Carnival's Holland America offers huge cruise deal (act fast)

While most people would theoretically enjoy a cruise, the high costs are what prevent some from actually taking one. 

One calculation shows that the average seven-day cruise with a mainstream cruise line will set one back between $1,300 and $2,000 or $259 per day — $179.01 for the ticket and $80.05 for on-board spending not included in the base fare (this most commonly means drinks, internet and entertainment such as going to the casino or getting a massage.) The latter expenses can also add up particularly fast as it's easy to make impulsive purchases when temptation is all around you.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line shuts down illegal on-board activity

For those looking for a cheap cruise deal, Carnival  (CCL) 's Holland America Line is celebrating the 151st year since its launch by offering cruise packages at 45% off and only a $1 deposit (while one can secure a spot and pay it off over several months, the typical deposit on a Carnival cruise is $100 per person for two- to three-day sailings, $150 for four- and five-day sailings and $250 for longer sailings).

This is how you can score these discounted cruise prices

Some of the cruises included in the discount include the 7-Day Adriatic Gems route that leaves from Athens and ends in Rome for $779 (the usual price is $814) and the 14-Day Japan and Taiwan route for $1,509 instead of $1,579 per person. Some of the longer journeys include a 56-day journey that leaves from Vancouver, passes through Hawaii and the Fiji Islands before coming back to San Diego and the 53-day tour leaving from Vancouver and then taking on a long journey across different Japanese ports.

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"Whether seeking the thrill of exploration in a new destination next year, building memories with loved ones over the holidays, or simply relaxing this summer on a getaway from the day-to-day, Holland America Line has made it that much easier to book your next cruise today,” Holland America Line's Chief Marketing Officer Kacy Cole said in a statement.

'Book your next family vacation and let us take care of the details'

The key caveat is that one needs to act fast as the deal is only available for a limited period. The promotional fares will be on the site until April 30 but the $1 deposit requirement disappears at 11:59 p.m. of April 18 (yes, that's today.) The promotion also includes $300 in onboard credits for each stateroom and a larger room that will allow third and fourth guests to join you for free (this is perhaps the biggest perk as, split four ways, the prices are not particularly high.)

The $1 deposit also applies to Holland America Line's "Have it All" packages for securing on-shore dining and entertainment, in-cabin Wi-Fi and access to specialty restaurants on the ship. Normally, those need to be purchased outright as the fares are significantly lower than the main ticket.

"Book your next family vacation with only a $1 deposit and let us take care of the details while you have the time of your life in Alaska, Europe, and beyond," the Holland America Line writes of the sale and promotion on its website.