Price dropped, should I book now?

[mdod]

A New England/Canada cruise caught my eye and I've been watching prices while working out the details. So far, online sources have all had essentially the same price as the cruise line but they have also offered ship credits and coupon books (mostly for things we won't use) that I don't see if we book direct. I checked the NCL site again and they have just dropped the price for inside cabins guaranty (which is fine for us) by $130 pp. I looked on the other online travel sites and none of their prices have dropped. Does it just take time for the discount to filter down to them or is it likely this offer will just be direct through NCL? I have to look at the discounts again but I think the cheaper direct price is a better deal than getting the coupons. I had been watching available cabins and none have been sold, although the guaranty cabins won't show up. I'll probably jump on this but figured I'd ask first.

[Crissy699]

If it is a price that makes you happy, I would definitely book it. The coupons are not worth going through a TA if that is the only reason to book with them over booking direct. I got my book today and was very disappointed (I knew from postings here with what the coupons were that I would be..but I still got a little sad when the book came in today) OBC's are a different story though..

 

It definitely could be that it takes a day or so for the TA prices to reflect the discount, so if there is a TA with a promotion you want, then wait a day or two to see if it does come up. Unless, of course, you are really close to your cruise date, then it might be a last minute "fire sale" from the CL, then you should jump on it, prices can change minute by minute.

 

I LOVE guarantee rooms!! I've had nothing but great luck booking them...

[mdod]

The cruise is Oct 9th. We did a guarantee on both cruises we've done: Alaska and the Bahamas but got the same level. I've been going back and forth so much with this cruise vs driving I really should book it now so I can get on with my life!

[Keith1010]

If the price is good take it. The longer you wait the less decent cabins are left and you will be stuck with no choice.

 

Keith

[mdod]

I did it. Travelocity matched the price late last night so I booked it with them for the coupon booklet. I won't use much in there but it should cover the $20 booking fee. I was kind of aggravated because they offered a small OBC if I called in the reservation, then after waiting on hold forever and spending a long time getting the guy to the correct booking, he said the OBC credit wasn't combinable with the coupon for the $499 fair even though they have the symbol for both the OBC and coupon specials listed on the $499 section. It was only $25 but it's the principle AND thatw as the only reason why I didn't book it myself in 2 min online. Now to figure out how to make the best of the cruise! Wheeee!!!!

[Crissy699]

I did it. Travelocity matched the price late last night so I booked it with them for the coupon booklet. I won't use much in there but it should cover the $20 booking fee. I was kind of aggravated because they offered a small OBC if I called in the reservation, then after waiting on hold forever and spending a long time getting the guy to the correct booking, he said the OBC credit wasn't combinable with the coupon for the $499 fair even though they have the symbol for both the OBC and coupon specials listed on the $499 section. It was only $25 but it's the principle AND thatw as the only reason why I didn't book it myself in 2 min online. Now to figure out how to make the best of the cruise! Wheeee!!!!

Thats a bummer that you couldnt get the OBC, I hate when I see the note that says "call for this deal" as I know there will probably be a catch somewhere..and you always end up being on hold for a while...

 

But, I'm glad you got the price you wanted..Maybe you will use some of the coupons, unfortunately I know we wont :( Someone else took the time to write out what they are for, so I am going to quote them here instead of writing it out myself ;)

I have the coupon book. "Valid through June 30, 2010"

 

there are 2 Internet Cafe coupons (buy 250 minute or 100 minute plan get extra minutes free)

 

4 Spa coupons (buy three treatments get 10% off first, 20% off second, 30% off third, spend $150 on spa products get 15% off next body treatment, $200 get 20% off, $250 get 25% off)

 

2 bingo coupons (3 free Jackpot cards, free kid's/beginner's pack with any bingo purchase)

10% off in Duty Free shops

 

4 Photo coupons (spend $100 get 20% discount, $200 get 20% off)

 

2 Specialty restaurant coupons(pay 2 cover charges get 15% off bottle of house wine, have dinner at Bistro get one cover charge at Tex Mex free)

 

3 Casino coupons (bring specialty restaurant cover charge receipt receive $10 slot promo play, get $20 slot promo play for $10, play poolside and we'll match your $10 bet)

 

Hope this helps