Super-Luxurious Seabourn Ships Are Discounting up to 83% for Impending Departures

Probably the most luxurious and expensive of all cruiseships are those of Seabourn Cruises, a six-ship fleet of which three ships (the Spirit, Pride, and Legend ) carry only 208 passengers apiece, while three newer ones (the Sojourn, Quest, and Odyssey ) carry 450 passengers apiece. Everyone is housed in oceanview suites, and there's one member in staff for every passenger. Caviar with meals? Of course. Champagne? Naturally. Prices averaging $1,500 per person per day.

To the amazement of many observers, Seabourn is permitting Vacations To Go ( www.vacationstogo.com ) to discount many of their close-in sailings by as much as 83%, an unprecedented show of distress by a line that rates itself as six stars.

And thus, some sailings that would normally go for $12,250 per person are being sold for $2,299. One epic itinerary of 32 days, normally priced at $44,270 per person, is being offered for $8,999. Though you'll still pay a hefty price, you'll find offers that are within human means.

Not in every area of the world -- the Caribbean and Mediterranean, for instance, are being discounted by no more than 55%, let's say, or $60%. But in numerous other exotic oceans and seas, if you'll scroll down the list, especially for dates in October and November of this year, you'll find those 80% bargains. Go to Vacations To Go, insert the geographical area, specify ships of Seabourn, and there they are -- the plainest indication of how some wealthy people are encountering difficulties in these economic times, making it difficult for them to pay the ordinary tabs of the elegant Seabourn.