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If you have ever dreamed of a European cruise on an upscale ship, or yearned to pull into secluded harbors in Capri or Portofino and enjoy small-group tours to the Continent's famous attractions, you may find that this is the year you can actually afford to go. In the past, "luxury cruise to Europe" and "affordable" have hardly been synonymous, but a rash of deals for 2009 summer sailings may put small-ship journeys to the Mediterranean and Baltic within reach for travelers who are hardly rich or famous.
This year luxury lines are enticing Americans to cruise Europe this summer with early-booking discounts, free or reduced airfares, reduced deposits and extended cancellation periods. While upscale lines have certainly offered these kinds of deals in the past, today's discounts are deeper or airfare promotions are more widely offered than ever before. Whether you're considering a Mediterranean sailing, a Baltic adventure or a river cruise in France, you'll find deals that will take the edge off the typically pricey cruise fares.
Here are some of the top sales we've seen for luxury Europe cruises this summer:
Silversea Cruises: For a limited time, Siversea is offering free roundtrip economy airfare from East Coast cities, and discounted airfare from other North American cities, on select Mediterranean, Baltic and Northern Europe cruises departing between May and September 2009. Given that summer airfare to Europe can be quite expensive -- often over $1,000 per person -- this promotion offers the potential for huge savings for travelers who don't want to give up a spot of luxury in this weakened economy. Book soon and you may also be able to take advantage of Silversea's early-booking discounts, ranging from 10 to 50 percent off published fares. This offer expires on March 31, 2009.
Seabourn Cruise Line: If you book one of Seabourn's seven-night Mediterranean cruises departing between April and October 2009, you can receive an additional $1,000 off the early-booking prices. You can choose from any of 50 sailings on Seabourn Spirit and Legend or even the new Odyssey As Seabourn cruises are typically pricey -- yet a good all-inclusive value -- this offer is a great way to make a luxury cruise more affordable. This offer expires on February 28, 2009. Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Regent typically has the same offers every year, but they're still worth mentioning. Book a Europe cruise on Seven Seas Voyager or Navigator, departing between May and October 2009, and you'll receive free airfare. Passengers in cabin categories C-H receive free economy airfare or an $800 credit; passengers in cabin categories MS-B receive free business-class airfare or a $2,500 credit. Plus, kids sail free on select Europe cruises in July and August. There is no expiration date, but this offer is capacity controlled and can sell out.
Windstar Cruises: Families can save on summer cruises to Europe with Windstar's offer on Windsurf seven-night sailings. Families (consisting of two adults and two children ages 2 - 18) who book one stateroom at full price can book a second cabin for half off. Fares start at $2,749 per person on departures from June 7 through August 30, 2009. The offer expires March 31, 2009.
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