How far in advance should I book pre-cruise hotel?

[buffyj]

Hi everyone!

We're driving down from NC the day before the cruise and therefore, need a hotel room for just one night. We're planning to stay at one of the hotels partnered with the port to get the 40% parking discount. While I haven't fully decided which hotel, I've narrowed the list to a small few. It'll be our 2nd time on the Dream but the first time we flew down the morning of embarkation, so the logistics of this trip will be entirely different.

Anyway, I'm just looking for advice from the experts on how far in advance I should book the room.

Thanks so much for any other tips!

PS - FWIW, we're a family of 5 in case anyone would recommend any partnering hotel in particular that might be a comfortable fit for us.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

It depends on the time of year. If you will be there over a holiday weekend or spring break time, you would need to book sooner than if you will be there some other random time. If you are looking at a busier time, then I'd book as soon as possible but book a fully refundable rate in case you need to change your plans.

 

[buffyj]

It depends on the time of year. If you will be there over a holiday weekend or spring break time, you would need to book sooner than if you will be there some other random time. If you are looking at a busier time, then I'd book as soon as possible but book a fully refundable rate in case you need to change your plans.

Sorry...should've included that info! We're cruising 1/20/17.

 

[disny_luvr]

We stayed at the Marriott Courtyard in Cocoa Beach the night before our Fantasy cruise. It was undergoing a room refurb when we were there so most of the rooms should be new. You also get the 40% off coupon for port parking staying at this hotel. I'd recommend booking sooner than later. We booked pretty soon after we booked our cruise.

 

[BigredNole]

FWIW, the port hotels look kind of expensive (~$200-ish). You could stay a bit outside of the port and pay for the garage it will come out less. We live in NC too. When we eventually do take a DCL, we will stay somewhere around Daytona and drive the hour in the next morning.

 

[FigmentSpark]

You probably want to book it as soon as you decide. If you find a better deal, you can always cancel and book elsewhere, or even rebook at the same hotel if it's a better rate.

 

[Cwusinbunny]

I would check prices - if you find the hotel you like at the price book it - if you are cruising around school holidays, the sooner you book the better!

 

[phinz]

I always book as soon as possible because I don't want to bother doing it later. I do it while I'm in vacation booking mode.

 

[phinz]

FWIW, the port hotels look kind of expensive (~$200-ish). You could stay a bit outside of the port and pay for the garage it will come out less. We live in NC too. When we eventually do take a DCL, we will stay somewhere around Daytona and drive the hour in the next morning.

Just hope there isn't an accident on the interstate between Daytona and Port Canaveral. On the way back from racing at the speedway I've seen traffic at a standstill on that stretch of road because of accidents. I figure a little bit extra spent is worth a lot more peace of mind.

 

[poohs4me]

I always book mine as soon as I can. Mine is booked for my January cruise. I figure I can always cancel it if my plans change but better to have something secured. I still watch prices and adjust as my plans change.

 

[dcassetta]

There isn't any reason why you couldn't book the hotel now. Just make sure that you're choosing one where there's only a credit card guarantee and they aren't asking for an actual deposit. Check the cancellation policy, many only require 24 hours notice. If you wish, you can check back later to see if the rates of gotten any better. Some of the big hotel chains, including Marriott and Hilton, have a prepaid rate they can often be very good. But I would definitely wait until closer to your cruise to do something like that.

 

[Billinaz]

Always book as early as you can, preferably when the window opens. If you find a coupon code or the price goes down you can always change to that rate.

 

[buffyj]

Thanks everyone! I took your advice and decided to go ahead and book a room. Decided on the Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach. As already mentioned, if our plans change we can cancel with no penalty. I just always over analyze the easiest things like this!

Thanks again!