Tips for getting the ship,
itinerary and sailing date of your choice.
- If you know what you want, book
it now, even if the cruise is month's away. Up to 60-75
days prior to sailing all you have to do is put down a
refundable deposit.
- From time to time go back and check the cruise
line's web site. And sign up for our e-mail list so we
can send you our latest promotions and special offers.
- We monitor prices, but frankly no one can keep track
of every price on every cruise, so it takes both your
Cruise Travel Advisor and yourself to be diligent and
for everyone to check often the prices. We are always
willing to make changes, and we don't charge any fees
for price changes.
- Always keep in mind that the cruise line's policy
regarding full payment and penalties for cancellation
may effect any changes you may want to make.
- Approximately one week before final payment,
remember to ask your cruise travel advisor to check the
sailing for any price reductions for your category of
cabin.
- Please continue to ask about rate adjustments even
after final payment, if a lower rate becomes available.
The cruise lines don't like to make changes once payment
is in....but you might get a lower rate without the
cruise line charging you a penalty.
- If you find a cruise right before or after your
scheduled departure date that has better pricing,
consider changing your sailing date. Sometimes, you
might have to pay a small fee to the cruise line but in
the end you have to weigh the overall benefit for
yourself.
- A guest asked:
Are prices reduced at
the last minute to fill space?
In most instances there is no space
available on most sailings within a week of the departure
date and it is a misconception that rates are reduced
drastically at that time. While it is possible that cabins
may become available for the sale, the rate for these
cabins would have been increasing as the sail date
approaches and the demand for space becomes higher. Thus,
at the last minute the rates will likely be the same as
during the entire last quarter or previous three months.
However,
- Often cruise line promotions closer to the sailing
date apply to "Guarantees" or "Run of Ship" rates, where
you cannot select a cabin or perhaps even a category.
- Many promotional rates introduced close to sailing
are "Cruise Only" and are not combinable with
airfare offered by the cruise line.
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