When to book your cruise? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

luckybluesman · 02-11-2009, 01:51 AM

I am sure there are good reasons to book your cruise early and good reasons to book it late. When do you like to book your cruise.

*Lars* · 02-11-2009, 03:59 AM

I voted 6 months but for us the answer is; it depends.

If I want a specific cabin location and itinerary I book as soon as the itnerary becomes available.
Sometimes there is a really good deal I cant pass up on and book it, being last minute or 2, 3 etc months in advance.

GeneK · 02-11-2009, 06:01 AM

I always book a year in advance. That way I can always get the veranda cabin I want, next to elevator, etc. Plus I always get two free upgrades when I book that ear;y

smitty · 02-11-2009, 08:46 AM

i havn't voted because for us like lars the answer is it depents on type of cruise and circumstances.

Char · 02-11-2009, 09:01 AM

I voted a year.

We normally book as far out as we can to get the cabin we want and also the early booking prices are generally better than closer in to sail date....except when the ship is not selling as well as the bean counters would like. Then they will have "new bookings" only sales.

Sometimes we will find a good deal that we can't pass up and book whenever those are offered.

Right now we are looking for a cruise in September since we don't have anything booked after our April cruise. We are usually stacked with our bookings but some ill health caused us to hold off until we knew when we would be able to sail again.

sue miller · 02-11-2009, 09:29 AM

We book at least a year out just to get the cabin

reggierail · 02-11-2009, 10:17 AM

I too voted a year but I've been known to book as close as a month before sailing. It just depends on what is available. It is good to book early and get the cabin you want and keep track of price drops. You then get the best of both worlds. The cabin you want and the best price too.

luckybluesman · 02-11-2009, 10:36 AM

I am surprised at how many book a year out. I know most of the regular cruisers on this site are looking at prices all the time to catch a good deal when it becomes available so maybe I should have included "all of the above" in the answers.

Char · 02-11-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luckybluesman

I am surprised at how many book a year out. I know most of the regular cruisers on this site are look at prices all the time to catch a good deal when it becomes available so maybe I should have included "all of the above" in the answers.

Lee, I can add that for you if you want that option.

bgsimp · 02-11-2009, 10:44 AM

We have several timeshares & I always book them way in advance so I can get what I want so when we cruise, it's for something specific so I book a year in advance. It's alot of travel to keep up with so I like to get it done as soon as I can.