mum and son Posted October 29, 2023 #1 Share Posted October 29, 2023 (edited) Hi all, I'm a bit rusty when it comes to booking cruises from international ports and am not sure if pricing will drop last minute, or whether I'm already last minute. I'm looking for a cruise that departs from any US port (except NY due to cold) between Dec 17th and Jan 5th this coming Xmas, so a departure could be as soon as 7 weeks away. Looking for a longer cruise, prefer 14 nights but will consider anything over 9 or 10. Looks like plenty are available but would like Panama Canal if possible. Some Princess prices look pretty good with o/s agents but I can't get any drop and go pricing on the Princess Aus site. It just says unavailable. NCL prices are still pretty high, and include the current promo of 35% discount (!?!) and drinks and wifi etc. That promo ends in 3 days. Does that promo actually end? Is it actually a promo? Or will prices drop down when it ends and I'll be better off without it? I don't have a history of watching NCL pricing so I don't know. I hate that I don't have a "feel" for the pricing patterns. Can anyone offer any advice? Am I actually missing out if I let the current promos expire, or will I actually be better off after it ends? I don't know! If I really wait until last minute, will I get a great deal, or doesn't that happen like it used to in the good old days? Thank-you. Edited October 29, 2023 by mum and son Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare yes!yes!yes! Posted October 29, 2023 #2 Share Posted October 29, 2023 If there are rooms available the price will probably come down a little more, But airfares will go up the closer to your date. I haven't cruised NCL but their prices are cheaper without all the "free" stuff. I find most cruise lines don't really offer much in their sales, 35% off an inflated price, kids sail free (the room still costs the same, normally the per person price would be cheaper) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare arxcards Posted October 29, 2023 #3 Share Posted October 29, 2023 When travelling that far, I am a "lock it in early" sort of person, then I look to fit as much in as I can around the cruise to make the most of the flights. Whichever you choose, you are inside final payment, so it will be pay-in-full and be stuck with the price. Normally at this time, anything with significant availability should already be in the bargain bin. I really have no feel regarding the perfect time to get the best price. Maybe talk with an experienced agent you can trust. Like us, they prefer to cruise a summer holiday, but I have no idea how many do a Kranks type of Christmas. If you find something you like at a price you like, you can just book it and don't look back. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mum and son Posted October 29, 2023 Author #4 Share Posted October 29, 2023 Thanks for the replies. I may be travelling with a friend (the ex Qantas person, meaning staff travel), or I may be travelling solo, which means I may be able to grab a flight using points. Not a lot of options for points flights but they are out there. There are even some flight options for me to do the Antarctic cruise on Princess. I hate having so much up in the air. I'd like to lock in one thing but not there just yet. At least when cruising in Aus I know a good deal when I see one and can jump on it. I feel a little lost this time, especially my first time where I may end up cruising solo 😬. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shireboi Posted October 29, 2023 #5 Share Posted October 29, 2023 You had an existing thread - with your questions - suggest to merge your posts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mum and son Posted October 29, 2023 Author #6 Share Posted October 29, 2023 54 minutes ago, shireboi said: You had an existing thread - with your questions - suggest to merge your posts. Thanks. They were different questions, at different stages of my planning journey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare lyndarra Posted October 30, 2023 #7 Share Posted October 30, 2023 Have you considered a river cruise? American Queen have a 8 day, 7 port return cruise on the Mississippi comencing Dec17. AUD4895. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare lyndarra Posted October 30, 2023 #8 Share Posted October 30, 2023 27 minutes ago, lyndarra said: Have you considered a river cruise? American Queen have a 8 day, 7 port return cruise on the Mississippi comencing Dec17. AUD4895. I noticed fare includes port fees and gratuities. On a US cruise, wow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mum and son Posted October 30, 2023 Author #9 Share Posted October 30, 2023 1 hour ago, lyndarra said: I noticed fare includes port fees and gratuities. On a US cruise, wow! Thank you. No, I hadn't previously considered a river cruise. Have never really thought about their existence outside of Europe to be honest. Interesting... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare lyndarra Posted October 30, 2023 #10 Share Posted October 30, 2023 Just now, mum and son said: Thank you. No, I hadn't previously considered a river cruise. Have never really thought about their existence outside of Europe to be honest. Interesting... It's one I have done and can recommend it. And, it should not be too cold a winter in the south. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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