Expedia.com Sets Off Wave of Year-End Cruise Savings

To help customers take advantage of the best cruises throughout the end of the year, Expedia.com(R), the world's leading online travel service, has announced a "Cruise Spectacular" on cruises booked by June 7, 2004.

From free tips to free massages, Expedia(R) Cruise Spectacular 2004 features exclusive deals on cruises of all types and lengths, plus Expedia's first customer appreciation bonus, which awards up to $200 off the price of the cruise to those who book an ocean view cabin or higher on sailings departing October 1 through December 31, 2004. (1)

Some of the special booking perks in the Expedia(R) Cruise Spectacular include:

-- Carnival -- Exclusive double-upgrade offer available on most sailings. Look for the "E-special rate One-category upgrade" with Carnival cruises on Expedia.

-- Princess -- Exclusive coupon book for each passenger with savings valued at $120 per person (maximum of two coupon books per cabin).

-- Royal Caribbean -- Savings of up to $200 off Expedia's already low rates on select cruises.

-- Celebrity -- Savings of up to $100 off Expedia's already low rates on select cruises.

-- Crystal -- Prepaid onboard gratuities on all 2004 sailings.

-- Norwegian Cruise Line -- Shipboard credits of up to $200 on suites; up to $150 on balconies; and up to $100 on ocean view cabins on select sailings.

According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), cruisers start planning their trips earlier than other vacationers, with 38 percent preparing for a cruise four to six months in advance versus 23 percent of those who plan four to six months out for other types of vacations (2002 Market Profile Study, NFP Plog Research for CLIA).

"We know cruisers plan ahead, and we want even more of them to enjoy cruising this year so we have worked with our partners to compile the best in cruise choices, prices and exclusive offers," said Mark Kammerer, vice president, cruises, Expedia, Inc. "Our Wave Days sale was extremely popular with both first time and regular cruisers. And to make sure those interested in cruises have great choices for the end of 2004, we've added a customer appreciation bonus to help cruisers get even more value for their fall 2004 cruises."

Expedia's cruise section features one of the Internet's most extensive selections of cruises and port destinations, offering sailings from 17 of the world's foremost cruise companies to fit any travel schedule or lifestyle. Some of the great year-end cruises available now include the following:

With the rising exchange rate, more travelers are opting to experience Europe by sea. Oceania Cruises feature free roundtrip economy airfare plus early booking savings for those who book cruises to the Greek Islands and the Black Sea by June 7. A 10-night cruise through Scandinavia on Holland America starts at $849 per person.

Families who are looking for new ways to entertain the whole gang will appreciate offerings like a 7-night Caribbean cruise on Disney Magic, with stops in the Netherlands Antilles, U.S. Virgin Islands and the Bahamas from $1,899 per person.

Alaska is one of Expedia's most popular booking destinations thanks to more sailings, which is reflective of a renewed interest in this wilderness frontier Princess offers a 7-night cruise from $599 per person. Cruisers can receive $100 off by booking a 7-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver, B.C. on the Celebrity Infinity departing August 29 and September 5. And for a taste of Aloha!, Expedia customers can sail with Celebrity for a 10-night Hawaiian cruise, with stops at Lahaina, Nawiliwili Bay, and Kailua- Kona from $1,000 per person.

Cruisers looking for a weekend getaway can take a 3-night cruise to Mexico on Carnival from $229 per person.

To get ready for their end-of-year vacations, travelers can click on the cruise tab at Expedia.com and access the Expedia(R) Cruise Spectacular sale. Customers have the choice of booking online, or simply researching online and contacting an Expedia(R) Cruise Specialist at 1-888-249-3978 for assistance in choosing and booking the cruise that best suits their vacation plans.

(1) Please visit Expedia.com for full details on this offer. Prices listed are cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, and include port charges. Prices do not include airfare, taxes, or nonrefundable $15 processing fee. Prices are subject to change without notice.