September 5, 2026

If a cruise has been sitting on your wish list, this is a good week to take another look.

Several major cruise lines are offering limited-time savings, lower deposits, onboard credit, and new itinerary options. And honestly? The right deal could make the difference between “maybe next year” and having an actual vacation on the calendar.

Here’s the latest cruise news and deals I’m watching at ITS Travel Services in Flushing, Michigan.

The Quick Take: Three Cruise Deals Worth Your Attention

Before we get into the details, here’s the short version:

• Princess Cruises: Up to 40% off select fares, instant savings for the first two guests, and $99 non-refundable deposits on most sailings. Book by September 8, 2026.
• Holland America: Labour Day savings through September 9, including up to 40% off, deposits as low as $25, and up to $400 onboard credit.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Ongoing fares up to 50% off, combinable with Free at Sea, plus Norwegian Spirit sailings from about $115 per day on select South Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia itineraries.

There’s also plenty of cruise news for travelers planning ahead, including Holland America’s Nootka Sound scenic cruising and Norwegian’s upcoming Norwegian Aura.

Let’s break it down.

1. Princess Cruises: Up to 40% Off Ends September 8

Princess Cruises is offering up to 40% off select fares, with instant savings available for the first two guests in a stateroom.

The sale deadline is September 8, 2026, so this is one of the promotions where waiting too long could cost you. Cruise deals are often capacity-controlled (that’s travel-agent-speak for “not every cabin qualifies, and the offer can disappear when the inventory is gone”).

The current Princess offer includes:

• Up to 40% off select cruise fares
• Instant savings for the first two guests
• $99 non-refundable deposits on most sailings
• Select itineraries, dates, and stateroom categories

What does a $99 non-refundable deposit mean?

Here’s the thing: a lower deposit helps you hold a cruise without paying the full standard deposit upfront, but “non-refundable” matters.

If you cancel, the deposit may not be returned. The rest of the fare, cancellation schedule, taxes, fees, and travel protection rules can also vary by sailing.

That does not mean the offer is a bad deal. It simply means you should understand the terms before clicking “book.”

At ITS Travel Services, we can compare the fare with other Princess options, including:

• Interior, oceanview, balcony, and suite cabins
• Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages
• Refundable versus non-refundable deposit options
• Cruise-only versus cruise-and-hotel vacation packages
• Flights, transfers, and pre-cruise hotel stays

Who should consider Princess right now?

Princess may be your jam if you enjoy a polished onboard experience, scenic itineraries, destination-focused travel, and a good mix of relaxation and organized activities.

Fall Canada and New England cruises are especially appealing this time of year. You could visit Boston, Halifax, Québec City, Portland, or Saint John while enjoying colorful foliage, waterfront walks, historic neighborhoods, and plenty of seafood.

You can review Princess Cruises’ current promotions and Canada cruise options before we compare the details for you.

2. Holland America: Labour Day Savings Through September 9

Holland America’s Labour Day promotion runs through September 9, 2026, and it is aimed at select sailings departing October 2026 through May 2027.

The current offer includes:

• Up to 40% off cruise fares
• Deposits as low as $25
• Up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom
• Select cruises in the Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, Hawaii, and other warm-weather destinations

That onboard credit can be used toward eligible extras such as shore excursions, specialty dining, drinks, spa services, and other purchases onboard. The exact amount depends on the sailing, cruise length, stateroom, and promotion rules.

Myth-busting: Is up to $400 onboard credit guaranteed?

No: and I want to be straight with you about that.

“Up to $400” is the maximum, not the automatic amount for every booking. A shorter cruise or lower cabin category may receive less. Longer sailings and qualifying staterooms may receive more.

Still, onboard credit can be valuable if you already plan to book an excursion, enjoy a specialty restaurant, or treat yourself to a spa service.

The smartest way to compare Holland America cruise deals is to look at the total vacation value, not just the headline discount.

You can check Holland America’s Labour Day deal and current cruise offers for the latest terms.

New Holland America Cruise News: Nootka Sound Scenic Cruising

Holland America is also adding Nootka Sound scenic cruising to select Alaska itineraries in 2026 through 2028.

Nootka Sound is located along the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. It is known for rugged shorelines, forested landscapes, small islands, and a rich maritime history.

This is scenic cruising, which means the ship takes you through the area while you enjoy the views from the deck, balcony, or a comfortable lounge. You may not step ashore, but the scenery itself becomes part of the experience.

And honestly? Scenic cruising is one of my favorite parts of Alaska travel. You do not always need a packed schedule. Sometimes the wow moment is sitting with a cup of coffee while mountains, forests, and open water slowly pass by.

Holland America’s Alaska options may be a great fit if you want:

• Scenic cruising and slower-paced exploration
• Classic Alaska ports such as Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan
• Longer itineraries
• A cruise-and-land vacation package
• More time to enjoy the ship instead of rushing from one activity to another

If you are considering Alaska for 2026, 2027, or 2028, booking early can help you find better cabin locations and dates: especially if you want a balcony or a specific departure port.

3. Norwegian Cruise Line: Up to 50% Off and Free at Sea

Norwegian Cruise Line continues to offer up to 50% off cruise fares on select sailings.

The fare promotion can be combined with Free at Sea, Norwegian’s package of added benefits. Depending on the sailing and offer, Free at Sea may include choices such as:

• Beverage packages
• Specialty dining
• Wi-Fi
• Shore excursion credits
• Other onboard benefits

This is where cruise pricing can get a little confusing. A fare that is 50% off may still have taxes, port expenses, service charges, airfare, transfers, and optional package costs.

That’s why I recommend comparing the final trip cost: not just the discount printed in large letters.

Norwegian Spirit From About $115 Per Day

Norwegian Spirit is drawing attention with fares from approximately $115 per day on select sailings in the:

• South Pacific
• New Zealand
• Australia

These itineraries can be an excellent choice if you want a longer, more immersive vacation. You could combine cities, beaches, wildlife, and cultural experiences in one trip instead of planning several separate vacations.

Of course, the exact per-day rate depends on the sailing date, cabin category, taxes, fees, and availability. A $115-per-day fare may not be available for every date or stateroom.

Coming in 2027: Norwegian Aura

Norwegian Aura is scheduled to debut in 2027, giving travelers another new-ship option to watch.

If you like modern ships, flexible dining, lively entertainment, and the freedom to build your days your way, Norwegian Aura may be worth considering for a future vacation package.

It is never too early to start looking at a new ship. Early planning can give you more choices for:

• Cabin location
• Connecting rooms
• Balcony availability
• Family travel
• Pre-cruise hotel stays
• Flights and transfers

You can review Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea information and promotion terms before making a decision.

Explorations by Norwegian Sets Sail on a 370-Day World Cruise

One of the biggest pieces of cruise news this week is the launch of Explorations by Norwegian’s 370-day world cruise, which set sail on September 1, 2026.

A voyage lasting more than a year is not an everyday vacation. It is a completely different way to travel: one that allows guests to settle into shipboard life while visiting destinations around the world.

For some travelers, this kind of journey may be the ultimate retirement adventure. For others, it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience multiple continents without repeatedly packing, unpacking, flying, and changing hotels.

It also raises practical questions:

• What type of cabin feels comfortable for a year?
• How will you handle travel insurance?
• What happens with flights and transfers?
• How do you plan for medical needs?
• What personal items should you bring?
• How can you stay connected with family at home?

These are exactly the kinds of details worth discussing with a travel professional before committing to an extended voyage.

Pro Tip: Book With an Agency, Not Just a Search Box

I understand why big travel websites are tempting. You can search quickly, compare prices, and click around at midnight in your pajamas.

But cruises involve more moving parts than many travelers realize.

At ITS Travel Services, we help travelers in Flushing, Fenton, Grand Blanc, and throughout mid-Michigan compare the details that affect your real vacation cost and comfort.

We can help you review:

• Cabin location and category
• Deposit and cancellation terms
• Onboard credit
• Drink and dining packages
• Flights and hotels
• Rental cars and transfers
• Shore excursions
• Travel protection
• Cruise-only versus custom vacation packages

The best cruise deal is not always the lowest starting fare. It is the option that fits your budget, travel style, comfort level, and schedule without creating a pile of homework.

Which Cruise Deal Fits You Best?

Here’s my simple take:

• Choose Princess Cruises if you want up to 40% off select fares and a $99 non-refundable deposit before September 8.
• Choose Holland America if you want a lower deposit, onboard credit, and warm-weather travel between October 2026 and May 2027.
• Look at Holland America Alaska itineraries if Nootka Sound and scenic cruising sound like your kind of adventure.
• Consider Norwegian Cruise Line if you want up to 50% off fares, Free at Sea options, or a flexible vacation style.
• Explore Norwegian Spirit if South Pacific, New Zealand, or Australia is calling your name.
• Keep Norwegian Aura in mind if you are planning a 2027 cruise aboard a newer ship.
• Follow the news around Explorations by Norwegian if a long-term world cruise feels like the ultimate travel goal.

You do not have to decide everything today.

If one of these cruise deals caught your attention, visit our Contact Us page, email Travel@ITSTravelServices.com, or call 810-247-6455.

Tell us where you would like to go, when you want to travel, and what kind of experience sounds like your jam. We will help you explore the options and build the right cruise package: no pressure, just a friendly conversation about your next adventure.