Booking a cruise late

[burritopunk]

I'm wanting to book a cruise, preferably a nine (9) day, but am on somewhat of a tight budget. How much do prices drop as the sailing date becomes closer? Do you start seeing a difference a month before? two months? any info would be appreciated!

[pcur]

Well, if the cruise is not sold out, and it's not a highly desirable time of year (summer and holidays are usually sold out), you'll start seeing the lower prices about 30 - 60 days out.

 

There are always cruises they put on "special" that are way in advance, too.

 

Try signing up for all the email newsletters at the travel sites. Just do a Google on the word cruise, and they will show up.

 

The email newsletters show what's on special, and you can "shop" for what you want. I prefer to go to my regular TA to book, and she meets or beats the same price.

 

Also, try RCCL's happy hour specials that come out on Tuesday and Thursday, but these are usually sailing in the near future:

 

http://www.creative.rccl.com/sales/happy_hour/HappyHour_rci_tues.pdf