Winter Caribbean cruises on sale

updated 11:40 a.m. ET July 23, 2008

Book by: ASAP
Travel by: January 2009

The deal
Though shoveling the sidewalk, digging out the car and wearing four layers of clothes may seem unfathomably far in the future — it is only July, after all — it’s not too soon to start planning your winter escape. In fact, you can reap savings as great as 72 percent by booking now for Caribbean cruises kicking off in January. The toughest decision will be which route to take. Of course, with discounts of more than half the brochure price, maybe you won’t have to choose!

72 percent off Carnival rates to eastern Caribbean
With tropical ports of call in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Maarten, the seven-night Carnival Liberty voyage we found on Orbitz is a real steal. Rates, based on inside cabin occupancy, now start at only $469. That’s a serious discount off rack prices of $1,669 — in fact; you will save up to 72 percent! The Liberty sets out for the Eastern Caribbean twice in January 2009. Departure is round trip from Miami and the itinerary includes three days at sea.

A week in the Western Caribbean from $559
If you’re holding out for a weeklong Western Caribbean excursion with deep savings, don’t let the Carnival Legend pass you by. With three sail dates in January, you have multiple opportunities to take advantage of discounts that go up to 68 percent. Interior cabin accommodations, normally priced at $1,769, are going for a mere $559. The seven-day itinerary includes Grand Cayman, Mexico, Belize, and Bay Islands (Honduras), before returning to port in Florida’s Tampa.

Story continues below ↓

Save 54 percent off Southern Caribbean sailing
Looking for a family-friendly freestyle cruise? We spotted a nine-night Southern Caribbean bargain with Norwegian Cruise Line. Rates on the Norwegian Jewel start as low as $799 for inside staterooms. That’s $980 off brochure prices! Setting sail from Miami on January 9 and 23, 2009, the ship will make stops in the Dominican Republic, Tortola (British Virgin Isles), Antigua, Barbados, and St. Lucia. Three days at sea are also thrown in.

The dollars
The quotes are per person, based on double occupancy and cover port charges, on-board meals, entertainment and some beverages. Taxes, gratuities, alcohol, off-board expenditures and other fees are not included.

The catch
Additional expenses, including airfare to your port of departure, will add up quickly.