booking early first time cruise

[mlzangel78]

I wanted to tell people that there is a common misconception about booking early. I did not book my December 7th cruise on the grand for 2003, until Sept 2003, i got a great deal on a BB cat or caribe deck. Not only was it less than princess list price, the port charges, govt fees, and tax were included, it also included $100 ship board credit, oh and the cabin that princes was offering was a lower cat than what i booked online for less money. I did my research though, I read all the message boards and reviews, for months, and looked at the sites that people had already used. I can not say enough good things about kimskruises.com

My friend who is traveling with her husband, had gone to AAA the day before, they gave her a rate 200.00 over what i got, no credit, lower category, and told her that princess only had 2 rooms left next to eachother with balconies. obviously this was not true. Wether you use kimscruises or not,i found the best bet is to look carefully at all the sites. Also i have found expedia and travelocity to be exactly the same price as princess direct, if not more. Not only did i not book early there are still plenty of cabins with balconies left on the boat. I would not personally felt comfortable with waiting any longer than i did, but for those first time cruisers thinking you have to book a year in advance, not only could you spend more money, but the wait and anticipation is enough to kill you.

Send me back any comments or suggestions, as i am a first time cruiser, and do not have much else to go on, except this first expirience



Post Edited (09-13-03 16:57)

 

[BurBunny]

Thank you for sharing your experience! Many times, strategy for purchasing early has to do with time of year you're sailing, too. A June/July sailing to Alaska if you're wanting prime balconies will sell out much more quickly than an early December Caribbean sailing. March in the Caribbean can sometimes need earlier booking than mid-September in Europe.

Glad it's worked out so well for you. Good job on your research!

 

[triathlete]

Glad you got a great deal!

Booking in September for December can be a great strategy, as prices often drop right after final payments are due (i.e., about 90 days out). People holding cabins turn them in and get their deposits back.

You also illustrate the cardinal rule--shop around! Prices vary a ton agency to agency--especially when you compare online cruise-only agencies to traditional, brick & mortar agencies...

Cheers!

 

[Lady Jag]

You can always book early and then when the price drops, ask your agent for the new price. People do it all the time. That way, you get the cabin you want and don't have to worry about what cabins are left.

AAA usually has very high prices, IMO. I've only heard of 1 AAA agent that will reduce prices when the cruise line does and I don't think she does it for everyone. Just those clients that she knows well. If you book with AAA, you're most likely going to pay a lot more than most online agencies.

It really pays to do the research AND monitor the prices.