5 of the best fall cruise deals you don’t want to miss
Looking for something different for your next cruise? Now may be the time to test the waters while saving money. Take advantage of fall cruise deals and try a U.S. river sailing, an expedition voyage or a Jimmy Buffett-style cruise.
From chilling out Margaritaville-style to exploring the Galapagos, here are a few special offers to save you money on your next sailing.
Azamara
Deal: 4 free nights and a $600 onboard credit on select 2023 and 2024 sailings
This Labor Day Azamara Cruises offer is ideal for those seeking an offseason escape and includes sailings through Western Australia, South America, Asia, Western Africa and other exciting destinations.
Book through Sept. 6 to take advantage of this deal. Offer is good on select sailings between Nov. 9, 2023, and March 22, 2024.
Several itineraries are available, including the following:
- Nine-night Atlantic Quest Voyage: Portugal's captivating cities of Lisbon and Madeira and the natural and historic gems in Bridgetown, Barbados, are highlights.
- 15-Night Chilean Fjords Voyage: Port calls include Montevideo, Uruguay; Port Stanley, Falkland Islands; and Punta Arenas, Chile, and an overnight stay in Ushuaia, Argentina.
- 18-night Western Africa Voyage: Soak in Africa’s diverse wildlife and golden sand dunes in Walvis Bay, Namibia, and visit the colorful fishing village of Luderitz, Namibia.
Fares start at $793 per person for a nine-night round-trip cruise from Portugal in a Club Interior cabin. For details, visit azamara.com.
Margaritaville at Sea
Deal: Heroes Sail Free and cruises for 2 from $49 for military families
To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Margaritaville at Seas’ Heroes Sail Free program, the line is offering active and veteran military members free sailings, with guest fares starting at $49 for a limited time.
The three-day, two-night cruise departs from Florida’s Port of Palm Beach and sails to Grand Bahama Island. The deal is good for sailings through Nov. 15. Taxes, fees, port charges and gratuities are not included in the price.
The $49 fare is per person for an interior windowless cabin. For details, visit margaritavilleatsea.com.
Scenic Group
Deal: Save up to $1,000 per suite on select river and ocean cruises
Take advantage of substantial savings on a cruise with Scenic Luxury Cruises or Emerald Cruises — both part of Scenic Group.
On Scenic, you can save $1,500 per suite on select 2024 Europe river cruises. Choose from itineraries along storied rivers such as the Rhine, Danube, Rhone and Bordeaux (and others). Guests can also save up to $4,000 per suite on varied 2023 and 2024 ocean sailings aboard Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II. Destinations include Antarctica, Australia, the Caribbean, the Arctic, Europe and South America.
Fares start at $4,520 per person for an eight-night river cruise from Nuremberg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary. Ocean cruise fares start from $8,935 for the 13-day Crossing the Transatlantic: Lisbon to New England itinerary. All prices are per person and based on double occupancy.
On Emerald Cruises, you can save up to $1,000 per suite on 2024 European river cruise sailings along the Danube, Rhine and others. Take to the ocean with a cruise on the intimate 100-guest luxury yachts Emerald Azzurra or the newly launched Emerald Sakara. Choose from 2023 or 2024 sailings to the Caribbean and Central America.
Book through Sept. 8 to qualify for these offers. The deals are also combinable with other current offers available through Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises. The offers also only apply to cruise prices and don't include land extensions, airfare or other add-ons.
For details, visit scenicusa.com and emeraldcruises.com.
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
Deal: 25% off all remaining 2023 departures
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic specializes in providing travelers with bucket-list-worthy cruises around the globe.
This deal applies to a slew of itineraries — Patagonia, Peru, Antarctica, the Galapagos and other destinations. Book through Sept. 15 and receive 25% off any Category 1 cabin (while space is still available).
Cruise dates and itineraries vary. Here are a few to consider:
- Upper Amazon Aboard the Delfin II: Cruise along the mighty Amazon in the heart of Peru’s rainforest aboard the elegant riverboat Delfin II. Wind through jungle waterways by skiff or kayak in search of diverse wildlife.
- Colors of Indonesia: Corals, Komodos, and Vibrant Cultures: Depart from Bali to discover Indonesia’s rich tapestry of cultures and lush tropical islands.
- Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Argentina's Staten Island: Explore fjords, glaciers and panoramic vistas along Chile’s deeply indented coastline.
Fares start at $4,170 per person for the eight-night Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands sailing. For more details, including a list of itineraries, visit expeditions.com.
American Queen Voyages
Deal: Holiday Sailabration — up to $3,000 in savings, a $600 air credit and a $200 Your Choice onboard credit per cabin
Celebrate the holidays on one of North America's rivers and save big with this deal from American Queen Voyages. This deal is good on bookings through Oct. 31 for select voyages in 2023.
Choose from a variety of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve sailings, including the following:
- Spokane to Portland (Thanksgiving): Travel along the rivers of the Pacific Northwest. Stops include Washington's Nez Perce National Historical Park and Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum in Oregon.
- New Orleans to Memphis: Visits to LeJeune House, the oldest home in New Roads, Louisiana, and historic Natchez, Mississippi, are highlights.
- Round-trip New Orleans: The itinerary features an exclusive tour of Nottoway Resort, the South's largest remaining antebellum mansion, Civil War sites in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and other stops.
Thanksgiving sailings feature special meals and events, and Christmas sailings include stops at holiday markets created especially for the line.
American Queen Voyages’ all-inclusive fares include a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, ground transfers between the hotel and vessel, unlimited guided tours and experiences, unlimited beverages, dining and other perks.
All-inclusive fares start at $2,649 per person for a nine-night sailing from Spokane, Washington, to Portland, Oregon, in a Deluxe Veranda Stateroom with Private Veranda. Fares include taxes, port fees and gratuities. For details, visit aqvoyages.com.
Have cruise questions? TPG has answers:
- Banned items: What not to pack for a cruise
- Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
- What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
- What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
- What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
- What is the Jones Act, and how does it affect cruise ships?
- What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
- What's a cruise cabin guarantee, and will it save you money?
- What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.