This item was written by Larry Bleiberg, former travel editor of The Dallas Morning News. Bleiberg is serving as Guest Editor of The Cruise Log while USA TODAY Cruise Editor Gene Sloan is away.

This is turning out to be the season of cruise deals. Once again the seas are on sale at Norwegian Cruise Line, which today launched another four-day promotion.

This new "Freestyle Dash" includes up to $250 in onboard credits for new bookings for Caribbean and Bahamas sailings. The credit amount is based on cruise length and booking category, and can be used for shore excursions, spa treatments or dining at onboard specialty restaurants.

ALSO ONLINE:  How to navigate 10 top cruise ports
ALSO ONLINE:  CEOs of world's top cruise lines talk shop

The offer also includes reduced cruise deposits and upgrades on select sailings for new bookings made through Sept. 30.

More information is available on Norwegian's website, ncl.com.

The promotion continues the fall trend of surprise, short-term sales. In recent weeks lines such as Holland America, Princess Cruises and Regent Seven Seas have rolled out bargains.

Last week, Carnival officials said the discounts indicate a modest weakening in the cruise market, but nothing like the huge drop-off in business the industry experienced in 2008.