Last minute bookings?

[Mom2B&Z]

I know recently there have been big changes in last minute bookings and a relative lack of last minute deals.

Background: DH and I normally plan our trips over 9 months in advance, but we are toying with the idea of a last minute March break trip. We would want to leave from New York (driving distance from home) and be gone March 12-19-ish. Breakaway and Gem both have availability, but Breakaway is still very expensive compared to what's being offered on the Gem. We are looking for at least a mini suite, but would prefer a penthouse or two bedroom family suite.

I know previously that 55 days before sailing was considered the magic time to book, but what about now? I'm not against waiting to see what's available the week before, and going with whatever option works best:cruise, AI land or a ski trip :) There are a plethora of deals out there now for Canadians given the exchange rate and cost of groceries and electricity, but I don't know how this is affecting the high-Canadian cruise times.

TIA for any thoughts and experiences.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[triptolemus]

Remember, that with NCL, you do not get to take advantage of any promotions when you book less than 30 days prior to sailing!

 

If those perks are important to you, better factor this in to your decision.

[MsTabbyKats]

Remember, that with NCL, you do not get to take advantage of any promotions when you book less than 30 days prior to sailing!

 

If those perks are important to you, better factor this in to your decision.

D

You do on the BA. I just booked OV guarantee today for 2/28....and I got to pick 2 promotions as well as $100 in casino credit.

[triptolemus]

D

You do on the BA. I just booked OV guarantee today for 2/28....and I got to pick 2 promotions as well as $100 in casino credit.

 

That's fantastic!

 

Not supposed to though:

 

 

Booking Window: 2/13/2016 - 2/29/2016 11:59 pm EST

Applicable Sailings: 5+ day sailings booked greater than 30 days prior to sailing*

Not valid 30 days or less from sailing.

 

https://www.ncl.com/termsandconditions/choicefeb2016?hide_hf=true

[helen haywood]

Read the terms and conditions. It clearly says Breakaway, Getaway and Escape can be booked under the 30 day window.

[triptolemus]

Read the terms and conditions. It clearly says Breakaway, Getaway and Escape can be booked under the 30 day window.

 

Thank you, I stand corrected.

[Markanddonna]

We booked three weeks out on the Jan 31 Getaway and did NOT get any of the promotions. Then, they had the casino + promotions, but that ended yesterday. The price went down $100 from our price within two days. They supposedly had a kids or 3/4 passengers sail free as there were LOTS of kids onboard sending the passenger total to over 4.600.

[zqvol]

I know recently there have been big changes in last minute bookings and a relative lack of last minute deals.

Background: DH and I normally plan our trips over 9 months in advance' date=' but we are toying with the idea of a last minute March break trip. We would want to leave from New York (driving distance from home) and be gone March 12-19-ish. Breakaway and Gem both have availability, but Breakaway is still very expensive compared to what's being offered on the Gem. We are looking for at least a mini suite, but would prefer a penthouse or two bedroom family suite.

I know previously that 55 days before sailing was considered the magic time to book, but what about now? I'm not against waiting to see what's available the week before, and going with whatever option works best:cruise, AI land or a ski trip :) There are a plethora of deals out there now for Canadians given the exchange rate and cost of groceries and electricity, but I don't know how this is affecting the high-Canadian cruise times.

TIA for any thoughts and experiences.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk[/quote']

 

 

My only comment is that the week you are looking at is prime spring break time for US colleges and universities. I would expect the ships to both fill up, and personally would not wait any longer to book if I had to go that week.

[HighVoltage#9]

Remember, that with NCL, you do not get to take advantage of any promotions when you book less than 30 days prior to sailing!

 

If those perks are important to you, better factor this in to your decision.

 

We booked 9 days out on the Dawn in July and got the UBP.