When Is the Best Time to Book a Cruise?

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You have decided to go on a cruise for your long awaited vacation.   The question you wonder…Do I book now? Or do I wait for a last minute deal? 

There are a few factors that can influence your decision:  It depends on the type of cruise line, the type of stateroom you are interested in, and if hotel and airfare are required.


RIVER CRUISE LINES:
Book very early.  River cruise lines include AMA Waterways, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld Boutique Cruises, and Viking River Cruises. These ships are the smallest of all cruise line types with a limited number of staterooms. River cruising is exploding in popularity with new ships being built to satisfy the increasing demand. Sailings for 2014 are nearly sold out and river cruisers are already booking for 2015.  Early bird booking will give your choice in cruise line, best pricing, itineraries, and incentives.


LUXURY CRUISE LINES:
Book early. Azamara, Crystal, Regent, and Silverseas are luxury cruise lines featuring smaller ships.  Luxury cruise lines often encourage people to book early with 2 for 1 fare, airfare incentives, or shipboard credit. It is rare to find a last minute deal that beats early bird pricing.


PREMIUM CRUISE LINES:
Book now.  Booking in advance with premium cruise lines such as Celebrity, Cunard, Holland America, and Princess Cruises, can bring you the best stateroom selection and added amenities. Last minute deals come with restrictions such as non-refundable fares and less desirable staterooms.


CONTEMPORARY CRUISE LINES:
With Disney Cruise Line, it is best to book early. Rates do not fluctuate much as their cruises are very much in demand. Even with the higher price tag, most all sailings sail full. Many of their sailings sell out months in advance.

On other contemporary cruise lines such as Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean, waiting until the last minute can sometimes bring you lower pricing. However, the prices are lower for a reason.  Waiting can also bring you disappointment and dissatisfaction.

By waiting, the stateroom type that you want may sell out.  As a rule, suites and inside staterooms sell out first as they are the most in demand. Most last minute deals are for the remaining staterooms that are located in the least desirable locations.  Staterooms located near noisy areas like the club, pool, restaurants, stairwells and elevators will be offered as deals. You may be stuck in a stateroom awoken by the vibration of bow thrusters maneuvering into port and listening to the sound of the anchor dropping every morning. Will the lower price be worth it? 

Consider the total cost of your vacation.  If you require airfare, book now.  You may not save money on a last minute cruise if you have to book an expensive last-minute flight.   

Book during ‘Wave Season’.  Contemporary cruise lines showcase extra-value promotions for the year within January – March. Wave Season deals are for savvy travelers who want value for money over rock-bottom fares.  The value is received in reduced fares plus free
upgrades, pre-paid gratuities, on-board credits, or other indulgent perks. 


SUMMARY:
Book early for the best value.  Then get excited with the anticipation of departure day!

Cruise Planners – My Travel Empire continues to track your reservation for available upgrades, amenities and reduces fares to pass on even after booking. Many agents will not offer this service because when your price drops, their commission reduces as well.  We will provide the best value and this great service without any fees.  

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