How far in advance do you book excursions? (USVI, BVI, CC)

[MickeyMinnieMom]

We are going on our FIRST CRUISE EVER in Mar-Apr! This is ALL new to us.

While our window to begin booking excursions opens tomorrow, I was wondering how far in advance people generally book these? Are there particular ones that fill up quickly? If so, how far ahead does that happen?

Our ports are:

• Tortola, BVI
• St. Thomas/St. John, USVI
• Castaway Cay

Thanks in advance!

 

[jdb in AZ]

It varies from cruise to cruise, but some excursions fill up before new cruisers have an opportunity to book. Those who have cruised with DCL ten or more times (platinum) can book 105 days ahead of time. Five or more cruisers (gold) book at 90 days. Returning cruisers with fewer than five cruises (silver) book at 90 days. And concierge get first "dibs" -- they book at 120 days. The cabanas on Castaway Cay fill up the quickest; even platinum people have problems getting a reservation.

People do change their minds and cancel. If the excursion you want is full before you can book it, keep checking back.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Thanks so much, @jdb in AZ!! I had researched the various options and stayed up until midnight JUST IN CASE and did find some stuff already booked!! I had vaguely remembered hearing that frequent cruisers can start booking earlier, but didn't realize how quickly things could book up!!

I ended up booking a number of my first choices, but THE BATHS was GONE! Not sure if I'd be brave enough on my first cruise and first time in St John's to go it on our own... Not with two kids!

 

[dclpluto]

It varies from cruise to cruise, but some excursions fill up before new cruisers have an opportunity to book. Those who have cruised with DCL ten or more times (platinum) can book 105 days ahead of time. Five or more cruisers (gold) book at 90 days. Returning cruisers with fewer than five cruises (silver) book at 90 days. And concierge get first "dibs" -- they book at 120 days. The cabanas on Castaway Cay fill up the quickest; even platinum people have problems getting a reservation.

People do change their minds and cancel. If the excursion you want is full before you can book it, keep checking back.

Platinum 120 days
Gold 105 days
Silver 90 days