China, Russia, or the legendary Rivers of Europe, you can save up to $3000 per couple if you book by December 19, 2008. Visit www.vikingrivercruises.com for more information.
Holland America has a 14-day Australia/New Zealand cruise that sails from Auckland, visits seven ports in New Zealand, the island of Tasmania, and Melbourne before arriving in Sydney. Fares for the February departure start at an incredible $999. For details, visit http://www.hollandamerica.com