There's nothing like a river cruise to the Christmas markets of Europe. Ask anyone who's taken one. The setting is about as sentimental and old-timey as it gets when you explore these quaint locales brimming with the spirit of the season.

Now's the ideal time to book a Christmas market cruise on AmaWaterways, with fares starting at $2,049 per person. Enjoy a gondola ride, visit centuries-old cathedrals, explore villages on a bike ride or do some wine tasting. See below for the two best ways to experience the holidays on AmaWaterways.

The offer

Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled a new limited-time-only Distinctive Voyages promotion. The Special Offer provides cruisers with five distinct offers affecting select cruises: 

• Free Shore Excursions
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free Air Credit up to $400
• Free $100 Hotel Credit 
• Free Phone Call Package

PLUS, choose from up to five additional Free at Sea offers. See details below. 

Cruiseable's take

This is the best offer we've seen from Norwegian this year. 

Deadline

This Special expires on Nov. 30, 2017 and is available only through participating travel agencies such as Cruiseable. 

The offer

For your next cruise on Cunard Line, Cruiseable is able to offer you 40% savings off the standard cruise fare for both you and a second guest. Offer applies to more than 60 different voyages on Cunard's three elegant ships. Fares start at $649 per person (based on double occupancy). 

Instant Bonus Savings 

By booking with Cruiseable, we'll provide an additional $100 to $200 Instant Bonus Savings in the form of an onboard credit (the equivalent of spending money) for Balcony cabins and up, depending on the stateroom category you choose. Note: This credit is available only through Cruiseable. Contact us at 1-877-322-3773. 

Cruiseable's take

If you've been considering an old-time, elegant cruise on Cunard Line, this is one of the best specials we've seen this year.

Deadline

Offer expires Nov. 22, 2017.

The offer

Take advantage of a double special Norwegian Cruise Line: a Free at Sea Special and a $100 onboard credit on sailings to the Caribbean on select dates this holiday season. Fares from $329 (for an inside cabin on a 4-night Bahamas cruise on Norwegian Sky).

This Holiday Bonus Bundle can save you up to $2,900 in overall value. Not only that, but you can book with a reduced deposit!   

Deadline

This Special expires on Sept. 30, 2017.

The offer

Take advantage of Norwegian's Free at Sea Offer on its newest and largest ship, Norwegian Escape, sailing to the Eastern Caribbean. Fares from $949. 

Instant Savings Bonus 

By booking with Cruiseable, we'll provide an additional Instant Savings Bonus of $50 to $200 per stateroom (the equivalent of spending money on board) based on the size of the cabin you choose. This Savings Bonus is only available at Cruiseable. Call us at 1-877-322-3773.

Deadline

This is an ongoing offer but contact us soon to book the best staterooms at the best prices.

The offer

Princess Cruises — through booking partners such as Cruiseable — is offering special fares with a new Sip + Sail offer. Book a balcony cruise or better and receive a free all-inclusive Beverage Package (normally $57 per person per day) on the itineraries below. Balcony fares begin at $999. Savings on the Beverage Package up to $804 per person ($1,608 per couple).

Instant Bonus Savings 

By booking with Cruiseable, we'll provide an additional $50 to $100 Instant Bonus Savings in the form of an onboard credit (the equivalent of spending money) for Balcony cabins and up. Note: This credit is available only through Cruiseable. Contact us at 1-877-322-3773. 

Deadline

Booking must be made by August 31, 2017.

The offer

For your next Royal Caribbean cruise, Cruiseable is able to offer you 50% savings off the standard cruise fare for the second guest in your stateroom. Also, Kids Sale for Less. Offer applies to hundreds of sailings to destinations around the world.

Cruiseable's take

Royal Caribbean has the largest and most modern smartships at sea. This is a good offer, especially for family trips.

Deadline

Offer expires July 31, 2017.

More than any other cruise line, Princess Cruises provides additional benefits to active and retired members of the military.

Cruiseable has a travel agency partnership in place with Princess so that we can pass along these benefits to you — and sometimes offer lower fares and additional benefits not available to those who book directly with the cruise line.

Here are the onboard credits — the equivalent of spending money — available for any Princess cruise any time of year:

• $250 per qualifying individual taking a cruise that's 14 days or longer
• $100 per qualifying individual taking a cruise 7 to 13 days in length
• $50 per qualifying individual taking a cruise 6 days or less

The offer

Sail on a Star Clippers ship in the Mediterranean from now through October 2017 and get a $1,300 air credit (per cabin) toward your air fare. Cruise fares start at $1,650 for a Mediterranean sailing.

Cruiseable's take

Many travelers are still unfamiliar with the astonishingly beautiful masted ships from Star Clippers. If you have an adventurous streak and you've been thinking of taking a different kind of vacation, this is a solid choice.

Instant Bonus Savings 

By booking with Cruiseable, we'll provide an additional $100 Instant Bonus Savings in the form of an onboard credit (the equivalent of spending money). Note: This credit is available only through Cruiseable. Contact us at 1-877-322-3773. 

Deadline

This is a limited-time offer.

The offer

Princess Cruises, whose cruise tours of Alaska are widely regarded as the best in the business, has a number of last-minute cruise tours still available for Alaska for 2017. Fares begin at $899 for a 10-day sea and land voyage. 

Instant Bonus Savings 

By booking with Cruiseable, we'll provide an additional $100 Instant Bonus Savings in the form of an additional onboard credit (the equivalent of spending money). Note: This credit is available only through Cruiseable. Contact us at 1-877-322-3773. 

Cruiseable's take

Princess is renowned for its Alaska cruises and cruise tours, and many of these sell out many months in advance, so if you've been wanting to visit the Great Land, this is your last best chance to do so in 2017. 

Deadline

Offer expires July 1, 2017.