Stick Or Twist? – Is It Best To Book Early?

I am asked many times when is the best time to book a cruise? Should you ‘Stick‘ and book as soon as the cruise goes on sale or do you take the gamble and ‘Twist’ and wait until the last minute to pick up a bargain? To be fair if I could predict the future I would not be in this job!

The answer is both, and  it all depends on your own personal circumstances.

Booking early has it’s advantages, not only do you get the cruise ship of your choice and itinerary that you want, choose you cabin position and dining time. Also the majority of cruise lines will offer free on board credit, free gratuities or free drinks packages to entice you to book early. The downside is that you may pay slightly more, but hopefully something like the free drinks package will cover the difference.

I am booked for next year on P&O’s new ship Iona which launches next year and booked as soon as the programme came out in March. Granted we have only booked an inside cabin but it is going October half-term for 7 nights around Northern Europe and we have paid about £1100 for 2 adults and 1 child – an absolute bargain! And that’s not all because as we booked the Select fare, it includes return coach transfers to the port, choice of dinner sitting and we can select our cabin, plus I only had to pay a small deposit of £55 (5%). The price today for the same grade is now in excess of £1500 which is a whopping £400 extra – and astonishing 36% increase.

The other option is to wait closer to departure in the hope of securing a bargain. A great example was a cruise I booked with P&O last year – 7 nights around the Mediterranean including flights and transfers was only £399 compared to £799 if you had been the early worm. Another example – 14 night cruises from £599 compared to £1249 booking early – An Unbelievable Saving! – Obviously there is a few drawbacks – Cabins are sold on a guaranteed basis, so you will know what cabin type you’ll have, inside, outside or balcony but the exact location & dining sitting will be allocated on board.

My advice is if you having to go peak time like school holidays or have set holidays, need a 4 berth or single cabin, are less mobile and require a cabin to be closer to lifts and amenities then book early. Also nearer the time flights from your preferred airport might be unavailable or at a premium.

If you are flexible and are willing to take the gamble , then there’s bargains to be had.