Can you believe it’s already mid-May? Here in Flushing, Michigan, the weather is finally starting to feel like real spring, and honestly? My mind is already drifting toward the ocean. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably sitting at your desk or on your porch, scrolling through travel photos and dreaming of your next big getaway.
Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026, and if you haven’t locked in your travel plans for the rest of the year or even early 2027, you might feel a little behind. But don’t sweat it! I’ve been there, staring at twenty different browser tabs, trying to figure out if a "good deal" is actually a steal or just a marketing gimmick.
At ITS Travel Services, LLC, we live for this stuff. We’ve been keeping a close eye on the latest trends, and let me tell you, 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for cruising. Whether you want to see the glaciers in Alaska or sip a drink on a beach in Nassau, three big names are currently battling it out for your attention: Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).
Let’s break down the three best cruise deals for 2026 so you can stop stressing and start packing.
1. Holland America: The Alaska & Caribbean Masters (Spoiler: The Perks are Huge)
If you’ve ever wanted to see a whale breach or watch a glacier calve into the sea, Holland America is usually your best bet. They’ve been doing Alaska longer than just about anyone else, and their 2026 deals are proof they still own that territory.
The Deal: The Anniversary Sale & Beyond
Right now, Holland America has extended its Anniversary Sale through June 1st. Here’s what’s on the table for 2026 sailings:
- Up to 30% off fares: This isn't just on the "leftover" cabins; it applies to a wide range of Alaska itineraries.
- Up to $400 Onboard Credit: That’s "travel-agent-speak" for free money to spend on the ship. You can use it for spa treatments, specialty lattes, or those fancy souvenirs you know you’re going to buy.
- Kids Sail Free: On select Caribbean sailings, kids can join the fun for no extra cruise fare. This is a game-changer for families looking to escape the Michigan winter.
Why I Love This for You
Holland America isn't a "party ship." It’s elegant, relaxed, and focused on the destination. If you want a vacation where you actually come back feeling rested (imagine that!), this is your jam. Plus, their mid-sized ships can get into places the mega-ships can’t.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for 2027, they’ve already opened up "Grand Voyages" with reduced deposits. It’s a great way to put a stake in the ground for a bucket-list trip without breaking the bank today.
2. Princess Cruises: The "Better Than Ever" Value
I’ve always had a soft spot for Princess. Maybe it’s the "Love Boat" nostalgia, or maybe it’s because they just make everything so easy with their Medallion Class technology. For 2026, they are coming out swinging with some of the most aggressive discounts I’ve seen in years.
The Deal: Deep Discounts & Family Savings
- Up to 40% Off Fares: This is one of their biggest sitewide sales.
- $400 Instant Savings: On top of the fare discount, they’re shaving another $400 off the total for many 2026 bookings.
- 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free: This is huge for the Caribbean. If you have a family of four, you’re basically only paying for the first two people (plus taxes and fees, of course).
The "Insider" Secret
Princess is also offering an extra $50 onboard credit just for signing up for their updates. It’s a small thing, but hey, that’s a couple of cocktails or a nice lunch at a specialty restaurant on me!
If you’re planning to fly down to Florida for your cruise, we’ve got some great local guides for you. For instance, if your ship sails out of Port Everglades, check out our guide on Fort Lauderdale, FL – A Place to Relax. It’s the perfect way to start your vacation a day early without the stress.
3. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): The "Go Big or Go Home" Discount
Now, if you want the absolute deepest discount on the sticker price, Norwegian is currently leading the pack. They’ve been running a "50% Off All Cruises" promotion that feels almost too good to be true: but I’ve checked the math, and it’s legit.
The Deal: 50% Off Everything
- Half-Price Fares: This applies to almost every destination they sail to, including Hawaii, the Mediterranean, and the Bahamas.
- Freestyle Perks: NCL is famous for their "Free at Sea" promotion. Usually, this means you can get free open bar, free specialty dining, and even free Wi-Fi depending on the cabin you book.
- Solo Traveler Specials: NCL is one of the best lines for solo travelers. They have dedicated studio cabins and lounge areas, so you don’t have to pay that pesky "single supplement" (that’s the extra fee big lines usually charge people traveling alone).
Is it right for you?
NCL is "Freestyle Cruising." There are no set dining times and no formal dress codes. If the idea of wearing a tuxedo or a ballgown on vacation makes you break out in a cold sweat, NCL is your sanctuary. It’s lively, fun, and perfect for people who want to do something different every night.
Myth-Busting: "I Can Get a Better Deal on a Big Website"
Here’s the thing: and I’m going to be straight with you: big travel websites are great at showing you a low price, but they aren't great at the "human" part. When you book with a local agency like ITS Travel Services, LLC, you’re getting a neighbor who knows the ships inside and out.
If your flight gets delayed or the cruise line changes its itinerary (it happens!), you don’t want to be stuck on hold with a call center for four hours. You want to call us. We’ve seen it all, and we know how to fix it. Plus, we often have access to "hidden" amenities that the big sites don't mention.
Don't Forget the Shore Excursions!
One mistake I see people make all the time is waiting until they get on the ship to book their excursions. By then, the best stuff is sold out, and the prices are through the roof.
Whether you’re looking at Shore Excursions in Blue Lagoon, Nassau or a Glass Bottom Boat tour in Key Largo, planning ahead saves you a ton of stress. We even have an Online Booking Tool specifically for shore excursions to help you beat the crowds.
3 Quick Tips for Booking Your 2026 Cruise
- Book the "Early Saver" Fares: Princess and Holland America both offer these. If the price drops after you book (but before final payment), you can often get the difference back in credit. It’s basically price-drop insurance.
- Look at "Shoulder Season": Cruising in May or September can often save you 20-30% compared to the peak of summer. Plus, the crowds are way smaller.
- Bundle Your Tech: If you know you’ll want Wi-Fi and a drink package, look at the Princess Plus or NCL Free at Sea packages. Buying them separately on the ship is like buying popcorn at the movie theater: way more expensive than it needs to be!
Let’s Chat!
I know, I know: it’s a lot of information. Choosing between the sophisticated vibe of Holland America, the balanced value of Princess, or the high-energy deals of NCL is a tough call.
But you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re in the Flushing, MI area, come by and see our freshly remodeled office. We’d love to hear about your dream vacation and help you find the deal that actually fits your budget and your style.
No pressure, no "salesy" talk: just a conversation about where you want to go next. You can check out more of our adventures on our blog or contact us directly to start planning.
Where are you dreaming of going in 2026? Let me know, and let’s make it happen!
