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We are thinking of taking a cruise, departing from Florida. Is it better to book well in advance or will I get much cheaper deals if I leave it to the last minute? Where is the best place to look for good deals.
Regards
Janet
We are thinking of taking a cruise, departing from Florida. Is it better to book well in advance or will I get much cheaper deals if I leave it to the last minute? Where is the best place to look for good deals.
Regards
Janet
Janet, go to Cruise Critic Message Boards and use the boards there to ask this question. I have found the prices don't really get better the closer to the date but have heard that you might be able to get a better deal at the dock on the day of sailing, but who wants to wait until then? By the way, my wife and I have been on two Caribbean cruises in the last two years and absolutely love cruising. We will certainly be taking at least one a year from now on.
One of the things I've learned,and been successful at, is making a reservation early, for the cheapest room. If you request an upgrade, as the ship fills up, you have a good shot at being bumped up one or two cabin grades. They are more able to sell the cheaper cabin, than they can the more expensive one.
It's one way to get more for less.
But if you sign up for last minute deals with a cruise line (they'll email you with the offer) - they can be astoundingly cheap. If you can go at about a week's notice.
If you want a specific cabin, then you need to book as early as possible--the "good" ones go fast! If you just want to be on the ship, anywhere, then booking last minute may work just fine.
Nowadays, it's almost impossible to go "last minute"---they need about 48 hours to confirm your identity and such. Walking up to the ship on the morning of sailing is a thing of the past!
With the exception of a few places, you'll need a Passport and/or a Visa nowadays. That takes time and money.
Right now is a good time to book cruises as the cruise industry is hurting for business with the economy the way it is. I get 4-5 e-mails everyday with super deals on cruises from several cruiselines. Last minute deals are no better than what they are offering now.
And a travel agent is the best all around prerson to deal with so you can get exactly what you want at those low priced deals. And they take all the hassles out it to ensure you an enjoyable trip.
This month, Feb, all the cruise lines are offering super low fare deals.
One of the things I've learned,and been successful at, is making a reservation early, for the cheapest room. If you request an upgrade, as the ship fills up, you have a good shot at being bumped up one or two cabin grades. They are more able to sell the cheaper cabin, than they can the more expensive one.
It's one way to get more for less.
But if you sign up for last minute deals with a cruise line (they'll email you with the offer) - they can be astoundingly cheap. If you can go at about a week's notice.
Great advice. I don't care what cabin I get, so I always sign up for the cheapest Inside or Ocean View room with a "Guarantee", as they call it, and have been upgraded at least 50% of the time.
Cruisecompete.com is a fantastic website to use, I have booked my last 3 or 4 cruises through this site.
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