Question by Sock Monkey: Are last-minute cruise deals really worth it?
I heard that sometimes stalling for time and booking a cruise a few weeks prior to the trip can save you a lot of money. But would I save as much if I booked 3 to 2 months in advance?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of waiting until the last minute? I’m guessing one of the negatives is that you’ll be stuck with a left over room in a crummy location of the ship.

If there are any specific answers/experiences related to a Eastern Caribbean cruise that my friend and I are planning on taking this December (from Florida, most likely Ft. Lauderdale/Miami, or Cape Canaveral), I’d love to hear from you. Also, we might be on either the Carnival or Holland America.

Thanks a lot!
P.S.- Do shore-excursion prices get more expensive if you wait? Or are they pretty much consistent–as in you could either book them along with your cruise ticket, or you could wait until the trip starts?

Best answer:

Answer by mssharon
Cruisers have debated for years about the best time to book cruise vacations. Is it better to book early to get first choice of cabins and lock in a low rate, or should you wait until the last-minute to grab a deal?

As it turns out, there are benefits to both booking a cruise well in advance and waiting until the last minute. Cruise rates fluctuate and are often hard to predict. Some times the best deals can be had as long as 12-18 months in advance, and other times prices are slashed during the last 3-6 weeks before sailing. So this shouldn’t dictate when you decide to book.

You should book your cruise early-ideally, as soon as the itinerary you want is announced–if you need something specific that’s in limited supply.

For example, you should book early if you need to cruise on very specific dates like a particular holidays or school breaks, or if you need availability for a group of travelers for a wedding, family reunion, or corporate meeting.

You should also book early if you’re worried about getting flights. Flights using frequent flyer miles, for example, often need to be booked well in advance.

Certain specific cabins or cabin types tend to sell. High-end suites, adjoining cabins or cabins that accommodate three or more guests or handicapped cabins may not be available closer to sailing, so it makes sense to grab these right away.

You should also consider booking early if you want an unusual itinerary. This would include sailing on a ship’s inaugural cruise or cruises to with only a few sail dates–such as cruises to Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands or world cruises.

In these cases, you’ll want to take advantage of special early booking savings. Note that if you can book early can still cancel or change their plans within a certain timeframe and receive a full refund.

On the other hand, there are some reasons to book last-minute, by which I mean about three to six weeks in advance of the sailing.

For example, you should look for last-minute deals if your circumstances allow you to take off on short notice. It also helps if airfare isn’t a factor because you can easily drive or take a short commuter flight to the departure port. Booking late, you’ll need to be flexible about your cabin type and formal dining times, but you can often find some great last-minute deals.

Finally, I know that we all want to save money. But don’t put saving the last dime ahead of getting the cruise vacation that’s right for you.

http://www.cruisecompete.com/video_book_your_cruise_early_or_book_it_late.php

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

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  4. Q&A: Does anyone have any information about finding a cheap cruise?

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Filed under: December Cruise Deals

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