Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder sets sail for Alaska in late May, with departures out of Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. And while it’s hard to imagine booking a chilly destination like Alaska when we’re barely out of winter, all that snow and ice looks a lot nicer from a cruise ship than it does here in the GTA. For a limited time Canadian passengers can save 25 per cent on select seven-night Disney Wonder Alaska departures from May 27 - June 24, in most stateroom categories, with discounts applied to prevailing rates (quoted in U.S. dollars) on disneycruise.com. Rates are double occupancy and do not include government taxes and fees or shore excursions, and proof of Canadian residency is required at check-in. See disneycruies.com (promo code CAN).

BIG EASY GETAWAY

The St. James Hotel in New Orleans has joined Choice Hotels International’s Ascend Hotel Collection and to celebrate the property is offering special rates from $109 (U.S.) for spring and summer travel, through July 31 with some black-out dates. The 86-room hotel is within walking distance of the French Quarter and the St. Charles streetcar line. According to the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, over nine million people visited the Big Easy last year, a 10-year high. See ascendcollection.com.

SWEETWATER HARVEST FESTIVAL AT WYE MARSH

The annual Sweetwater Harvest Festival at Midland’s Wye Marsh takes place April 6 and 7 and includes everything from pancakes to horse-drawn wagon rides to chickadee feedings, and, of course, maple syrup tastings. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the cost is $5 per person (plus an extra $5 for the pancake breakfast) and kids under five are free. Local hotels include the Best Western Plus Highland Inn and the Comfort Inn Midland. See wyemarsh.com.

BEST BUY OF THE WEEK

A new Italy sale with Globus and Cosmos takes $250 per person off the price of more than 30 itineraries, including the eight-day ‘Leisurely Tuscany & Rome’ with Cosmos. Bookings must be made by April 9. See globusjourneys.ca or cosmosvacations.ca.

Kathryn Folliott is a Toronto-based freelance writer. Prices quoted are subject to change and availability.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

Sunquest: Sosua, air & hotel, $825 (April 9). sunquest.ca

Air Canada Vacations: Orlando, air & hotel, $699 (lMay 28). aircanadavacations.com

Nolitours: Jamaica, air & hotel, $1,069 (April 4). nolitours.com

Signature Vacations: Los Cabos, air & hotel, $1,052 (April 12). signaturevacations.com

Transat Holidays: Cayo Coco, air & hotel, $939 (April 6). transatholidays.com

Hola Sun Holidays: Holguin, air & hotel, $1,002 (April 6). holasunholidays.ca

Bel Air Travel: France & Spain cruise, $1,016 (May 24). belairtravel.com

Sunwing Vacations: Three-night Las Vegas, air & hotel, $599 (April 14). sunwing.ca

Sell Off Vacations: Cozumel, air & hotel, $806 (April 12). selloffvacations.com

itravel2000: Dublin, air & hotel, $1,224 (April 22). itravel2000.com

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WestJet Vacations: San Diego, air & hotel, $1,358 (April 21). westjetvacations.com

Tour East Holidays: 10-night Thailand & Cambodia, hotel, transfers, sightseeing, $3,150 (through Dec. 19). toureast.com