My husband and I are thinking about trying our first cruise in April of 2006, possibly to the Southern Caribbean. When would you suggest booking? I'm wondering because although we do travel, we have never been on a cruise, and I am a teacher, so we would have to go during school vacation. How far in advance do you all usually book your cruises, especially for peak weeks?

Don't wait--book now. As strong as demand is, there's a good chance that prices will go up.

But make sure you talk to the agent about their policy on rate changes and cancellations (you don't want to have to pay a fee of they rebook you at a lower rate in the future).

I'd suggest that you research online, then try www.CruiseCompete.com (where travel agents compete to give you the best deal).

Cheers!

I agree book now. Book with an agent who doesn't charge or only has a low cancelation fee. The cruise will be fully refundable until final payment. Lock in now.

At the VERY latest book in early September, but if you have decided on the itinerary it's best to do it now. We're thinking of a late March coinciding with my school's vacation and are going to have to get my sister and her husband to make up their minds this summer so we can get it locked in. Airfares also start to go way up of disappear once you get to the fall.

I would advise you book now as it is already getting tight on the most popular ships for spring break next year.

Thank you for all your replies -- we took your advice and booked today