Fall cruising savings are usually substantial, but now they are falling like autumn leaves.
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For example, Larry Fishkin, president of The Cruise Line Inc.
(800-777-0707), a Miami-based discount cruise and information center, says his company saves consumers an average of $600-$1,800 per cabin on voyages to worldwide destinations. He points out that many lines are offering 50 percent to 70 percent off the second passenger rate and several two-for-one cruises are available to South Pacific and Caribbean destinations.
Twofers currently available include Princess Cruises` Island Princess sailing to the South Pacific this month and next, the Pacific Princess sailing the Amazon in November and December, and Sun Line`s Stella Solaris to South America and the Amazon in January and February. Also, Crown Cruise Line sails from Buenos Aires to Lisbon in March.
The firm`s World of Cruising magazine is offered free to consumers who call its toll-free number. Issues include information on choosing the right cruise and lists of updated cruise specials.
The Cruise Line Inc. has what it calls an Exotic Cruise Savings Center offering specials on such upscale ships as Cunard`s QE2, Sagafjord and Vistafjord, Crystal Cruise Lines` Crystal Harmony, the Renaissance all-suite ships, Royal Cruise Line`s Royal Crown and Golden Odyssey, and Ocean Cruise Line`s Ocean Pearl.
Michael Grossman, president of New Jersey`s Montclair-based Cruises of Distinction (800-634-3445), calling itself the nation`s first mail-order cruise broker, said his company offers savings up to 40 percent off brochure prices.
The reason for savings: ”Overcapacity reaching record levels with some 75,000 berths for sale, swelled by major new vessels. Between 1990 and 1994, we will see the introduction of 37 new ships representing an addition of 31,000 new berths, a fleet increase of nearly 8 percent, with the competition so great that even the ultra-luxury lines are announcing discounts for the first time,” Grossman said. A catalog is mailed free on request.
Other firms offering deals include Ft. Lauderdale-based World Wide Cruises (800-882-9000), Miami Beach`s Worldwide Discount Travel Club
(305-534-2082), Manhattan`s Moment`s Notice (212-486-0500) and Oak Brook`s Kelly Cruises (708-932-8361).
Cruise lines savings include Regency Cruises` early booking discounts
(save up to $400 by booking 60 days before sailing) and two-for-one deals
(212-972-4499). Also twofers and 50 percent off on second-passenger savings are offered on selected sailings of Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Lines ships.