Book your next cruise holiday in October when Cruise Lines International Association kicks off its Plan a Cruise Month promotion with some of the best deals on offer.

Launching next week, Plan a Cruise Month is in its second year. The global promotion is the largest cruise sale in the world with local and international cruise lines offering great discounts to encourage more people to make cruise their next holiday.

October also marks the start of the “wave” season in Australia with the first international lines arriving for the summer. This year, more than 60 ships will cruise in Australian waters.

“Plan a Cruise Month is the perfect time to plan next year’s holiday and nab a bargain,” said CLIA Australasia & Asia managing director, Joel Katz.

“With nearly 1.3 million Australians taking a cruise each year… it’s hard to beat the value of a cruising holiday with accommodation, transport, main meals and a range of onboard activities and entertainment included in the fare, but during October, the value is even more irresistible.”

So if you are planning to take a cruise holiday, look out for the following special deals:

• Uniworld is offering a stateroom upgrade on any 2018 voyage in Europe, India. Vietnam and Cambodia, provided bookings are made between October 8 and 14.

• Princess Cruises is offering savings up to $2,100 per stateroom on select itineraries in Europe, Alaska, Asia, Japan, the Americas, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

• MSC is offering 50 per cent off the second passenger on select departures in the Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and repositioning cruise.

• Crystal is offering savings up to US$1000 per stateroom on select departures in its 2017-18 river, ocean and yacht itineraries.

According to industry research, eight out of 10 travellers use a travel agent to book a cruise holiday. To find a CLIA accredited agent, visit www.cruising.org.au