Booking a Cruise

[Taichi]

:undecided: Are there any advantages to booking a cruise ahead.

I have my son's wedding coming up, but next year we all want to go on a cruise together. Right now I don't have the cash to pay now and then in 90 days. What are my options?

[JoeyandDavid]

Hi Taichi.

Yes there are many advantages to booking early... One it allows you to spread your payments over longer periods of time, There are some TA's that will let you make monthly payments towards your deposit also.

We currently have 3 cruises booked, and none for this year, But a cruise or vacation is like any other purchase, you have to do your homework, and ask ask ask ,there are no silly questions only silly mistakes because you didn’t ask! the other thing good about booking early ..sometimes you get better fares.

Hope this helped!

Look forward to hearing you input on a variety of topics and welcome to Cruise Crazies

as Always

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[JohnG]

I'm not sure what your reference to 90 days was. If, for instance you book a cruise for next year, you put the required deposit down now and pay nothing until 60-70 days prior to sailing. Book now for next July and you don't have the final payment due till May of next year. Or, as said above, you can make partial payments if you wish.

The biggest advantage of booking early is that the best selection of cabins and price is available now. Since ships are sailing full there are seldom any last minute bargains like in years past. In fact, ships are sailing at fares 10% higher than last year for the same cruise. And Europe cruise prices this summer are approaching full brochure fare as the ships are all sailing full.

[Lisa63]

We're about to book a cruise that is 14 months away. We are doing it so early as it is a popular route, we need a cabin for three, and the prices are very reasonable now.

Another advantage in your case, as you are traveling with a group of family members, is that you'll have a better chance of getting cabins that are near each other.

As JohnG said, all you'll need to pay now is the deposit. The final payment comes anywhere from 60 to 90 days prior to the cruise itself. Another cost you might have to consider now is cruise cancellation and interruption insurance, if you need to get the pre-existing condition waiver.

Congratulations on your son's upcoming wedding!

[schatje]

One advantage of booking early has shown itself with our cruise for Dec 3 this year. Our cruise has an extensive itinerary and is almost sold out or is sold out as I post this. If you see something that you really like then book it, pay the deposit and remember that you always have the option of canceling before your last payment if something should come up.