DCL Rate Increases

[ibouncetoo]

Does anyone know if there is a set pattern (as in time or ship capacity) that dictates when DCL raises rates on a cruise? I ran some numbers on their web site last weekend for the 1/14 Magic and yesterday same deal (same stateroom #'s even) was up $455 (for the two, single occupant Cat 11's).

And is there a specific time when they may lower rates right before the cruise (one week out, two weeks out)?

Our travel situation is way up in the air.....and will be for several months. I'm just hoping that this particular cruise is the one we could end up on (don't want to wait any longer than that ) and I'm thinking we need to consider just going ahead and book this now and seeing where we stand at the end of October, when final payment is due.

Whaddayathink?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

They use tiered pricing. As the ship fills the price goes up. Your best bet for a great price is to use early booking savings - book when rates first come out, usually around late September. We booked our 2006 cruise in Sept, 2004. It's amazing to see how high rates are now for the same cruise.

I know you want to go in 2006 but maybe you should consider booking a 2007 cruise this September when 2007 rates come out? Just a thought...

 

[lbgraves]

Also, DCL rates do not go down before the cruise date...they go up. The sooner you book, the lower the rate.

 

[ibouncetoo]

So what do they do a week or two before sailing, if they have 20% of their staterooms left????

 

[lbgraves]

DCL very rarely sails when they don't have a full ship. That is why they don't need to give discounts like the other lines. They only have two ships...and this summer only one is on the east coast. Occasionally they will offer FL residence rates 3 months out from sailing. They don't do it for every cruise & the number of rooms offered is limited. This may be the way they handle it if a cruise isn't sold out.

 

[jel0511]

So what do they do a week or two before sailing, if they have 20% of their staterooms left????

This almost NEVER happens on DCL. DCL almost always sails at full capacity and usually is at full capacity 60 days out. IF there is availabilty they release FL residents rates as indicated above. Since my first cruise 3 1/2 years ago, they haven't released last minute specials. Trust me, I would have jumped!!

 

[ibouncetoo]

Thanks everybody. This is giving me ammo for my 'book now' pitch! LOL!

 

[kcashner]

If they have spaces left a month or so before the cruise, they offer discounts to cast members, FL residents, military, TAs, etc. Not advertised and not to the general public.

Your best bet is to book early. IF by chance there is a discount that you qualify for (like FL resident), DCL will give you the lower rate if you ask.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Sometimes they do release CAT 12's "Magical Rates" when the ship is not filling up as fast as they predict, but these are usually pretty far out.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Sometimes they do release CAT 12's "Magical Rates" when the ship is not filling up as fast as they predict, but these are usually pretty far out.

hmmmmm. someone just mentioned Magical Rates for Jan/Feb to me earlier....I'm talking to a TA tomorrow

 

[westjones]

Sometimes they do release CAT 12's "Magical Rates" when the ship is not filling up as fast as they predict, but these are usually pretty far out.

I just noticed this on the All Seasons Travel website for the New Year's Eve 7 night cruise:

http://cruises.allseastravel.com/c/5/5738/1800641_5738.htm#12-31-2005

Standard Inside Guarantee $2646(two people) $3400(three) $4153(four)

This is about $1200 less (for a family of 4) than the Cat. 11 room! I would love to do this, but DH doesn't want to do it. My kids are out of school that week too! We are going on the 4 night in March, but it would be SO cool to spend New Year's Eve on the Magic!

BTW, I called Disney directly about this, and they are not offering, I have only seen it on All Seasons Travel's website.
DJ

P.S. They also have one of these deals going on for the Jan. 2 three night (which is actually a Mon, Tues, and Wed). Here is the link to that one:

http://cruises.allseastravel.com/c/5/5738/2453560_5738.htm#1-2-2006

Standard Inside Guarantee $885(two people) $1148(three) $1411(four)

This is also available on the Disney.com website, I don't know why the 7 night one isn't being sold directly for Disney (unless it has already sold out all the spots they want to sell at that price).

 

[TammyAlphabet]

WestJones, I have a friend whose whole family is going on that NYE cruise. I am so jealous! Oh well, I only have to wait a little longer for my cruise.