The myth that you will get a better price and deal by booking at the last minute is just that - a myth. It is important to know the industry and product if you are going to be a smart consumer!
On a cruise ship, there are many different price categories. The price categories are for the different cabins of which many of these are the same in size and amenities, but in different locations. Unless you are purchasing a suite, almost every cabin on the ship has identical amenities.
When you book your cruise early you get to choose the cabin you want, or if you are dealing with a Cruise Professional, they will recommend a certain cabin in a certain location because they know the ship. Remember, cabins are booked by specific number and location. Once deposited, it cannot be sold to another person. (In hotels it does not work this way. The rooms are issued when you check in.). How often have you had to wait hours before checking into your room? Not on a ship!!
On a cruise ship, there are many different price categories. The price categories are for the different cabins of which many of these are the same in size and amenities, but in different locations. Unless you are purchasing a suite, almost every cabin on the ship has identical amenities.
When you book your cruise early you get to choose the cabin you want, or if you are dealing with a Cruise Professional, they will recommend a certain cabin in a certain location because they know the ship. Remember, cabins are booked by specific number and location. Once deposited, it cannot be sold to another person. (In hotels it does not work this way. The rooms are issued when you check in.). How often have you had to wait hours before checking into your room? Not on a ship!!
One of the benefits to booking in advance is you get a better choice of cabins. If you wait until the last minute, you are basically going to get a cabin that nobody else wanted. (i.e. rooms under the kitchen, next to the disco, in a location where you will hear and feel the propellers, etc.). When you book your cruise six months to a year in advance, you are only required to put up a deposit to hold the cabin.
An interior cabin on a ship can have 6 different prices depending on its location. All cabins are the same, just the price is different. As the lower cost cabins are sold, the next person has to pay more for the same type of cabin. The cabin can actually be next to each other and one is priced more just for the sake of the cruise lines making more money.
Yes, like any business, many companies will run a sale or promotion to generate business. Cruise Lines are no different. If you booked with a Cruise Professional, and the price was lowered they might have arrangements to protect the lower rate. Many of these “Cruise Agents” will let you know automatically, other companies you will have to check everyday. Remember if you booked with the Cruise Lines directly, this protection will not happen.
Yes, like any business, many companies will run a sale or promotion to generate business. Cruise Lines are no different. If you booked with a Cruise Professional, and the price was lowered they might have arrangements to protect the lower rate. Many of these “Cruise Agents” will let you know automatically, other companies you will have to check everyday. Remember if you booked with the Cruise Lines directly, this protection will not happen.
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