Question about pricing trends

[macsandy1957]

When I first thought, hey we could do a short cruise before we go to WDW!, the prices were lower than they are now. Do they tend to fluctuate or will they just keep going up? ALso they are cheaper out of Miami, but I can't figure out how to get from Miami to WDW easily. Any ideas?

 

[bumbershoot]

Easiest way is to fly. Quick flight.

It's possible they were having the 3rd/4th passenger sail free program when you were looking.

As cabins fill prices can go up.

 

[macsandy1957]

Thanks for replying. So should I go ahead and book or wait and see if they go back down? We are going around October 27 so we can be in WDW for my son's birthday on Nov. 3rd.

Easiest way is to fly. Quick flight.

It's possible they were having the 3rd/4th passenger sail free program when you were looking.

As cabins fill prices can go up.

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

My understanding (and it could be wrong) is that when fares are released they are what they are and tend to increase as you get closer to the sail date (as people book the rooms). Supply and demand. If the rooms aren't booking fast enough they may have a sale and/or reduce the fare to attract some more people to book.

If you want a specific room that is in high demand or a type of room that has a limited number available then you should book ASAP.

If you are traveling over a holiday or school break book ASAP.

Since you are looking at dates that are during the school year and don't seem to be around any major holidays (other than Halloween) you might be able to get away with waiting until the last minute to book.

Check when the paid in full date is for the cruise you are interested in. If you book now and the price drops before that date (and you personally have not paid in full yet) you can call Royal Caribbean and get a price adjustment.

While cruises out of Miami may be less expensive you will need to factor in the additional travel time and cost (car rental or flight). For us that ended up making the cruises cost roughly the same so I just went ahead and stuck with Port Canaveral.

 

[macsandy1957]

Thank you so much! I had been weighing the costs of Miami vs. Port Canaveral and had decided the same as you. I think I'm going to wait a while to book it. I really wanted to wait till Disney's fall specials come out because I can be flexible on dates if they have a great offering, and then book the cruise. I'm not picky about cabin, just want to go on a cruise!!!!!!!

My understanding (and it could be wrong) is that when fares are released they are what they are and tend to increase as you get closer to the sail date (as people book the rooms). Supply and demand. If the rooms aren't booking fast enough they may have a sale and/or reduce the fare to attract some more people to book.

If you want a specific room that is in high demand or a type of room that has a limited number available then you should book ASAP.

If you are traveling over a holiday or school break book ASAP.

Since you are looking at dates that are during the school year and don't seem to be around any major holidays (other than Halloween) you might be able to get away with waiting until the last minute to book.

Check when the paid in full date is for the cruise you are interested in. If you book now and the price drops before that date (and you personally have not paid in full yet) you can call Royal Caribbean and get a price adjustment.

While cruises out of Miami may be less expensive you will need to factor in the additional travel time and cost (car rental or flight). For us that ended up making the cruises cost roughly the same so I just went ahead and stuck with Port Canaveral.

 

[mikethedigiartist]

One thing to consider is itineraries. Having sailed out of MIA and PC you might find a preferable itenirary leaving from a south Florida port just because it is further south it eliminates som sail time.

I've seen good deals at both ports and Freedom is fantastic. If you are not married to a particular ship or port maybe wait for a last minute (90 days out) rate. If you want to secure something now you can always change before final payment too.

 

[NancyIL]

RCI's prices will drop if they aren't selling well - even before the final payment date.

I sailed on a Princess cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale, and spent a few days at WDW prior to the cruise. I rented a car at Alamo at the Dolphin for drop-off at the Ft. Lauderdale airport the morning the ship sailed. There was a free Alamo shuttle from the airport to the cruise terminal. You could do the same with a one-way rental from Miami to WDW.

 

[mikehn]

It depends on the ship. But in general, if you are sailing in October, I would wait because the chances are great that the price will drop significantly, around 90 days out or so. One way car rental is probably the most economical option for transportation between Miami and Orlando.

 

[macsandy1957]

Thanks everyone! I am just waiting to see if the prices drop. I can be somewhat flexible on dates, itineraries, and I guess port of departure. I went and applied for our passports today anyway, just in case. I'm waiting for Disney's fall specials to come out before booking our WDW trip and waiting for cruise prices to drop before booking our cruise. Just saving up my money in the meantime!!