What you need to know about cruising . . .

Today, the cruise lines are trying fill the ships with better early booking discounts like Royal Caribbean's Breakthrough Rates and Carnival's SuperSavers. They can now tell about three months prior to sailing if a sailing needs help. If they do, they'll institute Past Passenger Discounts First, Senior Rates second, Regional Promotions Third, and then drop the rates if necessary. Either way, if you book early and the price comes down after putting down your deposit, the cruise line will often lower your rate to the new promotion. You're always better off booking early.

Is it better to book my cruise early or wait for a last minute discount? It depends on your level of flexibility, but overall, it is better to book early. The cruise lines will often lower your rate if a better promotion comes along after your book your trip. Some guidelines are listed below for when should consider booking, but again what they really come down to is flexibility.

Book early(at least 6 - 8 months in advance) if:

It's an inaugural cruise
You want specific cabin, i.e.
· suites or mini-suites
· location (port, starboard, middle of the ship, bedding, etc.)
· handicapped
It is a unique itinerary (holiday, infrequent)
You're not flexible with dates (honeymoon, vacation, etc.)
You need a cabin for 3 or 4 people
You need multiple cabins (family, group, etc.)
You are particular about seating at dinner (especially if you want late seating)
You plan to use frequent flyer tickets to get to the port (especially foreign cruises)

Book late if:

You have lots of flexibility (itinerary, dates), especially if only two people are cruising
You don't care about the location of your and you will take an inside cabin
You can drive to the port (and none of the other guidelines apply)
You feel it isn't any fun unless you have lots of pressure :-)
Some cruise lines will now guarantee dinner seating and take a lower deposit when you book early (this may only be for repeat passengers).

Most people book 8 months to as much as 18 months in advance. You can always cancel, but of course you have to outlay the money for the deposit. Refunds on deposits are slow, however, and may take up to two months.

In the Caribbean at this time, where they have obviously built too many ships (especially in the winter when the ships are not in Alaska/Europe), some of these rules may not apply. Anyway, they are only guidelines.

Can I book on short notice? Even the most popular cruises sometimes have space available because of late cancellations. So, check with us for periodic updates. But, to get exactly the ship, cabin, and sailing date you want, you should plan and book early. Most cruise lines also offer early booking discounts for customers who plan ahead. Then, just sit back and anticipate all the fun you're going to have!
Remember, you'll typically get the best deals in the off season and if you book early or at the last minute. Since most people book a cruise within 6 months of departure, you'll find booking closer to a year in advance will get you a good price. And if you are able to sail within 60 days of the departure date, you can find fantastic last minute specials.

How do I pay for my cruise? What are the deposit and final payment requirements? Always, always, always use a credit card to book your trip. . They're convenient, they are safe, and you get extra protection for your holiday from your credit card company. In certain case, you may work out an alternate payment method with our agents.

If you are booking your cruise early (outside of four months prior to travel) the cruise line typically requires a deposit ranging from $100 per person for a 3 or 4 night cruise, $200 - $250 per person for a 7 night cruise, and $300 or more for longer cruises. Your cruise must be paid in full at least 65 days prior to travel for most cruise lines (some require final payment even sooner). We will discuss payment terms with regards to your particular cruise.

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Payment and deposit
Your agent will present to you the options for payment, and credit card payment is strongly recommended. A deposit is almost always due within seven days of placing your reservation. If the deposit is not received by that time, the cruise line will release the room or suite for resale. Your agent will discuss with you the amount of the deposit and the due date for final payment.

If you are looking for the very, least expensive time to take a cruise, then consider sailing between the end of August and the sailing before Christmas, but not over Christmas or Thanksgiving. Most families have children that are back to school, folks begin saving vacation time for holiday travel, and everyone's saving money for the holiday season. Considering all of these factors, expect to cruise prices that are better than 2-for-1 with reduced rates for 3rd and 4th passengers. A 7 night cruise that normally sells for $899 per person in the summer could be $499 pp during this period with the 3rd and 4th sailing for $99. That's a potential average of $300 pp for a one week cruise.

If you're looking for a senior citizen rate, a regional promotion, a past passenger promotion, or a last minute deal, you'll likely find it during this period. Not the Winter, Spring, or Summer.