How far in advance to book August Cruise

[disgirl]

Hi! I am thinking about possibly going on the 4 day Disney Cruise in August of 2005. I just read a post about the weather at that time of year and see there were quite a few people who traveled the end of August, like we would.

My question is: How far in advance did you book the cruise, did all of you book at 11 months? Since we are not usually long time planners, I was just wondering if you think it is possible to get a cruise room, say cat. 8 or 9 on points(DVC) within say 6 months. Thanks so much for any responses. I appreciate your help!

Patty

 

[DisneyKids]

I believe that you can book up to 18 months out (not sure if that's a regular rule or not). But what I will suggest is that you book out as far in advance as you can. The closer you get to the cruise, the more expensie it will get. And, if for some reason the cost declines (the exception, not the rule), you can call and get your rate reduced.

 

[kcashner]

The closer to the cruise you get, the less chance you have of getting your preferences--cabin category, seating, etc. If you travel on $, there is no downside to early booking--you get the best early booking credit, and if the price goes down, Dis will match the new price. There is no penalty for rescheduling as long as you are 60 days or more out from the cruise. On DVC points, the price won't change, but there are restrictions should you need to change your date or anything. Bottom line, it is to your advantage to book as soon as you are sure of your plans.

I also suspect, but cannot prove that free upgrades may be determined by booking date. It was our "far ahead" bookings that resulted in free upgrades.

 

[disgirl]

Thanks for your responses. More responses from any one else, would be appreciated. I love hearing different people's experiences.

kcashner: Do you remember how early you booked your cruise when you got a free upgrade? Are we talking over a year, probably, huh? Do you think people who travel by points can sometimes get free upgrades or do you think it is just for cash paying travelers? I think we would probably use our points. If you need to cancel using points, are you not allowed to use them for dvc resorts? This is all very new to me? Sorry, I am sure this has been discussed many times before on this forum. This is my first time posting on the DCL forum, so sorry for the repeat in questions.
Thanks.

 

[cruisedis05]

I BOOKED FOR AUG 28,2005 LAST WEEK. BUT MY TA FAXED THE ROOMS WE WANTED TO DIS ABOUT 7 MON. AGO. SO I GOT WHAT I WANTED. I WAS TOLD THE 3&4 DAY ONES ARE GOING FAST SINCE THEY ARE THE ONLY DATES OPEN FOR THAT TIME IN 2005(7 DAY CRUISES NOT OPEN YET) LET ME KNOW IF YOU BOOK FOR THE SAME TIME

 

[disgirl]

Wow! Cruisedis05: I commend you on booking so soon. We are never great at booking things too early but now that we are dvc members, we better get used to it. Ha!! You mentioned the dates for the 3 and 4 day cruises are out, but not the 7 days. Where can I find the dates? The 28th does sound good in that I believe labor day is late in 2005 also. We would have to be back in time for ds to go back to school and dh usually has off last two weeks in August or last week and first week of Sept. depending on when Labor day is. I guess I need to look at a calendar and break the news to dh that this is what I think we should do, of course we would have to borrow points from 2006 to do it, though. What room category did you go for, if I could ask? I'll let you know what we decide.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

disgirl
If you plan on booking through DVC you can only book your cruise 11 months out. We decided to book our Feb-2004 cruise with cash instead of pts, and booked it 18 months out and got the $50 rebate and $50 on-board credit for our 4 day cruise.

You can also rent your DVC points out then pay cash for your cruise.

 

[justcruisin]

Book as far out as possible, it's sooooo much affordable that way. I believe our depost was $1000. Made a couple of more $1000 payments .... with any luck it will be paid for soon. You can always cancel prior to 60 days of your cruise date, so you will get all your money back.

It's amazing how much prices increase as the departure date approaches.

 

[disgirl]

Thanks for the info, Nick. I was actually pleasantly surprised to see you responded. Did not realize you were going on a cruise in Feb. Have a great time. I always enjoy your posts with your GREAT pictures on the DVC board.

Thanks everyone for all your replies. Now to talk to dh about our plans. Ha!

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by disgirl
Now to talk to dh about our plans. Ha!

Sent you a PM disgirl.

 

[cruisedis05]

disgirl-
I'm booked in 2 of the secret porthole rooms. My TA checked the dates for me, I just told her I wanted one of the last cruises in Aug of 05. We are staying in DW for 5 days before. I too thought of the back to school dates. We are traveling with 4 kids and 4 adults. Let me know what you decide.