If you have been waiting for the right time to book a cruise, this is a week worth watching.

Princess Cruises, Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line are all offering attention-grabbing deals in September 2026. We are also seeing exciting ship news, new 2027 itineraries and vacation packages that can make planning your next getaway a whole lot easier.

And honestly? The best cabins can disappear before the sale deadline arrives.

Here is the cruise news and deal information I am watching right now at ITS Travel Services in Flushing, Michigan.

1. Princess Cruises: Up to 40% Off and $99 Deposits (Book by September 8)

Let’s start with the most urgent deadline.

Princess Cruises is offering up to 40% off select fares, along with a reduced $99 deposit on qualifying sailings. The offer ends September 8, 2026.

That gives you only a short time to explore eligible cruises and lock in the promotion.

The Princess sale may include:

• Up to 40% off select fares
• $99 deposits on qualifying bookings
• Select cabin categories and sailing dates
• Potential instant savings on certain itineraries
• Select offers for third and fourth guests

Here’s the important part: “up to 40% off” does not mean every cruise or cabin will receive the full discount. The savings are capacity-controlled and usually apply to the cruise fare for the first two guests, not taxes, port fees or optional packages.

In other words, the advertised number is a starting point for your research, not necessarily the final total.

You can review the latest Princess Cruises deals and promotions, but comparing the actual fare for your preferred cabin is where the real answer is.

Star Princess Finishes Her Inaugural Alaska Season

Princess is also highlighting Star Princess as she finishes her inaugural Alaska season.

The ship is offering 7-night Alaska sailings from Seattle, including Inside Passage itineraries. Depending on the departure, you may visit ports and scenic areas such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay and College Fjord.

Star Princess is a standout option if you want newer ship features alongside Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife and dramatic coastal scenery. The ship includes panoramic spaces, expanded dining, entertainment and outdoor areas designed to make the most of the view.

I remember when I first started helping people plan Alaska cruises. Many travelers assumed Alaska was only for serious hikers or rugged adventurers. That is not true at all.

You can watch for whales from your balcony, take an easy scenic excursion, ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway or simply enjoy a warm drink while the scenery does the heavy lifting.

Explore Star Princess Alaska sailings before the September 8 promotion ends.

2. Holland America: $25 Deposits, Up to 40% Off and Onboard Credit

Holland America’s Labour Day sale runs through September 9, 2026.

The offer applies to select sailings departing October 2026 through May 2027 and includes some attractive benefits:

• $25 deposit
• Up to 40% off cruise fares
• Up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom
• Select Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Panama Canal and Pacific Coast itineraries

That onboard credit can be used toward eligible purchases such as shore excursions, drinks, specialty dining and other onboard extras. The exact amount depends on the sailing length, cabin category and promotion terms.

Myth-Busting: Does Everyone Get $400 in Onboard Credit?

No: and that is perfectly normal.

“Up to $400” means the maximum credit is available on qualifying bookings. A shorter cruise or a lower cabin category may receive less.

Still, onboard credit can add real value. If you already plan to book a shore excursion, enjoy specialty dining or treat yourself to a spa service, that credit may help reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

You can view Holland America’s official Labour Day deal for the current terms.

Hawaii and Alaska Are Both Worth Watching This Month

Holland America has Hawaii sailings available this month and continues to offer Alaska cruises as part of its broader program.

The Labour Day promotion is primarily focused on fall 2026 through spring 2027 warm-weather itineraries, including Hawaii. Alaska sailings may have separate promotions, so it is important to check the exact offer attached to your preferred departure.

If you are thinking about Hawaii, this can be a great time to compare:

• Round-trip versus one-way itineraries
• Pre-cruise hotel stays
• Flights and transfers
• Shore excursions
• The value of Holland America’s onboard packages

And if Alaska is your jam, do not assume the first fare you see is the best one. A different sailing date, cabin category or Alaska-specific promotion could offer better overall value.

3. Norwegian Cruise Line: 50% Off, Reduced Deposits and New Norwegian Aura News

Norwegian Cruise Line is also bringing plenty of energy to the September cruise market.

Current NCL promotions include:

• Up to 50% off cruise fares
• Reduced deposits on select sailings
• Free or reduced fares for a second guest on eligible offers
• Free at Sea options on qualifying bookings
• Select fares starting around $115 per person, per day on Norwegian Spirit Australia and New Zealand sailings

Remember, “from $115 per day” is a starting price. Taxes, fees, port expenses, airfare, service charges and optional upgrades may be separate.

That does not make the offer less useful. It simply means you should compare the complete vacation package: not just the promotional headline.

NCL’s current cruise deals are a good place to start.

Norwegian Aura: NCL’s Largest Ship Ever

Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled Norwegian Aura, its newest and largest ship ever.

Aura is part of the Prima Plus class and is designed with more outdoor space, expanded entertainment and new ways to enjoy the ship. Highlights include:

• A large thermal spa
• Immersive dining experiences
• Expanded pools and outdoor areas
• Ocean Heights, a multi-level activity complex
• Waterslides and a ropes course
• A larger adults-only beach club
• Family-friendly water play areas

Norwegian Aura is scheduled to debut in the Mediterranean in May 2027 before moving into the Caribbean.

The inaugural program includes a Mediterranean sailing from Trieste, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain. After that, Aura is expected to offer Caribbean cruises from Miami.

This ship could be a great fit if you want a modern cruise experience with plenty to do onboard. You can spend the morning in the thermal spa, enjoy an immersive dinner in the evening and still find time for a waterslide or live entertainment.

That is a lot of vacation in one place.

2027 Northern Europe Cruise Programs Are Opening Up

If you are already thinking about 2027, do not overlook Northern Europe.

Both Princess Cruises and Holland America offer Northern Europe programs that can include destinations such as:

• Norway
• Denmark
• Sweden
• Germany
• The Netherlands
• Iceland
• The British Isles
• The Baltic region

Northern Europe cruises are especially appealing if you want historic cities, dramatic fjords, castles, museums and scenic coastal cruising in one trip.

Princess lists Northern Europe options through its Europe cruise programs, while Holland America’s cruise deals page is a useful place to check current availability.

A 2027 Northern Europe cruise can also become a complete vacation package with:

• Flights
• Hotels before or after the cruise
• Airport transfers
• Rental cars
• Shore excursions
• Travel protection

Pro Tip: Book Your Cruise With a Travel Agency

Big travel websites are convenient. I understand the appeal of searching at midnight and clicking through hundreds of results.

But cruises have many moving parts.

At ITS Travel Services, we help travelers in Flushing, Fenton, Grand Blanc and throughout mid-Michigan compare the details that matter: not just the first price displayed on a search screen.

We can help you review:

• Cabin location and category
• Deposit and cancellation terms
• Onboard credit
• Beverage and dining packages
• Flights and pre-cruise hotels
• Shore excursions
• Travel protection
• Cruise-only versus complete vacation packages

The cheapest cruise fare is not always the best deal. The better value may be the sailing that gives you a more comfortable cabin, a useful onboard credit or a smoother travel plan.

Which Cruise Deal Fits You Best?

Here is my quick take:

• Choose Princess Cruises if you want up to 40% off select fares, a $99 deposit and the chance to sail Alaska on Star Princess.
• Choose Holland America if you want a $25 deposit, onboard credit and a fall 2026 through spring 2027 getaway.
• Choose Norwegian Cruise Line if you want flexible onboard options, reduced deposits or a chance to experience Norwegian Aura in 2027.
• Look at Norwegian Spirit if Australia and New Zealand are on your wish list.
• Explore Princess or Holland America Northern Europe cruises if you want to plan ahead for 2027.

These cruise deals are time-sensitive, and eligible cabins can change quickly. But you do not have to figure it all out by yourself.

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

Tell us where you want to go, when you would like to travel and what kind of vacation feels right. We will help you compare the options in a friendly, low-pressure conversation.