Princess Caribbean Sailings selling well...

[RMM34667]

My May Birthday in the Mediterranean cruise is questionable at the moment. By day three of my recent 5 day my mom was in pain and having trouble walking. So upon our return she visited her orthepedic surgeon. He instructed her to see a spine specialist. But until we know the status we are at a standstill. She suggested that we do a shorter less port intensive Med cruise. No way I'm spending $1500 on airfare to see 3/4 ports. So I suggested we just move our booking from May to Nov. Same ship same Itn. So that is what we will do if she needs surgery.

 

But I wanted to have a backup plan for the spring. After all you only turn 50 once. So I started looking at Caribbean cruises for myself and my parents (a Caribbean cruise would be easy for her with or without surgery). No issues when I put in 2 passengers, but as soon as I change it to three the majority show SOLD OUT on the inside and oceanview categories.

 

I can book a BA on the Ruby, but the total cost is for the 7 day is as much as my 12 day Med.

 

I don't know if I should just wait and see if things open up after final payment is due in January, or snag it now so I don't go cruiseless for my birthday.....

 

Based on what I see it looks like Princess sales are strong right now.

[Iamcruzin]

I don't know if I should just wait and see if things open up after final payment is due in January, or snag it now so I don't go cruiseless for my birthday.....

 

Based on what I see it looks like Princess sales are strong right now.

 

If you are looking at the Caribbean in spring one thing to remember is that families tend to cruise during this time of year during spring break. They are probably booking all of the three and four passenger staterooms. I would book now and watch for price drops.

[Times Prince]

November and early December Caribbean cruises tend to be discounted in order to attract passengers, with the exception of Thanksgiving week which has elevated fares. You might want to wait some to see what deals will be offered.

 

Also with 3 adult passengers you might want to consider a minisuite - the advantage there being that the minisuite has a sofa (which makes into a comfortable bed unlike normal sofabeds) and bath tub. As you said, you only turn 50 once, so a more comfortable room might be better for your family.

[lovevacadays]

I agree that when traveling in spring there are more families and therefore, the cabins that can accomodate three passengers may already be booked or close to sold out due to spring break cruising. You could book and see if there is a price drop before final payment. If so, you should be eligible to get that price drop. The other alternative is a mini-suite but that would most likely be more expensive. Nice, though for 3 people.

[Pam in CA]

Princess has passenger limits so even if all of the cabins accommodating more than two passengers aren't booked, you will not be able to book a 3rd person in the cabin if a certain number are.

 

My suggestion is to have your TA check all of the categories more carefully. Many TAs have cabins on hold for their clients which don't show as available.

[Essiesmom]

And remember, there are no couches in cabins below mini-suite, so your third will be in an upper bunk...EM

[caribill]

but as soon as I change it to three the majority show SOLD OUT on the inside and oceanview categories.

 

 

 

If the "majority" show sold out in those categories, that phrasing means some are not showing sold out in those categories and you can book one.

 

I am not sure what the problem is unless you mean all (not a majority of) cabins in those categories which can hold 3 people are sold out.

[RMM34667]

If the "majority" show sold out in those categories, that phrasing means some are not showing sold out in those categories and you can book one.

 

I am not sure what the problem is unless you mean all (not a majority of) cabins in those categories which can hold 3 people are sold out.

 

I guess it means the cabins that can hold 3 are sold out. And the categories that are available are the more expensive one.

 

I'm used to sailing with my parent in an inside cabin. We travel well together. And I've got that climb to the upper bunk down to a science. And (beside the size of the cabin) I find the major advantage of a balcony was being able to smoke on it. But now I can't, so I'd be sitting up on deck often anyway.

 

I'm LOVE the idea of booking a mini suite (or a suite) but I'm paying. Both for the Med cruise and anything else we do. It would be so cool if I could pull off the Suite in April because that would make me platinum (and my mom elite) for the Med cruise!

 

I'm gonna leave things as they are till we get word on what she needs. She's getting a cat scan on 12/14. We will see what that shows. If we can't do May we will do November (and the price of that just dropped about $200 pp this morning). Then I'll book a Caribbean for the spring. I actually like that idea better. The Med (with a stop at Ephesus) is my Mom's dream that I'm just trying to fulfill! But the thought of sailing out of Venice on my 50th Bday was pretty good too!

[deminggraham]

If you don't need a balcony, you may want to check out a Window Suite. They have all of the full suite benefits and often cost the same or less than a mini depending on the cruise. They are availale on the Caribbean, Grand, Golden and Star Princess.