nccruiserdec14

I am sorry but what you say is absolutely not true! We do use your early bird strategy on some cruises (especially longerr cruises with very popular itineraries) but the last minute deals we get (almost annually) are simply amazing. I am talking about high category balcony cabins for under $60 per passenger/day! The folks that never get those deals are simply not looking in the right places or are simple inflexible about their cruise line, ship or itinerary. To prove a point we are going on a "last minute cruise" in 3 weeks that is a 14 day Repo itinerary (Europe to the USA). Not only did we get a terrific price (far cheaper then anyone who booked prior to the final payment date) but we also were able to take advantage of a fantastic deal on Business Class air to Europe. We are currently watching another cruise (10 days) that is is early November and expect to get that cruise for less then $70 per passenger day (balcony). Right now its selling for about $85 per passenger day (the price is falling like a rock) and a few weeks ago it was selling for over $120 per passenger day. But the fun of looking for last minute great deals is it might not work out. But if it doesn't come to pass there are plenty of other cruise possibilities or perhaps an All Inclusive deal...or maybe a great last minute airline deal to Europe, etc. etc. It is there for those who look. And while booking long range cruises (we have bookings out to about 2 years) is fun, the last minute deals are always a hoot.

 

On a recent HAL cruise this topic came up during an enjoyable dinner while sharing a large table. Several at the table wanted to know how to get the great deals and we mentioned the names of several high volume cruise agencies that were a great source. One of the couples immediately told us that they "did not trust" any agency and would only deal with their "PCC." They also explained that they would not cruise on any other line (other than HAL) and they were even particular as to the ship. Bottom line was that those folks will never get a good last minute deal because they are too inflexible and the best deals are never sold directly by the cruise lines. They are generally made available to a small group of higher volume agencies who quietly market the deals to those on their private e-mail lists. In many cases they are prohibited (by the cruise line) from advertising the deals on the web.

 

Hank

I have some questions about your strategy. Can I contact you directly?

Just wanted to encourage you to ask for assistance leaving the ship. They would have taken your wife and you and your CPAP machine. I am younger than you but with a bad knee. I have gotten this type of help many times.

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