Travel deals of the week

Cruises

American Cruise Lines is offering a $1,000 savings a stateroom, a free pre-cruise hotel stay and free shore excursions. The special applies to two (seven-night) cruises departing Dec. 21. With the discount, the Mississippi River Christmas Cruise on the 150-passenger Queen of the Mississippi starts at $3,695 a person double (plus $250 port charges) and travels round-trip from New Orleans. The Historic South and Golden Isles cruise on the 104-passenger Independence starts at $3,250 a person (plus $250 port charges) and sails from Jacksonville, Fla., to Charleston, S.C. Book by July 31. The free hotel stay is valued at about $175; the shore excursions are worth about $250 a person.

INFO 800-460-4518, americancruiselines.com

Book a holiday cruise with Royal Caribbean by July 31 and receive up to $200 in shipboard credits. Earn $100 in credits for an inside or outside stateroom, $200 for a balcony or suite. Deal is valid on cruises lasting at least five nights, departing Dec. 18-31. Prices vary. An interior cabin on the five-night Western Caribbean Holiday Cruise, which leaves Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Dec. 21, starts at $699 a person double, plus $98 taxes. The Liberty of the Seas sails to Belize City and Cozumel. Use code SOW2 for $100 credit, SOW3 for $200 credit.

INFO 866-562-7625, royalcaribbean.com

Hotel

Complete two stays at any participating Ritz-Carlton property and receive one free night to use within a year of issuance. You must be a Ritz-Carlton Rewards member (free to join; can't also be a member of Marriott Rewards) and register for the promotion by Sept. 30. To earn the certificate at a Tier 1, 2 or 3 hotel, complete two paid stays by Oct. 31. The deal allows up to two free nights. Valid hotels include the Ritz-Carlton Dubai, Ritz-Carlton New Orleans and Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui.

INFO ritzcarltonrewards.netlinkrg.com/nights2013/en

Scotland

The Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, Scotland, has launched a Save on Seven promotion, with seven nights for the price of five. Prices vary. For example, a weeklong stay in early August now starts at about $2,905 a couple, a savings of about $1,162. The deal includes a full daily Scottish breakfast, use of the resort's recreational facilities (gym, pools, etc.) and taxes. Book and stay by Sept. 30.

INFO 866-881-9525, gleneagles.com

-- The Washington Post