Opending Day Pricing ??

[CMW0021]

I am hoping to book a cruise for 2014. I was trying to decipher the opending day price threads but it was a little difficult for a newbie such as myself. I'm sure there are 100's if not 1000's of threads on pricing. I spent a half a 'work' day reading through them. It seems the opening day is the best day to book your cruise. Otherwise, you would be better to try 2-3 months out and try to grab a deal. On average, what is the typical savings booking on opening day? Is it a one day thing or does the price go up after so many cruises are booked and it really could be 10 am on opening day or a couple days later when the prices go up? What is your strategy for booking the cruise on opening day? phone, online or TA? Thanks so much. I am floored at all the information. I love to save a buck and really do not have a preference on when we go, just how to get the most for our $$. I appreciate all of your expertise!!

 

[IFlossU]

Thanks for posting this question. I'm curious to the know people's booking strategies as well. I'm considering using a TA for the OBC, but the control freak in me has a hard time trusting someone else with the details. Especially if I'm booking on opening day, and trying to get a certain cabin assignment. I hope some experienced cruisers will give their insight.

 

[jdb in AZ]

I am hoping to book a cruise for 2014. I was trying to decipher the opending day price threads but it was a little difficult for a newbie such as myself. I'm sure there are 100's if not 1000's of threads on pricing. On average, what is the typical savings booking on opening day? Is it a one day thing or does the price go up after so many cruises are booked and it really could be 10 am on opening day or a couple days later when the prices go up? Some prices go up the same day. What is your strategy for booking the cruise on opening day? phone, online or TA? Thanks so much. I am floored at all the information. I love to save a buck and really do not have a preference on when we go, just how to get the most for our $$. I appreciate all of your expertise!!

It depends. How's that for a definitive answer? If it's a really popular cruise, a travel agent can book it faster on opening day than you can.

Cruises are generally cheaper when kids are in school, so avoid summer and holiday cruises.

 

[kcashner]

The answer becomes "it depends." If a TA has their stuff organized, everyone in the office and ready to go and declines incoming calls during that hectic time, they can get all their bookings done way more quickly than I can do it on my own.

If you have a TA that doesn't "get it" or isn't coordinated enough to mobilize their office to get all their reservations done, you might be better off doing it on your own.

I have always been pleased and even the IGT/OGT/VGT rates that came out at the end were higher than what I'd paid for my cruise.

 

[Silverfox97]

I have always been pleased and even the IGT/OGT/VGT rates that came out at the end were higher than what I'd paid for my cruise.

So true!!! They released these rates for our June 16 cruise on the Fantasy & we still paid less for our verandah cabin than the VGT rate.

 

[quentina]

Anyone know the release date?

 

[MTmomma]

Anyone know the release date?

Usually the end of October. The 2013 dates for the Magic/wonder were just recently fully released. The Dream/Fantasy are most likely continuing to run the itineraries they are on now, with the exception of 5 night double dip cruises.

 

[CMW0021]

Thanks so much for the responses. On average, what do you save by booking on opening day? I'm sure this is a tough question based on the ever changing prices. For those that booked on opening day and then checked later on the pricing, what was the difference? does anyone have a TA in the Pittsburgh area they feel is a top notch for booking these type of deals?

 

[Bear3412]

.... For those that booked on opening day and then checked later on the pricing, what was the difference? QUOTE]

In my experience 5 - 40 %. When kids are out of school is the most flux IMHO.

 

[Chilly]

Lots of people on here myself included use Dreams Unlimited.