Thread: Book now or wait?

Two years ago we booked a last minute cruise over the Thanksgiving holiday (Thursday - Monday). I assume the price was reduced to fill the boat. I'm thinking about doing that again this year but the prices I see are more than twice what we paid last time. Should I wait to see if a deal comes along or go ahead and book now? There are three different ships that sail on the same dates with the same destination that are all options.

Is it for this year??? If so it is beyond final payment I don't think the prices will drop anymore unless they can't fill the cabins that were cancelled before final. If it is for next year I would book now to get what you want, cabin, seating, and location. It could drop before final next year.

Totally agree with what Sue said

I recommend you get with a travel agent and give them information on when and where you would like to travel. Then they can give you any info they have on ships that normally sell out, etc.

If you are planning to cruise over a holiday, there rarely are bargains. But a good travel agent should know about what to expect.

If you are more than 90 days away from when you want to sail, you could reserve a cruise and then cancel if the price drops before the final payment is due. If you do this online, READ ALL FINE PRINT VERY CAREFULLY. There are more fares coming available that are non-refundable, so you need to make sure that you don't book one of those unless you are absolutely certain about wanting to go and wanting to pay that price. Once again, a travel agent can help you navigate through all the fares available.

I am not a travel agent by the way, but I wouldn't cruise without one.

Thanks, great advice. I'm in between travel agents. Any travel agents here want to help?

Hopefully one will check in soon

I am seeing a need to watch pricing every day after final payments. What I am noticing is that when the demand for a remaining cabin exists, after the cruise line has gotten to a nice capacity, the pricing is going up significantly. Timing a booking in final payment zone appears to be an art form now.

I think the general rule is if you know when and where you want to go, book now, if you don't mind where or when you cruise it's worth waiting for a deal.

Originally Posted by Lanky Lad

I think the general rule is if you know when and where you want to go, book now, if you don't mind where or when you cruise it's worth waiting for a deal.

Good Rule!

I booked our cruise more than a year in advance because I HAD TO HAVE a specific suite. If anyone else had booked it, I would have cried and pouted and perhaps even had a tantrum (or two). I also really wanted to get early fixed dining, a priority for us. Other than that, I think waiting for last minute deals if you don't care where you are on the boat is a great idea.