Question by HMGator: Christmas in the Carribean: To book last minute or ahead of time?
My fiance and I will be married in October but only have time for a budget honeymoon in December after classes are over. We are considering booking a cruise or Caribbean vacation packages last minute in order to get a better deal. Would it be a mistake to try getting a last minute deal a few weeks before Christmas? Surely not everywhere is going to be full even at that time. Thank you in advance!

Best answer:

Answer by The Cruise Ladies
Most of the last minute deals on Christmas cruises are slim and far between. Most holiday sailing sell out early and rates increase rather than decrease. It is “supply and demand” If there are tons of cabins left, prices drop. If there are only a small amount-the price will go up.
I book my guests both ways and usually for a holiday sailing, booking early is best

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Question by funkymonkey627: A cheap cruise leaving from NY to Carribean?
Looking for a cruise this December for my girlfriend and I to the Carribean? Where can I find good deals and is it cheaper to leave out of NY or to fly into Miami and leave from there? Usually the ones that leave out of Miami are much nicer.

Best answer:

Answer by tom_price
If you want warm, I’d suggest a departure from south Florida or San Juan. Too many sea days from NYC to get to somewhere that’s warm AND you have to get back.

FLL is somewhat easier than MIA and some of the nicer trips leave from there. It’s also a nice place to extend a day or two pre- or post-cruise.

If you leave out of SJU, you’ll get even more days on the islands since everything is so close by. Some of the trips visit places you would have to do a 10 day or longer trip to see if you departed from the states.

With oil prices up, air fares are too. But, I’ve seen fairly decent prices to MIA/FLL and SJU. Check the cruise line plane reservations but you can almost always do better on your own. Don’t overlook airlines like Jet Blue that only book on their own web site.

Lots of web sites book discount travel. I’ve used Cruise Value a number of times but be advised that they 1) charge for cancellations and 2) do not give you the benefit if the price goes down after booking. They’re often cheapest and sometimes offer perks like free travel insurance or pre-paid gratuities. But, know what you want and research the prices ahead of time.

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