Cruising the High (Value) Seas: Super Affordable Ways to Set Sail in 2015

Good things come to those who wait — with, perhaps, the exception of good cruise deals. Those who plan ahead can reap significant savings on sailings, and as dark days and cold temps begin to set it, why not plan on a bright spot soon, courtesy of a great-rate 2015 vacation? We’ve rounded up a slate of eight strong cruise deals for 2015, with early-booking rates starting at just $169/person (and none higher than $879). Plus, all of these sailings leave from (and return to) convenient, close-to-home ports. Whether it’s sun and surf, Alaskan wilds, or exotic Latin American flavor that floats your boat, we’ve got you covered. (Note: These prices are subject to change day to day.)

1. Short-and-sweet Bahamas retreat from Miami

Tour the Bahamas for three nights on the Carnival Ecstasy. (Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines)

The islands of the Bahamas are perfect for a quickie three-night escape, especially when snagging a steal of a deal on board the 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy, sailing to Nassau from Miami. In port, sun, surf, and sand reign supreme, while on deck, the WaterWorks aqua park, Serenity adults-only retreat, and resort-style main pool deliver more fun in the sun.

Rates from $169/person; lowest rates on January 2015 departures; www.carnival.com.

2. Italy-in-the-Caribbean cruise from Miami

Old San Juan (Photo: Thinkstock)

Caribbean cruising provides la dolce vita, especially on Italian-inspired MSC Cruises. Get there for less with a weeklong sailing aboard the 3,502-passenger MSC Divina out of Miami. Embarking on Feb. 7 (and heading back to port on Valentine’s Day), cruise to Sint Maarten, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas, where guests can wander the centuries-old streets of Old San Juan or set out for some superb snorkeling. Onboard, enjoy authentic Italian food (including two Mario Batali-backed Eataly restaurants), a wine-immersion experience via Blend Craft, and even opera performances.

Rates from $249/person, or from $519 for balcony cabins (kids 11 and under are free); embarks Feb. 7, 2015; www.msccruisesusa.com.

Related: A 12-Year-Old’s Expert Tips on How to Book a Family Cruise

3. Fall foliage fling from New York City

Halifax, Nova Scotia (Photo: Thinkstock)

If you literally missed the boat on a fall foliage sailing this year, now’s the time to plan ahead for great-rate 2015 cruises to the foliage fantasylands of New England and northeastern Canada. Carnival runs a series of seven-night sailings in September and October aboard its 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor. Sail round-trip from NYC with port calls in Boston; Portland, Maine; St. John, New Brunswick; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. When not out leaf peeping or lobster eating in port, guests can enjoy onboard diversions such as the 23,000-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, an all-seasons glass-roof-covered pool, and Dr. Seuss-inspired kids’ programming.

Rates from $459/person; 2015 sailings on Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, and Oct. 4; www.carnival.com.

4. South-of-the-border sailing from San Diego

A beach excursion in the Cabos (Courtesy of Holland America Line)

The Mexican Riviera beckons for a sun-soaked, R&R-infused getaway from laid-back San Diego. Sail seven nights aboard Holland America’s 1,350-passenger Veendam in March, with port calls in Los Cabos, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. Nature- and beach-driven excursions await, including whale watching, beachfront horseback riding, or visiting a turtle sanctuary. Plus, three serene days at sea allow guests to sample the many onboard amenities and activities, including a piano bar, “Dancing with the Stars” contest, and culinary arts center.

Rates from $599/person; embarks March 7, 14, or 21 in 2015; www.hollandamerica.com.

Related: The Cruiser: What I Love/Hate About Taking Cruises

5. Panama Canal and Colombia cruise from Galveston

Old town of Cartagena (Photo: Thinkstock)

A 12-night exotic Latin American cruise vacation for less than what a flight alone might cost to get you to South America? Vamos! This March, Carnival’s 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph sails from Galveston, Texas, to Grand Cayman in the Caribbean; Colón, Panama; and Cartagena and Santa Marta in Colombia. From Colón, guests can take an excursion to explore the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal (note that the ship itself does not transit the canal) and also enjoy the cruise line’s first foray to the seaside Colombian city of Santa Marta.

Rates from $879/person; embarks March 2, 2015; www.carnival.com.

Related: WATCH: Sting Dishes on His (Brief) Stint as a Cruise Ship Singer

6. Bermuda break from New York City

The Norwegian Breakaway in Bermuda (Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Set sail from the concrete jungle of NYC for the pink-sand beaches of Bermuda aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s 1.5-year-old, 3,969-passenger Norwegian Breakaway. The seven-night voyage includes three days in port at King’s Wharf, Bermuda, where guests can set out swimming, snorkeling, and more. Onboard, enjoy three days at sea with diversions that include 29 dining experiences, plus entertainment options like Broadway’s Rock of Ages and dance sensation Burn the Floor.

Rates from $599/person; best rates on May and October sailing dates; www.cruisesonly.com.

7. Alaskan adventure from Seattle

Glacier Bay, Alaska (Courtesy: Holland America Line)

 Early-season Alaskan sailings in May provide terrific value, as is the case with Holland America’s Westerdamcruises from Seattle. The port-packed seven-night itineraries include just one day in transit, with the rest of the time spent actively exploring Alaskan ports in Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, along with a whirl through Glacier Bay and a stop in Victoria, British Columbia. Port adventures beckon with active excursion options such as dogsledding by helicopter, viewing black bears by floatplane, and joining fisherman on a crabbing expedition in the Bering Sea.

Rates from $749/person; lowest rates available on select dates in May 2015; www.hollandamerica.com.

8. Latin American escape from Houston

Excursions include a visit to the Mayan ruins of Tulum. (Thinkstock)

Spice up your next sailing with some Latin American flavor, courtesy of this seven-night itinerary aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s recently refurbished 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel. Departing from Houston, the ship stops in Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Trujillo, Honduras. Embark on cultural excursions to Mayan ruins, or set out on active adventures such as cave tubing or ATV rides through the jungle. Onboard, guests can choose between a staggering 16 dining options and 13 bars and nightclubs, along with the family-friendly Nickelodeon at Sea program.

Rates from $379; lowest rates on sailings in January 2015; www.ncl.com.

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