How far in advance do you book?

[mooneydiva]

Ok. . .Another question that I should have added to my "Decisions!" post.

As I mentioned, we are looking to take an anniversary cruise in September-October, 2007.

Any suggestions on how far in advance to book?

Any big advantages to booking now? Any advantages to booking while we're on a cruise should we decide to go with that particular cruiseline? Any advantages to waiting? Any disadvantages to booking so early? Or, to waiting?

Thanks,
Chris

[Karen Knowlton]

Some advantages to booking really early: with some cruise lines you have a better chance to be upgraded if their higher-level cabins don't sell out, and of course you qualify for the early booking discounts they offer. You also have a good choice of cabins and can pick where on the ship you want to be. Disadvantages of booking a year or more in advance are that the price may not be quite set yet, and if it is, there may be sales later on; some cruise lines will insist you cancel and rebook in order to get the sale price, and you may lose that "perfectly located" cabin.

There are often discounted prices offered on a cruise for future cruises, and if you have been pleased with his or her service, you can even ask that your travel agent be credited with the sale (which he/she would appreciate!) Not sure if those discounts are really better than you can get at other times, though.

[Luv2Cruise2007]

We are booked on the Freedom of the Seas on Sept 16, 2007. We were told that if the price goes down then we could get the price difference refunded. I don't think it's ever too early to book a cruise. Once it's booked then you have something fun and exciting to look forward to.

[LisaP]

Something else to consider is the frequency with which the cruise is offered. For instance, we are already booked for a North Cape cruise for July 2007 as the itinerary we were seeking is offered only once.

Enjoy your planning!

[susanmaz]

Another plus to booking early, is that you have longer to save, both for the trip and the incidentals.... ie we booked August 2005 for an October 2006 cruise. We paid 50% deposit at the time of booking. Balance is not due until Aug 2006 - that gives us a year to save the balance, and earn the interest on the balance (instead of the cruise line earning the interest on our money). Oh Yeah - - - the anticipation is unbelievable - and you get to spend the time listening to your friends ask over and over again about your vacation plans.

[ANGELCRUISER]

I definitely agree with all the posts, i just came back from my eastern mediterrean cruise and i'm already planning on booking my northern capitals cruises off celebrity century for july 2007. Have fun on your cruise.

[billybuzzy]

I normally book my cruises at least one year in advance-the prices are seldomly lower and the cabin choices are best! The long lead time to save is a plus!

[Bdog]

I agree with most that the earlier the better for cabin choice. As a matter of fact, many entire catagories sell out early.

[TRM7050]

My wife and I are trying to get the money together to go on our 3rd cruise but I don't know if it's going to happen. The bad thing about booking so early is that you think about it every single day. But, this is the only bad thing as others said in earlier posts there are many advantages to booking early. Have fun and enjoy your time I know we did!!!

[cvanrys]

Something to consider for these months is hurricane season. Nobody told us this when we took our first cruise. Weather was mostly nice but alot of rough waters.