How far in advance do you book a cruise ?

[mariechouette]

Hi everyone, I am planning to book 5 nights from Miami on the Magic (Western Caribean) on October 2014. The price is $2000 for 1 adult and 2 children (8 and 9) in a verandah stateroom. The price doesn't seem to me that expensive. But I feel weird to book just that way in advance (18 months in advance !).

I need to give a $300 deposit to book, is it totally refundable if I change my mind?

I am a Disney cruise 1st timer, do you have any tips before booking ?

Thanks so much for your answers !

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hi everyone, I am planning to book 5 nights from Miami on the Magic (Western Caribean) on October 2014. The price is $2000 for 1 adult and 2 children (8 and 9) in a verandah stateroom. The price doesn't seem to me that expensive. But I feel weird to book just that way in advance (18 months in advance !).

I need to give a $300 deposit to book, is it totally refundable if I change my mind?

I am a Disney cruise 1st timer, do you have any tips before booking ?

Thanks so much for your answers !

We booked our first cruise (Panama Canal) on opening day, 2 years before the cruise. That one and our WBTA we booked as far out as possible. Most of of our other cruises we booked in the 3-6 months out range. Booking as far out as possible gives you the best shot at the lowest price and pick of the rooms.

Deposits (except for Concierge) are refundable up until your Paid In Full date.

 

[mrcymbalplayer]

As far as possible. the closer it gets to the sailing date and based on what rooms they have left, the price may go up. Your deposit will be fully refunded as long as you cancel within Disney guidelines. Check the Disney Crusie web site for full information.

 

[mariechouette]

Thank you so much to answer that fast.

So I better book now if I want to get the best deal. Have prices already increase since the opening of booking ?

Is it worth to book a verandah state room instead of an interial or oceanview stateroom ?

Is there any discount to expect before booking ?

 

[FJS961]

have booked as much as 18+ months in advance and as little as 50 days (once) but it usually is at least 6 month to a year out

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

On Valentines Day we booked a Nov 2014 cruise. We take the same week in Nov every year for vacation, so when we saw the cruise we wanted was available we just booked.

I feel like its forever away - and we have several (non Disney) trips planned between now and then- but I'm researching like crazy since its our first cruise as a family.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Thank you so much to answer that fast.

So I better book now if I want to get the best deal. Have prices already increase since the opening of booking ? It varies from cruise to cruise. Some of the most popular cruises have a price increase the first day the cruises are available. Others, not so much.

Is it worth to book a verandah state room instead of an interior or oceanview stateroom? That's up to you. Some people prefer to save the $$$ for shore excursions. We spend a lot of time vegging in our room, so the verandah is worth it to us.

Is there any discount to expect before booking? Disney sometimes discounts cruises that aren't selling well, but it's difficult to predict which ones will be discounted. The discounts often appear after your paid-in-full date so you have to cancel (and pay a penalty) then rebook at the lower price.

We have booked a holiday cruise 18 mos in advance. Usually we book a year ahead, but we booked an off-season cruise 5 mos ahead.

 

[TheHannas]

We also booked prob booked about the same as you. Soon as 2014 prices hit we booked for May 2014.. we have to, to be able to pay it off and have mad money lol

 

[ame]

We book as far as possible in advance to ensure we have an accessible room for DD. We only book at a price we're happy with. Sometimes the price goes down, but we're happy to pay the initial price so we just focus on that rather than what may have been.

We keep our $ for shore excursions as we're rarely in our rooms, but it really is a personal preference.

 

[mariechouette]

What is a Navigator's Verandah compared to a regular one ?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

What is a Navigator's Verandah compared to a regular one ?

A "regular" verandah is a balcony, with side panels separating you from the adjoining balconies next to you.

A Navigators balcony is an enclosed sort of porchlike balcony with a large open porthole on the outside.

 

[mmouse37]

I have booked as far as over 18 months in advance and as little as 2 weeks in advance. When traveling with large groups we tend to plan way ahead to make sure everyone can get off.

When hubby and I just want to get away we are much more flexible to take advantage of any last minute discounted fare.

MJ

 

[mariechouette]

Oh ok I can figure out what's navigator's verandah. Thanks !

Since I also have to schedule airplane tickets to Miami, it's going to be tough to plan a last minute trip.

Is the only way to get a gift card on board to book thru a travel agency ?

 

[KBT35]

A "regular" verandah is a balcony, with side panels separating you from the adjoining balconies next to you.

A Navigators balcony is an enclosed sort of porchlike balcony with a large open porthole on the outside.

Oh wow! This is the first time I've seen a Navigators Verandah in pictures! I've wondered what to expect! I'm not sure how I feel about it....on one hand I'm not as nervous now about my DS going overboard LOL! And I kinda like that its enclosed, but I also don't like that its enclosed....I knew we had what many considered the most undesirable verandah but I guess I still didn't know what to expect! Ok rambling now! LOL!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Oh wow! This is the first time I've seen a Navigators Verandah in pictures! I've wondered what to expect! I'm not sure how I feel about it....on one hand I'm not as nervous now about my DS going overboard LOL! And I kinda like that its enclosed, but I also don't like that its enclosed....I knew we had what many considered the most undesirable verandah but I guess I still didn't know what to expect! Ok rambling now! LOL!

Actually, from what I understand, the Navigators on the Dream & Fantasty aren't as enclosed. They have a bit of an obstruction from the superstructure that cuts off part of the view, so they are a little more open. I haven't really found a good picture of one of those, but I'm looking.

And the Navigators on the Magic & Wonder, from what I've read, are pretty much desired by those who been in them. Especially for those cruises that aren't all sunshine and warmth, since they're a bit more protected.

 

[tvguy]

Normally about a year in advance. Never less than 6 months in advance in 10 cruises.

 

[dahuffy]

18 months....give or take

 

[jmarsh]

My next cruise is 21 months in advance..

 

[lilroo442]

We booked our first one a year to the day. Wasn't planned but just a funny thing that happened.

 

[mariechouette]

Where do you book your cruise ? Do you on line on the Disney Cruise line or thru a travel agency ?