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Priceline touts deals galore on Caribbean cruises after Cuba change

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Priceline.com is urging travelers to snatch up cruise deals as lines 'struggle to fill rooms' on Caribbean sailings affected by the Cuba travel ban.

Deals include Bahamas cruises for under $200 per person.

Denise Bialek, director of Priceline Cruises, said many travelers canceled cruises following the Cuba travel ban. 'This has led to a high number of available rooms, with a corresponding drop in price. Many cruise lines remade their itineraries, choosing to visit different Caribbean islands other than Cuba. They're competing to fill those cruises, and that benefits travelers.'

Caribbean cruises 'less expensive than they've been years'

Bialek said Priceline has deals that are 'hundreds of dollars less expensive than they might normally be, alongside benefits such as free prepaid gratuities, beverage credits and money to spend on board. The Cuba travel ban was certainly an unexpected disruption,' she continued, 'but it has created a market where cruises, particularly Caribbean cruises, are less expensive than they've been in years.'

Majesty Bahamas getaway from $184

For example, Priceline is advertising a five-night Key West and Nassau cruise on Majesty of the Seas from Port Everglades at $184 per person in an inside room and $215 in an ocean-view cabin, reflecting 50% off the second passenger's fare. The sailing date is Dec. 9.

A four-night Bahamas getaway on Majesty of the Seas starts at $197 per person in an inside cabin and $217 in an ocean-view room — again, reflecting 50% off the second passenger's fare. The cruise visits Nassau and Key West. Dates with these rates are Aug. 10 and Nov. 30.

Other deals include a six-night Empress of the Seas cruise from Miami to Key West, Costa Maya and Cozumel starting at $258 (inside) and $318 (ocean-view). The cruise sails Sept. 15.

Plus Carnival, Norwegian, MSC

A four-night Western Caribbean cruise on Carnival Paradise from Tampa to Cozumel starts at $249 (inside) and $289 (ocean-view). Dates with these fares include Oct. 31 and Jan. 23.

A five-night cruise on Norwegian Sky from Miami to Key West, Freeport, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay is priced from $269 (inside) and $299 (ocean-view), for the Aug. 31 departure.

A seven-night Western Caribbean cruise on MSC Armonia from Miami to Roatán, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Key West is advertised with a lead fare of $299 (inside) and $349 (ocean-view). Dates with these rates include Sept. 23 and Oct. 21.

Currently, Priceline is waiving cruise deposits and, for a limited time, offering double on-board credits.