How Soon to Book a Cruise?

[QueenBee]

I've heard that you can get some great deals at the last minute on cruises. Of course, that means that you may miss out on the cruise you really want, though. Is it better to wait till closer to the time you actually want to take the cruise, or should do you need to book as far in advance as possible? Are there lots of good last minute deals to be had? Do some cruise lines sell out more quickly than others? I'd appreciate any advice on this subject!

[MandyMinx]

While great travel deals usually require booking a year in advance, there are almost always plenty of attractive trips to be found at the last minute. People who have booked trips sometimes have a change in plan and are forced to cancel their trips. Perhaps a wedding is cancelled or the perspective traveler’s financial circumstances change. Someone else’s bad luck can be good news you!

There are several ways to get in on these last-minute trips. The first is to use a travel agent. Call a few different agencies and asked whether or not they have waiting lists for cancelled trips. Be flexible. You may not have a real choice as to where you are going, but you can specify certain areas of interest. If you do not have a passport, be sure to check whether one is required for entry into countries on trips that might become available. Once you have registered, check in every couple of days. You may be lucky enough to call just as the agent has taken a cancellation.

[Love2Cruise]

There are several schools of thought. In years gone past, there has been great advantage to waiting until the last minute when ships are giving huge discounts on un-booked rooms. However, since 9/11 it seems the interest in cruising has skyrocketed. We booked a cruise for upcoming February 06 a year in advance. Glad we did because it was booked solid 2 weeks after we did.

[CruisinCousin]

Research is the key! First know where you want to go and study the prices of the different cruise lines. Check several online sources for pricing.

Most destinations have a high season when the for travel to that location demand peaks and a low season. Low season may be at the beginning or end of the travel season for that area.

We took an Alaskan cruise this year. We got a wonderful deal on a balcony stateroom at a price lower than the usual interior cabin because it was the first cruise of the season in May. Maybe people are afraid that Alaska will be cold in May but the weather was fantastic.

This special sold out within 10 days. When you see a good price, book it as soon as you see it!

CruisinCousin

[Lucky Lulu]

That's an interesting point about 9/11.

Although I'm sure people have their reasons for not wanting to fly, I do think it's a shame that the terrorists have been allowed to 'win' by causing problems for airlines. I heard that airfares went through the roof just after the bombings in London, too. Strange because you'd think they'd drop their prices to get more people to fly, wouldn't you?

I've always been a fan of 'last-minute' deals - have had some tremendous holidays thanks to waiting, but in cases where the holiday is REALLY important (a second honeymoon for example), I'd definitely book well ahead of time.

~Lucy~

[jojogirl]

Deals are always available online. Some web sites list "last minute" deals that are 3 months away!

Cruise lines will have a promotion for a certain destination or a certain ship with what they call limited availability - only a fixed number of cabins at that price. When those sell out or the end of promotion date is reached, the sale is over.

Look for good deals online and when you see one, book it right away before it disappears.

jojogirl

[QueenBee]

Thanks for all of the replies, everyone! My next question is this. If I do find what I think is a good deal a few months in advance, can I cancel it if I find a better deal later with another company? Or, if the same company that I am using posts a better deal closer to the time of departure, will they refund the money difference to me? Thanks!