‘The World’s Largest Cruise Sale’ Highlights National Cruise Vacation Week October 17-23

Incentives Offered by Cruise Industry and over 5,000 Travel Agencies across the Country to Include Savings of up to 50%, Free Airfares, Shipboard Credits, Upgrades and More

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--North American vacationers will have a one-time opportunity to buy cruises at incredible values during “The World’s Largest Cruise Sale” October 17-23. That is when 25 cruise line members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and over 5,000 travel agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada will team up for National Cruise Vacation Week (NCVW). CLIA member lines represent over 95 percent of the North American cruise industry and thousands of sailings in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Canada/New England, the Panama Canal, South America, Australia and the South Pacific, the Middle East and Asia will be on sale.

“Cruising has always been the best value in vacationing but National Cruise Vacation Week is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

For the public this means potential savings of $100 to $5,000 or more in some cases, credits for shipboard spending valued at $50 to over $300, upgrades to suite accommodations, or other incentives such as complimentary shore excursions, deposit waivers and more. Among the outstanding offers: Three to five day Caribbean cruises starting at $249, six to eight day sailings starting at $429; $2,000 savings per couple on a river cruise through Burgundy and Provence; and two-for-one fares with free airfare plus up to $5,000 in bonus savings on sailings in Europe or the Pacific.

“There’s never been anything like National Cruise Vacation Week. For a very limited time, vacationers have the chance to purchase the cruise of their dreams on any of more than 200 ships sailing in every part of the world,” said Bob Sharak, CLIA’s executive vice president of marketing and distribution. “Cruising has always been the best value in vacationing but National Cruise Vacation Week is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

All of CLIA’s cruise line members are participating in NCVW. Incentives can be found across all cruise categories – from the major cruise brands to ultra-luxury companies to niche market and adventure cruise lines, including river cruises in Europe and Asia. The special offers will be available during National Cruise Vacation Week events hosted by local CLIA member travel agencies in partnership with cruise lines and, in some cases, other local business partners. Participating CLIA member cruise lines include: AmaWaterways, American Cruise Lines, Avalon Waterways, Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Hurtigruten, Louis Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and Windstar Cruises.

In addition, thousands of agents will participate with online, or “Virtual NCVW” events. Shoppers anywhere in the country can visit these NCVW online microsites, browse through cruise line videos, collect information about special values and book their cruises. The Virtual NCVW events will run throughout the month of October, giving vacationers ample time to find the perfect voyage.

For more information on National Cruise Vacation Week consumers may visit www.cruising.org/vacation/welcome to find a CLIA certified travel agent, locate NCVW events and view special offers from participating cruise lines. Additional cruise deals are expected to be announced in the days leading up to the event so consumers are advised to stay in touch with their local travel agents.

About CLIA

The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 26 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members across North America. For more information about CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Facebook and Twitter fan pages.