European cruise deals abound for Americans

MSC Cruises is offering "Suite Deals" on select seven-night Europe sailings on Sinfonia, departing from Civitavecchia through May 25, that amount to savings of 60 percent off brochure rates. For example, a suite on Sinfonia's April 13, seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary is $1,599 per adult double occupancy, plus an additional $71.50 per person for government fees/taxes and a fuel surcharge. The ship calls at Genoa, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Valencia, Spain; La Valletta, Malta; and Tunis, Tunisia.

Cruiseclubofamerica's Kraus offers several top bargain picks. (All quoted fares are per person with double occupancy and include port charges):

• Suite fares start at $4,925, including roundtrip airfare, for Regent Seven Seas' seven-night cruise aboard the Navigator from Athens to Monte Carlo on June 7.

• Fares for an inside cabin on Cunard's June 8, 24-night, Mediterranean cruise on the Queen Mary 2, including roundtrip from New York City, begin at $4,759. Plus this bonus: $150 onboard stateroom credit.

• Crystal's seven-night, Athens to Venice aboard Crystal Serenity on June 6 offers ocean-view staterooms for $3,225.

• Inside cabin prices start at $1,599 for Princess Cruises' 12-night, Barcelona-to-Venice cruise on Emerald Princess on May 24. These low fares also include two windfalls: free upgrades where available and an onboard stateroom credit.

• Royal Caribbean's 12-night "Best of Italy & Mediterranean" cruise, roundtrip from Barcelona on Brilliance of the Seas, departing Oct. 20, has inside staterooms going for a low as $1,449, including a $200 discount booklet and an onboard stateroom credit.