Best for Less
 

Hi,
I am sick ant tired of my innability to book a cruise.
I am in Philadelphia, May,2006 (mid-May).
I want to go on nice+ cruise for a good deal price.
When is the best time to book?

Thanks

Ziana, I'm not sure what cruiselines you're considering. Our favorite is Radisson Seven Seas (soon to be renamed Regent Seven Seas) which is very nice. They use to have good last minute bargains but the past couple of years the best bargains are had in booking EARLY. Better special prices, best cabins to choose from etc. No more last minute deals there. This may or maynot be true of other cruiselines though.

Is $4600 p/p is a bargain? For May?
I am looking for anything for bunch of people, affordable and cool and fun.
I do not know if I want large ship, probably not but anyway if someone says 'We went on a cruise and we are going back for sure' I will listen.
So far I read polar reviews and i am affraid to get on something smelly and rusty. Thanks

Ziana,
You didn't mention how long a cruise this is for, the itinerary, the cruiseline/ship, whether it is all inclusive or not, etc. There is a wide range of cruise fares just like hotels....you certainly aren't going to pay the same nightly rate at a 1 star hotel as your would a 5 star and the same holds true for cruises. You need to decide what you want and then compare apples with apples.

I am finding more and more with cruises and other forms of travel, that the further ahead you book, the better the price. With all the so-called "baby boomers" traveling more and more as they retire, the best bargains will be for those who can plan ahead. I booked a cruise for Jan. 2007 last month and still didn't get a cabin in the area I want. I wanted that particular itinerary, if you aren't fussy I guess you can find something on short notice that is reasonable. I am particular on the ports, ship, and cabin assignment so I find it is better to plan as far ahead as possible. Good luck.

Whatever price you end up with, put it into CruiseCompete.com and see if anyone can beat it. (You'll get multiple bids from independent agencies).

Good luck!

Thanks for so much help.
I am emailing to Ann from Bonnie. Thanks so much

P.S. I am looking at 7 nights from port departure as close to Philadelphia as possible. Everything else don't matter.

If you can leave from Fla. there are dozens of cruises in May at reasonable prices. Radisson is high end and will usually be much more. However the mass market lines such as Princess, Carnival, RCCl, etc. will give you more bang for your $. I would suggest no cruise < 7 nights. Shorter cruises tend to attract a different (rowdy) crowd. Cheers, Larry