Booking Last Minute?

[AF2010]

Hello all!

 

I know I've read this thread before but maybe I just don't know how to use the search. lol What are the advantages to booking last minute? I'm not to picky about cabin choices or location on the ship. It is better do you guys think earlier or later to book? Thanks for any help.

 

-aimee-

[gail-s]

Sometimes booking very last minute you can get better deals as the cruiseline is trying to fill up rooms. Like you said, you'll be limited on the choices of rooms. Also, you won't be able to arrange things like Airport Transfers or Airfare through the cruiseline, but, that's not a huge deal. We booked last minute and then I booked our flight myself. When we got to Ft.Lauderdale we met the NCL employee who was shuttling people to the port and we were able to get a transfer with them. If you're picky about wanting a specific type or specific room then you're better off booking in advance.

[Carnac767]

It's a crap shoot. If it's a cruise with lots of unsold cabins, you might be able to get a good deal. If it's a popular cruise, you might get shut out completely. We book early to get the cabin we want, plus some cruises take a lot of advance planning, particularly if overseas flights are involved. If you happen to live near one of the cruise ports (i.e. NYC, Miami, Orlando, Seattle, etc), you can be a lot more flexible and spontaneous. Even if you book early, you can still keep checking and take advantage of sales that take place, right up until you make final payment. So you can book early, get the cabin you want, and still get your intial fare reduced. I check about once a week. Lots of folks on this board check every day to find deals.

[Dayenu]

Do you live close to the port, or will you fly? The airline prices go up closer to the flight date.

[Hikini]

One year we tried to add another room one month in advance and were put on a waiting list. Nothing came up.

 

Another year we called to see if we could add another room just 6 days before sailing and we got it!

 

So, you never know.

 

Good luck and happy sailing!

[Budget Queen]

I have late booked many times. The deals can be fantastic. :)

 

What is a good plan- block a couple weeks of space, have all the cruises going in that timeframe on a list. Compare prices, and itineraries, rank them. When a price dump happens, be prepared to book and pay that same day.

 

With any late booking you also must be fully accepting, of NOT going. :)