Booking a year in advance; what about flights?

[mikeerdas]

Seems the common wisdom is that cruises are cheapest booked ~1 year in advance or "last minute." Since I'd need to coordinate time off for a trip to Europe with my employer well in advance, "last minute" is out.

 

However, even though you can book a cruise a year in advance, I've noticed (at least going through Expedia and other on-line travel sites) that airfare prices aren't listed a year in advance.

 

From another post I made this morning, you'll see that cost of the flight (from North Carolina, USA to Italy) is a potential budget-buster:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=832141

 

If money *is* a consideration, as it is for me, how do you plan for the whole trip not being able to book your flight the same time you book your cruise? With the changing value of the euro against the dollar, and with rising fuel costs (I expect the price drop of fuel in the US and elsewhere is temporary and will be short lived), how do you not get slammed on airfare?

 

Seems once you've booked your cruise, you're committed to it--having to book airfare months down the road whatever the cost.

[mountainmare]

We follow the advice of our TA, who is local and very good. I have never been able to match the air she finds. On our last two cruises we did our own air and she called when she thought air faires were lowest, in our case it tended to be 4-6 months out, but that was before the present airfare craziness.

For our Cruise in March this year--a transatlantic HAL was offering a really good air package. She searched, tried every combination under the sun and advised us to take the cruise-air with a non-stop deviation because it was way cheaper than anything out there.

So that is a long answer to: if you have a good TA trust them.

[joan24]

You can usually book your air 331 days in advance. Delta opens their award tickets then and most airlines allow booking about the same time as Delta. Since we booked our flight to Venice for next May the price has gone up about $300.

Joan

[cruisemom42]

You can book your cruise first, if you wish. If you cannot find airfare that you are happy with, you can cancel most cruises that far in advance with no penalty.

 

Airfares are generally available about 11 months (I think it's 330 days) in advance.

[RosieRoo]

I booked my Med cruise the day bookings opened up (14 mos in advance) so I could get the exact room I wanted. I always hold my air with the cruiseline and drop it later on if I find a lower price on my own. They were quoting $1399. rt to Barcelona when I booked. I am going to book my own air because I have enough FF miles to get 2 free tickets (thanks to college tuition I paid with my cc). Since there are 4 of us that at least cuts my air costs by half.

[texancruzer]

Usually not a problem for us as we use American Express rewards for our airfare when we travel.....

 

best advice would be to plan for the worst : plan it far enough in advance that you can save enough for the airfare : and if worst comes to worst...... you can as another poster said - cancel.

 

There are so many ways to help with the cost of travel today. alot of Credit cards have rewards programs.... make sure you belong to hotel rewards programs..... when you travel for work or leisure make sure your stay gets credited....they add up. Some American Express cards have a "buy one - get one free" airfare programs for travel in the US.... use this program to get to NY, Newark or wherever you can get the best flight out of and then just pay for that part of the flight.

 

For casino $$ for when I go on a cruise..... I take my change each day and put it in a large jar...... cash it in right before I go (usually a couple hundred $) and that is what I have to "blow" in the casino. Take your lunch to work 2-3 days a week and take the $$ you would spend at McDonalds or Chilis or wherever and put it in a jar...... you will be astounded at how fast this adds up !!!

 

Take a less desirable flight a day earlier....find a clean cheap hotel and stay overnight before boarding the ship..... this can actually save you big bucks..... or reverse for the return flight.

 

Hmmmm this has the making of a new thread.......

[commodoredave]

I do the same as RosieRoo. I book far out, include the cruise-air, and then see if I can get a better air deal as I get closer to the departure, but before the cruise cancellation period kicks in. I've always been able to get a better air deal myself, but it's always nice to be protected.

[jbeb]

Seems the common wisdom is that cruises are cheapest booked ~1 year in advance or "last minute." Since I'd need to coordinate time off for a trip to Europe with my employer well in advance, "last minute" is out.

 

However, even though you can book a cruise a year in advance, I've noticed (at least going through Expedia and other on-line travel sites) that airfare prices aren't listed a year in advance.

 

From another post I made this morning, you'll see that cost of the flight (from North Carolina, USA to Italy) is a potential budget-buster:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=832141

 

If money *is* a consideration, as it is for me, how do you plan for the whole trip not being able to book your flight the same time you book your cruise? With the changing value of the euro against the dollar, and with rising fuel costs (I expect the price drop of fuel in the US and elsewhere is temporary and will be short lived), how do you not get slammed on airfare?

 

Seems once you've booked your cruise, you're committed to it--having to book airfare months down the road whatever the cost.

Book you cruise with air to assure any later rate hikes will not adversely affect your plans. Cancel the air after you find the perfect connections to meet all your criteria. We used kayak multi city search engine and were able to beat the cruiselines fare by $500. Then we locked in and cancelled the air package in favor of our best "deal" which afforded us maximum flexibility getting a little sight seeing in before the cruise.

[Ethel5]

Usually air is highest when it first comes out - 330 days in advance. If you wait and check at about 4 to 6 months out, the fares will be better. I also found that checking nearby airports sometimes give better rates. Example Orlando rather than Tampa saved $100pp.

[Morgsmom]

The only way we (DD and myself) are able to do our upcoming cruise was with frequent flyer miles, so we actually booked the air portion FIRST then the cruise to suit that. Now Delta has still left us high & dry on the last leg of the trip (from ATL to MCO) but I am hoping that all works out. That being said, I agree with the OP who said that air to Europe is getting crazy expensive. I was going to wait until DD was 16 to take her to Europe, but with the changing of the frequent flyer rules I figured we'd better go now while we could still use the miles (that I have been saving for a long time!!!)

 

I still remember the days, back when dinosaurs roamed (if you ask DD), when I could go from New England/New York to Europe for about $300 RT which even I, as a poor college student, could scrape up. (No, even adjusted for inflation, that still is not the $1500 I am seeing now!! :eek: It hasn't been THAT many years... tee hee.)

[thinfool]

 

From another post I made this morning, you'll see that cost of the flight (from North Carolina, USA to Italy) is a potential budget-buster:

 

Too bad you aren't going this October. I am seeing a rt from CLT-FCO for $614. US. (taxes included)

 

It has only shown up in the last 3 weeks or so. Prior to that, it was in the $1000-1100. range.

 

As others have said, you can cancel a cruise up to 90 days before sailing with no penalty (unless you use a TA that charges a cancellation fee). And most airlines post fares 330 days in advance, tho there are some exceptions. :)

[Travelcat2]

Why aren't you using a travel agent for the whole package? They can get the best rates. And, if you pay in full, the airfares can not increase!

[texancruzer]

We used a travel agent for all our arrangements for our second cruise.

 

Everything got so messed up.....some of it the cruiselines fault, some of it the TA's fault (and she was a tried and trusted one) and finally some of it the airlines fault (cancelled flight)......I shudder when I think back on that mess.

 

I do all my own now !!! Havent had a problem since :D

[agabbymama]

I booked my cruise first, when Princess was offering $100 deposit, way back in July of '07. I knew I'd have to get airfare, but Princess wanted $1600 and I wouldn't go if I had to pay that much. I started looking at all the various websites, Kayak, Priceline, Expedia, Orbitz, etc. just to get a feel for airfare. Then on day 329, I went back and started looking in earnest at airfare. I watched it for a couple of days, then when I got a bid on Priceline that I liked, I snapped it up. I ended up paying $1180, but that's still a lot less than Princess wanted.

 

Now just wish there was a way to solve the 44 lb baggage limit. When your suitcase weights 10 lbs, it's pretty hard to pack for a 21 day trip. I've taken so much out of the suitcase, and have decided I'll just have to bite the bullet and do a load of laundry half way through the cruise. We've paid in full, gotten our docs, and now just waiting the 7 weeks until we leave.

 

Have fun planning, then taking your trip!

[mikeerdas]

I too remember when I could get tickets from Boston to Athens for USD ~$600 RT. Wasn't too terribly long ago (about 2001). And I recall getting Boston to Ireland (Shannon) for around USD ~$400 RT. Boston to Paris and London seemed to be available for around USD ~$350, but only during the winter.

 

> Now just wish there was a way to solve the 44 lb baggage limit.

> When your suitcase weights 10 lbs, it's pretty hard to pack for a 21 day

> trip. I've taken so much out of the suitcase, and have decided I'll just

> have to bite the bullet and do a load of laundry half way through the

> cruise.

 

You could do the Rick Steves thing and pack a 3 oz. container of Dr. Bronner's Miracle Soap (found at any REI or other camping/sporting goods stores--I prefer Peppermint) and wash 1 item per day in the sink. A sock works well enough as a drain stopper. But that's if you're not a Formal Wear person (I myself am not) and you don't care about wrinkles.

 

I spent two weeks in Asia with one carry-on bag this way and kept up with my hygiene just fine--vs. people who look like they haven't bathed in weeks...

 

Seems the world may be catching up to me, and others like me who like to pack light, with the advent of crazy baggage fees. I've also always only taken carry-ons with me on trips abroad--I never check luggage--so I don't have to worry about losing my luggage; and it also positions me for grabbing standby flights when needed--people with checked-in bags often can't fly standby.

 

Some other tricks to packing not only light, but lower volume:

 

* Bring clothes that are on the verge of being tossed; wear and dispose

* Roll up clothes as tight as possible and secure with rubber bands

* Pack clothes in plastic bags and suck the air out of them; those food-saver things might work. Never tried

* To wash clothes without a sink, wear them in the shower--sounds weird, but works great

* Bring less toiletries and buy locally if you need more

* Dual-purpose clothes; I really like REI's Tropical Weight pants where the legs zip-off, turning them into shorts. Dual purpose clothes are a good thing.

* Pack shirts from REI and other camping/sporting goods stores made of CoolMax and/or other "outdoor" synthetics; might lighter than cotton and dry much quicker than cotton.

* Ditch your 10 lb. luggage and buy a "rucksack" -- mine cost $50, easily fits in overhead compartments, converts from a suitcase to a backpack with straps, and has no hard edges (it's all fabric), so you can stuff it into small places. The biggest mistake I see is people using traditional hard plastic / heavy / unpliable luggage.

* Wear you largest/heaviest shoes (e.g. boots if you hike) on the plane and pack only sandals

* Wrap any jacket or sweater you might bring around your waist on the plane--don't pack it. Handy to have during long transoceanic flights when it gets cold.

* Other than undergarments, it's often ok to wear an article of clothing more than once before washing. Especially jeans. "Wear once, wash once" people must truly struggle when it comes to long trips.

 

It's easier to pack lighter the more you do it. You find ways of cutting weight and volume each time. A bit of a game for me that I quite enjoy.

 

Hope this helps.

[texancruzer]

Why does your suitcase weight 10 lbs ??? So much luggage nowdays is made from nylon (different weights) and is very light. I have a complete set of 4 nesting ones that total only weigh about that much. And they are rolling ones too.

 

Sorry - but to the above poster..... I can't roll my clothes up and put a rubber band on them :( and when you are walking/hiking all around Europe in places like Pompeii, Ephesus or Athens.....and its hot..... I prefer not to wear something twice either :o And for those of us with back issues - wheels on our luggage is a must :)

 

But I do like to mix and match.....two tops that go with one pair of slacks etc..... compared to the baggage charges on the airlines - the laundry service charges on the ship are cheap !!!!! Just wash the slacks and pack breakable souveniers in the dirty blouses/shirts.....

[jstducky]

 

If money *is* a consideration, as it is for me, how do you plan for the whole trip not being able to book your flight the same time you book your cruise? With the changing value of the euro against the dollar, and with rising fuel costs (I expect the price drop of fuel in the US and elsewhere is temporary and will be short lived), how do you not get slammed on airfare?

 

Seems once you've booked your cruise, you're committed to it--having to book airfare months down the road whatever the cost.

 

As many other posters have mentioned, if you know what cruise you want to sail on, then its best to book that cruise and put down the necessary deposit right away this way you are guaranteed space on the cruise you want, as well as guaranteeing the cabin category and cabin you want and the price is guaranteed. That way, if the price of the cruise goes up, you're already locked in at the lower price. If the price of the cruise goes down, you can contact your TA or the cruise line and get them to match the price drop.

 

With air fare, as many have mentioned, you can usually start purchasing air 11 months in advance of the dates you need to travel. If you are vigilant about checking airfare, you can generally get a pretty good deal.

 

However, if you end up not being able to purchase airfare for a reasonable cost, you can always cancel the cruise. You have until 76 days prior to sailing to cancel the cruise and still get back a 100% refund.

 

So you're really not committed to taking the cruise once you've booked it. But if you choose to move forward with the cruise because you have found airfare that you can afford, then you will be secure in knowing that you have already confirmed your spot on the cruise.

 

Nothing really becomes a financial commitment until you hit 75 days prior to sailing.

[mikeerdas]

Thanks again folks.

[Crusin6]

I too remember when I could get tickets from Boston to Athens for USD ~$600 RT. Wasn't too terribly long ago (about 2001). And I recall getting Boston to Ireland (Shannon) for around USD ~$400 RT. Boston to Paris and London seemed to be available for around USD ~$350, but only during the winter.

 

> Now just wish there was a way to solve the 44 lb baggage limit.

> When your suitcase weights 10 lbs, it's pretty hard to pack for a 21 day

> trip. I've taken so much out of the suitcase, and have decided I'll just

> have to bite the bullet and do a load of laundry half way through the

> cruise.

 

You could do the Rick Steves thing and pack a 3 oz. container of Dr. Bronner's Miracle Soap (found at any REI or other camping/sporting goods stores--I prefer Peppermint) and wash 1 item per day in the sink. A sock works well enough as a drain stopper. But that's if you're not a Formal Wear person (I myself am not) and you don't care about wrinkles.

 

I spent two weeks in Asia with one carry-on bag this way and kept up with my hygiene just fine--vs. people who look like they haven't bathed in weeks...

 

Seems the world may be catching up to me, and others like me who like to pack light, with the advent of crazy baggage fees. I've also always only taken carry-ons with me on trips abroad--I never check luggage--so I don't have to worry about losing my luggage; and it also positions me for grabbing standby flights when needed--people with checked-in bags often can't fly standby.

 

Some other tricks to packing not only light, but lower volume:

 

* Bring clothes that are on the verge of being tossed; wear and dispose

* Roll up clothes as tight as possible and secure with rubber bands

* Pack clothes in plastic bags and suck the air out of them; those food-saver things might work. Never tried

* To wash clothes without a sink, wear them in the shower--sounds weird, but works great

* Bring less toiletries and buy locally if you need more

* Dual-purpose clothes; I really like REI's Tropical Weight pants where the legs zip-off, turning them into shorts. Dual purpose clothes are a good thing.

* Pack shirts from REI and other camping/sporting goods stores made of CoolMax and/or other "outdoor" synthetics; might lighter than cotton and dry much quicker than cotton.

* Ditch your 10 lb. luggage and buy a "rucksack" -- mine cost $50, easily fits in overhead compartments, converts from a suitcase to a backpack with straps, and has no hard edges (it's all fabric), so you can stuff it into small places. The biggest mistake I see is people using traditional hard plastic / heavy / unpliable luggage.

* Wear you largest/heaviest shoes (e.g. boots if you hike) on the plane and pack only sandals

* Wrap any jacket or sweater you might bring around your waist on the plane--don't pack it. Handy to have during long transoceanic flights when it gets cold.

* Other than undergarments, it's often ok to wear an article of clothing more than once before washing. Especially jeans. "Wear once, wash once" people must truly struggle when it comes to long trips.

 

It's easier to pack lighter the more you do it. You find ways of cutting weight and volume each time. A bit of a game for me that I quite enjoy.

 

Hope this helps.

Luv it, you sound like the second Rick Steves!

 

I told my nutty in-law family how it is easier to just toss the old, used, ripped underwear that my family of 5 at the time would need for an 11 day trip. You would have thought I suggested larceney! I secretly believe they all follow my advice!:D

[Livestotravel]

We booked a direct flight on Continental from Newark to Athens back in January when we booked our cruise. The confirmed flight was to leave October 21. Luckily I was checking on things in July and found Continental withdrew all the direct flights between Oct. & May, and never let us know! We had the time to change our trip to Sept, and leave Tuesday.

[mikeerdas]

My wife and I have settled on an eastern med cruise. Problem is that it's still too early to book airfare--some of you have suggested accepting the flight package offered by the cruise line as a back-up; but since the cruise is just over 12 months away, no air is offered. So, my questions are:

 

1) Will the cruise line "pitch" me an airfare package at some later point in time if I book now? Or should I not book until I see the cruise line air offerings? Again, my real intention is to use United frequent flier miles.

 

2) Should I book directly with the cruise line to keep my cancellation options open?

 

3) And if I should book directly with the cruise line (Royal Caribbean), does it make a difference if I book online or by phone? Not sure why it would, but figured I would throw that one out to CC members.

 

Thanks.

 

Mike

[texancruzer]

 

1) Will the cruise line "pitch" me an airfare package at some later point in time if I book now? Or should I not book until I see the cruise line air offerings? Again, my real intention is to use United frequent flier miles.

 

2) Should I book directly with the cruise line to keep my cancellation options open?

 

3) And if I should book directly with the cruise line (Royal Caribbean), does it make a difference if I book online or by phone? Not sure why it would, but figured I would throw that one out to CC members.

 

Mike

 

 

1) Have never had RCI "pitch" me the airfare package. Except when booking I have not had them mention the airfare or cruisetour options. From one "frequent flyer" points user to another.....find out when the airfare will open for United and be on the phone that day !!!!! Those seats go really really fast !

 

2) That said...... you can always book your cruise.....add the airfare option later or cancel later etc etc....just keep an eye on cancellation deadlines. I have only booked airfare once with RCI and it got so messed up (custom air) that I ended up cancelling it and booking air myself. Better price AND the flights/times I wanted. That is the thing with cruise air....unless you pay custom air fee - you are at their mercy for choice of flights/times/number of stops etc....Not always the best ones either :o

 

3) Doesnt matter whether by phone or online.... whatever is more comfortable for you. You can ask questions to a rep while on the phone.....but with cruise air you often won't know flights/times until very very close to your trip.

 

Hope this helps

[RosieRoo]

Mike, what line are you sailing? I have always booked all my cruises (17) with air when I did the booking and dropped it later when I found my own. Most of my cruises are booked well over a year in advance and I have never not been able to add the air on at the time of booking. There is no penalty if you take it and then drop it later so it gives you a safety net. Check on that issue again, I don't think you are correct.

 

I also used FF miles for my tickets to Europe but on AA not United. As texancruzer said, make sure you start looking the day the seats become available, usually 331 days out. I booked my seats wthin the first week the seats were open. They book up really fast.

 

My cruises have all been done through TA's and I have had no problems making changes etc. I think it is fine either way, TA or cruise line.

[Chelly]

When you book airfare through the cruiseline, when do they advise you of the schedule?

[texancruzer]

When you book airfare through the cruiseline, when do they advise you of the schedule?

 

Unless you book " CUSTOM AIR " arrangements which incur a "fee" (unless you are a frequent cruiser and have status with the cruiseline) they can wait until the last minute......or close. I have heard of people not knowing until they receive their "docs". Custom air allows you to choose the specific flights you want.

 

I personally need to know what I am getting when I buy it. They are notorious for booking weird itineraries, more stops/connections etc. if it is the cheaper route to go.