Courtesy Princess Cruises
By Maryann Hammers
Today, Florence; tomorrow Monte Carlo; the next day; Provence!
Cruises are one of the easiest, most convenient ways to see the world. Pack and unpack just once, and explore a different exciting port every day. Once you step aboard, everything is handled for you and available to you — sumptuous dining, fun shore excursions, nightly entertainment.
And a cruise vacation can be whatever you want it to be: exciting or relaxing; jam-packed with activities or completely laidback; casual or formal. Best of all, the fare usually includes meals, shows, and onboard activities. So they usually are a pretty good bargain. But when you throw in a military discount, it’s an even better deal.
We found these offers:
Princess Cruises became a household name when it was cast in The Love Boat television series back in 1977. Today, with 18 ships sailing to more than 300 destinations on six continents, it’s one of the best-known cruise lines, with more than a million passengers every year. On a Princess cruise, you enjoy flexible dining times, upscale specialty restaurants, gorgeous gyms and sports courts, an adults-only quiet space called “The Sanctuary,” and outdoor “Movies Under the Stars” poolside theaters.
Military members — active, retired, or disabled — get up to $250 free spending money on any cruise, any time of year. Spend it how you like: on a luxurious spa treatment, shopping in onboard boutiques, or shore excursions. For extra savings, combine the military benefit with other Princess deals and promotions.
You might save enough to splurge on a spacious suite — which includes a long list of additional luxurious, free perks, including dinner in a specialty restaurant, afternoon tea, daily champagne breakfast, laundry and dry-cleaning service, nightly canapés, and all-around VIP treatment.
Download and complete this application form, and submit with proof of eligibility at least 14 days before your departure. For more information, click here or call (800) 774-6237.
The Gospel Music Cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., March 6 and sails through the Caribbean on Holland America’s ms Eurodam. The cruise includes performances by some of the greatest artists in the gospel world and stops at Grand Turk, San Juan, Tortola, and Half Moon Cay. Military rates range from $1,550 to $1,900, which include discounts of up to $500. Reserve online, using promo code Military. For more information, call (844) 355-6513.
MSC Cruises offers special military rates: Retired and active duty servicemembers get a 10-percent discount on balcony staterooms or 5-percent off interior and ocean-view staterooms. Children (ages 11 and younger) sail free with two adults. Call (877) 665-4655 for more information.
The Moorings , a yacht-charter and sailboat-rental company, specializes in private yacht getaways from the Americas and Caribbean to the Mediterranean Sea, Thailand, and the South Pacific islands. Active duty and retired servicemembers get a 20-percent Military Appreciation Savings. The offer excludes peak dates, and does not include sailings in Italy and Tonga. Offer expires Dec. 31, 2016, and you must book fewer than 30 days before departure. Call (888) 974-5614 for more information.
Victory Chimes , America’s largest passenger schooner and a National Historic Landmark (pictured on the Maine state quarter), sails around the 3,000 rugged islands off Maine's coast and anchors every evening in a protected cove. In the afternoon, explore an island or quaint New England town or just relax on deck. Plan ahead: Active duty servicemembers and their families get a 25-percent discount on three-to-six day cruises from June through September. Regular prices start at about $700, so the military per-person price is $525, including meals, activities, and accommodations. Mention the discount when you book. Sailings are round-trip from Rockland. For information, please call (800) 745-5651.