Tips - How to get the best deal on cruises?

[Cloverlady]

Hi!

Recently got into cruising, and love love love a lot of the itineraries I've looked at in the brochures (big pile of them here!)

Can I ask how you seasoned cruisers decide when to book?

Not too fussed as yet on which itinerary as there's loads I fancy like - Greek Islands, Alaska, Norwegian Fjords, Middle East, Caribbean, Mediterranean, even as far as southern hemisphere (though that will be a few years off yet.

Are the best prices to be had on release?
Are you better off waiting for a last minute deal?
Which cruise lines work out best value?
etc etc.

Just booked 1 at 11 months out, and booked another at about 6 months out.

Thanks for any input!

[bonnies mum]

I know that Princess dont come down much, if at all. They do a price promise that they will refund if booked guests have paid more. This may be for US guests only but I dont think they would want to refund $or £.!

[Cloverlady]

Originally Posted by bonnies mum

I know that Princess dont come down much, if at all. They do a price promise that they will refund if booked guests have paid more. This may be for US guests only but I dont think they would want to refund $or £.!

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Useful, thank you

[Omega1]

The best choice of cabins is available when cruises are first released which is up to two years in advance for some cruise lines.
We've done most of our cruises on Princess and Holland America and find that the best deals are just after final payment date - it's amazing how many Americans and Canadians cancel at this point without loss of deposit. This releases cabins which the cruise line are trying to sell off at relatively short notice. The down side of this is that cabin availability is limited and cheap flights might not be available - this hasn't been a problem for us.
If you book direct with the cruise line you can often negotiate price drops if they reduce the price (before final payment date) but beware that you would lose any early booking discount and/or any promotional on board credit. You have to do the calculation. We have often had obc given if there has been a price drop. If you book through a UK agent they really can't be bothered negotiating on your behalf (unlike US agents) - that's why we book direct.
We go for inside cabins and try to get the cruise for between £60 and £75 pppn. Our next cruise (15 day transatlantic on Princess) works out at £60pppn for a decent position inside cabin with $550 obc for having Carnival Corporation shares and a future cruise deposit. I shall be watching for price drops but doubt it at that price!
So, after all this rambling, we reckon the cheapest deals are nearer to sailing date but make sure you work out the price on a pppn basis and compare similar cabins. Finally, sign up for as many email alerts with cruise agents and cruise lines as possible - there are some fantastic deals around.

[Cloverlady]

Originally Posted by Omega1

The best choice of cabins is available when cruises are first released which is up to two years in advance for some cruise lines.
We've done most of our cruises on Princess and Holland America and find that the best deals are just after final payment date - it's amazing how many Americans and Canadians cancel at this point without loss of deposit. This releases cabins which the cruise line are trying to sell off at relatively short notice. The down side of this is that cabin availability is limited and cheap flights might not be available - this hasn't been a problem for us.
If you book direct with the cruise line you can often negotiate price drops if they reduce the price (before final payment date) but beware that you would lose any early booking discount and/or any promotional on board credit. You have to do the calculation. We have often had obc given if there has been a price drop. If you book through a UK agent they really can't be bothered negotiating on your behalf (unlike US agents) - that's why we book direct.
We go for inside cabins and try to get the cruise for between £60 and £75 pppn. Our next cruise (15 day transatlantic on Princess) works out at £60pppn for a decent position inside cabin with $550 obc for having Carnival Corporation shares and a future cruise deposit. I shall be watching for price drops but doubt it at that price!
So, after all this rambling, we reckon the cheapest deals are nearer to sailing date but make sure you work out the price on a pppn basis and compare similar cabins. Finally, sign up for as many email alerts with cruise agents and cruise lines as possible - there are some fantastic deals around.

See more...

Brilliant info Omega1! Thank you! .
Will show this to my hubby.

Just worked our Caribbean cruise price out and its £84 (without factoring in compulsory tips) so it is an Ok price, ? This is for a balcony cabin with all inclusive drinks package and priority boarding.

[phoebe23]

Originally Posted by Cloverlady

Brilliant info Omega1! Thank you! .
Will show this to my hubby.

Just worked our Caribbean cruise price out and its £84 (without factoring in compulsory tips) so it is an Ok price, ? This is for a balcony cabin with all inclusive drinks package and priority boarding.

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For what's included that's an excellent price! When we were both working early booking was our only option. Now retired the pay in full time usually gives decent bargains - always sail Celebrity and not too bothered about the drinks package 'offers' as get the Captains Club freebie drinks/breakfast champagne☺
Like Cruise 365 offers as they often include their own perks!

[Cloverlady]

Originally Posted by phoebe23

For what's included that's an excellent price! When we were both working early booking was our only option. Now retired the pay in full time usually gives decent bargains - always sail Celebrity and not too bothered about the drinks package 'offers' as get the Captains Club freebie drinks/breakfast champagne☺
Like Cruise 365 offers as they often include their own perks!

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What is Cruise 365 Phoebe?

We can pay in full (usually) so late deals may be of interest to us, of course I realise there may be limited selection at that stage.
Oh, and champagne at breakfast sounds just wonderful!

[phoebe23]

Cruise365.com - we've used them many times for package and cruise only if we're on Avios flights - always a balcony. Register your email and get their Top 10 email each week - all cruise lines. Whichever you prefer it really is worth joining their loyalty club. Celebrity and RCI are interchangeable.
We always book by phone, lovely staff - don't be put off by the address - Crook!

[Cloverlady]

Originally Posted by phoebe23

Cruise365.com - we've used them many times for package and cruise only if we're on Avios flights - always a balcony. Register your email and get their Top 10 email each week - all cruise lines. Whichever you prefer it really is worth joining their loyalty club. Celebrity and RCI are interchangeable.

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Will do! Thank you x

[Omega1]

Originally Posted by Cloverlady

Brilliant info Omega1! Thank you! .
Will show this to my hubby.

Just worked our Caribbean cruise price out and its £84 (without factoring in compulsory tips) so it is an Ok price, ? This is for a balcony cabin with all inclusive drinks package and priority boarding.

See more...

Great price for balcony and drinks package.