January Deals Roundup: Start the Year Right With the Perfect Cruise

Each month we scour the web for the best cruise deals on mainstream cruise lines and luxury ships, as well as river cruises, small-ship companies and expedition vessels. Get an early start on cruising in 2015 with special anniversary fares, free airfare, upgrades, and onboard credits with these top promotions.

Starting rates from $119 on Carnival

The Offer: Carnival’s “Let the Sun Shine in,” sale slashes rates to $119 for a four-night cruise to Baja Mexico, as well as dozens of other sailings for numerous travel dates through March. Other Bahamas and Caribbean cruises are discounted and some include free cabin upgrades.

Booking Information: Book this promotion by Jan. 4, 2015. Check your dates on the handy fare calendar on Carnival’s website.   

The Catch: The deal expires soon, so don’t wait!      

Save $2,000 per Couple with Avalon Waterways

The Offer: River cruise line, Avalon Waterways, has launched a sale on spring voyages that cuts cruise fares by $2,000 per couple on select voyages. The sale applies to several cruises (and departure dates), including seven-night, tulip viewing cruises in Holland, a seven-night cruise on the Rhone River to the French Riviera, and a six-night voyage from Budapest to Romania and Bulgaria.

Booking Information: This deal expires on Jan. 27, 2015.

The Catch: Airfare to Europe is extra.

Three Ways to Save $1,000 with Azamara Club Cruises

Luxury cruise line, Azamara Club Cruises, is offering travelers three ways to save $1,000 per couple on their next cruise vacation: an air credit, a stateroom upgrade, or a spending credit for shore excursions, spa treatments, and specialty dining. The offer is available on dozens of voyages and destinations, including the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

Booking Information: Book this deal by March 31, 2015. Travel from July 12, 2015 through December 23, 2017. Use code CHOICES CHS for air credit, CHOICES OBC for onboard credit, and CHOICES UPG for the upgrade.

The Catch: Both guests in the stateroom must select the same option.

Free Round-Trip Airfare and 2-for-1 Pricing with Regent Seven Seas

The Offer: More than 130 cruises are included in Regent Seven Seas’ 2-for-1 fare sale on 2015 cruises to destinations worldwide. Free round-trip airfare is also bundled into this package. Set sail to Australia, the Caribbean, Tahiti, Peru, and more with perks like free WiFi, a pre-cruise hotel stay, and unlimited shore excursions.

Booking Information:  Book this deal by March 31, 2015.

The Catch: The free airfare is only from select airports.

Free Airfare to Europe with Scenic Cruises

The Offer: Scenic Cruises’ luxurious vessels ply the rivers of Russia, France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, and more. Book any suite on a river cruise for departures in the month of April and receive free economy class airfare. Pricing is all inclusive, so passengers won’t have to worry about extra charges and gratuities.

Booking Information: Use booking code APR15FFANY. Travel is valid in April and the offer can be pulled at any time. 

The Catch: Most destinations are still cool in April, so bring a jacket!

Up to $500 in Savings with Princess Cruises Anniversary Sale

The Offer: Princess is celebrating its 50^th anniversary with up to $500 savings per person on cruise fares to Alaska, New England, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and other top destinations. The offer also includes up to $200 onboard spending credits, free specialty dining for two, and up to 50 percent off third and fourth passenger fares. Onboard celebrations include a commemorative menu that celebrates the past five decades, a festive “Love Boat” disco deck party, and a golden balloon drop.

Booking Information: This deal applies to cruises sailing between May and December 2015. Book by Feb. 26, 2015.

The Catch: Discounts are based on the magic words, “up to $500.”

Seven Night Fiji Cruises for the Price of Four with Captain Cook

The Offer: Lesser-known small ship company, Captain Cook sails for seven nights on the 130-passenger MV Reef Endeavour to remote parts of Fiji. The company’s “Sail to Sizzle Summer Sale” reduces rates of seven-night cruises to the price of a four-night cruise. Fares start at $1,402 per person.

Booking Information: Book by Feb. 28, 2015 for travel valid from April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016. Use booking code 744.

The Catch: Airfare to Fiji is not included.