do you book then pay or save then book?

[sparks1093]

This year we waited for the tax refund and paid it in full. Next year I'll probably book the cruise and then pay so much per month until it's paid. We could try saving but that doesn't always work well, so if I have a "bill" that needs to be paid it's easier. Makes more sense to do it that way than 1) financing the cruise or 2) not cruising at all.

[tttrrr]

I know what you mean about the deposit being the hard part. Thats why when I found out I could book the Oasis for $500.00 down for four of us I jumped on it. Now I just need to send money when ever I have extra. Rccl's 1/2 price deposit is till February 20th I think. It helped me to book my cruise for now anyways.

[poormom]

Has anyone here had to cancel?
If you do it before the deadline is it a hassle?
I'm not planning a cancellation. Just wondering how far ahead you could book something, and if that's a good move.
If Washington keeps printing money, booking for 2010 at today's prices might be a screaming deal.

[Dave]

I've canceled cruises more than once. Never had a problem with it. I just contact my agent and it is taken care of. Typically the deposit amount was refunded in two weeks or so. Of course, once you are in the penalty phase it will cost you.

[gdjoslin]

One thing to remember is some TA's charge a small fee if you cancel. Ours does not, but it would not bother me if they did, they work hard and deserve to be paid.

[tttrrr]

I had to cancel my freedom of the seas cruise last March it didn't cost me a cent. I must say I really regreted it though because my kids and I were sad. Thats why I will try to never cancel again and also why my kids don't know that I have already booked two. I don't want them to be sad ( just incase we have to cancel again). The surprise cruises will be fun for them. My husband thinks I'm nuts booking another when we're already booked for one. Well at least this is my only bad habit. I love it!

[poormom]

tttrrr
will you be my mom? Now that's my kind of surprise!
My husband thinks I'm crazy too. He doesn't understand why we aren't just going to St. somewhere in a condo.
Truth be told, it's because I don't want to cook!

[tttrrr]

My husband thought that way too, until we went on a cruise he had so much fun I think he was glad he wasn't stuck in one place. I tell him this way we can see different countries and decide from there if theres anywhere we are willing to spend the money on for one a whole week. Seems to work for me anyways. Besides I always have been in charge of holiday funds so I tend to book pay half and then tell him. He just shakes his head (but is always glad I did). I told him next holiday after the two cruises I will book a week in Mexico somewhere (thats what he wants). I wonder if I could convince him to do a mexican Riviera cruise? HAHA.

[MACLEODC]

I ususally save up the deposit & then book, so by the time the final payment is due we have received our tax refund in order to pay off the balance. Any left over goes in the savings for the deposit on the Thanksgiving cruise we like to do.