When I started in this business, I would have said - definitly 1 year out but times have changed and many people can't plan that far out anymore.
Some things to consider---
If you are traveling with your family you want a quad or triple cabin- book early- at least 6 months out, They are limited as sell out fast. Same thing applies for adjoining cabins or cabins directly across the hall from each other.
If you want a family verandah suite, owners, suite or one the cabins that there are very few of- book a year or more out. The Solstice has a couple of Family Verandah Suites and they are sold out for the entire summer.
If you are ok with any cabin, any location and you can hop a flight at the last minute, some of the last minute prices are great and will save you a ton of money but you have no say in the cabin you get. You could be in the very front of the ship or right near an elevator (which some people love but others don't).
For the most part, if you book early and the prices come down, your travel agent should be able to get the prices reduced. Not all promotions will allow your agent to reduce your price- for example, the guarantee special promotions will not apply if you are in a cabin assignment.
I've done all the above. I'm probably a TA's nightmare! I have to have at least one if not two cruises booked or I start going thru withdrawals and will cancel a cruise and rebook if I find something better later! So, I normally book at least one cruise when the new itineraries come out and then look for deals along the way! We've done 2 last minute cruises, but most have been book at least 9 months in advance.
We have always booked around a year in advance. Our upcoming Mex/Riv. cruise we booked 18 months out. I think the closest we've book to taking a cruise is about 8 months out.
I enjoy the planning. I like meeting others on the roll call board and just sitting and cruising the boards reviewing other's comments about where we are planning on going next. Until DH retires, I don't think we can just up and cruise withing a few weeks or couple of months.
Wendy, if you are going to Mazatlan, Mazatlan Frank is every bit as good as everyone says he is!
Now back on topic, until a couple weeks ago I probably would have said a year in advance. Then came this offer from Princess, 2 for 1! You just don't turn down a deal like that!
I usually book as soon as the new brochure comes out but that was when I wanted a single cabin. I might try waiting to see if I get a good offer.
Unless of course there is a cruise I REALLY want (when the brochure comes out in the next couple of weeks) in which case I will book early to be sure I get on.
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We thought we would wait a while longer than a year ... but ... couldn't stand it! Had to book one!
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