11 Small-Ship Vacation Deals For Ocean, River And Yacht Cruises

The cruise industry is sailing back into action after a troublesome 2020, and cruisers have plenty to choose from when it comes to promotions, discounts and special offers. Whether you are looking for a big ship experience with specialty dining and theater shows or smaller sailing where the trip is more personalized, there is a cruise for every personal style. Cruise companies have put impressive Covid-19 safety protocols in place, and many lines require proof of vaccination.

These 11 small-ship vacation deals, an ideal holiday present, won’t last long, and many are only available for a limited time. If you’re ready to pack your bags and set sail soon, you can save quite a bit.

Scenic and Emerald buy one, get second 60% off deal

To celebrate Black Friday and Cyber Monday, fans of Scenic and Emerald Cruises are in for some big savings. Guests booking a double cabin on select Emerald Cruises European river sailings next year will receive 60% off the second person in the cabin. Those booking a sailing on the line’s new “superyacht,” Emerald Azzurra, are eligible for a 50% discount on the second person on certain Adriatic and Red Sea sailings next year. This offer is available between Nov. 21 and Dec. 1.

Many of Scenic’s Rhine, Main, Danube and French river cruises in 2022 are also eligible for the 60% second passenger discount, and those that pay in full by Dec. 15 can enjoy an additional 5% off both passengers’ fares. Scenic’s deal is available between Nov. 24 and Dec. 1

Cruise and bar tab discounts on Virgin Voyages

Between now and Nov. 29, the adults-only Virgin Voyages cruise line is putting its Scarlet Lady sailings on sale with as much as a 20% discount. The cruises are available between December 1 and March 27, 2022. Many of its Valiant Lady sailings between March 18, 2022 and May 22, 2022 are also offering a similar price reduction.

20% savings and $1,000 onboard credit with Azamara

Travelers looking to rack up the savings can book a cruise with Azamara between Nov. 19 and Dec. 3 to take advantage of a 20% discount. The offer is available on select sailings between now and May 5, 2022 including all state room categories. Additional perks with the deal include a $1,000 onboard credit and upgrade to the premium onboard beverage package for two people. A variety of the cruise line’s sailings are part of the deal including those in the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Greek Islands, Caribbean and the line’s newest Canary Islands trip.

Half-off Hurtigruten expedition cruises

As part of Hurtigruten’s Black Friday sale, the cruise line is offering savings as much as 50% off its adventure-focused cruises. These discounted rates are available via its travel agent partners between Nov. 15 and 30 or on the company’s website between Nov. 22 and Nov. 30. These mega savings are for many of the line’s iconic trips like between Reykjavik, Iceland and St. John’s, Canada with stops in Greenland. Hurtigruten is also offering up to 40% off its 16-day Antarctica & Falklands expedition sailing or visits around the Galapagos Islands among others.

Silversea 20% off early booking bonus

An extension of the early booking bonus for Silversea sailings will keep the 20% bonus alive for those interested in the line’s all-inclusive fares (gratuity, wines and spirts, and wireless internet, too) through Nov. 30. The early-bird offer is available on most global sailings with the exception of world cruises. The cruise line recently launched its Sea And Land Taste (SALT) program, which integrates the cuisine of each ship’s ports of call into the onboard culinary program.

Star Clippers discount for active military and veterans

Star Clippers is offering 15% off a sailing for active military personnel, veterans and their families if booked between now and Nov. 30. Its tall ship sailing vessels visit ports around the world including the Caribbean, Mediterranean and the Far East. In its fleet are three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels known for their teak decks, piano lounges and open-air decks. Its 227-guest Royal Clipper is a Guinness World Record holder as the “largest and only five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship in service today.”

Up to $5,000 off 2022 Uniworld sailings

For bookings made anytime before Nov. 20, Uniworld is offering mega savings of as much as $5,000 off per person. The offer is valid on a variety of the company’s sailings including on the Nile, Ganges, Amazon, Rhine and Danube Rivers among others. Cruise and rail or land-based packages are also eligible for the discount including visits to Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal. The cruise line is all-inclusive covering meals, spirits, wine, excursions, airport transfers and gratuity.

10% off select Seabourn Cruises suites

Between now and Nov. 30, Seabourn Cruises is offering 10% off Oceanview and Veranda Suites on select sailings in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, via the Panama Canal, or through the Arctic. Part of the deal includes a shipboard credit of up to $1,000 per suite, up to $2,000 per Penthouse or Premium Suite.

$100 onboard credit and loyalty discounts with Windstar

Windstar Cruises is offering a $100 onboard credit offer for sailings in 2022. In addition, its Yacht Club Members receive a double Alumni (repeat customers) discount for sailings leaving on or before March 31, 2022. Loyalty program discounts vary based on your elite tier, but they start at 10% off the cruise fare as well as onboard perks like wireless internet. Depending on how many Windstar cruises you’ve taken, it could mean up to 30 percent off shore excursions.

Ecoventura expedition yacht discounts

Ecoventura’s Relais & Chateaux luxury expedition yachts in the Galapagos Islands have a Black Friday offer. The cruise company is offering 15% off select sailings and is donating 5% of Black Friday sales to the Galapagos Biodiversity & Education for Sustainability Fund. Interested travelers should make their booking between Nov. 25 and Nov. 30 to take advantage of this deal for sailings between January and early March 2022.

Free hotel stay with Integrity yacht sailings

Guests booking the Integrity luxury yacht for sailings around the Galapagos Islands can take advantage of a Black Friday deal. Between Nov. 26 and Nov. 30, new reservations booked directly with the company are eligible for a free two-night hotel stay in Quito, Ecuador before or after their cruise. The 141-foot luxury yacht can carry as many as 16 passengers.