Sail away with these cruise deals

A CARIBBEAN island cruise, a European river voyage and a special Elvis adventure on a Mississippi paddlesteamer - here are the best deals of the week.

cruise deals escape 28

HOLLAND America Line's elegant Oosterdam has joined Volendam for its inaugural season in the Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific region, the first time one of HAL's Vista-class ships has been based here for the entire southern cruising season.

A range of 10 to 28-day voyages is available, including a 14-day Solar Eclipse cruise departing Sydney on November 7 and sailing towards the Great Barrier Reef, before crossing the Coral Sea to New Caledonia and Noumea, and returning to Sydney. The total solar eclipse occurs on November 14 in the Cairns region.

The voyage costs from $1299 a person, twin share. 

Ph 1300 987 322 or see hollandamerica.com.au

Viking odyssey

SAIL return from London to Ijmuiden, Flaam, Stavanger and Oslo and discover the magnificent fjords, breathtaking coastline and quaint coastal towns of this spectacular region.A package of seven nights onboard MSC Opera in an inside cabin, including main meals and entertainment, starts at $819 a person, twin share. Valid to Wednesday, for travel in May and June next year. 

Ph 13 27 57 or see harveyworld.com.au

Laid-back Caribbean

CRUISE from one sunny tropical isle to another in the Western Caribbean for less than $100 a day.

A Carnival cruise to the Western Caribbean offers idyllic days of swimming, snorkelling and strolling sandy beaches, as well as romantic nights. A seven-night Miami round-trip cruise starts at $682 a person, twin share on Carnival Glory. 

Ph 1300 857 437 or see traveltheworld.com.au  

Free Europe flights

UNTIL November 30, Scenic Tours is offering free return flights to Europe on selected 2013 Europe river cruises and tours.

Prices on the 15-day Romantic Rhine and Mosel River Cruise start at $7095 a person, twin share, including flights with taxes and the 15-day cruise. All Europe river cruises include onboard meals and beverages, onboard entertainment, all shore excursions and activities, airport transfers and all tips. 

Ph 1300 723 642 or see scenictours.com.au  

Small ship luxury

CRUISECO is offering airfares to Singapore and return from Istanbul, plus two nights in Singapore and two nights in Istanbul as part of its 41-night Grand Voyage, departing March 7 next year on the Aegean Odyssey.

The trip will delve into the art, history and cultures of 11 countries including Egypt, Israel, Sri Lanka and India. Prices start at $11,380 a person, twin share, if booked by Wednesday. 

See cruising.com.au

Thankyouverymuch

ENJOY a free cabin upgrade worth up to $2400 a couple on a new 20-day Elvis and the Mississippi coach and paddlesteamer tour in the US next May, if booked by November 30.

Departing Australia on May 16 next year, the trip starts with a 10-night coach tour from Nashville before moving through the South to Memphis, where guests will visit Elvis Presley's Graceland.

The seven-night cruise begins in New Orleans aboard the American Queen, including shore tours, and a steam coach tour to Civil War sites in Arkansas. The 20-day tour, including airfares, costs from $7990 a person, twin share.

Ph 1300 764 509 or see cruiseexpress.com.au