When to book august cruise?

[zetalove08]

So I just got back from a cruise on the Monarch and I'm already dying for the next one! My parents have never been on a cruise before and so we're planning on doing a family trip. So exciting!

 

However, I'm trying to figure out the best time to book to get the best deal- figured I'd ask everyones opinion!

 

We are looking at going around August 13th as this will be in between summer and fall classes (I work at a university so this would be the best time to go). I am figuring that's probably a popular time? Not sure how it compares though with K-12 school and when they get back to school.

 

The rates are starting at $379 for inside stateroom per person right now, which I'll be honest is tough to swallow when we just went on the Monarch for around $180 per person in a oceanview stateroom. However we booked about 2.5 weeks in advance, so I think that's why we got such a good deal.

 

I was wondering if anyone has had any luck booking last minute at a date like that in the summer? Are they pretty much already booked up since summer is a peak time for cruising, or are there still last minute deals? I'm worried to wait and then it be all full, but also would love of course to get a deal.

 

We could possibly go in September when it'd be cheaper, but it'd be a lot more difficult to work schedules.

 

We could also do a 3-night cruise Friday-Monday and that wouldn't interfere with schedules, but I just worry that would seem SO quick and it also stinks since they are basically the same price as a 4-night cruise, so for the same price you get an additional day/night.

 

Any thoughts/advice/input? Any stories from past experience?

 

Thanks in advance!! Y'all are awesome! :)

[kenevenpar]

Hey, we are still waqiting for the coco cay part of your review :D

 

It is always hit or miss on pricing. I would never pay $379 for an inside, and for that matter I would not pay it for a deck 9 (sup ov?, forget name).

 

We try for a time when deck 9 is mid - $200's. Or, sometimes the best deals are on deck 8 obstructed ocean view.

 

Usually, not always, later August is less expensive, and early September is usually even a bit less. I would tend to wait until closer in, maybe not the 2.5 weeks you did on your last Monarch, and see what pops up.

 

Ken

[bigedwin]

Start tracking the prices after final payment dates!

People cancel right before final payment!

I would say look for deals after 75 day mark!

But would not wait for the 2 week mark!

Good luck!

Also check other cruises for the same dates on other cruise lines as a Backup Plan!

[Jimnbigd]

It depends on several things. How flexible are you? If you drive, you might wait for a deal, and if none happen then you don't go. But if you fly you probably cannot cancel your airfare without penalty if not a complete forfeit. Also if you want 2 cabins close to each other then I would not wait too long. As others have said, try checking about 80 days out -- final payment is due 75 days out and you'll probably find cancellations then.

 

If you really want the WOW facter, try saving up for the Freedom of the Seas.

As for cruise prices, I figure $60 per day or less is a bargain, $70 per day is good, $80 per day is OK, and above that is average.

This is per person, inside cabin, 2 per cabin, and includes all taxes, port charges, and fees -- but not tips or other expenses like drinks, casino, and shore excursions.

 

Also it depends on the ship. The Voyager class ships really do have a special WOW factor for me and I'm willing to pay more for this. I think the Freedom class ships should have this too. And of course the Oasis class. But you can also find readers who prefer the smaller ships. I just prefer the Voyager class ships over the smaller RCI ships I've been on.

 

As of now I don't see any RCI ship from Port Canaveral other than the Freedom of Seas after the Monarch leaves next April. Anyone know if RCI will do a 4 & 3 day sailings from Port Canaveral after the Monarch leaves?

 

You might check out the early January sailings. You can usually find good rates right after the New Year. Weather is still pretty good then in the Caribbean.

[zetalove08]

Thanks everyone!

 

Good idea to look right after final payment dates! I will put that on my calendar to alert me! lol.

 

We definitely really want that date, but if it doesn't go down we could do a later date probably... but just scared if that happens I'll never get my parents to actually do it! lol.

 

Jimnbigd- I have done the Mariner and love that class, but I am looking more for a smaller more intimate ship for my parentsfirst cruise, maybe next one will be on the freedom! :)

 

bigedwin- Thanks that's really helpful!!

 

Kenevenpar- haha I'm working on it!