Early Bookings

[lasmickey]

How early do I have to book to get an "early booking savings"? My family & I are definitely going to take the Oct 9-16, 2004, Western Carribbean cruise. We'd like to wait until near the end of summer this year (2003) to book. Will we still be able to get the "EBS" then?

 

[disneyeveryyear]

I would think that EBS would still be available then (it is based on how fast the ship books up).

However, the more important questions (in my mind) is will you be able to get the cabin (and/or category) you want. Category 1,2,and 3 book quite early as do the Secret Porthole Rooms and upgraded Navigator verandas.

That is what you may want to look at.

 

[lasmickey]

We're thinking about either a Cat. 9 or 6. What do you think?

 

[disneyeveryyear]

We booked in late February/early March of this year for a Category 9 and were unable to get connecting rooms, but that isn't a big deal. We were toward the front of the ship to get adjoining rooms. From what they say mid-ship has the least motion, I don't know if that is important to you.

As for a Category 6, I know there are 4 Category 7's that used to be Category 6. From what I understand they are partially obstructed (looks very small from Dave's picture). In that way, you gt a Category 6 cabin for the price of a Category 7. I think those book out fairly quickly. www.dcltribute.com Dave has pictures and cabin numbers if you want to take a look.

FYI, all category 9s are not alike. On Deck 1 they only have two small portholes not the one large one like on deck 2. www.castawayclub.com Barb has pictures. She may also have them of the previous Cat. 7 (Navigator's Verandahs) I am not sure.

 

[lasmickey]

I checked out the links! Thanks a million! We may try to book earlier to get one of those cat. 6 at th cat 7 price deals. Also, thanks for the info about the porthole windows. If we decide on that, I definitely prefer one of the larger windows.

I appreciate all the info!!!!

 

[disneyeveryyear]

No problem!

I have learned so much from these boards that it is nice to be able to help someone else!

 

[Regina]

Even though it's over a year away, it covers Columbus Day so it will book faster than other cruises. (Anytime there's a school holiday, Disney fills up quickly.)

You're smart to get a jump on it, but I would suggest booking it now if possible so you get the best savings and the location that you want.

 

[Surfergirl]

We just booked last week for the Oct. 9, 2004 and were able to get 2 secretporthole rooms. I think they may have been the last 2.
Anyhow , see you there!

 

[mark & sandra]

Hi lasmickey- We recently booked our 1st cruise about a month ago for Jan. 04. Someone on these boards suggested we check out www.allseastravel.com . We got a price from them that was 610.00 cheaper then every other agency we contacted. Check out their web site and see for yourself. The prices posted do include all fees and taxes, but the 3rd and 4th passenger prices are based on children under 12. I think the price goes up by about 200.00 if the ages are older for these passengers. I'd book as early as possible, but you'll have to pay 250.00 deposit at booking per person and the rest is due at 60 days out. Good luck with your searchings.
Sandra

 

[Dasha]

How far ahead can you make early bookings?

 

[lasmickey]

Just as soon as a cruise becomes available. The minute that they list a cruise (up to 1 1/2 - 2 years ahead of time), you can book at the "early booking" rate.

 

[lasmickey]

Mark & Sandra - I checked into the www.allseastravel.com site, they quoted me a better price than I've been able to find anywhere else. Have you used them before, or is this your first time?

 

[mark & sandra]

We are going on our first cruise, so no we are using them for the first time. Do a search on these boards ( when they are up and running ) use keys word All Seas or All Seasons Travel. I do feel confident in them. You can call them directly 1-800-771-8690 and ask them some questions about their service and rates. They do buy large blocks of rooms in advance and pass on the savings. I was all set to book with this boards company, Dreams Unlimited, they seemed very professional and answered all my questions promptly, but at a savings of 610.00, I'm going to fly in 1 day early, rent a car, spend the day at Universal,(our annual passes end that week) and then drive to the port and stay the night at the Radisson before our cruise, and all this extra stuff for less then the price of booking with some other company. As far as the deposit money and payment, they are made directly to Disney Cruise Lines, not the agency. Was your savings substantial?

 

[lasmickey]

Yes, quite substantial. About $500.00. I think I'll give them a call today. Sounds like we can't go wrong at that price! Thanks again!

 

[mark & sandra]

Also see if you can get an on board credit. Their are 2 codes out for on board credits of 50.00, you won't get both but you might get 1. They are code "REF" and code "BBO". The 1st is for 1st time cruisers and the second is a bounce back offer. Ask the agent at ALL SEAS if they are available to you. Let us know of your results.

 

[lasmickey]

I did talk to allseastravel.com to check on the booking codes. They said that at the present time, those are not available. They did say that I could continue to check back though, because sometimes they do have access to codes for onboard credits.

 

[HLFDZN]

I got a great deal with Cruises only. I got an early booking for the end of March which is our spring break here. I was very excited!!! I also booked a girlfriends cruise on RCCL for February. So far their prices have beat all. Hope this helps..Melissa
My cruise agent there is Sheri Moreno...she is great...

 

[lasmickey]

Thanks for the info. I checked into it, but allseastravel.com was still $700.00 cheaper. Unless things change terribly within the next 6 - 8 weeks, it looks like I'll be booking through allseas.

 

[CGC33A]

I am also booked for the Oct 9th western. I booked in February (actually a friend booked for me on board, so I could get the on board credit). We are in a SPR. Now I am hoping for 2 things: that I have predicted the school vacation correctly since the schedule is not out yet & that the price drops. October is often a month with some special rates.

 

[Grumbo]

Perhaps I'm missunderstanding your last post lasmickey but if you can, I'd book now as opposed to waiting the 6 - 8 weeks for the choice of cabin plus the possible increase in your fare.
As much as I like Disney sure don't want to give them anymore money than I have to. They'll probably end up with it in the long run on the ship but this way I get to choose on what
Cheers,
Grumbo