Are cruises cheaper or more expensive last minute?

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I actually spent some time analyzing cruise line pricing data in graduate school and it's a lot like the airlines: If they have too much availability, they lower the price. If they are filling up, they raise the price.

**IF** there's still availability a month out, yes, prices will generally be pretty good. But that's a big if, and your pickings may be slim.

Last spring I tried to plan a cruise a month in advance and there was NOTHING on my husband's favorite cruise line (Holland America), in the entire month. Similarly, over the summer I tried booking anything on Oceania and for all of August, September, October and November there was only one balcony cabin available on one sailing. And it wasn't cheap.

So waiting until the last minute may mean not sailing at all.

BTW, your best bet for one-month-out bargains is in October, November, February and March because school is in session so families aren't cruising. (In economics terms, demand is lower than usual during those months, while supply is constant, so prices drop.)

You can check out other factors that affect the price, check out this article: http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/ch...

Good luck to you!

Time travler

Like the tinkertoy says, the earlier, the better, with that said, I have seen some incredible deals on last minute cruises, like 1 month in advance. Check vacations to go.com. They have great last minute deals. I have also been on both the western Caribbean and the eastern Caribbean. Loved both and really don't have a preference. I do know that the Caribbean is the number one place to cruise to for the world. Ether choice you make will be the right choice. I have been on 8 cruises with Princess, and loved them all.

TERRYTOONS

Cruise prices follow the law of supply and demand. If there are plenty of cabins available you could probably get a discounted cabin. If it is a popular time of year and there are few cabins available the prices will increase as it gets closer to sailing time. Autumn is a good time to cruise price wise. Be beware the hurricanes!

mscrafty@sbcglobal.net

Usually is you book at the last minute you can get some good deals BUT you have to take what is available. You have to be able to leave in 3 or 4 days I believe

TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

You will always get the best price on a cruise by booking very early and that means 9 months to a year or more early. You can also get good prices by visiting the cruise line web sites and looking for specials and deals. All of the cruise lines have their specials or discounted cruises listed right on their home page.

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