when to book

[Alona]

:) Hi, my husband and I have never cruised before but are planning our first cruise next August 2010. Is it best to book early or wait and see if the prices come down. Some help in this matter would be gratefully appreciated.

[pb82]

Book ASAP, our experience is that it improves upgrade chances ( 2 of 5 for us). Then, as time goes on, ask about reductions and, if there have been any, you will get them.

[Time Will Tell]

Book ASAP, our experience is that it improves upgrade chances ( 2 of 5 for us). Then, as time goes on, ask about reductions and, if there have been any, you will get them.

 

That advice is only good for the US.

 

You don't get the price reduced in the UK unless you cancel and rebook, which means that you lose your 10% deposit.

[pb82]

That advice is only good for the US.

 

You don't get the price reduced in the UK unless you cancel and rebook, which means that you lose your 10% deposit.

Only one of the reasons we choose to live here.

[Time Will Tell]

Only one of the reasons we choose to live here.

 

 

You don't have to go that far. Why not live in England and book in the US?

[Host Sharon]

You usually also need to book early if you want sole occupancy of a cabin (to get the best prices), or a particular cabin/stateroom/suite. If you are not too bothered you can wait and hope that the prices come down, but your choice of cabin and/or cruise will be more limited.

 

However, this is your first cruise. Part of the joy and excitment is the anticipation and planning, so if I were in your position, I would book ASAP, and spend the next year looking forward to it!

[Steeplechaser]

Also, booking early seems to give you some influence. When I was asking the maitre d' in the Britannia restaurant for a particular table, he seemed impressed that I'd booked about 13 months in advance and I got the table I wanted. I had other such indicators.

 

Enjoy your voyage!

[bobnatt]

I think the best answer is that "it all depends." This week I just booked a Queens Grill cabin on the Christmas/New Year's cruise at a discount that i would never imagined that i could get...especially less than six months before sailing. Had I booked this cabin when the itinerary was announced i know I would have paid a lot more.

 

Despite press reports to the contrary, the recession is not yet over and people are being very cautious about booking expensive vacations so deals continue to be available. Perhaps more important is that you use a travel agent that has a good relationship with Cunard so that they will give you a heads up on great deals.

[Jimsgirl]

Booking ahead is a good idea. If you absolutely must have a cabin on a certain deck or area it is top priority.

 

If like myself you book and inexpensive cabin Gty, I still book early

a/ In order to get the inexpensive cabin, with a GTy I do not get to choose location.

However

b/ I check the price much nearer the time, tis week for Nov 17th, I found out things I did not know.

1/ The price for D8 Gty had gone down (which also means my ins has gone down)

2/ That the cruise was a "group" booking, with a host on board, a group cocktail party and a half day shore event. None of this info was given to me at the time of booking