2006 Advice Needed

[jeeper9]

Our first cruise was the 26 Sep. that went from 4 days to really 2 1/2 because of the hurricane. Also didn't stop at CC.

We had such a wonderful time though that we would like to go again for 7 days! This time it would be my DDIL, 2 DGD, 2 DGS and myself. Needless to say, we will now need two rooms instead of the Cat. 4 we took this year!

The questions:
Should I book now for the special western cruise in Oct. 06 or wait until that time gets closer?
If I book just the cabins now, can I add travel insurance and air fare through DCL later?
Any suggestions on going from a wonderful Cat. 4 on deck 8 to Cat. 10's? The children said they didn't need to see outside, but Gram might!!!!
If I book now, would I be able to get a refund in 2006 if circumstances change?

All comments would be appreciated. Although I have only been on one short cruise.....I seem obsessed to go again!!!!

Diana

 

[PoohJen]

I booked for 2006 knowing that I could cancel for full refund up to 60 days before the trip (that may be 90 days now). I didn't book air, so I don't know about the airfare refund policy.

Yes, you can book the insurance later. I believe if you don't book the insurance right away, there is potentially less coverage for "pre-existing conditions".

I imagine you can book the air later. I understand it may be cheaper to book air not through DCL. I usually fly Southwest, and they won't have their 2006 schedule out for quite some time.

What fun to be planning your next cruise! Good luck, and Happy Planning!!!

 

[daisy112878]

We booked for July 2006 already. We know we can cancel anytime before I think 60 days out. My DH and I are going in Sept 2005 and we have a cat 6. For 2006 we have a cat 11 so I'm hoping we will not regret it.

We are booking airfare through Delta ourselves so I'm no help on that one.

 

[TheWog]

Yes, you can cancel for any reason up until the day the final payment is due. You can certainly book airfare later as well as insurance. You can also use other sources for both your airfare and your insurance and more than likely receive a savings over using DCL. Insuremytrip.com is a good way to compare pricing. Get a price from DCL for insurance and then you know what the going rates for other companies are. DCL insurance, I believe, only covers the cruise as well. So check with them on coverage. As airfare goes, it is recommended to travel to FL the day prior to your cruise at least so there is less stress and worrying. DCL will charge you additional for this.

You should also book now. DCL sets rates on a tier schedule so when the ship reaches a certain occupancy level they raise pricing. So the earlier you book the better price you will get and the better selections of cabins. You also want to ensure the children will have space in the age category for them. You are a long way off, but this way you can start planning.

 

[lrodptl]

We booked the Western for Oct 06 through Dreams and can cancel with full refund 75 days out!

 

[faireygod mother]

It is cheaper to book now. The closer it gets the higher the price.