How many months in advance should I book a cruise sometime in June 2007?

Question

I want to book a cruise for my hubby and I sometime in June 2007. How far in advance should I book it? Is it best to book on my own or go thru a travel agent? Thanks!

Answer 1

I have been on many cruises and I find that its best to book early as long as you know exactly when you want to go and where AND there's no chance that you will change the date, i.e., if its for a birthday or anniversary.

Some cruises do sell out early or the best priced cabins are sold early. For example, the first couple cruises of the season to Alaska may sell out because they will be $100 to $200 less than mid-season.

I suggest that you spend some time doing some online research by simply visiting the cruise line webs sites and looking at what cruises are offered when. ..... Sites are listed below. ...... Look at deck plans and cabins, port stops and tours, and departure dates.

Most cruise lines have cruises listed for this year and next. Once you have an idea what YOU want then decide whether you want to do it online or use an agent. I have booked several cruises online and its pretty easy. You can even make periodic payments right online.

Its also a good idea to purchase travel insurance, especially if you book early, as it will cover you if you get sick and can't go, and also cover a host of other things, like change of plans because of a hurricane. You can shop travel sites for insurance also.

Some other tips:
The shorter cruises are 4 or 5 days, and the normal ones are either 7 to 14 days or more. If you are not sure whether you will like cruising, go on a short one first.

To save some money, consider driving to the port; Miami, Ft Lauderdale, N.O., Houston, LA, NJ. Most ports have plentiful and safe parking (I have driven many times to Miami and Ft Lauderdale) at both places parking costs about $12 a day. Driving can save money over the cruise line "add-in" for airfare. We generally drive most of the way on one day from NC and stop about an hour or two from the port for the night. Then we continue the short trip the next day to the port. Most ships start boarding between noon and 1:00 PM. If you are a cruise club member you generally get to go on first, or early.

Join the cruise club so that the cruise line will send you their specials and so that you can get discounts on future cruises with them. The discount will typically be $50 to $100 per person. If you will be celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday during the cruise, be sure to tell them, they will do special stuff for that.

Most 7-day cruises have two formal nights when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken, and maybe meet the ship’s Captain. Cruise lines charge a lot for the photos they take so take your own photos around the ship when you get the chance, especially on the formal nights. Ask other passengers to take photos for you, they generally are very willing.

Review the listing of tours offered on your cruise and decide whether you want to pay for a tour or go on your own. On most Caribbean islands you can get a taxi or tour in port for much less than the cruise ship tours. HOWEVER, the one big advantage of going on ship sponsored tours is THE SHIP WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU if your ship sponsored tour is late getting back to the ship. If you will be in a port for 12 to 16 hours you are probably safe to go on your own for most anything. But if you are only there for six to eight hours you may want to stay close to the ship or go on the ship tours.

Stay away from Disney and Carnival cruises unless you want a lot of kids running around ship, or a lot of young party animal (20 to 35 age group) on ship.

Answer 2

Booking on your own is fine. Just use a TA if you have alot of questions. As far as june cruises go, it really depends on whether or not you have your heart set on a specific date / cabin class etc. Since school is usually out during june, the ships can sell out a bit quicker however even up till the last minute you can pretty much find a cabin on most ships. You just may not end up with your first choice. Balconies and suites can sell out up to a year in advance for a summer cruise. If you are ok with an inside or outside you should be ok up till a few months before. Also, if you do book with a TA, make sure they will honor price drops. If the cruise isn't selling well, the cruisline will drop the price. Most TAs will honor the price drop and give you a refund or onboard credit for the price change, however there are some that won't. I book anwhere from 3-9 months out. Check out cruiscritic.com

Answer 3

First 2 answer are for most part right on.
But I see nothing wrong with booking directly with the cruise line.
I cruise 4 to 5 times a year. Use different Lines.
And find I can book direct with line and get everything I ever hope or ask for.
If you fly alot. A number of airlines have their own cruise departments, since the cruise lines use airlines to get you there if you book with them.
And often booking with airline or direct with cruise line well ave you money.
Some cruise lines no longer accept booking from any one but direct to them.
I am all for the Travel Agent have been one for 32 years, but if a person can save money get same or better deal. Go FOR IT.

Also by booking direct you are much more likely to get upgrades as they move people up

Just remember if you book direct you do away with the middle man. Cruise line is your only concern and they yours. Do not need to waite for some one else if a problem should arise.

Answer 4

Well, the stock answer is, the earlier the better in regards to the cheaper fares earlier out..., however, your schedule and the firmness of your dates are the big factor. Make sure you can go on the dates you eventually book! While it is true the cruise lines will bend over backwards, lol, to help you re-book a cruise if your original dates falls through, it is always best to not book it until you are sure of your availability dates. THE SAFEST BET IS TO ALWAYS BOOK THROUGH AAA OR A TRAVEL AGENT, IF POSSIBLE. They will become your advocate if any dates slip, or anything else goes wrong. And believe it or not they DO have pull. So use them if they are available to you. Good-luck and enjoy your eventual cruise.

Ben

Answer 5

Depends on what you are looking for. Europe, Alaska, and Canada/New England? Book NOW! Caribbean and MX you book about 6 months out.

You can book directly or with a TA. It's more a personal preference. You won't get a better deal either way.

Answer 6

reaserch by yourself and then book it with a travle agent. book it about two to three months in advanced but wait till you get a really good price. reaserch at cruisesonly.com

Answer 7

Earlier the better sometimes they have early booking promotions http://rhoda.joystar.com/Cruise.aspx?AgentID=10008199