Columnist Muriel Stevens: These deals are worth a trip

Wednesday, April 10, 2002 | 8:25 a.m.

The travel industry, still reeling from the aftershock of Sept. 11, is tempting wary travelers with upgrades and other promotions.

Upscale Crystal Cruises is offering a "rare" promotion -- free stateroom upgrades (all categories) on two late-summer Alaska sailings. Save between $490 and $2,670 per stateroom.

Here's how it works: Book a category C stateroom (a deluxe room with a large window) and be upgraded to a B stateroom with a veranda at no extra cost. This terrific upgrade opportunity applies to the ship Crystal Harmony's 12-day, round-trip cruises departing from San Francisco Aug. 21 and Sept. 2.

"Historically," David Morris, senior vice president of sales, said, "complimentary upgrades have only been available to Crystal Society members, our past guests who have reached certain program milestones."

Crystal Harmony will call in the Alaskan ports of Skagway, Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan; and Vancouver and British Columbia; cruise the Inside Passage; and depending on the itinerary, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay. Insight into Alaska's unique treasures will be offered on board by guest geologists, historians and naturalists.

Promotional pricing for the sailings starts at $2,975 per person, double occupancy. Crystal Cruises is booked exclusively through professional travel agents. To receive a complimentary brochure on Alaska 2002 or other destinations call (800) 820-6663.

Travel Yellowstone: Become a member of the Yellowstone Association and not only help the organization's mission of supporting the park, but reap the benefits of membership. Memberships start at $30 per year.

Among the benefits are discounts on in-park lodging (rates are subject to availability). Depending on where members choose to stay, savings range from $15-$135 per night. Non-members pay the full rate.

Choose any of the following: Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Grant Village, Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. To become a member of the Yellowstone Association call (307) 344-2289 or join online at yellowstoneassociation.org.

Shades of John Steinbeck: What would writer Steinbeck think about Cannery Row in Monterey, Calif., if he could see it today? The fishing town immortalized in his novel, "Cannery Row," is still about history, sardines and Steinbeck. But it is also a wonderful family vacation area offering activities for all ages, including bike rides alongside the Pacific Ocean, walking-history tours, kayaking, surrey-bike rentals, roller blading and much more.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an awesome place. Kids and adults love the petting tank filled with familiar and strange sea life. This grown-up finds the fish-petting experience irresistible.

The waterfront is filled with boutiques, funky shops of all kinds and a wide variety of restaurants. There's nightlife, too, but I'd rather be entertained by an ocean stroll accompanied by the music of the seagulls, seals and crashing waves. A camera and binoculars are a must. For more info call the Monterey County Visitor's & Convention Bureau -- (888) 221-1010.