The A list of upcoming Alaska cruises

updated 1:40 p.m. ET May 5, 2008

The deal
Alaska’s cruise season is about to kick off and now is the perfect time to book a cheap cabin on a cruise to the 49th state. We found a trio of fantastic early-bird deals worth booking without further thought. In fact, you can save up to 60 percent with this A list of Alaska cruise deals while taking in the state’s epic grandeur with Princess, Holland America or Norwegian. Prices start at only $634 for a weeklong summer sailing!

Alaska aboard Coral Princess
On September 1, the four-star Coral Princess sets sail from Canada’s sleek Vancouver on a weeklong northbound journey toward the Gulf of Alaska. Regularly priced at $1004, this cruise has dropped to just $634 in an inside cabin ($683 for oceanview). This CruisesOnly special saves you 37 percent off the brochure price. The voyage takes in four ports of call in Alaska — Ketchikan Peninsula, Juneau, Skagway and Whittier as the final destination — with a day at sea and cruising time around the Glacier Bay and the College Fjord.

Sail the 49^th State with Holland America
An almost identical itinerary, except that the ship disembarks in Seward instead of Whittier, is available with Holland America in late August. Orbitz now offers this seven-night glacier discovery cruise aboard the upscale Zaandam at a discount. It’s selling at just $649 in an inside cabin and $699 in an oceanview unit. These discounted prices, reduced by 35 percent, are valid on the August 31 departure. Quite a few units have been snatched up already so you better hurry up and book your cabin today.

Voyage on Norwegian Star
We found a fantastic Alaska early-bird deal for May 2009 departures: a seven-night journey that kicks off roundtrip from Seattle aboard Norwegian Star. Typically priced at $1,199, this voyage has been reduced by 46 percent. Indeed, inside cabins are now available through Vacation Outlet for just $649; oceanview staterooms sell for just $80 more. The route includes three ports of call in Alaska, three entire days of twisting through glaciers and passages, and a stop in charming Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

The dollars
The rates above are listed per person, based on double occupancy. The cost covers onboard accommodations, meals and entertainment, as well as port charges. You’ll just have to dish out extra for government taxes and fees, as well as any shore excursions you may decide to take.

The catch
Bear sightings not guaranteed.

ShermansTravel is a guide to top travel deals and destinations. Sign up for Sherman's Top 25 e-newsletter which features the best editor-screened deals from hundreds of travel providers and is delivered to over 4 million subscribers, free, each week. ShermansTravel also publishes trip ideas and travel features to inspire, guide, and go.

Don't miss these Travel stories from msnbc.com 5 tips for getting on the plane pronto The happiest places on earth Hottest beaches of Central America America’s 25 most visited tourist attractions Renaissance Man blog: Bon appétit — learning to eat

Print this Email this Blog this  IM this

MORE FROM DEALS

Deals Section Front

Packages to the world's top hiking destinations California hotel packages, from $152 Cabo San Lucas air/hotel, from $496 Vietnam packages now start at just $1,849 Orlando air/hotel, 5 nights, from $697 Deals to Bermuda’s pink-sand beaches Tunisia air/hotel, 14 nights, from $2,695 Northern Spain air/hotel, from $2,479 Pacific coastal cruises this fall, from just $99 The A list of upcoming Alaska cruises Deals Section Front   Add Deals headlines to your news reader: