Today-only Carnival special: family of four cruise for under $1,000

Carnival is offering savings of up to $200 per stateroom today (January 30) that could enable you to book a three-day cruise for base fares starting at $979 for a family of four, a four-day cruise for fares starting at $999 for a family of four, a five-day cruise for the same family for fares starting at $1299, and a week-long cruise for the family at fares starting at $1799.

Friends are also eligible as long as you don't mind staying four to a stateroom. Savings for three- to five-day cruises between February and May 2008 range up to $100 per stateroom, while savings on seven- and eight-day cruises between February and May range up to $200 per stateroom.

The offer doesn't include West Coast sailings, so check with the cruise line to make sure the voyage you want is on the list.

When you call the cruise line (888-CARNIVAL) or a travel agent, ask for fare code CPDW for the first and second passengers, and fare code CP43 for the third and fourth passengers.

Government taxes and fees are additional, as is a $5 a day fuel supplement per passenger. A full deposit is required and only new bookings are eligible. The offer expires at midnight January 30.

Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines.