Cruising for an Alaska trip
Florida, Toronto and Beijing bargains this week
Two cruise lines well-known for their Alaska presence — Princess Cruises and NCL — have put Alaska cruises on sale with upgrades and discounts. With Princess, the Sizzling Summer Sale offers savings of up to $1,400 (all prices U.S.) per couple, with lead-in fares from $799 per person for the seven-day Alaska Voyage of the Glaciers. Bookings must be made by Feb. 28 (for savings on Alaska sailings as well as cruises in Europe). See www.princess.com/summersale.page.
Meanwhile, NCL’S ‘Norwegians Take it to the Next Level’ promotion comes with free stateroom upgrades on new Alaska reservations. Bookings made by Feb. 19 qualify for the free upgrades, plus reduced booking deposits.
See www.ncl.com.
FREE NIGHTS IN FLORIDA
Florida’s Amelia Island has brought back its ‘Free Night, Any Night’ promotion, with some 19 properties participating. From B&BS, inns and vacation rentals to big-name chain hotels, all are giving either third or fourth nights free, for use on the guest’s current stay or a future visit. Third night properties include the Hampton Inn & Suites, the Amelia by the Sea, Ketch Courtyard and Summer Beach Resort, while ‘fourth night’ options include the Addison on Amelia, Amelia Island Williams House, Fairbanks House and Hoyt House.
Aside from the beaches, the island’s attractions include the shops and restaurants of Fernandina Beach, once a Victorian seaport village. www.ameliaisland.com/free.
SHERATON CENTRE FOR FAMILY DAY
The Sheraton Centre Toronto is offering a made-in-the-gta break for Family Day weekend, with special rates from $149 per night for Feb. 17 - 20.
You can’t beat the location — right across from ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square and steps from the Eaton Centre — plus the hotel is offering free activities on both the 18th and 19th, like movies, swim classes, family yoga classes and an Art Barn School in the lobby with arts and crafts sessions.
The folks from Medieval Times will also be on hand with Knight for the Day chivalry lessons.
And for parents, the Sheraton Centre will offer golf swing analysis, plus the hotel is home to Senses Spa. See www.sheraton.com/tospecials. BEST BUY OF THE WEEK A Beijing package with Tour East Holidays, available March 14 - 21, has been discounted by some 40 per cent. The Sweetheart Deal includes airfare with Air Canada, six nights accommodation, meals and sightseeing for a lead-in rate of $1,099 per person plus $450 in taxes. See www.toureastholidays.com. Kathryn Folliott is a Toronto-based freelance writer. Prices quoted are subject to change and availability.