Save 25 percent on Cruise West Stowaway Program

I like the name of this offer from Cruise West: the "Stowaway" Program.

If you're a flexible traveler who can take off with just 30 days' notice, you can save 25 percent on your fare from Cruise West, the small ship line that covers the West Coast from Alaska to Mexico.

Here's how to become a "stowaway": sixty or more days prior to the first date of your desired travel period, make a $700 deposit for the cabin category and cruise itinerary of your choice that departs within a particular 30-day window of that travel period.

Cruise West will then inform you of a specific Stowaway travel date at least 30 days prior to departure.

If you accept that date, your payment of 75 percent of the published fare must be made in full by credit card within 24 hours. (Once full payment is made, you'll be subject to penalties if you cancel; cancellations within 30 days of departure forfeit 100 percent of the cruise price.)

If you decline the date offered, your deposit can be applied to a future cruise but is not refundable.

You can also elect to receive Cruise West travel coupons in the amount of the deposit to be used toward any Cruise West destination within 24 months of issue. These travel coupons are transferable but not refundable.

More fine print: Stowaway availability is limited and your choice of ship, departure dates, sailing direction (northbound or southbound) and cabin category are not guaranteed. If Cruise West can't offer you a departure date and cabin category within your 30-day travel window, the line will refund your deposit in full. The offer is valid for the cruise only; when booking cruise/land tours, the 25 percent savings is only on the cruise portion.

Cruise West past guests (Quyana Club members) are eligible for an additional 5 percent savings, but the Stowaway Program can't be combined with group savings or other offers.

If you need help with last-minute air arrangements, Cruise West may be able to assist from various gateway cities.

To sign up for the Stowaway Program, call Cruise West at 888/851-8133.

Photo by Dennis Cox/WorldViews.