cruises in 2012

DebbieandJerry · January 23, 2009

Our first Hawaii cruise was fly to Honolulu and cruise around the islands. This time, we're flying to San Diego, 4 days to get there, cruise around for 5 days and 5 days to sail back. We love the at sea days which is why we booked this.

We booked this at least 12 months in advance. We locked in a gonga deal and kept watching to see if the fare went down. Up until today, it has gone up almost double (per person). We also locked in our airfare as soon as we could (boy are we glad we did that). Today, the cruise fare is $200 per person cheaper, but the airfare is more than double per person what we paid.

The TA told us that as long as we hadn't made final payment and we saw the cruise cheaper, we could always call and ask for the price differential.

When we booked ours so far out, I asked the TA to "charge" $500 a month on the credit card. Each month I was charged and each month I paid it off in full. So my entire cruise was paid for well in advance of the final payment date. That payment plan really worked well for me. No service change, no interest. Because you can book even further in advance, you could structure your payments accordingly.

So I say, go for it.

JoeyandDavid · January 23, 2009

they have a hell of a deal right now for california single supplement i almosty booked it leaves the end of february on the mercury..

15 nts rt from san diego.. 3700 concierge class with veranda on sky deck

Shari2 · January 24, 2009

Falina...one thing to think about is if you have never been to Hawaii before "the fly one-way and cruise back" will give you more time on the island if you go two days early. You will have more time to do some of the longer tour things like the Polynesian Cultural Center and a nice luau. Our first time to Hawaii we flew in to Oahu two days early and stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and then we cruised on the "Constitution" for seven days to Maui, Kauii, Hilo, and Kona with an overnight stay in Maui which gave us time for a wonderful luau.

We stayed two days in Oahu before we flew back also, but weren't able to use this time as we both got a bad respiratory flu. This extra time before, though, gave us time to take a tour to the Northern side of Oahu and spend the whole day and evening at the Polynesian Cultural Center which is great. The evening show there is a fantastic show. Or at least it was back then.

Our second cruise to Hawaii was in 2004, and we sailed from San Diego round-trip. We loved that, also, but, you don't have as much time in the ports that way. Great cruise, though. I have a review from my trip to Hawaii in the review section...it was on the Infinity. Both of these trips at that time were pretty expensive, but well worth it. I looove Hawaii, and would love to go back, except that I really want to see the Mediterranean now since I have never been...so hoping to do that if our finances and health allows. Hope you find the perfect cruise. My trips were a few years back, but if I can help with any questions I will be glad to.

cruisingcats · January 24, 2009

Thanks Shari. I will keep you mind. Just in the planning stages right now. Can't do anything until after Krista's wedding and reception is over. There is so much to consider.

cruisingcats · January 30, 2009

I am still looking into the cruise for Hawaii. Leaning towards a 12 day cruise from Vancouver, BC to Hawaii and then fly back. Carnival has one that leaves in Sept. and we can add on a extra day to stay and tour the city before flying back home. This will be a trip like no other. I have been reading reviews and the like to get an idea what to except. So far it all sounds pretty good.

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

JoeyandDavid · January 30, 2009

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!!!

DebbieandJerry · January 30, 2009

Our first cruise to Hawaii (December 7, 2005) included airfare AND three nights in Oahu after the cruise. (NCL 10 day cruise with 3 day add on) We could have done our own air and not taken the nights, but it was too good of a deal to pass up. Because of all of the time differences, you pretty much fly all day to get there and all night to get back to California, so the added time in Oahu was very much appreciated.

When we were at Maui, we ran into a bunch of cruisers who sailed from California on Royal. When we were researching this cruise, we noticed that Princess also sails from Ca to Hawaii.

A few years back a friend of ours did the 7-day NCL on Pride of America where she flew to Oahu, cruised Hawaii and flew back.

Don't know anything about a repositioning cruise (Vancouver to Hawaii). One would think that it would be cheaper.

So for 2009 there are plenty of options. Not sure what the 2010 or 2011 options will be. I'll be sure to ask at the Purser's desk when we are on our vessel in March. I know that Celebrity Mercury won't be sailing to Hawaii pretty much after our cruise, but Celebrity might have other vessels in mind.

cruisingcats · January 31, 2009

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!!!

Come on along but remember it won't be until 2012. Can you wait that long?

cruisingcats · January 31, 2009

Our first cruise to Hawaii (December 7, 2005) included airfare AND three nights in Oahu after the cruise. (NCL 10 day cruise with 3 day add on) We could have done our own air and not taken the nights, but it was too good of a deal to pass up. Because of all of the time differences, you pretty much fly all day to get there and all night to get back to California, so the added time in Oahu was very much appreciated.
When we were at Maui, we ran into a bunch of cruisers who sailed from California on Royal. When we were researching this cruise, we noticed that Princess also sails from Ca to Hawaii.

A few years back a friend of ours did the 7-day NCL on Pride of America where she flew to Oahu, cruised Hawaii and flew back.

Don't know anything about a repositioning cruise (Vancouver to Hawaii). One would think that it would be cheaper.

So for 2009 there are plenty of options. Not sure what the 2010 or 2011 options will be. I'll be sure to ask at the Purser's desk when we are on our vessel in March. I know that Celebrity Mercury won't be sailing to Hawaii pretty much after our cruise, but Celebrity might have other vessels in mind.

Thanks Debbie for the information. I really appreciate it. Let me know what you find out.

JoeyandDavid · February 9, 2009

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!!!

Come on along but remember it won't be until 2012. Can you wait that long?

i will wait until i can wait no longer.... then i will quit waiting..... :tongue: