Let's face it, better planning makes for a better cruise experience.

Here are just a few of the reasons why you should book your cruise now, and not wait.

1. Get the ship, sailing date, stateroom and stateroom category you want.  As every shopper knows, the most popular items go first. And as every experienced cruiser knows, there's much more to a cruise vacation than the destination. Make sure you get your favorite choice of accommodations, be it an ocean-view or verandah stateroom, or a suite with access to your own 'club" lounge and concierge.

2. Get the dining seating you prefer. There are now many ways to dine and a wide choice of restaurants.  Make sure you get to dine at the time you are most comfortable and ensure that you can share your seating with friends and family traveling with you.

3. Get first choice of the most intriguing new itineraries. For 2012 and 2013 there are some artfully crafted voyages to the Amazon, the South Pacific, Around the World cruises and new Caribbean, Europe and Alaska destinations. These are sure to sell out quickly.

4. Give yourself time to plan for friends and family to join you. You've always thought it would be fun to share your travels with friendsand loved ones, but it's hard to coordinate schedules.  This time, make it a reality by planning ahead and create what is sure to be one of those " memories of a lifetime". And don't forget, on some cruise lines you can pass on your "Past Guest" savings to friends and family traveling with you.

5. Reserve your shore excursions without waiting on line. Once you have booked your cruise, most cruise lines allow you to pre-book popular activities before you even arrive at the ship.  Get first dibs on those "limited-capacity" shore excursions so when you get onboard you'll spend less time with details and more time enjoying yourself to the fullest.

6. Book early and save. Take advantage of the best early savings fares, some with up to a 4 category stateroom upgrades. To get started, give us a call at 800.365.1445