Memorial Day 2010

Happy Memorial Day to each of you, as we pause to remember those who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice.

According to history.com, “Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.” I invite you to read more about this holiday’s special significance. 

My husband Ben served our country in the Air Force for 22 years; both our fathers served during World War II; and two of my nephews are members of the Army National Guard with two tours of duty in Iraq under their belts. With strong family ties to our military, we join our nation in offering grateful thanks to all who serve and to the families who have lost loved ones in course of duty.

Although it sometimes seems incongruous, cruise lines (like retail stores) see any holiday as an excuse for a sale, and Memorial Day is no exception. Several lines are either in the midst of promotions now or begin them this week.

Cruises Inc. has partnered with Disney for an exclusive deal for bookings made June 2-4 for all sailings PRIOR to September 30, 2010, with no blackout dates included. You’ll get $50 per cabin onboard credit on the Disney Wonder’s 3, 4, and 5 night itineraries, and $75 per cabin onboard credit on all Disney Magic itineraries. Disney is not known for offering a whole lot of deals, since those two ships nearly always sell out; so the onboard credit is a bigger deal than it may seem.

A Princess three-day sale begins June 2 for fall 2010 Caribbean cruises (on the Crown, Emerald, and Grand), with fares beginning at less than $80 per day for inside cabins. In a separate promotion, the line is offering up to $100 cash back per cabin on select fall sailings. (With this offer, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.)

Holland America’s current last-minute “Flash” promotions include select sailings to Alaska, Bermuda, and Europe.

Offers also look enticing on various Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries like the Jewel’s Canada/New England cruise roundtrip from New York on September 12; the Pride of America’s roundtrip Honolulu cruise November 20, and the Jade’s 9-day roundtrip Barcelona itinerary to the Canary Islands and Morocco on December 3.

Speaking of NCL, the Norwegian Epic’s debut is almost here and you can get a sneak peak of work in progress on YouTube.  Let us help YOU become one of the first to cruise on this amazing new ship!