What is the best way to book with HAL? and when?

[Lesinindy]

After much assistance from the good folks here I have decided to move on over to HAL. Looks like you folks have found my idea of a great cruise.

It has been my experience that each line has its own best method of booking. I found that with RCL it was best to use a TA and found that the best way for a good deal with CCL was to contact the line directly. On CCL I found that waiting until the last minute seemed to get me a better deal until I found a discount for having been a VET. We are looking to book for a Jan 2010 cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. What do you all say, do I take my time, call the line, hurry up and do it online or uses at TA. All I want is a balcony that has a view and is not below or above a public area (no pools or dinning rooms).

What is the hot tip from the pros?

[Assateague Island Princes]

Welcome to HAL! I would book right away with the parameters you mentioned so that you get exactly what you want before cabins fill. How you do it is entirely up to you. You can certainly book thru HAL (sometimes they run specials w/lower deposits, onboard credit, upgrades to balconies, etc. - all depends on the cruise) or you could use your own TA if you have a favorite. There are also plenty of on-line agencies that book cruises with benefits - lower prices, onboard credit, etc. Can't name any specific TA's on this board though - sorry, its against the rules. We have a wonderful TA who is in TX who we have booked all 3 of our HAL cruises with, she's great and always gets us good deals. Perhaps you've used a TA in the past on another cruiseline? If so, give them a holler and see if they can help. Good luck - I think you made an excellent choice of cruiseline(but then, I'm partial - LOL!!) I think you're going to LOVE HAL - we do!:D

[jena1]

If you are looking at Jan 2010 you better hurry. We are booked on the Zuiderdam for Jan 2 and the cruise is sold out, it seems that the next 2 cruises on that ship are or almost sold out. I would call HAL first to see what they have available and then go online and see if they give you better prices. You are not going to have that many choices, as HAL do sell their ships specially if you are talking 45-60 days. Good luck and happy cruising, you will love HAL!:)