When should I book?
Apr 24th, 2002, 03:08 PM
#2
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I guess it's personal preference... I don't usually book my cruises more than 2-3 months ahead (if that) unless it's a holiday sailing then I'll book 6 months+ in advance. Lately, it seems that prices are being severely discounted close to the sailing date, so I've been taking a wait and see approach (I'm not really picky about cabin category). You can always book now and change it later if you find something better as long as you're outside the cancellation penalty period (usually 60 days).
Apr 24th, 2002, 10:40 PM
#3
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<BR>Hi John,<BR><BR>As a rule of thumb, early booking prices are the best. Prices do go up as you get closer to sailing. If the ship is not filling the prices may go down right before saling to the original early booking price.<BR><BR>Good luck!<BR><BR>Paul
Apr 25th, 2002, 10:55 AM
#4
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That may have been the case several years ago, but lately with the current economic conditions and oversupply of cruise ship berths, last minute pricing can go far below the original early booking fares. I'm not saying it will ALWAYS go down but to say that they go down to the original early booking price these days is an almost laughable statement. Again john, if you're concerned, book now and you can always change your mind later.
Apr 25th, 2002, 01:42 PM
#5
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Hey, thanks guys. I've done some research and it looks to me I'm getting the same price if I just go with a Carnival rep. She can book my flights and understands all my needs. I'll go ahead and book within the month with some more research. Penalty date is Jan. 4th for a March 16th cruise. Thanks again, John
Apr 26th, 2002, 03:15 PM
#6
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John,<BR><BR>There are plenty of TA's that will beat the price that Carnival gives you. I would never book directly with the cruiseline - you end up paying more. My TA always beats the prices that cruiselines offer.<BR><BR>The time you are going is prime spring break - I would book it early (don't wait until the last minute) and if the price goes down, make sure that your TA or cruiseline adjusts it.
Apr 27th, 2002, 02:32 AM
#7
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<BR>HI John,<BR><BR>After 9/11 prices definitely were distressed. This is all in the past.<BR><BR>Just follow the history of prices from a year in advance of the cruise up to the final day before leaving home. It is a big job but I do it all the time.<BR><BR>I do no knw the exact time that the highest price would be. Depends on how full the ship is and how fast the ship fills.<BR><BR>There is always the posibility that some TA will have a group and rather than turn the cabins back to the cruise line or cancel the group entirely he/she will discount at the last minute. But you will have to find this TA.<BR><BR>Good luck to you.<BR><BR>Paul<BR>
Apr 28th, 2002, 11:42 AM
#8
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We booked a RcCL 2 months ago, for March 03. We wanted a 4 bed room with balcony. I was surprised at the selection of rooms left- nothing mid ship left. I checked the cabin avaiablity today and there is even fewer cabins left. But, the same category room we booked, 4 doors down was $800. more for the 4 of us! I'm glad we were advised to book early.
Apr 28th, 2002, 11:57 PM
#9
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<BR>You bet Mary. As rule of thumb the early booking prices are the best.<BR>Some people are led to believe that the last minute prices are better.<BR><BR>Also many people believe that the upgrade they receive is complimentary. Little do they know that oftentimes they have paid for it.<BR><BR>Paul
