River cruise lines rolling out big discounts, too

[mercedes]

Cruise lines that sail the open oceans aren't the only ones offering unusual deals this winter. So are river cruise lines such as Viking River Cruises.

The latest from Viking: A Spring Booking Discount for its river trips in China of $500 per person for Category B staterooms or higher or $250 off per person for Category C staterooms and lower. The new promotion is combinable with a previously announced Ocean Cruisers Discount of up to $500 per person that the line is offering anyone who has taken an ocean cruise in the last year.

All Viking cruises in China during 2009 are eligible for the discounts, which together bring savings of up to $1,000 per person. In lieu of the Spring Booking Discount, cruisers also can opt for roundtrip airfare to China for just $199 a person, far below regular rates.

The Spring Booking Discount will be available for bookings made through Feb. 28.