Better to book a cruise early or late?

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Tom

Recent upward trends in the price of oil are probably going to continue.They have already spread to the price of food. For the cruise lines, that means profits are going to be squeezed. They'll have to choose between raising fares, adding more surcharges, or reducing service.

If you book directly with the cruise line, most will give you the benefit of price reductions if you contact them prior to final payment date. Note that some TAs pocket this money as part of their terms and conditions. Many other TAs are less than enthusiastic about going after it for you because it reduces what they get paid.

If you wait to book at the last minute, you should be prepared to stay home if a deal doesn't materialize.

Early December is traditionally soft, meaning you are more likely to find last minute deals. An exception to this is Christmas week which is the highest period of the entire year.

I prefer guarantees because many lines will upgrade you significantly, particularly when you book well in advance. Some of the cheaper categories may not offer room selection. An exception to this is Princess who encourages you to choose the room but will move you to a better category unless you specifically tell them otherwise.

mzoppo

Book early there is a Agency that checks for rates all the time, go to http://www.vacationsnbeyond.com and ask for a quote, there the best.

Johan from Sweden

Book early. Prices are always lower then and most of the times cruises will be sold out later on. So book now and save your money. I cant tell weather or not its better to choice a fixed category or not. Its depends highly on what cl you choice and their rules. I think the most bennefits from a category is if youre traveling alone and dont want to pay for two. But read the rules and check with cls and booking agents. Johan.

Tivogal

its a toss up to me.
sometimes i have bought early and then the price goes down before sailing.
and sometimes i have bought 3 weeks before the cruise and the price is lower
go to cruise critic.com and frommers.com for more info on cruising.

cruise junkie

I always book with a guarantee cabin , and early . carnival is realy good about giving a upgrade if you book early.

rick d

By booking early you are guaranteed to get the room of your choice & most important you will not let the ship sail with out you. Booking late you may end up with a room you do not want or find out it is SOLD OUT.
Enjoy.

Zef H

Booking early has two benefits:

1) You get your choice of cabins.

2) If the price goes down, you can ask to be rebooked at the new lower price. Make sure your agent does not charge for this service (many don't - some do). If the price goes up, you get to keep the old lower price. If the price goes up and you did not book early, you cannot ask for the old lower price.

The chances of getting a good price close to the sail date depends on how well the cruise is selling. If the cruise is selling well, the prices will be higher. If the cruise is not selling well, the price will be lower. However, you can run into a situation where the cruise is selling so well that it is sold out.

Book a guarantee cabin if you don't care what cabin you will get. In return for a slightly lower fare (and a small chance of an upgrade) you will end up with a cabin nobody else wanted. If there is a particular cabin you want, then book that cabin.

If you book an inside guarantee, if you get an upgrade, most likely it will be to another inside cabin on a higher deck. Do not book an inside guarantee in hopes that you will be upgraded to an ocean view cabin. If you want an ocean view cabin, book an ocean view guarantee.

RedSoxfan1982

Early. My bestfriend booked hers early and she got money back because of it.

Erin M

Definatly book early. You can still get good deals without all the stress of trying to do everything last minute. That way you can get everything exactly how you planned it. Good luck!

fallingstar

definitely book early so you can guarantee you'll be going. like previous posters stated..some cruise lines might upgrade you for booking early..plus you're more likely to get the room you want

devils here

its always better to book early as u get early bird discount and some time u can choose the room that u want and the room of higher categore in the same class is available they will upgrade u in that.

happy sailing all the best god bless.

Time travler

The earlier you book the better the choices for the cabin you want. Booking late usually gets you the leftovers. Now the prices may be great on late bookings, but you have to be flexible enough to take what ever you get. I, myself may be booking a last minute cruise for the fall and doing it this July, so I know I take whatever I can get.

guineapiglove10

I most defanetly think you should book early. all the great rooms will be avalabul now. Also you should book royal carribian the are great for the whole family and so afordabul good luck with everything

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