Cruise Booking Considerations - Part 3

Cruises Booking Considerations – Part 3

This is the 3rd posting on what you should consider before booking a cruise.

Just so we are all on the same page, you can see where the conversation started by clicking here, and then read the 2nd posting, and come on back - Linda




Okay, now that we are on the same page, let's talk a little more about WHEN to book in relation to WHERE to sail.

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

Cruises to Bermuda and The Bahamas are popular for a number of reasons. They are both great islands to visit, and the trip from Florida is short, making for a great two or three day cruise.

As a result, prime cabins in the summer months of July and August will sell out six to nine months in advance. Also, if in choosing Bermuda - do check the weather if you decide on "out of season cruise" - while they are much cheaper, the island can get rather chilly at times, so just passing that along. Who wants to sail to a chilly island? Count me out!

But, fortunately for Caribbean cruise-goers, usually the weather in April-May and September-October can be great. Those off-peak months give travelers many more options. Cruises can book quickly due to family summer travel - the kids are out of school - so if you are looking for a nice, romantic honeymoon cruise, or an adult getaway - this may not be the best time to go. My suggestion for honeymooners and romantics is a land vacation package in the summer months.

And keep in mind that hurricanes, or at least heavy storms, can affect travel from June to near the end of October. Be prepared to be flexible.

If you are already sailing, and a hurricane system is threatening the Caribbean, you can be assured the captain will stear the ship out of harms way. While you may not get to visit all the islands on the cruise schedule due to storms, you can still have a great time visiting alternative destinations - and most cruise ships go overboard in customer service to assure passengers are as happy as possible. I've experienced many cruise like this, and you go with the flow - mother nature always rules.

Now - if a storm approaches before your cruise ship sets sail, you should be offered a full refund, or given alternative cruise dates. Prior to booking, make sure you know the hurricane and cancellation policies for the particular cruise line. I always advise purchasing travel insurance to cover "we didn't think of this happening" expenses such as flight re-booking penalties, etc.

Now if you decide to book a last minute cruise, you will have more options by selecting an older ship or a less popular destination - and some of the older ships are still floating palaces. But again, homework is required on some of the older ships - and really give some thought whether you want to sail to the particular islands destinations offered.

Booking last minute cruises on popular ships will require that you take the cabin inventory that is being offered - and often (but not always), this includes inside cabins at the bottom of the ship. The ship staff and crew cabins are in the lower areas, along with the engine rooms, so there can be extra noise and vibration at the lower level cabins.

On the other hand, good cabins on any cruise can be had for a bargain at the last minute - it just depends on booking at the right time, and some luck.

Cruises from New York (and other U. S. ports) to Europe are still some of the best, 100 years after they first began. Cruise lines have responded by offering more trips - but demand still presses on supply, keeping the price high. The 7-night cruises to the Mediterranean are the most popular, and The Baltic also remains a popular destination. As with other European trips, plan to book a year in advance to get the type of voyage you want.

If you plan on shopping at any of the European ports, keep in mind the U.S. dollar is currently depressed against the Euro currency - so plan to get a less than expected exchange. And if the captain warns of heavy surf, do consider taking the "sea sick" medications offered - there is nothing worse than getting sick on a transatlantic cruise. These medications do not work AFTER you get sick - and keep this in mind on ANY cruise vacation.

Cruises to Australia will require booking far in advance at almost any time of the year. When it's winter in the U.S. it's summer there and vice-versa. And South America is still a hot destination, in more ways than one.

On Alaska cruises, the balcony cabins ALWAYS sell out first. Though more expensive, the demand from those who can afford it is still high enough to make booking far in advance a necessity. It's all about those beautiful scenic views! Since the economy has been fairly robust for the last few years, this trend has continued.

Hawaii is still a desirable cruise voyage for many. For those of us in the Midwest and eastern seaboard, Hawaii will be a very long flight. On the return trip, you will have an overnight stay because there are no early morning flights leaving the island. This is a rather expensive destination, and the overnight stay on the return flight must be factored into your budget and vacation time - so include an extra day getting home in your planning.

Cruising the waterways of the U.S and Mexico - Consider cruises up and down the two coasts of the U.S. and U.S. to Mexico, from San Diego to Cabo, and New England to Florida. Though not as glamorous perhaps as a European or Caribbean cruise, but the ships are still first rate. You'll have a great time on board and there are, in fact, several excellent stops on the way.
Bookings for U.S. and Mexico cruises are often less intense and less expensive, but you can still take advantage of early booking discounts. If you see a better deal a couple of months before departure, you can sometimes get it by working through a travel agent - and it's always good to check the online booking sites - just make sure it is a reputable site, and please do not fall for those cruise deals to anywhere that seem to good to be true that arrive in your mailbox, either on or offline.

Whether you choose to work with an agent, or make your own cruise reservations, just keep in mind that YOU are the only one who should decide what YOU want in a cruise vacation, and how best to spend your hard earned money. So, do a little homework, and you will get the best cruise vacation value.

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

P.S. I plan on doing the next posting on how and when to choose offshore tours and activities at the cruise ship destination ports. Yes, even more pre-planning to save time and money. Come back on Monday for this posting . . .

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