How far out did you book your cruise?

[FredS]

For those who have already cruised, or are scheduled to cruise later in 2003:

If you remember, how far in advance did you book your cruise? For those who perhaps changed dates a few times, when did you finally "lock in" your final choice of the date which you actually cruised (or that you are scheduled to cruise in the near future.)

Just curious as to how far out most reserve the cruise dates on which they actually sail.

 

["Ginger"]

I have booked as far as 2 years in advance. Called the very day they opened the window for booking on one of our cruises.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

The further out you book, the more $$$ you save!

 

[Memaw2Wm]

I booked in November 2002 for an August 2004 land/sea vacation ... of course my family teases me about my advance planning!

 

[xABearx]

We've always rebooked for the following years cruise while we are on the ship which enables you to usually get a break on the price either in $$$ or in DVC points......Andy

 

[FredS]

...to select your answer for cruises which have already occurred or which are imminent. It seems that MANY people make a reservation, then need to tweak it a bit before they actually cruise, either in the stateroom type or dates. I know from personal experience that cruises, particularly those planned far in advance, often have dates changed or perhaps even get cancelled.

I'm interested in the final date a reservation was made and its relationship to the cruise date. Thanks!!

 

[fireplug]

CRSNDSNY says "The further out you book, the more $$$ you save!"

I would usually agree BUT the 4 day on the Wonder we are taking we booked less than 2 months out for $399.pp Sometimes you can get a bargain sometimes not.

Steve

 

[ReadyForDisney2003]

We are on the Oct 11, 2003 Magic.

We booked Oct 25, 2002 -- I went back to check my emails.

I just checked the price for the same cruise / category and it has gone up over $1,500! I cannot believe it.

I could not move my dates because I am 'married' to the school calendar. There are 2 days off school the week we are going and I HAD to go to that week.

I would LOVE to see where the rates have reduced close to sailing. I'm guessing that is only for cat 11 or cat 10 rooms?

 

[fireplug]

ReadyForDisney2003,
You are very right it was for a cat 11 room and when our docs arrived we were in a cat 8. There are many sites that offer a few cabins on some cruises, not all cats are available. BUT there are some cheap rates available.
I can email or PM you with some sites if you wish

steve

 

[imgoingtodisney]

cruisin on DVC points - Bought into DVC 11/01 - DVCers can book at 11months

New Years Eve 01 used our points for the first time to book 11/30/02 cruise - thought it was a wonderful way to ring in the New Year

12/8/02 booked for the 11/8/03 cruise

 

[WDWLVR]

We usually book about a year out. May 2002 we booked our May 2003 cruise while on board. May 2003 we thought would be our last cruise for a while as we had other plans for 2004. Those plans changed when Disney announced the 2004 Christmas 10 day cruise! We booked that 1 1/2 years out!

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

if you want to save the most money, book your cruise in the off season. (IE late october - early march) i have made arangments for my DD to get extra school work so she dont miss much. if you go on a cruise during a holiday expect to pay a bit more. so i hope this helps

 

[cindala]

If I can only cruise in early July due to several factors, and I am looking at 2005, when should I book for the best price?

 

[ncligs]

Booked ours through DU in Sept 2002........for our cruise in Feb 2004. (17 months out). We also got the rebate and on-board credit going through DU.
Saved our DVC pts for later use.

 

[strawberryblonde]

I booked our 3/20/04 cruise the week the dates became available in June 2002. I did switch room from Port to Starboard, I think that week or the next. Now that it is 6 months away our plans are starting to feel more real. It's exciting for all of us, even the kids! I just checked on the price for our cruise if I were to book it through DCL today and it is double what I booked at - now that is savings

 

[jlawall]

Last two cruises we booked just under a year before.

 

[ElaineMc]

My upcoming cruise was a spur of the moment thing so we booked right at the 60 day mark. I know our TA said the rates go up after that. I want to know how you can stand to book so far in advance. It's killing me having to wait and I've only got a month left before I cruise. I guess getting a great price and probably the exact location you wanted is nice, but boy oh boy, talk about having patience!