When should you book? ……

This week after speaking to a few customers where sadly I have had to advise you that the cruise you were dying to go on was not available …… (remember this as you read on)  I wanted to talk about the abundance of offers being sent out from all different cruise lines, I am only just about to go on my own holiday for this year let alone think about 2018 or even 2019 ……. YES …. You read this right 2019!!!! Now if this is not crazy I am not sure what is! …… How can you know what you are doing that far in advance ….. even 6 months in advance ….. or even a week!

HOWEVER …… In this Industry of Cruise this is completely the norm …… coming from a background of over 12 years now experience ….. I remember the £99 last minute offers I used to display in our Going Places window ….. These are pretty non existent now with fuel prices being increased, the exchange rates having their own affect also …. so is there such a thing nowadays of a late deal??? …..

My question is …. would you rather be like …..

Up all night …. Frantically searching for that last minute getaway, availability not being there, finding that perfect sailing but then the price changing, the cabin disappearing that you loved as it was Mid Ship or near to your favorite Theater or Kids Area as a family, or no direct flights available, so then having to go back to square one and then forgetting what you have looked at ……

OR …..

Frantically excited that you have your Dream Cruise booked, the cabin you wanted, direct flights, even managed to squeeze a little hotel extended stay in and even better some on board spending money, a drinks package included or a early booking discount included in the price …

Ok, so of course being in this industry I know and I am sure you all know as customers that the drinks packages do not come for free and you may book your cruise a year in advance and then they reduce the prices drastically a month before you travel, you may have booked on the Early Saver Fare with P & O that is available outside of 90 days of departure and now that Saver Fare which you knew would be released has been and is much cheaper …….

Of course, this is very frustrating, the cruise lines work along the way of fluid pricing so these can fluctuate depending on various reasons including how well the cruise is selling.

Book in advance and be prepared for this to [possibly happen (not always)  but obtain that dream itinerary or new ship, cabin, location, flights, dining times, be able to pre book excursions that sell out that you want and have something to look forward to or book it late and be prepared to be flexible with all the above however possibly have the opportunity of grabbing that better price.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Both I would say …. Do you agree?  Have you had any experiences you would like to share?  I would love to hear from you.

Book your 2019 cruise here