Tiana Templeman: Sailing away

Scenic Sapphire in Avignon, France. Photo / Supplied

Cruise columnist Tiana Templeman rounds up the latest and best deals, from adventure in Central America, exploring Europe's rivers or something closer to home.

Auckland exodus
Pick up a "Buy One, Get One Free" deal on two cruises from Auckland on Cruise & Maritime Voyages' newest ship Vasco da Gama. Enjoy a relaxing four-night cruise from Auckland to Sydney departing on November 27 for AU$1069 for the first person, with the second passenger cruising free. The same departure is available as a nine-night cruise stopping at Sydney, Burnie, Melbourne and Adelaide for AU$2409 for the first passenger, with the second passenger cruising free.

Early bird bonus
Book early with Holland America and receive an early booking bonus of up to US$1200 including a Signature Beverage Package, dinner in Pinnacle Grill, reduced fares for the third and fourth passengers and a 50 per cent reduced deposit. Suite bookings receive the above plus an additional US$200 onboard spending money per stateroom. This deal is available until May 1.

Living the Dream
Explorer Dream, the newest ship in the Dream Cruises fleet, will be offering New Zealand sailings from Auckland and Wellington in 2019-20. Itineraries range from a four-night round-trip cruise from Wellington to longer seven-night sailings featuring destinations such as Dunedin, Akaroa, Milford Sound, Gisborne, Picton and Napier. Cruises start at NZ$868 per person, twin share, for an inside stateroom.

2020 vision

Scenic

is offering a range of deals on 2020 European river cruises of 11 days or longer, such as free return flights from Australia (plus upgrades to Business Class from AU$3995pp on some fares) and 50 per cent off for solo travellers on selected departures. Bookings must be made by April 30. Travellers who pay in full by May 31 will also receive an additional AU$600 per couple discount when booking cruises of 11 days or longer, or AU$300 per couple for cruises of 10 days or less.

Holland America's Nieuw Statendam. Photo / Supplied

Free at Sea

The best things in life are free with

Norwegian's Free at Sea

promotion which allows cruisers to select up to five perks, depending on the cabin category booked. Choices include a drinks package, specialty dining package, US$50 per port to spend on shore excursions, 250 minutes of free internet, and a third and fourth passengers sail free offer. This deal is available until further notice on itineraries in locations including Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Europe, Asia and more.

Credit where credit's due
Book a Ponant Central America cruise by June 30 and receive a AU$1300 flight credit which can be used towards the cost of flights. There are five ships and 31 Central America itineraries to choose from, featuring destinations such as Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Belize and Antigua.

Marvellous offer
Travelmarvel is offering a range of earlybird offers to celebrate the launch of its 2020 Europe Preview brochure. These include fly free deals on all European Gems and Russia River Cruises plus a bonus early payment discount of up to AU$1000 per couple. Alternatively, fly free deals can be replaced with a saving of AU$1900pp. Other earlybird offers include savings of up to AU$3000 per couple on selected Coastal and Portugal River Cruises. This deal is valid until April 30 or until sold out.