In 2007/8 the sinking economy resulted in cruise lines steeply discounting cruise prices in order to fill ships and, as a result, cruisers waited until the last minute to pounce on rapidly falling prices. While first time cruisers held off, those with quite a few voyages under their belts knew that, even without low prices, a seagoing vacation was an enormous value because 80% of vacation costs were paid upfront.
But, according to analysts, the cruise industry was quick to rebound and today, fares and occupancy are rising, although still aren’t — with one exception (below) — at 2007 levels
Carnival Corp. executives recently said we can expect major discounting in the Caribbean this winter because of over-capacity. All those behemoths that have garnered so much publicity add up and you reach the point of over-saturation. Bargain hunters should score big time on ships Caribbean and Bahamas cruises sailing now through March.
The Pro’s of Booking Early
** Holland America and Princess Cruises offer their biggest discounts the further out you book so it pays to book these cruise lines early. In other words, the deals are better six months out than they’ll be two months before departure (aside from a few cabins that didn’t sell).
** The Best Cabins Go First. While $499 per person for a one week cruises sounds fantastic, typically that gets you an inside or ocean view cabin. But what sells out first on cruise ships is suites and balcony cabins. If you wait you may not find a cabin you want.
** To get the best airfare. I frequently see steep discounts available on Southern Caribbean cruises. I mean, how can anyone resist lead-in fares starting at $399 for a one-week voyage on a much-touted ship? But there’s a catch: you have to get there. Most ships cruising in the Southern Caribbean sail from San Juan, which isn’t a problem seven or eight months out. But take a look at airfare four or six weeks out and it will be sky-high if there’s even space. The same holds true for anyone flying to join a ship. Because airlines have cut capacity fares are higher, especially to the most popular vacation spots.
** Outside the overcrowded Caribbean, 2011 cruise fares will be higher because of increased demand. During late March and late April, many ships reposition from the Caribbean/Bahamas to Europe, Bermuda, Alaska and Canada/New England. Plan on booking Europe and Alaska cruises fairly early because of greater demand and getting decent airfare.
When It May Be Safe to Book Later
** Royal Caribbean, which also owns Celebrity Cruises and Azamara, diluted its price protection policy several months ago. This company starts dumping inventory (lowering prices) the closer you get to departure. You’ll see the steepest price drops around six weeks before departure.
Exception #1: However, if you’re looking for a stateroom on Oasis/Allure of the Seas, the above doesn’t apply. These are two of the most popular ships in the cruise industry and if you wait, you may not get a cabin. Exception #2 In Europe Royal Caribbean attracts a large number of Europeans so ships tend to fill up fast here. I recommend booking RCI in Europe at least six months out.