Do the prices go up or down? & Party of 5

[FreeTime]

I am looking at sailing next June. However, the prices are $2000 more for the 4-night than what we paid in May of this year. Maybe because June is holiday time? Should I book now, or do the prices go down the closer the sailing time comes?

Also, we would like to bring my FIL along. Should we book two staterooms for 5 of us, or a room that sleeps 5? Do the ones that sleep 5 really just sleep 2 adults and 3 kids?

Thanks!

 

[CM_Mom]

Prices on DCL cruises just keep going up the closer you get to the sail date. That's why you read so much about folks booking as soon as the dates are announced to get the best discounts. The sooner you book, the cheaper it will be.

If you have three adults, I would book two connecting cabins instead of one. Go with a lower category and get two. That also gives you two bathrooms. The category 4 cabins have a murphy bed that pulls down from the wall...but blocks access to the verandah.

Another option with your FIL along is to book a Category 6 for the verandah and a Category 11 across the hall as an economical option. DCL won't care where the kids sleep, either all in with you or with Granddad.

 

[AnnaS]

We are going on our third 7 night Magic cruise (West Coast). Have always booked two cabins. First time we had two cat. 11 next to each other - not connecting. Second time we had a Cat. 5 or 6 w/verandah and a cat. 11 across. This time we have a cat. 8 (window) and a cat. 11 across. We need the extra bathroom/space. If you move people around after booking, take the lifejacket with you in that cabin and put back at end of cruise.

 

[staceymerrill]

June is unquestionably a more expensive month to cruise than May....In June, more schools are out for summer vs May, which is a transition month - after Spring break, yet before school is out......

 

[S'sMom]

I just wanted to know why are they so expensive for next year. We went this year in June the price was fine but now I am planning for next June and it is attrotious, needless to say. Dare I say it, I may have to go with another cruise line. I hope not.

DO they ever have any specials for June at all. On our first cruise last june 2004 we made our ressies in October and we got a fantastic price. This year was higher and will be higher next year.

 

[CM_Mom]

Part of the problem all the cruise lines are having is that the ships are powered by Diesel..which is made from OIL...which is at an all time high per barrel. The cost to the cruise line of getting from point A to point B is going up just like filling your car at the pump is going up. Gas prices in our area are up more than 10% over this time last year.

I don't know how much of an increase there has been from year to year percentage wise but with the cost of fuel, labor and supplies going up, DCL has to adjust their prices also.