Lots of early birds

[shorton]

After noticing a lot of posters who have signed up for cruises a year in advance, I feel a little more at ease about our commitment to 2-11-06 on Veendam. Have never been to western Caribbean, so really looking forward to it. Veendam seems like a great ship. I especially like the fact that capacity is 1266. Would love to hear any comments.

[jhannah]

Most folks on this board are savvy travelers and tend to book their trips farther out than the norm. My DW and I like to select our stateroom by category and location ... so when we see an availability we jump on it while we can get what we want. We've not yet sailed the Veendam, but I hear good things about her. I'm sure someone who has sailed her will be along shortly to fill you in.

[RuthC]

I was on the Veendam two years ago (oh, so long. :( ) She's one of the four S-class ships that I'm most partial too. I love that they are small (at least by HAL and contemporary standards, if not mine), easy to get around, well layed out, beautifully appointed.

On a ship this size you keep running into the same people over and over again, and can make some nice friends.
I'll be sailing on her sister, the Maasdam, this summer and am looking forward to it.

You've picked a nice ship and a nice cruise.

[jimmy2x]

Now I don't feel so nutty. Booked Ryndam yesterday for Feb 19, 2006 - 14 day cruise, will be our longest yet:). We leave on Summit in a couple of weeks and are really looking forward to it, but will be very happy to be back on the Ryndam next year, especially since the Ryndam was our 1st cruise.

[LynnObie]

I wish that HAL would post their March / April 2006 Hawaii cruises. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/images/smilies/frown.gif Celebrity has *many* early bird bookings for this itinerary & time frame based on the CC roll call threads. I am thinking of booking a Hawaii cruise and would at like to consider HAL. Has anyone heard when these will be offered?

[doone]

Sailed the Veendam a few years back, thoroughly enjoyed her. Would sail her again in a minute. I think you will be pleased with her.

[LAX]

I am aware of price adjustments in the cruise industry, but isn't it true that most bargains come last-minute? Do prices usually go up or down as the sail date approaches? I am planning my first cruise for October, but I am not sure when's the "best" time to book to ensure myself a good price.

LAX

[Kabana]

IME pricing depends on many factors, the type of cabin, popularity of the destinations and ship plus the time of year. I booked six months ago and got a great deal on an SS category in march (high cruising season for the caribbean), the same cabin is now about 30% more expensive than when I booked. My observation is that the real last minute steals are on the less expensive cabins unless the cruise is undersold.

[doone]

I have seen the cabins go for more money after final payment is made. This has been true in the past and for my 2 March cruises, the cabin categories I am sailing are more than what I paid. I book early and when I see the prices go down, I call my TA and she gets me the lower price.

[Cauvet]

I am waiting for the 2006 schedules to come out as I would like to tie a Canadian Rockies train trip with a repositioning cruise back to SD. I aways book well in advance. We usually request a specific cabin and it will be gone if you don't be the early bird that gets the worm!

[jhannah]

LAX, lots of people swear by the Flash and last-minute sales. I don't. I like to select my cabin category and location (at least close.) Very seldom can you do that at the last minute. Categories are limited and locations are less desireable. (Why else would they be left?) Also, unless you are living very near your departure port, the last-minute airfare can be a budget killer. As mentioned, if category price reductions come prior to final payment time, you can generally get those reduced rates through your TA. If you don't mind what sort of cabin you're in or where it's located ... if you're just wanting to get on the ship ... then the last-minute gamble is probably good for you. Of course, there's always the chance that the ship will sell out completely and no one will cancel their booking ... thus leaving you at home!