Set sail: The best cruise deals
WHETHER you choose to swim, ice-skate, roller-blade, rock-climb or just chill by the pool with a mojito, there are cruises for everyone with some exciting destinations on offer.
WHETHER you choose to swim, ice-skate, roller-blade, rock-climb or just chill by the pool with a mojito, there are cruises for everyone with some exciting destinations on offer.
Fly free to Europe
BOOK a panoramic balcony suite for APT's Magnificent Europe - Amsterdam to Budapest cruise on any Aria river ship departure between May and September next year and fly free to Europe (just pay taxes).
Also receive a free upgrade to the next available panoramic balcony suite, saving up to $4000 a couple.
Suite savings
AVALON Waterways is offering a saving of $1000 a couple on the inaugural sailings of its newest Suite Ships, Avalon Artistry II and Avalon Expression.
The 15-day Magnificent Europe cruise departing May 8 next year now costs from $6831 a person, twin share; and the eight-day Romantic Rhine cruise departing April 14 now costs from $3043 a person, twin share.
Suite Ships feature wall-to-wall panoramic windows that draw back to turn the entire cabin into an open-air balcony, maximising space and views.
Free cabin upgrades are also available on selected European river cruises next year.
Like a private yacht
DISCOVER the spirit of yacht cruising on a luxury cruise with Compagnie du Ponant.
Sail into unspoilt harbours on what feels like your own private yacht.
Explore dream locations off the beaten track, new cultures and nature.
Compagnie du Ponant can offer this, thanks to the small size and technical capabilities of its yachts, with French flair and hospitality.
Book and pay a deposit on a round-trip Venice cruise during National Cruise Week and receive a €400 ($A480) onboard credit a cabin.
Relax at Carnival
COME aboard any of Carnival Cruise Line's spacious ships and let the company handle every detail while you enjoy a carefree holiday.
Whether you're dreaming of a romantic escape, a family-focused getaway or a chance to meet new friends, there's a Carnival cruise for you.
Try the renowned cuisine, be pampered at the spa, enjoy live entertainment and test out the swimming pools, slides and whirlpools.
Book and pay a deposit on a Carnival Sunshine Mediterranean cruise or a Carnival Splendour South America cruise during National Cruise week to receive a $200 onboard credit a cabin.
Crystal-clear delight
FOR 18 years, Crystal Cruises has been voted the World's Best by readers of Conde Nast Traveler.
Every Crystal Cruises voyage features an all-inclusive experience, two-for-one fares, bonus savings and, for selected voyages, a shipboard credit of up to $US350 (A$330) a stateroom.
Caribbean credit
RECEIVE $100 onboard credit on new bookings of five nights or longer made during National Cruise Week, with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
The three Royal Caribbean ships based in Australia this coming season - megaliner Voyager of the Seas recently revitalised Rhapsody of the Seas and foodie favourite Radiance of the Seas - will treat passengers to fun-filled holidays.
Passengers can swim, ice-skate, roller-blade, rock-climb, dine, be pampered, entertained or simply curl up in the sun with their favourite book.
Boutique Asia
DISCOVER Asia in style on board Azamara Journey or Azamara Quest this summer with Azamara Club Cruises.
Receive a $500 onboard credit on selected cruises between December and May, visiting destinations including Beijing, Hong Kong, Mumbai and Ho Chi Minh City.
Combine this offer with free flights to Asia.
Azamara offers boutique-style accommodation, extraordinary service and gourmet meals.
The company's two deluxe ships offer itineraries visiting Asia, Europe, the Caribbean and the West Indies.
Sail the Seven Seas
REGENT Sevens Seas Cruise Lines is offering guests a shipboard credit of up to $US1000 ($A950) a suite when they book one of the selected 2013 departures to destinations including Alaska, the Mediterranean and the Baltic.
Cruises feature all-suite accommodation; exotic destinations; world-class cuisine with no surcharges; complimentary beverages including fine wines, premium spirits and soft drinks; gratuities and pre-cruise one-night hotel package; as well as free unlimited shore excursions on every itinerary.
In Celebrity style
CELEBRITY Cruises' stunning, multi-award-winning Celebrity Solstice is heading Down Under, cruising Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
New bookings of a balcony stateroom and above will receive $100 onboard credit during National Cruise Week.
Visit the onboard Lawn Club, a freshly manicured lawn at sea, the AquaSpa, learn the skills of glass blowing, take on the trainers at the fitness centre or simply relax in the solarium.
Deal on deposits
PASSENGERS save 50 per cent on the standard deposit when booking a P&O Cruises World Cruises voyage for eight nights or longer, as part of a special celebration sale to mark the International Cruise Council Australasia's first National Cruise Week.
Once onboard a bonus £50 (about $A75) credit a cabin will be allocated. This offer is valid for 2013 cruises including Round the World Cruises on board Aurora, Arcadia and Adonia.
The P&O Cruises Worldwide special bonus is available only via ICCA approved travel agents. Visit cruising.org.au for more details and to find an ICCA agent.
Princess Cruises passengers also can enjoy the chance to escape completely in celebration of the inaugural National Cruise Week.
Princess's bonus cruise sale applies to 2013 voyages and includes a 50 per cent discount off the standard deposit when booking a three-night cruise or longer, a further $100 onboard credit a cabin for seven-night cruises or longer and a 5 per cent deposit towards the fares for Round the World or sailings of 45 or more nights.
Passengers who book a P&O Cruise of seven nights or longer to destinations such as the Pacific Islands and New Zealand will receive a $100 onboard credit a cabin and 50 per cent off the standard deposit.
Departures include an eight-night Tasmanian Treasures cruise from Sydney in February 2013 and a 10-night Pacific Islands cruise from Sydney to Vanuatu, Noumea and the Isle of Pines in October next year.
Right royal trips
CUNARD Line is supporting Australia's first National Cruise Week by hosting a bonus sale to entice guests aboard one of its world-famous voyages.
During the sale, guests who book a voyage of eight nights or longer will receive $US100 ($A95) onboard credit a cabin and 50 per cent off the standard deposit.
The sale applies to voyages such as a 12-night transatlantic crossing aboard Queen Mary 2, and also to sectors on upcoming world voyages, such as Queen Victoria's 20-night San Francisco to Sydney sailing.
For more details or to find an accredited travel agent visit cruising.org.au.
Celebrate arrival
AUSTRALIA'S newest ship, Carnival Cruise Lines' Carnival Spirit, celebrates its arrival next month with special offers during National Cruise Week.
Passengers who book a cruise of seven nights or longer to destinations such as the Pacific Islands and New Zealand will receive a $100 onboard credit a cabin and 50 per cent off the standard deposit.
Experience the thrill of the longest waterslide at sea on The Green Thunder or relax and indulge in Spa Carnival while enjoying the newest ship to sail from Australia.
Terms and conditions apply on all deals.
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To find out more about these deals, see nationalcruiseweek.com.au
Must be booked from September 3 to 9, unless otherwise stated