There are benefits to both booking a cruise well in advance and waiting until the last minute. Cruise rates fluctuate and are often hard to predict. Sometimes the best deals can be had as long as 12-18 months in advance, and other times prices are discounted during the last 60 – 30 days before sailing. So this shouldn't dictate when you decide to book.
Booking Early:
One of the benefits of reserving your vacation with Dave & Donna Operach and Associates is that when you book your cruise vacation early we actively monitor for price reductions and upgrades. We have saved our clients tens of thousands of dollars and some individual clients over $1000 after they have booked with us.
You should book your cruise early if you need something specific that's in limited supply. For example, you should book early if you need to cruise on very specific dates like a particular holiday or school breaks, or if you need availability for a group of travelers for a wedding or family reunion. Balconies on popular Alaska sailings are booked up quickly as well.
You should also book early if you're worried about getting flights. Flights using frequent flyer miles often need to be booked well in advance. With the airlines reducing capacity airfare pricing tends to be stable and increase as departure closes in.
Certain specific cabins or cabin types tend to sell out. High-end suites, adjoining cabins or cabins that accommodate three or more guests or handicapped cabins may not be available closer to sailing. This is especially important for families traveling together.
You should also consider booking early if you want an unusual itinerary. This would include sailing on a ship's inaugural cruise or cruises with only a few sail dates--such as cruises to Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands or world cruises.
Note that when booking early you can still cancel or change your plans within a certain timeframe and receive a full refund.
Booking Last Minute:
One of the best times to find last minute rates on a particular sailing is 60 to 90 days prior to departure. This is the last call for travelers to cancel existing reservations without penalty. At that time the cruise line will know exactly how many cabins are left. If there is more space available than the cruise line would like, it will often reduce the fare so that it can sell out the ship.
You should look for last-minute deals if your circumstances allow you to take off on short notice. It also helps if airfare isn't a factor because you can easily drive or take a short commuter flight to the departure port. Booking late, you'll need to be flexible about your cabin type and dinner times, but you can often find some great last-minute deals.
Don't expect "peak" travel. There's a reason why a cruise is being discounted at the final hour -- and it's not because it's a big seller. You probably won't find a last minute bargain on Christmas or New Year's sailings, Easter week, Spring Breaks, or even Thanksgiving. Don't hold out if you have your heart set on traveling during those times. On the flip side, you're likely to find a variety in the Caribbean during peak hurricane season (September through early November) or during the pre-holiday (first week or two of December) and the post-holiday (first two weeks of January) travel lulls.
Booking late means you'll get what's left after all the early planners have made their arrangements. You are less likely to get an in-demand suite or balcony cabin, a prime dinner table or seating, or a choice cabin location. If you don't have your heart set on specific details, you'll be more likely to enjoy your discounted cruise.
Finally, we all want to save money. But don't put saving the last dime ahead of getting the cruise vacation that's right for you.
Happy Cruising!
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