pre-booking - at home or on the ship?

[bhoffman]

We are about to go on our first cruise in July (land/sea deal). I know we are going to love it so I am trying to anticipate pre-booking options so that if it is better on the boat we do that. So, any experienced cruisers out there please help me! We will be there in July and would probably be re-booking for either January MLK weekend or summer 2006 as we have kids in school. Is it better to book on board or at home through an agent? THANKS!

 

[thomprod]

Booking on board will get you a stateroom credit. The amount of the credit depends on how many days your next cruise will be. They will also discount your cruise fare. This "discount" may not be as much, though, as you could get at some discount travel agencies back home or on the Internet. The fare you pay is heavily dependant on how far in advance you book it. The same cabin booked two years ahead may more than double in price by the time the last reservations are taken for it.

 

[clten]

Usually if you re-book on board you get a good deal and some perks (usually an onboard credit). So you usually don't lose by booking while you are on board. If you usually book through a travel agent you can have the booking sent to them even if you book on board. That way your agent can coordinate anything else you need and keep an eye out for price drops for you. (If they didn't book the original cruise you are on, have the agent's office phone number to give to Disney to put in the record.)