Sherman's Travel

If you’re thinking of taking a Mediterranean, Northern Europe, transatlantic, or Alaska cruise this spring or summer, the time to book is now. Princess Cruises has slashed fares on dozens of itineraries and departures, with savings of 50 percent or more on certain dates. All sale bookings also include an onboard credit of $25 or $50 per person (depending on cabin class).

The biggest savings can be found on the transatlantic sailings. A 14-night cruise from San Juan to London – with stops in New York, Halifax, Dublin, and Glasgow – that was $1,190 is now $499 per person. That’s almost 60 percent off! We’re also fond of the 6-night Scandinavia sailing round-trip from London for $699 (originally $1,399) as well as the 6-night Alaska sailings from Whittier, Alaska, to Vancouver for $499 (down from $924).

Certain dates and cabin classes are sold out, but there are still plenty of options to choose from. Note that these bookings are non-refundable. Head to www.princess.com/springsale.page for details.

For more great savings, check out our cruise deals.

We’ve just dug up a tempting cruise deal for select European river sailings in 2012 aboard luxe Avalon Waterways. Book via Premier River Cruises by November 25, and nab comped rates on second passenger fares when paying full fare for the first passenger. This limited-time offer is valid on select 7- to 14-night cruises, like the 7-night Paris & Normandy sailing, with rates starting as low as $2,098 for two people – working out to just $1,049 per person. Other available sale fares include $2,490 for two ($1,249 per person) for the 7-night Burgundy & Provence sailing, or $2,598 for two ($1,299 per person) for the 7-night Danube River cruise. (Note that taxes and fees are additional, and are applicable for the promotional fare, as well.) What’s more, guests participating in this promotion will also receive up to $250  inshipboard credit, valid for redemption for onboard purchases at the spa, gift shop, and more. Read more

We here at Cruise News love the Cunard line for its old-world style and luxury flair, but tend to balk at the price tag. However, a handful of Panama Canal cruises this December, January, and February promise the same bells and whistles at a much lower price point. Our favorite is a 15-night sailing starting December 6 from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles with stops in Aruba, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico – as well as the requisite canal transfer – for just $1,295 per person. That’s about $86/night. Itineraries of that length often cost twice as much on Cunard.

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SHERMAN’S EXCLUSIVE

The Luxury Sail the Rajang River to the heart of Borneo, the Island in the Clouds, and see outlying settlements and remote jungles. Pandaw River Cruises’ 60-passenger RV Orient Pandaw is modeled after colonial steamers, with open-air dining areas, promenades and elegant brass and teak-fitted staterooms. The eight-night sail from Sibu includes stops at pepper farms, fruit plantations, longhouses, schools, and weaving workshops. Passengers can expect free time for picnics, village market visits, and jungle hikes.

The Value Readers who book over the phone by July 31 get 10 percent off cruise fares through November, plus a complimentary two-night pre-cruise tour from Kuching, with visits to wildlife reserves and the Sarawak Cultural Village, before heading to Sibu. With the discount, prices for October and November trips start at $2,023.

The Catch The rates do not include round-trip airfare to Borneo, which costs about $1,700 from Los Angeles and $2,100 from New York City.

The Details 800-798-4223 (mention Smart Luxury Travel); www.pandaw.com

From the Spring/Summer 2011 issue of Smart Luxury Travel magazine by ShermansTravel.com.

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