And they’re off!
Yes, 2019 cruises are on sale and some are selling fast. It only seems like yesterday we were bringing in the New Year and now we are talking about the 2019/2020 season. Exciting offers of low deposits, discounts and on board credits are flooding the websites.
So, the age-old question comes up. Do we book now or wait to see if a better deal comes along? The answer to this is always the same, it depends what you want. If you need any cabin type with limited availability such as a family cabin, an adapted cabin or a single occupancy cabin it is always best to book early. If you need peak dates which is any school holiday then you need to book early. If you are looking for several cabins together for a group or interconnecting cabins you will find these are amongst the first to sell out. Any itinerary that comes out that looks a bit different will be popular as will any voyage that incorporates an occasion or event such as the Monaco grand prix will sell well.
Unfortunately, however many years we have worked in this industry, we still do not have that illusive crystal ball that tells us when will be the optimum date for you to confirm your trip. You may find that the cruise you are interested in does not include a drinks package if you book now so do you wait for a new offer that includes it? The cruise line may well bring out a new offer in later months that includes more but the likelihood is that the price will have increased to accommodate that.
If you are totally flexible on where you go and when, then wait for the chance of a last-minute offer but if you know what you want now then why wait?
With more of this in the forecast, I know I’m glad I have my holidays all booked and to look forward to.
