When do bookings open?

[Cruisin' Along]

I have read some posts stating that in order to get the lowest price it is best to book a cruise the morning that bookings open. How do I find out when booking opens for a September 2013 Princess cruise?

[CruiserBruce]

The best place for your Princess question would be the Princess board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=197

 

As far as when, the key criteria is what you want. If you want a specific cabin, or location, yes, book early. The less picky you are, the more you can wait. But, personally, 6 months prior to sailing would be my line. After that, you have little control of location, and probably not much control over specific cabin type.

 

Of course, there is absolutely no price guarantee benefit in waiting. The fares may go up, or may go down. Nobody here really knows what the fares will do- they are driven by supply and demand. Some cruises that don't sell well, may go on sale. Others may have high demand, driving the fare up. Which ones? Again, nobody here really knows.

[serene56]

-i have been booked on ruby princess for february 2013 since oct of last year. our cabin is now almost 300 more 1months ahead is what i like to book

[Putterdude]

Princess' itineraries are usually released about 18 months out. We book as soon as they are released only to get an h/c cabin for DW. The launch price is not necessarily the best price, a good TA will often have a better price with perks....if the price goes down a good TA will get you the lower price.

[Greatescapes]

We have always booked our own cruises, I have found over the years that its tough to figure out when the prices are going to be the lowest, there are several factors involved in pricing strategy for the lines. Its been my experience that sailings from Dec.-Apr and late Aug-Oct are going to be the best time to go pertaining to price. The actual fair for the cruise will be reasonably constant at first posting then will start to decline within 3-4 months prior to sailing. Now there is a happy medium there that the price stays the same. This is a good time to book. Then it will usually go back up by 10-20%. Then at around 30 days to sailing date they will drop the price again to fill the remaining cabins. You have to keep a close watch on the cruise prices because most lines will have a price guarantee which allows you to usually get credit back for the difference. This strategy does not seem to work during holidays or special themed cruises. Also if you wait to the end that last 30 days you will not usually have much to choose from as far as cabins and locations. Good Luck and Enjoy Your Cruise!