Comparison of rates

[Rikersmom]

Everytime I see a question about the costs of the cruise, I wonder how anyone can make a decision about whether or not the rate is "good." I think that you have to decide whether you can afford the price of cruising. Of course, we all would like to pay the least possible amount. The costs vary so much depending on category, dates, insurance, transfers. When you hear that "someone" did the cruise for X amount, you need to remember that they may have been cruising at the least popular time in a category 12 cabin with no insurance or transfers.

Sometimes I think it would be much easier if there was a master chart of prices posted. No discounts, no deals, no shipboard credits. Then we all would know that we were paying the same amount for the same thing.

Don't you always wonder when you're flying somewhere how much the guy sitting next to you paid for his ticket?

 

[rae519]

I've always wondered the same thing. Guess it's that competative nature/bargain hunter in me!

I know that I start with the Disney Cruise Line Reservation Line on the website and go from there. Since I like Category 6 (full verandah), the only discount I have found is by letting a TA take over after I make the reservation and getting 7% back off the cruise price. I am pleased with that deal. When the Castaway Club had the old system of making your next reservation within "x" amount of days and cruising within "x" amount of days, I received a nice onboard credit ($200). That also helps, but the system has changed. Too much of a good deal, ehh?!

With the airline, I go back to the Delta website and keep checking - if the price goes down, I call in and get a voucher for the difference. The price dropped nearly $100 since we got our tickets in April.

But even then, I still ALWAYS wonder - did I get the best deal available?!~

See you on 9/28!
Rae

P.S.
I did miss out on the $99 cruise because we already had our February cruise planned and a January cruise was out of our reach regardless of the benefit available! The price I pay for living in the Midwest and not being wealthy!!! Shucks!

 

[moocow35]

Yes, timing is everything! My 2004 cruise which I booked 3 weeks ago, I checked online at the DCL website, and the price is up $320.00! The 2003 cruise which I booked in September of 2001 is now $835.00 more than when I booked it!

Pays to book early for those prime vacation dates!

Robin

 

[rae519]

moocow35 - bet you are counting your lucky stars about that one!
Always pays to plan ahead! But boy, the waiting!!!!

Even when it's only a few days......

Happy Sailing!
Rae