Discounts and upgrades for a limited time

Today, I thought I’d alert you to some limited-time promotions from two mainstream cruise lines. For one day only, Carnival is offering free upgrades and discounted rates on select sailings. And easyCruise is slashing rates for American travelers by 10 percent through July 15.

In view of its flagging Caribbean sales, Carnival has been having almost weekly one-day sales recently. Today’s sale features summer cruises from $349, fall cruises from $259, and winter cruises from $299 per person. Plus, you’ll receive a complimentary best-available stateroom upgrade. Only sailings departing through February 11, 2007, are eligible, and you must book today (June 22, 2006).

In honor of World Cup soccer, easyCruise is offering U.S. travelers 10 percent off all easyCruiseOne and easyCruiseTwo sailings through July 15. I guess it’s all in the name of bringing the Americas and Europe closer together. You’ll need to click on “enter promotional code” and type “fifausa10” in the correct field before booking. According to easyCruise, fares for French and Italian Riviera sailings start at $32 per person per night, and Holland and Belgium river cruise prices start at $13 per person per night. These rates are based on double occupancy and do not include the 10-percent discount.

With rates as low as these, you can lose your World Cup bet and still afford a cruise vacation.