Some of the world’s best cruise lines have started luring holiday makers with never-before offers, including free upgrades, free shore excursions and ‘early booking’ incentives.

Member cruise lines of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which include names like Carnival Cruise, Crystal Cruises, Princes Cruises and Regent Seven Seas, have announced attractive offers that could make cruising irresistible.

Cruise Master Middle East, the agency which represents different cruise lines in the Middle East, says cruising always represents outstanding value and these special offers have made cruises even more affordable for the people of the region.

“There has never been a better time to take a cruise vacation,” said Ashok Kumar, director business development, Cruise Master Middle East.

“Cruise value begins with inclusive cruise pricing that typically covers accommodations, meals, entertainment, use of many of the ship’s recreational facilities and travel from destination to destination – sometimes as many as seven during a ten days cruise.”

“There is a cruise for every budget, taste, interest and time schedule. There are over a dozen ports of embarkation in Europe to choose from which are within short flying distance from Gulf countries.'

Carnival Cruise Lines’ Early Saver program offers as much as 25 per cent off on bookings made up to three months prior to sailing for cruises of five days or less and up to five months prior to longer sailings, including rate protection in case rates later drop further.

Crystal Cruises is offering up to $1,500 in savings on Mediterranean and Baltic cruises and up to 50 per cent off on 'Value Collection' cruise departures; in addition, guests who book 2009 voyages by March 31 receive 20 per cent off on most sailings in 2010.

Crystal also offers a 'Crystal Family Memories Program' featuring one complimentary berth for every 10 full-fare berths. The line also features deposit reductions, relaxing of cancellation policies, and further savings on bookings 180 days in advance.

Princess Cruises 'Balcony Bonanza' offers a balcony for the price of an oceanview stateroom – representing a savings of up to $1,200 per cabin.

The Balcony Bonanza promotion applies to bookings made through March 31, 2009 on most 2009 summer sailings to Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has lined up ultra-inclusive voyages featuring two for one fares and free shore excursions.

Silversea Cruises is offering an early booking incentive featuring discounts of up to 30 per cent, plus an additional five per cent in Advance Payment Bonus. For 2010 voyages the early booking incentive climbs to as much as 35 per cent, with an additional 15 per cent for payments made one year prior to sailing.-TradeArabia News Service