Cheap summer cruises

Major hotel chains are coming out with their summer promotions and there are some good deals. But it reminds me of a lesson I learned a few months ago: When you call to book a promotional rate you should know the name of the sale.

Here's what happened: I called Hampton Inn (800-HAMPTON) and asked for the $79 sale rate I had seen online for a Pennsylvania property. "What's the name of that rate?" the reservationist asked.

"Huh?" I replied.

"The name of the promotion," the reservationist said, "You need the name." She even tried to give me a hint, but I had no idea what the answer was. She said she could offer me a $99 rate instead, which obviously wouldn't do. But fortunately she was patient enough to wait while I booted up to get the required name online - the promotion was called "Hit the Road" - and I got the $79 rate. (Of course, I also could have made my reservation online and avoided all this, but sometimes you want to deal with a human.)

Speaking of chain deals, Marriott is out with its "Come Out and Play Summer Rates," and they start as low as $44-$69 a night at Fairfield Inn and TownePlace Suites properties, and $59-$89 at Marriott, Renaissance and Residence Inn (sale rates are also in effect at other Marriott properties). The special rates must be booked by June 28 for travel by Sept. 2. Minimum stay requirements and blackout dates may apply.

For reservations, call 800-MARRIOTT or log on to www.marriott.com.

No fare increase: How cool is it that the airlines again have failed to get the extra $20 they want on round-trip leisure fares? For the third time in less than two months, major airlines have shied away from the increase, according to published reports.

This time, Continental started it, and American, Delta and Frontier matched, but no one else did. Afraid summer travelers would take their business elsewhere - hey, 20 bucks is 20 bucks - the increase was withdrawn.

The good fortune might not last, so book your flights sooner rather than later.

Cruise bargain: If a western Caribbean cruise this fall sounds alluring, check out the deals on Celebrity Cruises being offered by eCRUISES.com. Fares on the premium line start at $469 on the Century out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on the Oct. 5, 12 or 19 departures. The same pricing applies to sailings on the Mercury from Miami on Nov. 1, 8 or Dec. 13; and on the Horizon from Tampa, Fla., on Nov. 3, 10 or Dec. 1.