The new year seems to have started with a lot of discounted cruises and vacations. Which is, of course, a great opportunity for us to talk about them. If you planned to visit Eastern Europe and thought it was a bit too expensive, now you can enjoy 16 days exploring the beauties of this part of Europe for prices starting at $2,999 per person (Oct 31, 2009 departure).

The possibilities to save include:

• Past passengers of any oceangoing cruise save up to $2,800 per couple off if they book the cruise by Feb 28, 2009
• Save up to $1,800 per couple when you book and pay in full by Feb 28, 2009
• AARP receive $25 per person shipboard credit.

Other departure dates include: Jun 13, Jul 11, Aug 8, Sept 5 and Oct 3. Some dates (Apr and May) are already sold out.

During the cruise you’ll be visiting Bucharest, Silistra, Russe, Vidin, Belgrade, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz, Passau, Regensberg and Nuremberg.

The price, without air, includes: 13 private tours, all meals, welcome & farewell dinner and all port charges.