how far in advance do you book?

[Bem1962]

Just book another curise for Feb 2009, did i do the right thing booking that far in advance ?

[gdjoslin]

We usually book 10 to 14 months out. We have been looking at some of the last minute specials coming our way, but for us a year is good.

[Bem1962]

thanks ,,, hope many more will give pro & Cons to booking early ,,,

[Dave]

Nothing wrong with booking early. You get the best choice of cabins and if you need to, you also have lots of time to pay for the cruise. I really like picking my own cabin and sticking with it, and so we usually book our family cruises a year out, although sometimes it slips to 9 months or so. And then there are the sudden whim cruises, but those are a rarity.

There is plenty of time for your cruise price to fluctuate, and so you might want to keep an occasional eye on the prices just in case your agent doesn't. If the price drops you may need to prompt your agent to get the reduction for you. Fortunately I don't have that problem as my agent is wonderful about tracking price changes.

[Berick1234]

When you book early..you know you have a room on the ship....I've waited for the last minute price and the ship was sold out....so now I book early and let the price take care of it's self...Plus if you book early, you have something exciting to look forward to...Happy Cruising...

Bob E

[brneyes]

I agree with Dave, as I discovered this, this past end of the year.

I didn't know that a person needs to be "on top" of the price you are paying, and then if you find that the price has been lowered, and you have a TA, they NEED to give you that discount.

We try to book at least 4 - 6 months out.

[LHT28]

We booked this March for Feb 08 cruise and already booked on Mar 09 cruise.
As others have pointed out you get your pick of the cabins.

[Dwayne]

I usually try to book at least 6 months out. As has been said, better cabin choices. Plus you can lock that price point. Sometimes the prices don't come down. Last year the price dropped 4 times, so we ended up getting 2 adjustments, 1 upgrade, and an onboard credit. This year was just the opposite, the price has almost doubled. It's a win/win strategy to book early.

Dwayne

[KAWS]

I book either as soon as I know I want to go or as soon as the cruise line allows. If the price goes down you get your price adjusted. If the price goes up your price stays at the lower rate. You can cancel or change any time without a penalty before final payment. AND you can get a better chance at the cabin that you really want. All wins in my book!

Kim

[Mike&Macaille]

You are all saying that if you book early and the price goes down your price will be adjusted. Can someone explain more. Do you have to keep an eye on the prices or will Carnival just let you know if it does go down?? Very interesting I would like to learn more.

Thanks