How far in advance to book Nov 2006?

[BarbM]

Good morning! DH and I are planning a November 2006 cruise...we're thinking Nov 19 or so, for our 25th Wedding anniversary...any ideas when is a good time to book? Thanks so much!
Barb

 

[wannabecruiser]

the earlier the better I booked in this past april for our cruise in May of 2006.
I think everyone will tell you the same. It is cheaper to book early. The price of the cruise we will be taking next May has gone up $300 so far.

 

[alwayslisad]

We booked Decemeber 2004 for our December 2006 cruise

 

[SueEllen]

If you are looking at Nov 19th I belive that I Thanksgiving week...that one is already VERY full and will likely be priced almost at full "rack" rates (very little early booking savings, if any at this point.)

Anytime you want a holiday sailing you should book as far in advance as you can for the lower rates, but even with a holiday sailing the early booking discounts are minimal.

A good rule of thumb is the earlier you book the better your rates will be.

Good luck.
Sue Ellen

 

[kg66]

We booked our DCL Aug. 2004 for Feb 2005, we only were able to get an assigned cabin, no upgrade option available. We are cruising Norweigan in March 2006 and we booked that March 2005, and we'll be able to upgrade for free if there are available suites. Just a little info for you when you book your next cruise, because like all of us......you're gonna' get hooked . Have a great cruise , and congrats on the Anniversary

 

[Cruiser4Life]

We are going Nov 11 2006 we booked about a month ago. It was already filling up... Go for it now !!!

 

[disneybride96]

We booked in Oct 2004 for Nov 2005 and practically had our choice of cabins. TIP: If you want to save some money, book for the first cruise after Thanksgiving...soooo much cheaper, plus we get to spend a couple days at WDW before the cruise.

 

[MelanieC]

Hi Barb,

I agree about the Thanksgiving cruise. Its definately a LOT more expensive. I would have picked Thanksgiving since the kids are off the entire week, but the price was about double. We are going on the 11/25/06 sailing and we got a GREAT rate with Dreams unlimited. I saved $500 on our family of 4 off Disney's rates, because Dreams has a group on that sailing. It was only $200 more total for an outside Cat. 9 versus a Cat. 11 using Dreams Unlimited group rates. It would have cost us double what we paid to go over Thanksgiving.

Plus we also plan on going down to Florida earlier in the week of Thanksgiving and relax a few days prior to the cruise. This way we get on the ship with a little R&R under our belt and no pre-travel stress!!

I sure wish it was this year that we are going, but I can't complain. This time last month we were enjoying two weeks at WDW. After visiting Cocoa beach twice and seeing the Carnival Glory sailing out to sea we came home and immediately booked. We are so excited for another great family vacation.

 

[GrayFal]

We are going Nov 11 2006 we booked about a month ago. It was already filling up... Go for it now !!!

Hey Cruiser4....join us on our cruise thread...the link is listed below in my signature...I booked this 11/11/06 on our 11/13/04 cruise......

 

[5infam]

How do you book 2 years out??? I am looking at spring break 2007, and can only get December 06 on the Disney web site. Is there a waiting list I need to get on?

 

[darcimborcherding]

The 2007 dates aren't out yet. Rumor has it they will be out mid to late October.

 

[BarbM]

Is there a better place to book this trip rather than Disney cruise website, because all of the prices are basically the same for the entire month of November...a few of you mentioned that thanksgiving week would be a lot more expensive...and of course we'd like to get the best price possible! Thanks so much!
Barb

 

[JJsmama]

There are a LOT of us who have been booked on the Oct. 2006 for a LONG time. It's not too early for the best rate and availablility. If you find it too expensive, as the others have said, consider our cruise Oct. 14--it's a 'Special Western' with 2 stops at Castaway Cay and it is value season.

 

[ericamanda01]

We booked our Sept 2006 cruise in December 2004.

 

[GrayFal]

How do you book 2 years out??? I am looking at spring break 2007, and can only get December 06 on the Disney web site. Is there a waiting list I need to get on?

I think they will release the rates for 2007 this October,,,,since we cruised in November, the rates were out for 2 years ahead......I checked around for rates before I left and then booked onboard to get the re-booking discount....

 

[hopelea]

We are booked on the 11/18/06 Magic. I booked while on board in April '05.
Thinking of changing to 2007 as soon as the rates come out!!!!

 

[MelanieC]

Hi Barb,

Try shopping around. Try Dreams Unlimited, Dana at MicDan Travel, Costco and there are several others. I found Dreams Unlimited to be the lowest for the 11/25/06 cruise. They have a group for that sailing. Travel agency's may have groups on particular sailings. This could drastically save you money.

 

[Favorite Auntie]

Like GrayFal we booked out 11/11/06 cruise while we were on board 11/2004. That itenerary is filling up fast because it is a special Western Cruise with 2 stops in Castaway Cay. My advice would be to book as soon as you know the dates that you will be sailing.

 

[DIS NURSE]

Hi Favorite Auntie!
How come we havn't heard frrom you in a while?

Come on back.....November is just around the corner!

I am getting soooooo excited!

 

[Favorite Auntie]

Honestly the thread is getting a little overwhelming. If I dont' read it for a few days, there are about 10 pages of new stuff....