What's the LOWEST Price You've Paid For a Balcony?

[PumpkinPatches]

I'm looking at 10-night Carribbean cruises for my BF and I.
We really want to try a balcony stateroom.

I've been finding prices between $1350 - $1470.
Is that a normal price range for this type of cruise, or have any of you CC'ers paid much lower for a cruise of this type?

I just want to know if I should hold off for now, and wait for some better deals, or jump on these right away?!


Please keep in mind, these are late 2011 - early 2012 sailings.

[lorekauf]

I'm looking at 10-night Carribbean cruises for my BF and I.
We really want to try a balcony stateroom.

I've been finding prices between $1350 - $1470.
Is that a normal price range for this type of cruise, or have any of you CC'ers paid much lower for a cruise of this type?

I just want to know if I should hold off for now, and wait for some better deals, or jump on these right away?!


Please keep in mind, these are late 2011 - early 2012 sailings.
You could always book it and if the price goes down and you catch it they will honour it up until final payment. Can't help you with balcony prices. I'm finally having my first one in Dec. on Princess. I'm Canadian and a single traveller so we get gouged pretty well.

[jtl513]

There's too many variables in your question to give a good answer. I'd say book a VH guarantee (if you're talking about a Vista or Signature ship) and watch for price drops or sales before final payment date.

[PumpkinPatches]

Final Payment is usually a month or two before the cruise, right?

Sorry, with my upcoming cruise I just put the whole thing on my Visa.. so I am unfamiliar with payments and whatnot.

[Krazy Kruizers]

There are different 10 day Caribbean cruises -- so price will differ by itinerary as well.

You may want to wait until you are on the Oosterdam at the end of September and put down $100 per person deposits for a future cruise. You do not have to select a cruise right then and there unless you want to.

But keep in mind -- those deposits are not refundable.

And you will get a little shipboard credit depending on the length of the cruise and the cabin category type you finally select.

[lorekauf]

Final Payment is usually a month or two before the cruise, right?

Sorry, with my upcoming cruise I just put the whole thing on my Visa.. so I am unfamiliar with payments and whatnot.
I think around 75 days before...give or take a few days. I'm sure somone will tell me I'm wrong however:D.

[PumpkinPatches]

There are different 10 day Caribbean cruises -- so price will differ by itinerary as well.

You may want to wait until you are on the Oosterdam at the end of September and put down $100 per person deposits for a future cruise. You do not have to select a cruise right then and there unless you want to.

But keep in mind -- those deposits are not refundable.

And you will get a little shipboard credit depending on the length of the cruise and the cabin category type you finally select.

Yeah I was planning on doing that.

You have 4 years to book a cruise with that deposit anyways, I'm sure that won't be an issue :p

I'm sure this eagerness to book will pass shortly...you know how it is when you get the fever and want to book a cruise right this very second, I'm sure :)

[jtl513]

I think around 75 days before...give or take a few days. I'm sure somone will tell me I'm wrong however:D.75 days is normal for most cruises. Exceptions include GV/GWVs and segments thereof, and charters.

[SwissMyst]

....... a single traveller so we get gouged pretty well.


When they can sell a room to typically two people, how is a solo traveller "gouged" when they are asked to pay a single supplement to make up for that difference. Isn't it the other way around? Nice when a ship clearly has has solo rooms because they have factored their use potential into their budgets.

Wonder what the actual value of food and utilities savings are when only one person uses a double cabin. Is the difference the difference between the single supplement and the use of a double room by one person?

Voyages to Antiquity has recently had offers for no single supplements on their maiden voyages this year - rocky start but they are on track and this no single supplement has been a nice bonus.

[E-500]

I evaluate pricing on a per diem per person basis. The ship, time of year, location on the ship and ports of call all impact the rates. I shoot for between $100 and $150 per diem/pp for verandas and think that is usually a pretty good deal.

[PumpkinPatches]

I'm very similar..

For an inside cabin, I'd pay no more than $100/day..
Since I'm considering a Verandah.. I know I'll have to increase my per diem expectations, but I wouldn't pay more than $150/day.

[mudscraper]

I'm very similar..

For an inside cabin, I'd pay no more than $100/day..
Since I'm considering a Verandah.. I know I'll have to increase my per diem expectations, but I wouldn't pay more than $150/day.
Over the years we have got the best prices by waiting to book a cruise until three months or so before the sailing. We`ve even booked a couple after the final payment date. Be flexible. Even have more than one cruise chosen for your time frame. Pick the cruise with the price and itinerary you like best.

[PumpkinPatches]

Over the years we have got the best prices by waiting to book a cruise until three months or so before the sailing. We`ve even booked a couple after the final payment date. Be flexible. Even have more than one cruise chosen for your time frame. Pick the cruise with the price and itinerary you like best.

Thanks, I think we might try that.
Pick a few different itineraries, and see if anything's available 3 months prior.

I'm not usually a spontaneous person, but I can certainly give it a shot!!

[lorekauf]

When they can sell a room to typically two people, how is a solo traveller "gouged" when they are asked to pay a single supplement to make up for that difference. Isn't it the other way around? Nice when a ship clearly has has solo rooms because they have factored their use potential into their budgets.

Wonder what the actual value of food and utilities savings are when only one person uses a double cabin. Is the difference the difference between the single supplement and the use of a double room by one person?

Voyages to Antiquity has recently had offers for no single supplements on their maiden voyages this year - rocky start but they are on track and this no single supplement has been a nice bonus.
I'm speaking more of the price they sell cruises for to Canadians for. When I hear that people get a cruise for $399 or something like that I wonder how they did that. Many of my American friends get smokin' deals that we never see even if we did book in USD. I'm sure you will try to explain that away somehow. Good luck with that.

[mudscraper]

Thanks, I think we might try that.
Pick a few different itineraries, and see if anything's available 3 months prior.

I'm not usually a spontaneous person, but I can certainly give it a shot!!
A good travel agent can help you find these good fares. If you only book thru the cruise lines, maybe your fellow passengers on the `O` can be of assistance.

[PumpkinPatches]

Well regardless, I'll be placing a Future Cruise Deposit when I sail the O!

I think I'm getting into a bit of a slum since my cruise is coming up, and I'm gonna miss having a cruise to look forward to :(

[Charliesmom]

I've noticed that the real bargains have usually been on 7 day cruises. For some reason, 10 day cruises prices don't usually get discounted as much - perhaps because there are fewer of them and they get filled up.

Roberta

[lorekauf]

Well regardless, I'll be placing a Future Cruise Deposit when I sail the O!

I think I'm getting into a bit of a slum since my cruise is coming up, and I'm gonna miss having a cruise to look forward to :(
Enjoy the Oosterdam. It my favorite ship:). You gotta always have one other cruise booked when you take the other one:D.

[PumpkinPatches]

I've noticed that the real bargains have usually been on 7 day cruises. For some reason, 10 day cruises prices don't usually get discounted as much - perhaps because there are fewer of them and they get filled up.

Hmm.. interesting! That's definitely something I plan on looking into!!



And lorekauf, I DEFINITELY agree! Once my trip on the O is done, I need a new cruise to anticipate for sure!
And btw; I'm very jealous you have 4 upcoming cruises :p

[ariawoman]

I have to agree that this is too subjective. For example the 10/6 sailing on the Nieuw Amsterdam over in the Med was going for 2999k for a 12 day sail (per diem would be about 250 per day). That was for a VF. I managed to get it for 2699 per person, but only because i got a price match with my online TA to another online dealers offer.

From what I've looked at, for the 10-12 days on the med, the average was much higher per day than taking a 7 day sail in the carib. So, basically the question needs to be more precise with time of year, where, ship (as the newer ships seem to sell at a higher fare) etc.

I too plan to secure a FCC while I'm on my first HAL cruise, unless i totally hate it (can't imagine that could happen!).

[paryea]

I originally booked our 14 night Carribbean for $1399 per person (with 3rd person free) for a VF. I also like to keep it at about $100/person/night so if you actually divide ours by three it's even better. The prices just dropped recently and I upgraded us to a VD for $1449 ($100 more total). The fact that our cruise is over Thanksgiving makes it an even better deal to me!

[fitters]

I'm looking at 10-night Carribbean cruises for my BF and I.
We really want to try a balcony stateroom.

I've been finding prices between $1350 - $1470.
Is that a normal price range for this type of cruise, or have any of you CC'ers paid much lower for a cruise of this type?

I just want to know if I should hold off for now, and wait for some better deals, or jump on these right away?!


Please keep in mind, these are late 2011 - early 2012 sailings.

We booked our 10 night back in Sept of 2009 for this December 2010. Purchased it for $1399 a person, then about one month ago, the price dropped to $1,099 (VF Balcony). Then it went up $100 to $1,199...which is currently still the price. You just have to keep checking the prices about once a week. Your TA will not let you know, you have to do the checking and then contact them for the credit.

[jtl513]

So, basically the question needs to be more precise with time of year, where, ship (as the newer ships seem to sell at a higher fare) etc.She said in her first post: 10 night, Caribbean, late 2011 - early 2012. She didn't say whether she's looking at the Maasdam, Zuiderdam, or Noordam (the Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam won't be doing 10 nighters) which will make difference in price. Also whether the cruise is early to mid Dec, over the holidays, or in Jan/Feb will make a big difference in price.

OP: as one data point: our 10 night on the Noordam Dec 11 to 21 2009 was 1275 pp with taxes and fees, but no cancellation plan, for a VF guarantee. We could have gotten a VH guarantee cheaper.

BTW - we were assigned a stern VB! :D

[Jade13]

I'm looking at 10-night Carribbean cruises for my BF and I.
We really want to try a balcony stateroom.

I've been finding prices between $1350 - $1470.
Is that a normal price range for this type of cruise, or have any of you CC'ers paid much lower for a cruise of this type?

I just want to know if I should hold off for now, and wait for some better deals, or jump on these right away?!


Please keep in mind, these are late 2011 - early 2012 sailings.

That sounds really cheap but Caribbean sailings are usually the lowest because of the competition. The rate you quote would be a 7 night Canada New England and in an OV. You would be paying twice as much for a Verandah on HAL Canada/New England for 7 nights. Is your per diem just for the Caribbean? You won't find that pricing for a Verandah for other places in the World, including but not limited to Antarctica, the Arctic, Tahiti and other unusual places, nor the Med in high season.

[Cruisin Suzin]

I have paid $1169. US for a VD balcony, Nieuw Amsterdam 7 days..purchased this a year ago, before the ship was even in the water...I got one of the two special cabins with the extra wide balcony 18' x 7.5'. It pays to book early.:D

[TracieABD]

I paid a bit over $1k pp for 7 days to Alaska in a VA suite. I got the "teacher's discount" that HAL offers for some cruises and that reduced the price by over $1400 (total). Thank you, HAL, for recognizing teachers.

BTW- they also extend this discount to police and firemen (fire-people?!?! oh-- firefighters!:D)

You have to know to ask for it and you have to provide written proof to HAL. I faxed my teaching license and a current pay stub.

[CowPrincess]

I'm looking at 10-night Carribbean cruises for my BF and I.
We really want to try a balcony stateroom.

I've been finding prices between $1350 - $1470.
Is that a normal price range for this type of cruise, or have any of you CC'ers paid much lower for a cruise of this type?

I just want to know if I should hold off for now, and wait for some better deals, or jump on these right away?!


Please keep in mind, these are late 2011 - early 2012 sailings.

Personally I think trying to figure out what YOU should pay in the future, based on someone else's past experience, is not a good idea. The last couple of years have seen some extremely low prices, which may not continue into the future. You need to figure out what you are comfortable spending, and then buy what fits your comfort level. If the price goes down before final payment date, you can request the lowered price.

[igraf]

One of the lowest, if not the lowest, verandah fares on a per day basis is $650 for the 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise on the Oosterdam (or similar ship). I know this as a fact as my wife and I did this cruise at that price last March. Even better, we were assigned a VA cabin!

The older smaller ships charge a LOT more for a verandah stateroom. Stick with the Vista or Signature class ships if you want a good price on a verandah stateroom.

igraf




I'm very similar..

For an inside cabin, I'd pay no more than $100/day..
Since I'm considering a Verandah.. I know I'll have to increase my per diem expectations, but I wouldn't pay more than $150/day.

[grandgeezer]

I've had balconeys on the Oosterdam three times and never paid more than $98 p.p. per day. I always book a VH guarantee and have always got upgraded to a VA or VB. These were all Mexican Riveria cruises right after Thanksgiving which is usually the cheapest time to go.

[fann1sh]

OP: as one data point: our 10 night on the Noordam Dec 11 to 21 2009 was 1275 pp with taxes and fees, but no cancellation plan, for a VF guarantee. We could have gotten a VH guarantee cheaper.

BTW - we were assigned a stern VB! :D

That window of time before Christmas offers the best deals of the year, IMO, with the first 2 weeks in January coming close.

Some itineraries (like Panama Canal) are more expensive due to port fees or canal transit charges.

I agree with you, Pumpkin Patches - I think you often get lower per diem on 7 day cruises. Don't switch - 10 days is so much more relaxing.

As Cow Princess points out (like investments) "Past performance is no guarantee of future results." There's been an oversupply of cruise cabins, and a financial crunch. We may have reached recovery, or at least a "new normal". Cruise lines are hoping to avoid fire sale prices of the recent past, and keeping their further out pricing up, to see if they can fill ships. I suspect prices will move down. I agree with booking early to hold the cabin you want and the dining reservations you prefer, then watching for the price drops, as Fitters suggests. Worst case scenario: cancel before final payment, and jump to a different bargain itinerary.

I'm speaking more of the price they sell cruises for to Canadians for. When I hear that people get a cruise for $399 or something like that I wonder how they did that. Many of my American friends get smokin' deals that we never see even if we did book in USD. I'm sure you will try to explain that away somehow. Good luck with that.

Lorekauf, I think we Canadians pay extra when we book in Canada, in part because of some of the "safety net" features we get. Do you remember Kween Karen's trauma with the bankrupt agency, and nearly lost cruise? Never happen here. Government protection from TA bankruptcies. Not the whole story, of course. I took a chance booking with a U.S. online agency - got a smokin' price - then had to cancel (we had insurance.)

[lorekauf]

Lorekauf, I think we Canadians pay extra when we book in Canada, in part because of some of the "safety net" features we get. Do you remember Kween Karen's trauma with the bankrupt agency, and nearly lost cruise? Never happen here. Government protection from TA bankruptcies. Not the whole story, of course. I took a chance booking with a U.S. online agency - got a smokin' price - then had to cancel (we had insurance.)
Thx for that explanation. It's kind of nice to have that safety net at times.....other times...not so much:D.