Is it better to book my cruise early or wait for a last minute discount?

It depends on your level of flexibility, but overall, it is better to book early. The cruise lines will often lower your rate if a better promotion comes along after your book your trip. Some guidelines are listed below for when should consider booking, but again what they really come down to is flexibility.

Book early(at least 6 - 8 months in advance) if:

o It's an inaugural cruise
o You want specific cabin, i.e.
· suites or mini-suites
· location (port, starboard, middle of the ship, bedding, etc.)
· handicapped
o It is a unique itinerary (holiday, infrequent)
o You're not flexible with dates (honeymoon, vacation, etc.)
o You need a cabin for 3 or 4 people
o You need multiple cabins (family, group, etc.)
o You are particular about seating at dinner (especially if you want late seating)
o You plan to use frequent flyer tickets to get to the port (especially foreign cruises)

Book late if:

o You have lots of flexibility (itinerary, dates), especially if only two people are cruising
o You don't care about the location of your and you will take an inside cabin
o You can drive to the port (and none of the other guidelines apply)
o You feel it isn't any fun unless you have lots of pressure :-)

Some cruise lines will now guarantee dinner seating and take a lower deposit when you book early (this may only be for repeat passengers).

Most people book 8 months to as much as 18 months in advance. You can always cancel, but of course you have to outlay the money for the deposit. Refunds on deposits are slow, however, and may take up to two months.

In the Caribbean at this time, where they have obviously built too many ships (especially in the winter when the ships are not in Alaska/Europe), some of these rules may not apply. Anyway, they are only guidelines.