When to book

Planning on a cruise for April or May of 2017. How early do we need to book?

Just a thread or two down the board is this thread:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2196385

with almost the same topic.

There is little downside to booking early, as most cruise lines will give you any new lower price that may come along prior to final payment. If you are picky about location, level or type of cabin, booking early is usually beneficial.

So booking a year in advance is not too soon? My 1st cruise...sooo many questions :p

So booking a year in advance is not too soon? My 1st cruise...sooo many questions :p

No, booking a year out isn't too soon. Lots of people do.

Planning on a cruise for April or May of 2017. How early do we need to book?

I've got a cruise for January 2017 booked. The earlier you book the better.

1) You get your choice of cabins.

2) If the price goes down, you can rebook at the new lower price.

3) If the price goes up, you can keep your old lower price.

4) If the price goes up and you didn't book, you cannot get the old lower price.

We book early, often right after itineraries are announced.

You lock in the price. If it goes down, call your TA to get the lower fare. If it goes up, just smile.

You get a better choice of cabins. Sometimes the cruise will sell out early.

So booking a year in advance is not too soon?

I hope not, because I have one booked that's not for a year and a half from now! I booked now because I specifically wanted an aft wrap balcony, and there are only 6 on the ship, so not only am I sure now that I will get one, but I am getting the exact one I want. Plus, I couldn't be too flexible about the specific cruise itself because there is a certain itinerary that I want, and it needs to fall on my birthday. :p

As soon as the itineraries are released, we book a cruise.

Some times it can be up to 1 1/2 years in advance.

We book early so that we get the cabin we want.

In May, 2011, we booked a cruise for January, 2013. It was sold out about a week after we booked and sailed with about 700 on the waitlist.

In May, 2011, we booked a cruise for January, 2013. It was sold out about a week after we booked and sailed with about 700 on the waitlist.

Wow, interesting. Any insight as to why it sold out so quickly? Was it just a popular time of year?