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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