We are all feeling the pinch of the poor economy and nobody is going to complain if he or she can get a dream cruise for less than expected.

If this sounds like you, we have some good news. To coincide with National Cruise Vacation Week, Princess Cruises has announced a pre-season sale on 45 of their 2012 European cruise holidays.

The promotion will run over seven days – from the 23rd to the 30th October 2011. It includes free onboard credit of up to $100 per stateroom as well as free balcony upgrades.

If you think these specials will only be for lesser-known destinations, you are wrong. The sale includes itineraries that will take you to some of the most sought-after locations in all of Europe, including the Greek islands, Venice, St Petersburg and Northern Europe.

Apart from the reduced fares, passengers making reservations for ocean view or interior staterooms will get onboard credit of $25 for cruises below 10 days and $50 for cruises of 10 days and longer.

Those booking a balcony stateroom or above will qualify for onboard credit of $50 on cruises below 10 days and $100 on cruises of 10 days and longer.

Cruise lovers should note that these credits are per stateroom and not per passenger.

The executive vice president of Princess Cruises, Jan Swartz, said “For anyone thinking about seeing the wonders of Europe next year, this is the perfect time to book.”

He added that the promotion covered an excellent selection of the top European cruises, featuring destinations that were on many cruise lovers’ bucket lists.