While many people like to wait for the last moment to grab the last-minute deals, most travelers would agree that booking a cruise early promises much relief. You could book a cruise as early as 18 months in advance. So, when you are planning a cruise holiday, the key is to plan as early as possible. A year in advance is generally what most season travelers recommend when booking a cruise.
Many cruise lines come out with their best fares when itineraries first go on sale, and then raise the rates as the ships sell out. This is especially true with luxury cruises, new or popular mainstream ships and Disney cruises that tend to book up well in advance. Booking early also gets you your pick of cabins -- especially if you want a suite or a specific room, including solo cabins -- and dining times.
1. Cost Saving
Several cruise lines offer attractive discounts and handsome incentives such as complimentary upgrade, free airfare, or onboard credit and free dinner to lure the people to book early. This is especially true in the case of a luxury cruise.
Also, you don't need to pay all once. Depending on the length of the cruise, and the type of cabin you are opting for, the booking amount could be between $250 to $1,000. The rest of the payment needs to be paid in installments and typically needs to be paid 1-3 months prior to the date of sailing. Deposits are usually refundable so in case you have to cancel the booking before the final date of payment, you will not be at a loss. Many cruises also allow you to change name, ship, and also sailing dates if you tell them about the same well in advance, this helps to reduce the anxiety that comes attached with advance booking. Many times cruise dates also change, so do not be in a rush to book air tickets and keep your mind flexible to adjust to the changes.
2. Get your Choice of Cabin
When you are booking a cruise for the holiday season, you especially need to make your bookings in advance. More so, if you have a specific choice. The best cabins are booked early. So, if you want a cabin with a balcony or one that offers a spectacular view, you need to ensure you book months in advance.
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3. Have Friends and Family On-Board
Booking early allows you enough time to discuss your cruise plan with your friends and family and request them to join you on-board. Cruising with friends and family will be a lot more enjoyable and help you make great bonding with them. Beautiful memories you create will be another bonus that you will cherish forever.
4. Plan Your Cruise
Booking early will help you plan your cruise better. You will have ample time to research the ports and pick the aptest excursion to compliment your cruise vacation. You can also check with third party excursions and book a most cost-efficient package. Third party packages are usually booked in advance so booking early is highly recommended.
5. Feel Relaxed
Having everything in place well in advance will help you chill out and feel relaxed. There will no last moment anxiety to stress you out. There will only be excitement to make the best of your cruise vacation.
Cruise vacations are much in vogue and everybody is yearning to get on-board the next ship. Booking early is the best way to ensure you don't have to miss the cruise and also get the best of discounts and offers.
In addition to low introductory fares, cruise lines may also offer extra perks for early bookers, such as free airfare, a complimentary upgrades, drink packages or an onboard credit. Even better, most lines only require a small initial deposit to hold your cabin, so if your plans change in the following months, you can cancel without a hassle.
However, the cruise line's plans can also change between when you book and when you cruise. Be flexible when booking early because circumstances change and the cruise line reserves the right to alter the itinerary or bump you off the ship for a charter.
If you are planning on taking a cruise you know how stressful it can be trying to pack all the things you and your family will need on the trip. To make it easier for you, here are a few excellent download printable packing lists for some of your favorite cruise lines. You'll never have to worry about unpacking on the cruise and realizing you forgot something!