Questions on Pricing from past MSC Cruisers

[clcizme]

Greetings all past cruisers of MSC. First, I will say, I loved my time on MSC and don't have enough negatives to not sail again. So, I am looking to book another cruise with them (specifically the Feb 13th out of Fort Lauderdale). Anyway, this is the question from those that have booked with MSC in the past. I booked through the automatic agent (AVC) and was very unhappy with them. First, they guaranteed that we were getting the "lowest price offered" because we booked far in advance. When we got onboard, we found that people who had higher category rooms were actually paying less than we were in our cramped (4 adults) interior. Second, we were told (when we book our cruise in October for March of the next year) that all the "oceanview rooms" were already booked. When we got onboard, our table mates had an oceanview that they booked 2 weeks before at half the cost of our interior. So that's the ghist of it (there was a lot more that I didn't like about AVC), and I am looking to book with an agent that is actually reliable and helpful. Can anyone suggest a company or agency? Also, does anyone know what the best time frame is for booking and getting the best rate? I didn't book the "early bird price" because I figured it would be the same as the last time. But, I want to make sure that I am not waiting too long to book either. Thanks for your help.
clc

[Evelyn & Bob]

Originally Posted by clcizme

Greetings all past cruisers of MSC. First, I will say, I loved my time on MSC and don't have enough negatives to not sail again. So, I am looking to book another cruise with them (specifically the Feb 13th out of Fort Lauderdale). Anyway, this is the question from those that have booked with MSC in the past. I booked through the automatic agent (AVC) and was very unhappy with them. First, they guaranteed that we were getting the "lowest price offered" because we booked far in advance. When we got onboard, we found that people who had higher category rooms were actually paying less than we were in our cramped (4 adults) interior. Second, we were told (when we book our cruise in October for March of the next year) that all the "oceanview rooms" were already booked. When we got onboard, our table mates had an oceanview that they booked 2 weeks before at half the cost of our interior. So that's the ghist of it (there was a lot more that I didn't like about AVC), and I am looking to book with an agent that is actually reliable and helpful. Can anyone suggest a company or agency? Also, does anyone know what the best time frame is for booking and getting the best rate? I didn't book the "early bird price" because I figured it would be the same as the last time. But, I want to make sure that I am not waiting too long to book either. Thanks for your help.
clc

We were on the Lirica a few years ago. We booked a suite and the day after we made final payment the priced dropped $600 PP. Our then TA said there was nothing she could do for us. We decided we wanted to go on the Poesia big band cruise on Dec 10. I kept checking the internet cruise agencies regularly. About 2 weeks ago I noticed a big price drop on that cruise and we booked it. The price went back up 2 days later. This has taught me to check prices almost daily on future cruises. Good luck.

Evelyn

[clcizme]

Thanks, I have been checking. Unfortunately, I am seeing the same prices, no change. But what you stated is exactly what I am trying to avoid. Thanks for the advise. I will check daily. Thanks, hope you enjoy your cruise.

[mapsmith]

Agree with E&B. Check frequently. We were looking at an MSC in January. Rates seemed high. There was a promo in October that gave decent OBC but prices just didn't seem right. Checking with a couple of online sites. (Google MSC Cruises and look for agencies) we eventually found one with a gonga deal for an Oceanview and Residential Discount that we liked so we booked.

Always check with at least three online agencies for the best price. Better yet, if you have a local Travel agent THAT IS FAMILIAR WITH MSC, talk to them.

Oh Yeah, we always seem to book our cruises right at the 75 day final payment date. That may be why we have had decent luck at getting good prices. On final payment date, most of the "Travel Agent Reserved" cabins are released, so many cabins that may not have been available are now surprisingly available.

[clcizme]

Thanks for the good advice. I am checking everyday. Can you recommend your favorite sites for prices?

[mapsmith]

Actually, Terms and Conditions of Cruise Critic prohibit listing Agents.

Although any of the ones listed under "deals" on the navigation bar should work. Several people have recommended using the cruise links from airline sites. The one for the airline that does not charge for bags seems to be one that several use. As is the one with the 90 day ticker.



Sorry, I can't be more specific