Travel Tips

Travel Deals: Save on Summer Cruising, River Boating & More

Locations in this article:  Vienna, Austria

Summer is just around the corner which means water buffs are getting ready to dive into the waves. Check out these water-themed vacations with savings on small-ship cruises, river boating, kayaking, and more. Book now for deals that extend into fall to experience everything from sailing America’s waterways to exploring remote glacial fjords.

Maritime Voyages in Norway

Ever dreamed of visiting Norway and seeing its majestic fjords? Cruise and Maritime Voyages is offering savings of up to 52 percent on its Fjords Sailings Specials for Three Seasons. You can sail along a fjord, tour the surrounding mountains, and visit cascading waterfalls, all in one trip.

There are three different deals available: The Majestic Fjordland package starts at $649 for 7 nights, and offers sailings in April, June, and August of 2013, with additional dates next year. The Fjordland Splendor package runs from 8 nights and starts at $1,049 with sailings in May and August. The Autumn Fjordland adventure starts at $789 for 6 nights and has only one sailing in September. The rates are per person, based on double occupancy, and are subject to availability. Cruise and Maritime Voyages provide an intimate cruise experience, with no more than 800 passengers on board either of their vessels, Marco Polo or Ocean Countess.

For more information visit Cruise and Maritime Voyages or call 855-206-4897

Witness the 11-Year Peak of Aurora Borealis

This September, Northern Lights lovers will be able to experience the spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis aboard cruise ships in waters off Greenland and Iceland. AdventureSmith Explorations is offering four small expedition ship cruises guaranteed to provide amazing viewing opportunities.

The Greenland Aurora Borealis Cruise ranges from 8-15 days and will carry only 32 passengers. Prices range from $2,400 to $3,600, with three sailings scheduled for September. The Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis Cruise sails for seven days and will only carry 114 guests, with prices starting at $5,300 with the standard per person, double occupancy requirement (valid for all cruises listed.) The Greenland Explorer Cruise will carry 112 guests on a 14-day excursion and is currently offering 15-20 percent off tickets through the end of April; prices start at $6,495 with sailings in August, including the option of a reverse itinerary. The East Greenland Cruise will span 14 days with prices starting at $6,495, and will sail twice in September.

For more information, please visit AdventureSmith Explorations or call 800-728-2875.

Early Spring Savings on the Danube

The fall is one of the best times to visit Europe. Right now, Virgin Vacations has $1,000 per person savings for fall Danube River cruises.

For cruises, departing October 17 through November 23, 2013, you can take advantage of 7-day sailings that include all meals with unlimited wine and beer at dinner, evening entertainment, transfers, port taxes as well as shore excursions in Bratislava, Vienna, Nuremberg and Melk Abbey, plus a walking tour of Regensburg. Airfare is additional.

Cruise rates range from a Category C cabin for $1,359 (regularly priced at $2,359) for a Category C cabin to $2,049 (regularly priced at $3,049) for a Category A balcony cabin. Rates do vary from sailing to sailing. You can also add in airfare to the rate. If so, air-inclusive packages for the Fall Danube cruises begin at $2,129 for the November 23 cruise departing New York.

For more information or to book, visit Virgin Vacations or call 1-877-740-4302. To take advantage of the $1,000 discount, use Code: VNB14DRC13.

Kayaking in Our National Parks

National Park Week is coming up April 20-28, 2013. In addition to activities all around the country, April 20 is National Junior Ranger Day, April 27 is Volunteer Day, and admission to all 401 units of the National Park Service will have free admission from April 22-26.

Celebrate our national parks with deals on rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking tours with Holiday River Expeditions. The Utah-based company is offering $200 off adult fares on select trips in Canyonlands National Park and Dinosaur National Monument. You must book by April 26, 2013 to take advantage of these deals.

For more information, call 800-624-6323 or visit Holiday River Expeditions.

Bird Watching in the San Juan Islands 

Cruise the Bellingham Bay this spring and summer with San Juan Cruises and take advantage of incredible bird-watching opportunities. The tours will focus on the San Juan Islands with a trip under the Deception Pass Bridge through the Swinomish Channel. The rates are $79 for adults, $39.50 for youth, and children under 6 are free. The “Bird Watching Cruise” departs every Saturday starting May 4 through August 24.

For more information visit San Juan Cruises or call 1-800-443-4552.

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