CRUISE RESERVATIONS  

When you are thinking of booking a cruise, the good news is that most cruise lines will allow accept cruise reservations over a year out or in advance.  It is important to plan a cruise vacation so that you get the most out of your holiday. 

By making your cruise reservations in advance you may also save some time and money because the good cruises and cabins usually sell out quick when they get close to sailing.  By booking in advance you may also save some cruise dollars because the cruise lines will offer specials to get inventory sold when they announce the new itineraries and sailings.

So, you can grab a great stateroom on the deck you want, find the itinerary that suits your needs and possible save some money at the same time by booking your cruise reservation in advance.

Reasons for making early Cruise Reservations:

• Honeymoons: you need a specific date to match the wedding.  By booking in advance you get the best of both worlds, guaranteed dates and the opportunity to select the itinerary and stateroom of choice.

• Special Events: when special events occur, then booking in advance is very wise and popular.  When you are booking a honeymoon, or birthday party, anniversary or whatever, by booking your cruise reservation in advance you guarantedd that you have the space and number of cabins needed for any special event.

• Groups: many different types of groups like to travel and it doesn't matter if it is a family, family reunion, church, friends, corporate, incentive or any other type of group, booking in advance is the best policy.  By booking in advance you are able to secure pricing and the number of cabins and staterooms that you require, plus you have the benefit of negotiating for little special deals the cruise line will throw in if you ask.  Call us today for any group specials or advance dates you would like to have checked. 

• Stateroom Choice: sometimes you want a certain stateroom or type of stateroom on a certain deck or location on a ship, well to help guarantee that you get the right one, book in advance. 

• Handicap or Disabilities: most ships do have handicap or accessible type of staterooms, but, these cabins are very limited in number and if you have any type of requirement for a handicap room, you best book early.  You need to book into a handicap or accessible cabin and make sure that you do not ask for any upgrades or stateroom changes that would find you losing your handicap cabin.

• Possible Upgrades: the cruise lines work on inventory and how to price said inventory so that all the cabins are sold by the time the sailing comes around.  When they start a new sailing, the cruise lines will usually offer upgrades or special incentives for early bookings so that they know a certain amount of the cabin inventory is gone way before sailing.  If prices do go down after you purchase and pay, you always have the right to see if you can get the cruise line to match the price reduction others are getting, but, this is not a guarantee.  And also remember that if you book and pay and the price goes up, you really feel like you are getting more for your dollar than the newer bookings who are paying much more for the same service. 

• Itineraries: certain sailings will offer seasonal itineraries and these can book up fast or slow.  Alaska is seasonal and to get the best cabin and itinerary you will want to book in advance.  These sailings are almost always sold out and the ones that book in advance are the ones who will usually win when it comes to picking the best ship, date, time, cabin and itinerary. 

When to book your cruise reservation is completely up to you, the guest, but remember that many of the ships sell out and if you want a specific date or itinerary, book in advance.  If you want to take a chance or two and you have flexibility in your schedule you may want to wait and play the last-minute cruise deal.  Here are a few reasons to wait and book at the last moment.

Reasons for making late Cruise Reservations: 

• Big Savings & Discounts: if the cruise lines inventory of cabins has not sold like they predicted, there is going to be a glut of cabins on the market the closer it gets to sailing and with this glut comes some drastic price reductions, amenities, free offers like 2 for 1 or free airfares.  The closer you get to sailing and if the inventory is still left, the price could drop like a rock the last week or two before sailing.

• Same Service: it doesn't matter if you book your cruise reservation one year out or one week before sailing, you will expect and will be treated just like everyone else on board.  The service and entertainment will be special and only you will know what price you paid for the cruise. 

• Unexpected Advantages for Holiday: sometimes things come up or plans get cancelled and you have an opportunity to take advantage of a quick get-a-way.  This may be the perfect setting to take a cruise.  Expect the unexpected and be ready to step out and enjoy the world by taking a cruise at the last moment. 

By booking in advance you will get the benefit of booking airfare early if you need it.  Getting a great stateroom selection, picking which dining options fit your lifestyle and the peace of mind with being finished with the cruise reservation process.

Last minute bookings will usually not allow for those great airfares, dining options and stateroom selections, but they can sometimes make up for it by offering a deep discount on the pricing. 

Any cruise booked with the last week or two will mandate that your cruise docs be picked up at the port of departure.  Simple and easy.   Call us today or fill in the cruise quote for us to get started on your cruise reservation today!

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