During the past week I’ve been getting terrific cruise discounts from cruise lines and travel agents.  But even I was surprised to see the 2008 “it” ship, Celebrity Cruises’ brand new Celebrity Solstice, with balcony prices so steeply discounted.  Here are cruise discounts too good to pass up. 

Online Vacation Center has peak season Celebrity Solsticewinter Caribbean deals that are nearly impossible to pass up.  The Feb. 1, 2009 seven night Eastern Caribbean itinerary sailing round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale is a steal:  $1049 per person, double occupancy for a Concierge Class balcony stateroom ($699 for inside, $749 for oceanview).  The Feb. 15 departure on the same itinerary has regular balcony cabins starting at $799 per person, double occupancy (inside is $699, outside from $649).  For reservations and information call Online Vacation Center at (800) 329-9002.  I also suggest that you sign up for their newsletter since they have terrific prices.

If you’ve always wanted to take a luxury cruise, this year is the perfect time since the high-end cruise lines are slashing fares by up to 70%. 

Oceania Cruises offers savings of up to 72% off select 2009 cruise departures of its three 680-passenger ships. On select 2009 European Collection voyages, guests will receive Free Airfare, 2 For 1 Cruise Fares and an additional Price Reduction of $2,000 per stateroom on accommodation in categories G through A. For the 2009/10 Winter Collection, passengers will receive the following savings in addition to free airfare: $500 per stateroom discount, $500 per stateroom shipboard credit and free prepaid gratuities.

Crystal Cruises The cruise line offers discounts everywhere it sails, including 2009 11-day Baltic and 12-day Mediterranean voyages with savings of $1500, $1000 or $750 off nearly all departures.  Optional business class air add ons start at $799 to the Baltic and $899 to the Mediterranean. 

The Yachts of Seabourn is reducing fares by 60% on April to August departures of Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend for those who book between Jan. 12 and Jan. 19, 2009.  Seven-day cruises start at $2,840 per person, double occupancy.  Contact your travel agent or call the cruise line to take advantage of the special pricing.

With prices like these it’s probably a good thing banks won’t lend money :)

Now that prices are lower, do you plan to take a cruise?   My rule of thumb is that when it’s cheaper to take a cruise than stay home, I’ll  bite.  Ok, in all fairness I live in New York.