Balance pay-off date for other cruiselines?

[Dodie]

I'm trying to figure out exactly where, when, on which cruiseline we can swing a spring cruise. Ideally, I would choose Disney, but I have to consider three important things beforehand: when is Easter 2004? total cost? and balance due date?. (I will be paying the cruise balance off with a work bonus that we typically receive the first week of February.)

I know that Disney's pay-off date is 60 days out. This would mean that we couldn't sail until after April 6th. When is Easter 2004? Of course, the DCL prices are a lot higher in April than they are in February or March.

Do all cruiselines have that same 60 day pay-off date in your experience? Details?

Thanks!

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

I did a quick check and found the following:

Carnival - 70 days for cruises 6-9 days, 75 days for 10+ day cruises, 60 days for cruises 5 or fewer days

Holland America - 75 days

Royal Caribbean - 80 days

Princess - 90 days

Norwegian - 60 days for a 6 or 7-day cruise, 75 days for 8 or more

Neither RCCL's nor Princess' website listed this information, so the above info is based on when final payment would be required when booking through Travelocity. It appears that they (Travelocity) require final payment 70 days out for a Disney cruise, so the information above may not be correct, as it appears Travelocity pads the due date a bit. Your travel agent or a cruise line reservations agent would have the correct information. The Carnival, HAL, an NCL information is from their websites.

I believe Easter is April 11, 2004.

 

[mrsltg]

Generally, on all cruise lines BUT Disney, you will get a discounted rate by booking last minute. If you go to Expedia or Travelocity now, they will have "last minute" deals on all kinds of cruises. My point is, if you can cruise someone besides DCL, you can wait to book until the bonus is in hand and, generally, do better $$$ wise.


Have a wonderful trip!

Erin

 

[NCRedding]

Easter is April 11, 2004. In my experience, RCCL requires payment 80 days prior to sail date (more if going to Alaska).

 

[luv2tvl]

Generally, on all cruise lines BUT Disney, you will get a discounted rate by booking last minute. If you go to Expedia or Travelocity now, they will have "last minute" deals on all kinds of cruises. My point is, if you can cruise someone besides DCL, you can wait to book until the bonus is in hand and, generally, do better $$$ wise.

The only thing you would have to consider is the time you are considering travel. Easter week is prime, peak season on any cruise line. Some lines are already running low on availibility for Easter week, so doing a last minute would definitely work if there are cabins still avail. Just a thought!