Wave season cruise deals bring discounts and sweet bonuses

Wave season that begins in January means all kinds of discounts and deals in the cruise world. Here are three to consider if you’re in trip-planning mode, but think fast because one ends this weekend.

Celebrity Cruises offers all three 123Go! extras with a deal that’s good through Feb.16. Usually you get to pick one of the perks, but those who book a veranda cabin on Alaska or European sailings this summer will receive:

--a free beverage package for two (usually $98 per day)

--free prepaid gratuities (valued at up to $30 per day), and;

--a shipboard credit of up to $300.

For example, if you book on the seven-night Alaska Sawyer Glacier Cruise leaving May 15, a veranda stateroom would cost $1,219 per person (plus tax and fees), based on double occupancy. You’d get all the extras above, including the $300 credit.

You have until 11:59 p.m. Sunday in any time zone to make a reservation and get the deal. Info: Celebrity Cruises, (888) 283-6879, or contact a travel agent

[Update at 3 p.m. Feb. 3]: Celebrity has extended teh offer until Feb. 16.

Princess Cruises has been celebrating its 50th year with sale prices, shipboard credits and other bonuses. Depending on which cruise you choose, you can save up to $500 per person and receive up to $200 shipboard credit.

In addition, third and fourth guests go for half the price, and cruise deposits are reduced to $100.

I checked Princess’ sale cruises online and found a seven-day cruise of Alaska’s Inside Passage with Tracy Arm that starts at $749 per person excluding tax and fees (original price is $849). It comes with $100 shipboard credit and specialty dining too.

There are lots of destinations to choose from with the 50th anniversary sale, including Hawaii, Mexico, Asia, Europe and Australia-New Zealand. The sale ends Feb. 26.

Info: Princess Cruises, (800) 774-6237, or contact a travel agent

Norwegian Cruise Line just launched a Freestyle Choice Plus promotion where you can choose your own bonus:

--a free beverage package,

--free specialty dining,

--up to $300 shipboard credit, and

--third through eighth guests in the same stateroom sail free on selected cruises.

Here’s how it works: If you book an inside cabin, you can choose the on-board credit or the free sail for more than three passengers. Those who reserve an oceanview or higher level cabin may choose one of the four extras. If you book a pricier suite or “haven” cabin, you will receive all four.

The offer is good for the month of February.

Info: Norwegian Cruise Lines, (888) 445-6299, or contact a travel agent