Does NCL and Celebrity offer price drops?

I know that when booking a year out with Carnival, I'm pretty much guaranteed to get some good price drops before the final payment date, but how about with NCL or Celebrity? Do they also offer some drops along the way? Also, is it cheaper to book direct with cruise line or could I get the same deals through crucon? Looking to book for Feb 2018. Looking for an upbeat, fun line for a 50ish (but young 50ish) lol small group.

On NCL, you can take advantage of price drops before final payment, but the promos might be different.

On Celebrity the prices may fluctuate. It's based on supply and demand and no one can predict that. You alone have to watch the sailing and monitor prices. (There are websites that you can set up to do that for you.) As Blue Ribbon Cruiser mentioned, sometimes you might find a lower fare but the promotion you booked under might not apply. For example, I have a sailing on Celebrity Equinox in September. There is now a Senior Rate (anyone over 55) that would be $170 cheaper than my fare but with no perks. I would lose my beverage package, internet package, pre-paid gratuities and OBC. Not worth it!

All of the mass market cruise lines price their itineraries based on supply and demand. The prices on all will typically vary over time from when the itinerary is first offered and priced and up to final payment. They don't "offer price drops", they adjust pricing as indicated during that time frame based on supply and demand and how well they are - or are not selling - at any given time.

There is no guarantee or certainty of price decreases with any of them, but it is not uncommon that prices will decrease from time to time. They also can increase as well. But as long as it is prior to final payment, you can take advantage of favorable pricing changes simply by requesting it through the cruise line if you booked directly, or through our travel agent if you booked through one. We have done this numerous times on both RCI and Celebrity.

A word of caution however with using certain travel agents. There are those who will charge fees seperate from the cruise line for originating, modifying, or cancelling a booking made through them. IMO I would avoid using them as this is just an extra revenue stream out of your pocket for them, and there are many TA's that don't do this. Do you homework first and ask about their fee policies before you commit a booking through them.

Also worth noting, Carnival offers an Early Saver booking program that - from what I understand - offers reduced deposits and low price protection, but will charge a fee for changes to the itinerary and forfeiture of deposit if cancelled prior to final payment. Maybe others with direct knowledge and experience can confirm, but this is the only cruise line I am aware of that offers a booking program with these kinds of restrictions and penalties.

Good point about TA possibly charging to modify a price drop. Might be better just to stick with the cruise line direct and do my own booking.

Good point about TA possibly charging to modify a price drop. Might be better just to stick with the cruise line direct and do my own booking.

That of course is your choice, but not necessarily the best one, unless you prefer that. There are many TA's that do not assess separate fees and a cruise specialist TA can be an excellent resource for information and help with the cruise lines on handling your booking for you.

We have used the same TA for nearly 20 years and she provides excellent service for us in handling anything related to our bookings. She also is our advocate for any issues that could possibly arise with the reservation. We frequently modify our bookings (stateroom changes, passenger changes, itinerary date changes, etc.) and have cancelled a number outright over the years without incurring a penny of cost as she does not charge any separate, non cruise line assessed fees for that. She also monitors pricing for us and will apply any lower fares on our behalf.

Just a matter of personal preference.

That of course is your choice, but not necessarily the best one, unless you prefer that. There are many TA's that do not assess separate fees and a cruise specialist TA can be an excellent resource for information and help with the cruise lines on handling your booking for you. ...

I've been cruising 4 years now. I keep hearing about this mythological wonderful TA that gives great service. After suffering through 3 bad and 1 mediocre experience with online agencies, I checked every travel agency within 50 miles. No cruise specialists, nobody who did not charge a fee upfront to even begin the detailed discussion of itineraries etc. So my most recent 5 cruises and 5 of my upcoming 6 cruises are all booked directly via the cruise line. It may be wonderful if you have a longterm relationship with a good agent/agency in a large metro area, but the rest of us must cope with dealing with the companies directly. Which is not that difficult or costly.

I've been cruising 4 years now. I keep hearing about this mythological wonderful TA that gives great service. After suffering through 3 bad and 1 mediocre experience with online agencies, I checked every travel agency within 50 miles. No cruise specialists, nobody who did not charge a fee upfront to even begin the detailed discussion of itineraries etc. So my most recent 5 cruises and 5 of my upcoming 6 cruises are all booked directly via the cruise line. It may be wonderful if you have a longterm relationship with a good agent/agency in a large metro area, but the rest of us must cope with dealing with the companies directly. Which is not that difficult or costly.

Dealing directly with the cruise lines is not difficult or costly at all and our situation is just what works for us. I guess we are fortunate in the agency we have.

That of course is your choice, but not necessarily the best one, unless you prefer that. There are many TA's that do not assess separate fees and a cruise specialist TA can be an excellent resource for information and help with the cruise lines on handling your booking for you.

 

We have used the same TA for nearly 20 years and she provides excellent service for us in handling anything related to our bookings. She also is our advocate for any issues that could possibly arise with the reservation. We frequently modify our bookings (stateroom changes, passenger changes, itinerary date changes, etc.) and have cancelled a number outright over the years without incurring a penny of cost as she does not charge any separate, non cruise line assessed fees for that. She also monitors pricing for us and will apply any lower fares on our behalf.

 

Just a matter of personal preference.

Thanks Leaveitallbehind. We have found what we believe to be a great TA. Very informative and no fees to modify. Happy to say we're booking a Celebrity cruise. Pretty exciting. 🤗

Thanks Leaveitallbehind. We have found what we believe to be a great TA. Very informative and no fees to modify. Happy to say we're booking a Celebrity cruise. Pretty exciting.

Enjoy your cruise! We are booking more cruises with Celebrity after years with RCI. Same parent company, I realize, but we enjoy the overall product offered by Celebrity and look forward to more cruises with them.

I've been cruising 4 years now. I keep hearing about this mythological wonderful TA that gives great service. After suffering through 3 bad and 1 mediocre experience with online agencies, I checked every travel agency within 50 miles. No cruise specialists, nobody who did not charge a fee upfront to even begin the detailed discussion of itineraries etc. So my most recent 5 cruises and 5 of my upcoming 6 cruises are all booked directly via the cruise line. It may be wonderful if you have a longterm relationship with a good agent/agency in a large metro area, but the rest of us must cope with dealing with the companies directly. Which is not that difficult or costly.

If I were looking for a travel agent in a bricks and mortar shop within a 50 mile radius of my home I wouldn't be cruising. Look on the internet. There are lots of agencies that do not charge cancellation fees and give OBC or free grants, etc.

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I know that when booking a year out with Carnival, I'm pretty much guaranteed to get some good price drops before the final payment date, but how about with NCL or Celebrity? Do they also offer some drops along the way? Also, is it cheaper to book direct with cruise line or could I get the same deals through crucon? Looking to book for Feb 2018. Looking for an upbeat, fun line for a 50ish (but young 50ish) lol small group.

Welcome to CruiseCritic.

Since you are new here, you were probably not aware the it is against CruiseCritic rules to mention the name of a specific travel agent.

Enjoy your cruise!