Book and pay early with MSC Cruises and you will be rewarded with a saving which will bring the starting price of a seven-night Mediterranean cruise below $90 per passenger per night.

It’s one of a number of financial enticements included in the cruise line’s new program from November 2011 to November 2012, which also covers cruises in the Caribbean, South America, South Africa and Northern Europe as well as the traditional Mediterranean waters.

A number of ocean voyages between continents are also featured along with an all-new Abu Dhabi and the Emirates program.

To qualify for the early bird special of $50 per passenger, you must book and pay by August 31, 2011.

With the discount, the starting price of a seven-night Mediterranean cruise begins at $609 per person, twin share, including meals, international entertainment and port charges.

As in previous years, children under 18 years sharing a cabin with two adults cruise free (you need only pay port charges).

Other savings on the 2012 program can also be had by combining cruises (within four-week periods), and by booking a new all-in-one-fare single adult family offer to accompany the existing children under 18 years cruise free offers with two adults.

In addition, those passengers celebrating a special occasion – wedding anniversary, honeymoon, etc – also benefit from discounts.

“There a number of ways passengers can save on our cruises,” said Lynne Clarke, managing director of MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand. “For beginners, if you are celebrating a 25^th or 50^th anniversary, expect generous savings on the fare,” she said.

“All is revealed in the new program and support MSC Cruises’ stance as a family cruise line catering for families.”

From mid July you can  book your cruise directly through MSC Cruises “new-look and feel” website.