Set sail with these cruise deals

CRUISING through fjords, luxurious domestic holidays, wildlife expeditions to the Falklands and Antarctica and coastal Norway are just a few of the best picks this week.

Cruise deals escape

CRUISING through fjords, luxurious domestic holidays, wildlife expeditions to the Falklands and Antarctica and coastal Norway are just a few of the best picks this week.

Save in icy waters

QUARK Expeditions is offering 40 per cent off trips to South Georgia, the Falklands and Antarctica this year.

The Explore South Georgia: The Ultimate Wildlife Expedition departs October 28; the Antarctic Explorer: The Classic Adventure departs December 15; and the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings voyage departs November 3 and December 26.

Available only for bookings through ICCA member agencies from September 3-9, subject to terms and conditions.

Take your pick

CAPTAIN Cook Cruises is offering deals on its Murray River and Sydney Harbour cruises when you book during National Cruise Week.

Enjoy the summer sun on the Murray River and save 25 per cent on three, four and seven-night Murray Princess cruises, plus receive a bottle of sparkling wine in your cabin on arrival.

Summer on the Murray sees high water levels, dry heat and endless blue skies, moderated by cooling river breezes. The deals are valid for January and February departures next year, with prices from $599 a person, twin share.

In Sydney, discover the world's most beautiful harbour and enjoy a free upgrade to window seating when you travel before October 31.

Dine aboard the MV Sydney 2000, the vessel chosen for international dignitaries, including the Pope. It features four decks, five dining rooms and three restaurant decks with expansive windows, and an open star deck.

Prices start at $55 for breakfast, lunch and high tea, and $85 for a dinner cruise.

Coastal Norway

HURTIGRUTEN, the Norwegian company that has been cruising Norway's coast since 1893 on one of the world's most beautiful voyages, is offering 30 per cent off during National Cruise Week, for selected voyages next year.

Hurtigruten is represented in Australia by Discover the World Marketing.

Worldwide discounts BOOK your Holland America Line cruise during National Cruise Week, to take advantage of reduced fares worldwide, including Europe and homeport cruises.

You'll receive free upgrades, reduced Europe fares and best stateroom selection.

Local luxury

EXPERIENCE ultra-luxury cruising in local waters this summer with the award-winning Seabourn Odyssey.

Launched in 2009, the vessel will sail in local waters for almost three months as it explores the islands and coastline of Indonesia, New Zealand and Australia, offering Australians an array of ultra-luxury cruise itineraries.

Don't miss out on some fantastic fares.

Half-price Asia

DURING Star Cruises' Clear the Decks sale, you can save 50 per cent on all SuperStar Virgo's remaining departures for the 2012/13 season.

The vessel has weekly departures from Singapore, cruising to Thailand and Malaysia.

Book a balcony cabin and receive exclusive privileges, plus a food and beverage credit of up to $SGD400 ($305). You can use the credit at any of the restaurants and bars onboard.

Discover a fascinating blend of culture, history and adventure as you explore some of the most enchanting and exotic destinations of the region.

Enjoy Europe

DISCOVER the delights of Greece, France, Spain or Italy, savour the scenery of the fjords or enjoy the beauty of the Baltic with MSC Cruises, Europe's largest cruise line.

Cruising to more than 150 ports in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe next year, MSC Cruises' 13 luxurious ships include all meals, accommodation, gala dinners, entertainment and port charges.

Seven-night cruising starts at $609 a person.

Book during the National Cruise Sale and receive $100 onboard credit a person.

Or combine the east and west Mediterranean or the Baltics with the Norwegian fjords and receive double the onboard credit at $200 a person.

Fourteen-night cruises start at $1288 a person.

Take a river run

CRUISE from Amsterdam to Budapest on the boutique Europe river ship, the MS AmaVerde, with APT Botanica.

Choose from sightseeing options that include garden visits, gourmet experiences or golf courses.

The cruises are escorted by leading authors Dr Holly Kerr Forsyth and Jane Webster.

The 15-day cruise costs from $8975 a person, twin share, and departs April 27 next year.

Book by September 12 and choose one of the following offers: fly free; business-class savings of $2000 a person; or solo travellers pay no solo supplement.

Plus receive a National Cruise Week offer of $100 onboard credit a person.