Any cruisers out there?

[sunnyd]

FI and I are looking to take a Caribbean cruise for our honeymoon. Neither of us have ever been on a cruise, and we''re excited about getting to see a few different places all in one trip!

I''ve been looking at Travelocity every 1-2 weeks, and the prices seem to be bouncing all over the place. The cruise we want leaves from Ft. Lauderdale, which is a long flight from Seattle (anywhere from 7-14 hours!), and those prices bounce around depending on the week!

What I''m wondering is, when do we book? Do cruise prices go down as the date draws near? If we wait too long, would flight costs increase? Is there some price guaruntee if it changes? Sorry to be such a newb, I don''t get out much. Haha!

 

[cindygenit]

Sunnyd, i would book asap! I think prices will increase closer to the date.

I went on a *Insert Starsign* Cruise from singapore (can''t remember which one), and we planned months ahead

I''m not totally sure about the details, but call your travel agent and ask as many questions as you like!!!

 

[Kaleigh]

sunnyd, Check out www.cruisecritic.com I have seen this site metnioned here a few times. Worth checking out at least. I hope you find the info helpful.

 

[Kunzite]

Date: 8/10/2009 5:58:38 PM
Author:sunnyd
FI and I are looking to take a Caribbean cruise for our honeymoon. Neither of us have ever been on a cruise, and we''re excited about getting to see a few different places all in one trip!

I''ve been looking at Travelocity every 1-2 weeks, and the prices seem to be bouncing all over the place. The cruise we want leaves from Ft. Lauderdale, which is a long flight from Seattle (anywhere from 7-14 hours!), and those prices bounce around depending on the week!

What I''m wondering is, when do we book? Do cruise prices go down as the date draws near? If we wait too long, would flight costs increase? Is there some price guaruntee if it changes? Sorry to be such a newb, I don''t get out much. Haha!

Oh, me, me, me, me, me! We love to cruise. We try to do one every year. In fact, this year we''re doing a Christmas cruise. I''m a little nervous but we''ll see how it goes.

You didn''t mention what cruiseline you''re looking at, but most lines (the ones I''m familiar with) will honor price drops after you book as long as you''re not after final payment. Soooooo.... book as soon as you see a price/cruise/cabin you like and then watch the price like a hawk for decreases. As easy as that.

I also second going to Cruise Critic and shop around (like all things) for a GOOD travel agent (nudge, not Travelocity).

 

[sunnyd]

Thanks for the responses cindy and Kaleigh! I''ll check out cruisecritic.

Kunzite, what''s wrong with travelocity?

We''re looking at Princess, Celebrity and RC. I''ve heard RC is the nicest from friends, but budget wise is out of the question. Thanks for the info, have fun on your Christmas cruise!

 

[MsP]

Date: 8/10/2009 5:58:38 PM
Author:sunnyd

I''ve been looking at Travelocity every 1-2 weeks, and the prices seem to be bouncing all over the place. The cruise we want leaves from Ft. Lauderdale, which is a long flight from Seattle (anywhere from 7-14 hours!), and those prices bounce around depending on the week!

What I''m wondering is, when do we book? Do cruise prices go down as the date draws near? If we wait too long, would flight costs increase? Is there some price guaruntee if it changes? Sorry to be such a newb, I don''t get out much. Haha!

You didn''t mention how far out you are from the cruise... and what type of stateroom you''re interested in. Both of those are relevant pieces of info. If you''re set on wanting a particular stateroom, deck, etc you should book early. Because when prices drop, as does selection. Prices will drop as the boat fills, but before it fills completely the prices seem to rise. I reccommend vacationstogo.com for cruises. I''ve booked around 12 cruises there and then a few on the normal travelocity, priceline, et al. I have booked cruises as short as a week out, but never farther than 6 months. Then again, I appreciate lower prices more than particular stateroom classes, locations on boat, etc. The price guarantee depends on where you purchase but that is a common policy.

Gooooood luck. You''ll have fun.

 

[sunnyd]

Okay, so I was a bit stingy with info then?

The cruise is for January 2010. Princess has the same cruise leaving all 5 Sundays of the month, they''re all priced the same for now, so the kicker would be flight costs which are ranging from $550 - $1000. We for sure want a balcony. This is so confusing!

 

[Miscka]

Hi SunnyD! It seems you and I are in the same boat (har har). We are looking for Jan 2010 as well, first time cruisers. I will tell you that the cruise I had my eye on just jumped up $100/person in the last week...so depressing. I am kicking myself about it, and now I am not sure we will go. I don''t know much more than that, but I will be watching this thread!

 

[sunnyd]

Date: 8/11/2009 1:06:46 PM
Author: Miscka
Hi SunnyD! It seems you and I are in the same boat (har har). We are looking for Jan 2010 as well, first time cruisers. I will tell you that the cruise I had my eye on just jumped up $100/person in the last week...so depressing. I am kicking myself about it, and now I am not sure we will go. I don''t know much more than that, but I will be watching this thread!

Ha! Good one.

Oh no! That''s what I''m worried about...yikes maybe we should bite the bullet now. It seems the oceanview rooms are the same price as balconies now, that can''t be a good sign!

 

[radiantquest]

I am soooo jealous. I have been wanting to go on a cruise for years and DH refuses. He says he will not get on a boat, ever. I think it would be a blast. Maybe I will have to go on one without him. That will be sad, but why should I suffer, right?

 

[April20]

I am not a cruiser, but my in laws are. They have booked several cruises "last minute" and ended up with suites at ridiculous prices. They went on one last year, which I think they booked about 3 weeks out, and paid approx $600/ea for 7 days. I think it was to Mexico, but I can''t remember exactly. I don''t remember who she booked it thru, but I know she did her research online. I think she called someone (the cruiseline maybe?) directly and was offered even more discounts. I guess my point is that you can get good deals close to the date that you want to go.....

 

[musey]

LOL, this is NOT what I thought this thread was gonna be about!!

 

[MustangGal]

I''ve been on 3 cruises with RC, and all seemed to go up in price towards the end. 2 we booked way out, and one was about a month ahead. With flight and all factored in, it might be worth booking soon.

 

[sunnyd]

Date: 8/11/2009 1:58:24 PM
Author: musey
LOL, this is NOT what I thought this thread was gonna be about!!

Giggle!!

 

[Kunzite]

Date: 8/11/2009 12:55:16 PM
Author: sunnyd
Okay, so I was a bit stingy with info then?

The cruise is for January 2010. Princess has the same cruise leaving all 5 Sundays of the month, they''re all priced the same for now, so the kicker would be flight costs which are ranging from $550 - $1000. We for sure want a balcony. This is so confusing!

I just looked on Kayak and flights for 1/9-1/17 are only $250. That is a steal! We are also from Seattle and our cruise is out of Fort Lauderdale and our flights were no where near that cheap! That route in general tends to be expensive.

I can only offer you advice on Princess because it''s our line of choice, but those balcony prices are great too!

 

[Miscka]

Wellll SunnyD....this thread inspired me to get off my lazy arse and book it! So I did. Whew! Our budget is super-duper limited, so I feel like we made the right call. Seems SO cheap to get 5 nights in beach-y atmosphere with food included for 200/person! We aren''t going anywhere fancy, 2 places in Mexico, but I am pumped! Anyway, keep us updated on your decision! I hope we both enjoy our cruises

 

[atroop711]

we cruise almost yearly (except for this year

) but the prices are very competitive now...I would try and get prices from a cruise agency. Many buy blocks of cabins and sell them to you at a discounted price. I always check the internet for best prices. A great price for a balcony is worth it..it''s great to wake up in the morning and look at a new island on your balcony (have coffee and breakfast too). Also if you wait until the last min you can get great prices BUT you are really taking a chance at not getting what you want. RARELY (almost never) are the prices better from the cruise line themselves....the online agencies have lower overhead and buy in bulk. We have been on like 12 cruises and usually pay on average $100 per day per person...so if I can get a week long cruise for $700 or less it''s a great deal ( per person). I''ve been inundated with emails about cruises at super cheap rates. Check travelzoo.com also...

GL...I love cruising and miss it (we just got back from an all inclusive and it wasn''t the same)

 

[musincy]

We went on a cruise for our honeymoon and LOVED it. We shopped around, but surprisingly, the travel agent was actually the cheapest price we could find! I do believe the cruiselines will honor price drops if you haven''t paid your final balance.

We decided to go with a Carnival cruise because it was a little cheaper than some of the others, and were so nervous about there being too many kids, but we actually didn''t notice kids being around much at all. We had a blast and will definitely cruise again in the future.

 

[sunnyd]

Date: 8/12/2009 12:14:50 AM
Author: Miscka
Wellll SunnyD....this thread inspired me to get off my lazy arse and book it! So I did. Whew! Our budget is super-duper limited, so I feel like we made the right call. Seems SO cheap to get 5 nights in beach-y atmosphere with food included for 200/person! We aren''t going anywhere fancy, 2 places in Mexico, but I am pumped! Anyway, keep us updated on your decision! I hope we both enjoy our cruises

Good Miscka! Um, yeah I think we might do it today, seeing as how I''d now have to book a balcony with only a guaruntee, no chosen room!

(If anyone has experience with that, I''d love to hear it!)

 

[sunnyd]

Date: 8/11/2009 11:18:15 PM
Author: Kunzite

Date: 8/11/2009 12:55:16 PM
Author: sunnyd
Okay, so I was a bit stingy with info then?

The cruise is for January 2010. Princess has the same cruise leaving all 5 Sundays of the month, they''re all priced the same for now, so the kicker would be flight costs which are ranging from $550 - $1000. We for sure want a balcony. This is so confusing!

I just looked on Kayak and flights for 1/9-1/17 are only $250. That is a steal! We are also from Seattle and our cruise is out of Fort Lauderdale and our flights were no where near that cheap! That route in general tends to be expensive.

I can only offer you advice on Princess because it''s our line of choice, but those balcony prices are great too!

You''re from Seattle too? Cool!

The $550 was for both of us roundtrip, so I''m thinking that''s the lowest they''ll go.

I know, I wish there was an interesting cruise that left from CA, but we really want the Carib, so what are ya gonna do?

 

[atroop711]

Date: 8/13/2009 2:10:23 PM
Author: sunnyd

Date: 8/12/2009 12:14:50 AM

Author: Miscka

Wellll SunnyD....this thread inspired me to get off my lazy arse and book it! So I did. Whew! Our budget is super-duper limited, so I feel like we made the right call. Seems SO cheap to get 5 nights in beach-y atmosphere with food included for 200/person! We aren''t going anywhere fancy, 2 places in Mexico, but I am pumped! Anyway, keep us updated on your decision! I hope we both enjoy our cruises

Good Miscka! Um, yeah I think we might do it today, seeing as how I''d now have to book a balcony with only a guaruntee, no chosen room!

(If anyone has experience with that, I''d love to hear it!)

booking with a guarantee is the ONLY way I cruise...I usually get an upgrade when I book like this (a trick my travel agent friend showed me)

 

[sunnyd]

Date: 8/13/2009 3:03:39 PM
Author: atroop711

Date: 8/13/2009 2:10:23 PM
Author: sunnyd

Date: 8/12/2009 12:14:50 AM

Author: Miscka

Wellll SunnyD....this thread inspired me to get off my lazy arse and book it! So I did. Whew! Our budget is super-duper limited, so I feel like we made the right call. Seems SO cheap to get 5 nights in beach-y atmosphere with food included for 200/person! We aren''t going anywhere fancy, 2 places in Mexico, but I am pumped! Anyway, keep us updated on your decision! I hope we both enjoy our cruises

Good Miscka! Um, yeah I think we might do it today, seeing as how I''d now have to book a balcony with only a guaruntee, no chosen room!

(If anyone has experience with that, I''d love to hear it!)

booking with a guarantee is the ONLY way I cruise...I usually get an upgrade when I book like this (a trick my travel agent friend showed me)

Really?! Yay! Thanks atroop!

 

[musincy]

Date: 8/13/2009 3:07:44 PM
Author: sunnyd

Date: 8/13/2009 3:03:39 PM
Author: atroop711

Date: 8/13/2009 2:10:23 PM
Author: sunnyd

Date: 8/12/2009 12:14:50 AM

Author: Miscka

Wellll SunnyD....this thread inspired me to get off my lazy arse and book it! So I did. Whew! Our budget is super-duper limited, so I feel like we made the right call. Seems SO cheap to get 5 nights in beach-y atmosphere with food included for 200/person! We aren''t going anywhere fancy, 2 places in Mexico, but I am pumped! Anyway, keep us updated on your decision! I hope we both enjoy our cruises

Good Miscka! Um, yeah I think we might do it today, seeing as how I''d now have to book a balcony with only a guaruntee, no chosen room!

(If anyone has experience with that, I''d love to hear it!)

booking with a guarantee is the ONLY way I cruise...I usually get an upgrade when I book like this (a trick my travel agent friend showed me)

Really?! Yay! Thanks atroop!

We booked an ocean-view room with a guarantee. It was cheaper than choosing our own room. Our room location was fantastic, and so worth the savings!