Travel deals: Wave season cruise savings, free entry at SeaWorld for kids, teachers and military | Doreen’s Deals

By Doreen Christensen From South Florida Sun Sentinel

Sail into the new year and save. It’s wave season here in the cruising capital of the world. Now’s the time to book to get extra savings and perks — from free drinks to excursions. Here’s a tip: If you can leave soon, save big on last-minute cruise deals. Most cruise lines offer fantastic bargains on not-full sailings departing in January through March. Also, visit CruiseCritic.com for more deals.

MSC Cruises is offering seven-night cruises starting at $399 per person with a host of free perks, including free drinks, Wi-Fi and a $100 shipboard credit. Destinations include the Caribbean, Europe and other exotic locales. Go to MSCcruisesusa.com.

Royal Caribbean is offering up to $350 in instant savings in a sale running through Jan. 13. Kids sail free and a second passenger gets up to 60 percent off. Prices start at $289 a person for three- to seven-day sailings, including on the new Odyssey of the Sea, sailing out of Fort Lauderdale this fall. Go to RoyalCaribbean.com.

Carnival has a 30 percent off early saver deal for bookings made through Jan. 13. Get $50 on-board credit and reduced deposits for sailings starting in March. Three days from Miami to the Bahamas start at $179 per person. Go to Carnival.com.

Celebrity: Book by Jan.15 to save up to $400 and bag a free beverage package, unlimited Wi-Fi, prepaid tips and a $150 on-board credit. Seven-day sailings start at $549 per person. There were a few sweet last-minute deals, too. Go to Celebritycruises.com.

Norwegian Cruise Line is offering 30 percent off fares and kids sail free. Freebies include open bar, specialty dining, excursions and Wi-Fi. Embark on a fun voyage out of PortMiami aboard the beautiful new Encore. Go to NCL.com.

Bahamas Paradise Cruises, sailing out of the Port of Palm Beach, has a two-night cruise to Grand Bahama or Nassau from $99 per person. Quick getaways include a $20 on-board credit, 20 percent off spa and Wi-Fi, and five drinks for $20. Kids sail free through June 30. There also is a Brightline train-to-port package for $15. Go to Bahamasparadisecruise.com.

SeaWorld freebies

If you prefer to stay on land, SeaWorld Orlando is offering free admission to Florida kids, teachers and military heroes this year.

Through Feb. 3, kids 5 and younger can get free admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando for the whole year with the Preschool Card. Preregister online. The first visit must be made by March 31. Go to Seaworld.com/orlando/tickets/preschool-free-admission for more info.

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SeaWorld also is offering Florida public school teachers K-12 free unlimited admission through Aug. 31. Sign up at Seaworld.com/orlando/tickets/free-florida-teacher-card using your Department of Education number. Florida state certified preschool, day care teachers, as well as college professors (with a DOE number) are also eligible. Private school teachers can bring a letter from principals on official letterhead stating they are a teacher along with a Florida picture ID and pay stub to the front gate where eligibility will be verified.

Military heroes can take advantage of generous offers, too, with the Waves of Honor program. Active duty military get one complimentary admission including up to three direct dependents. Veterans save 50 percent off single day tickets for up to four. Go to Seaworld.com/orlando/tickets/military-discount.ALSO: ADisney World: $49 tickets just for Florida residents »

Disney Springs savings

Disney is offering Florida residents a fantastic ticket offer for $49 a day, and that pairs great with savings at seven Disney Springs resorts through March 31. Guests get special perks: Extra hours in the parks before openings or after closings, and FastPass+ reservations up to 60 days before arrival with valid park admissions.

Here are deals on nightly rates:

• Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista from $107
• B Resort & Spa and Holiday Inn Disney Springs from $119
• Best Western Lake Buena Vista from $125.99
• Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista from $135
• Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace from $151
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando from $189 (resort fee waived)

Connect with me: Facebook.com/DoreensDeals,Twitter.com/PrettyGoodIdeas or email [email protected].

For more on this story go to; https://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/deals-shopping/fl-bz-doreen-christensen-wave-season-cruise-deals-2020-20200110-vjk3jlsg7jhzbhrxvj32vwv4kq-story.html