1st time Cruiser - When should I go ??

[NandP]

We want to plan a cruise for 2007... what times of year should I avoid and why?

When is a good time for cruising?

How far in advance can a cruise be booked?

Thanks...


PS. this is question 1 of about 3,678 to follow so bear with me.. I never did a cruise before!

 

[skyhawk]

I was on the August 14th Magic - the first cruise affected by all these hurricanes. We thought "what are the odds that a hurricane will affect us?". Well, duh!

I can't suggest a good time to go, but I can say, AVOID HURRICANE SEASON!!

 

[logan1_2000]

Definitely, avoid HURRICANE SEASON!! Get a Disney VISA and use the rewards dollars toward your cruise, that should help pay for the differential between Hurricane season and other times. And yes, book as far in advance as possible.

 

[logan1_2000]

A non-sarcastic response now, if you have never cruised, the school of thought is often to take a shorter cruise to make sure you like crusing, so that if you find out you just can't stand it, you would not be "stuck" for a whole week. My first two cruises were 4 day cruises, one RCCL (sucky ship--avoid the Empress of the Seas) and then the Wonder. Both times felt that the cruise ended just as I go to know my way around and was getting to know my waiters, etc. Since then have done a 7 day and have another one booked, and wouldn't go to a shorter format if I had any choice whatsoever.

Your address says NY--as a former northerner, I'd say book in Late January through Early April, when it is cold up north, and when you will appreciate the escape to the warmth. Too cold to enjoy the water in the Bahamas in Early January was how we felt on the Jan. 11, 2003 cruise stop at CC.