See the Yangtze in winter
The buy: Cruising the Yangtze River is most popular from spring through fall, but you can save a lot of money in the winter months.
The savings: Victoria Cruises’ Three Gorges Highlights itinerary sells private balcony superior staterooms starting at $480 per person, based on double occupancy, a savings of more than 40 per cent off regular season rates.
The catch: The price is available from Dec. 2 to March 13.
Why it’s worth it: Victoria Cruises plans to use two of its largest five-star ships – the brand-new Victoria Jenna and recently renovated Victoria Katarina – for departures throughout December to accommodate a higher-than-usual demand for this period. The steeply discounted Three Gorges Highlights winter special is available for upstream sailings from Yichang to Chongqing (five days/four nights) as well as downstream voyages from Chongqing to Yichang (four days/three nights).
Book it: Call 1-800-348-8084 or visit www.VictoriaCruises.com.
Sailing solo with Silversea
The buy: Silversea Cruises has reduced the single supplement on more than 20 sailings worldwide in 2011 (above the per-person, double-occupancy fare) for Vista, Veranda and Midship Veranda suites.
The savings: From 75 to 90 per cent compared with normal rates for the stateroom occupied by two people.
The catch: All fares are per person based on single occupancy for a Vista Suite and do not include port charges and handling fees, which can range from $100 to $575 per person on these sailings, depending on the itinerary.
Why it’s worth it: All-inclusive fares include a spacious, oceanview suite (most with a private veranda), butler service, complimentary wines and spirits, fine dining, enrichment and entertainment programs and all onboard gratuities. A Caribbean voyage on Silver Cloud sailing Jan. 22 to 29 starts at $3,145, with free air available from 22 cities in Canada and the U.S. Single travellers also get a $250 shipboard credit.
Book it: Visit Silversea.com and click on special offers.
Sea kayak among with the whales
The buy: Coastal Spirits Wilderness Expeditions offers four-day/three-night Orca Sea Kayaking Tours for $1,150 per person.
The savings: Flights can be up to $250 cheaper than to any other whale watching destinations in British Columbia.
The catch: The tours are available only in July, August and September, 2011.
Why it’s worth it: This is the only base camp beside the Orca Reserve and Rubbing Beaches. The unique location and the large amount of salmon in that area (the Orcas’ main food source) means Orca Camp can offer some of the best sightings in the world. The company also avoids the busy whale watching and kayak areas of the northern Johnstone Strait.
Book it: Call 1-888-427-5557, e-mail: info@kayakbritishcolumbia.com or visit www.kayakbritishcolumbia.com.
Windsurf in the Dominican Republic
The buy: Cabarete in the Dominican Republic regularly plays host to professional and amateur events as it is considered to be one of the Top 10 kiteboarding and windsurfing locations in the Western Hemisphere. Sunwing has a last-minute special to the all-inclusive Celuisma Cabarete out of Toronto on Dec. 12 for $515.
The savings: Other departures to this resort can be twice as much.
The catch: Taxes and fees of $330 are not included.
Why it’s worth it: Not only will you find dozens of brightly coloured sails in the water, funky bars and shops line the road along the beach.
Book it: Visit sunwing.ca.
Special to The Globe and Mail
