Cruise Booking Considerations - Part 2

Cruise Booking Considerations - Part 2

In the previous posting, I discussed the start of the booking process. So you may want to read the previous posting prior to reading this one . . . Linda

When considering when to book, which can be a tricky choice, there are a few specifics that can guide your planning.

On Alaska cruises, for example, balcony cabins on newer ships usually sell out long before less desirable accommodations. Though these are more expensive, the demand is still high enough (and the supply small enough) that getting in early is a must.

Route matters, too. The Gulf Route between Vancouver and Anchorage is the most popular choice for Alaska cruises. Several lines offer on shore excursions as part of a package deal. Book as far in advance as possible, certainly no later than six months ahead for May-September departures.

Round Trip cruises beginning at Vancouver often have more spaces closer to the departure date. Booking for May or September will give you more choices, too. In every case, unless you just get lucky, you can expect to pay $100 (and up) more for a ocean view cabin than for an interior one.

You'll find you have a lot of factors to weigh as you do your research. Having a checklist of your wishes, your budget and a table of options in a spreadsheet will help you decide.

The Bahamas/Caribbean cruises are slightly different. Though they too require planning in order to get a good deal, there are so many lines going so often you have much more choice. Also, the weather is less of a consideration.

Holidays, not surprisingly, sell out first.

Spring Break week (when college students flood every tourist destination), the Christmas-New Year week, and of course July and August are the most desired times.

Even with all the options to the Caribbean, demand is so high that you'll need to book almost a year in advance to get a good cabin on a nice voyage.

Increased demand in the face of limited supply leads to a higher price. (There's no escaping basic economics!)

Summers are, of course, more common vacation times for families traveling together - book accordingly.

The late winter/early spring months (in the Northern Hemisphere) of Feb-April will start to book up next. By then, many living in sections of the U.S. that get cold in winter are looking to find relief from the cold. Even though they won't leave for months, the act of booking seems to provide some relief from the winter doldrums - for sure!

Bargains abound for September-early December and you may find a good cabin available as short as 60 days before departure. If you can, take advantage of that, since the weather can still be pleasant. Take account of the possibility of hurricanes during that time of year, though. Be prepared to be flexible.

Next posting, we will discuss when to go in more detail . . .

Bon Voyage!
Linda Thompkins, Owner/Travel Consultant
Travel 2 the Caribbean
http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com

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