Is better to book a crruise ship ASAP or wait until the last day?

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TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

I have cruised about 8 Norwegian cruises, including their Mexico itinerary and I can tell you from experience that the price will go up as the cruise date approaches. Its always better to book early and you will usually always get the best price for early bookings a year or more in advance.

In addition, cruises do sell out and the "last minute" cruise is now usually within a month or so of the cruise date and definitely not a few days before it. And at that time you are likely to get the worse cabins on the ship or they may have a penthouse or owner suite available at a cost of, lets say, about $5,000 per person.

Pat B

It is always better to book anything ASAP. Whether its hotels, planes, buses, ect. The business cuts rates earlier because they can count your ticket as money in pocket.

John P

You either book really early and take advantage of the early booking bonus, or you book last minute when prices are usually the lowest.

Kenito

Look around for some affinity groups that have cruises scheduled... like AARP, Auto Club, etc. There are groups from families, companies, to sewing circles... the trick is to find them.

Group rates are going to be cheaper, and they are always arranged well in advance. So start trying to find a group, and (if you are a single cruiser) look for someone who is sailing as a single. You can contact that person and find out if you are compatible with them and that kind of group. If not a single, still try to find a group you can tag along with.

Also, check some cruise specific websites: cruisemates.com and cruisecritic,com They have a lot of boards where you can look for postings to help you find what you want.

stan j

Prices do go down as the date approaches. However your options do diminish. Try vacationstogo.com they should have a good deal. Ask them if they will give you a rebate if the price goes down . I don't know that they will but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Angela G

Personally I would wait until 90 days out and then check out vacationtogo.com. I have bought 8 cruises through them and saved over 75% on each one! I wouldn't wait until the last minute, but I wouldn't book too early. Also NCL does deals through emails, so sign up for their mailer and if you see a deal that makes it closer to your prce range then you could go for it if you don't want to wait too long.

ktrips83

Most likely the price will go up.

Book ASAP! when are you planning to go?

is anyone 55+ or in the military? what state do you live in?

Mrs. W

I think sometimes the prices do go down toward the last days to book the trip because they want to fill up the ship and lowering the price may pull in those who thought is was too expensive before. The only thing about waiting though, is that you might have to settle for a cabin located in some crappy part of the ship (as opposed to an ocean view for example). But if that's not an issue for you, then sure, wait it out!

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