Cruise Lines Roll Out Wave Season Deals

Reduced Solo Fares on Crystal
Through Feb. 28, Crystal Cruises has reduced fares for cruises around the world and is offering dramatically reduced solo travel fares on 12 voyages. There are also kids sail free promotions on select voyages and new options for Crystal Getaways.

Cruisers can save up to $1,500 on Asia and Europe cruises, $1,600 of New England and Canada cruises and $1,000 off holiday sailings.

Crystal also announced a new Film & Theatre voyage, departing from New York on Nov. 2. The cruises will feature a Marilyn Monroe tribute artist, the Troubador Tribute Company and a presentation from red carpet make-up artist William Squire.

Cunard Rides Transatlantic Wave
Savings of up to $1,000 on European cruises and transatlantic crossings on the Queen Mary 2 are available from Cunard. Seven-day transatlantic cruises are available from $999 per person for April 26, May 3, May 25, Dec. 15 and Jan. 3, 2014 departures.

Discounts on trips of 12 days are more are also available for European voyages, including up to $1,000 in savings on airfare per couple when agents book through the Cunard CompleteAir program.

Seabourn Offers Savings and Conversations
A variety of discounts and deals are available for select Seabourn cruises of seven to 21 days on all six Seabourn ships, for trips departing between April 2013 and March 2014. Fares can be up to 50%  below published brochure fares and additional savings are available for combining two or more cruises.

Seabourn also announced a new concept for onboard enrichment and special entertainment dubbed Seabourn Conversations, which will invite culinary, cultural and environmental luminaries to give presentations to guests and mingle onboard.

A&K Founder Leads Japan Trip
Geoffrey Kent, founder, chairman and CEO of Abercrombie & Kent, will lead guests on the 12-night Clipper Odyssey: Wonders of Japan tour departing on May 24.

The itinerary consists of journeys to the island of Miyajima, a Sacred Shinto Shrine and the Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. The trip is priced from $9,995 per person, double occupancy.

American Queen Shifts Schedule
The Feb. 7 and 15 voyages of the American Queen have been cancelled by American Queen Steamboat Company, in order for the ship to be fitted with a new and more durable paddlewheel drive shaft. The ship’s first voyage of the season is now set for Feb. 23, a roundtrip from New Orleans.

Guests who booked on the cancelled departures will receive consideration for re-booking or a full refund. Travel agent commissions are protected.

Celebrity Strikes Deal With Billboard
Through a partnership with Billboard, Celebrity Cruises will offer modern luxury musical programs onboard all ships. Guests can partake in a trivia series, music-focused game shows, themed parties and music-themed giveaways.

Variety Cruises Details LGBT-friendly Cruise
Two departures are scheduled for Variety Cruises’ Rainbow Spirit Cruise 2013, departing Athens on Aug. 9 and 23 on the mega yacht Harmony V. The cruise will visit several wonders of ancient Greece including Mykonos, Santorini and Milos.

The cruise is priced from $2,350 to $3,250 per person.

MSC Adds a View
To kick off Wave Season, MSC Cruises is offering balcony stateroom bookings for the price of an ocean view, as low as $82 per day per person. The promotion is available on 11 of 12 MSC vessels through March 31, with over 200 departure dates offered.

American Cruises Lines Unveils Themed Cruises
Cruises include the Gold Rush –Alaska Inside Passage, Civil War Eastern Theater – Historic South & Golden Isles, Enrichment: Mind, Body & Soul – New England Islands, Lobster Festival Cruise, Culinary & Wine Themed Cruise and Savories of the South Cruise.