springtime magice rates???

[cyndilou01]

Does anyone know when these rates will be out and what months are included in the spring time magic rates...
I want to plan a trip in May hoping I will be able to take advantage of the special rates.

Look forward to hearing from you.

 

[Gina]

Not sure if they'll stick to it, but I was told by DCL on our last cruise and by TA's since then that they have restructured their whole pricing method. Now, to get the best rates, you just have to book really really early -- I was told there will be no more "special" rates, such as Fall Fantasy or Springtime Magic.

I hope either I have been told wrong by all these people, or they change their minds!

-gina-

 

[Michelle]

Nope, you're not wrong, Gina, that is exactly what DCL has stated. The savings are now reflected in the Early Booking Savings...don't count on those special promos any more. Book early to save the most!

 

[MrsScooby]

How early? I'm sure the earlier the better, but is there a cutoff?
Laurie

 

[TnRobin]

There are a limited number of cabins at the discounted price so there is not really a "Cutoff date" but instead, when the cabins are gone, the discount is gone. The busier the cruise the earlier you need to book

 

[fireplug]

So in other words-
Even if you book really, really early on say a christmas cruise you may not get the early booking discount?
I don't think thats very good.

Steve

 

[Sea Breez]

do you think the resorts will do away with the promotions also?

if so I am glad I went ahead with the land / sea instead of trying to book seperately and wait for a "promo".

 

[Steffi]

Does that mean that FL resident discounts are a thing of the past, also???

 

[cyndilou01]

I hope not... I am so dishearted about this... I was trying to plan a 4 day in nov and a 7 day in May 2003 and counting on those discounts....
Oh well as much as I hate to I may have to check into another cruise line...
well, if anyone has any news on this please let us all know...

 

[Michelle]

To answer a few questions:

1) I do think Florida resident promotions will continue, especially on the 3- and 4-night cruises.

2) Bookings are strong on the 7-night cruise, especially the Western cruise, so it's not likely that early booking savings will be adjusted, but it's always possible that a cruise could reprice down the line and be lower. Don't count on it,however.

3) Each sailing has a number of early booking savings "tiers", and as each tier is filled the sailing goes into higher pricing. So yes, it is possible to book WAY in advance on a very popular sailing date and not get too much early booking savings. It's also possible to book fairly close to a sailing date for a less-popular sailing and get some decent early booking savings. But generally speaking, the earlier you book, the better price you'll get, especially for peak season summer and holiday sailing dates.

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

Hey Cyndilou - I haven't seen you on the cruise boards for a while!!

Yes, it is quite disappointing to see the disappearance of DCL's promo rates like we took advantage of last year. There are still good bargains in the fall but pretty much everything else seems to be driven by early bookings.

We are planning on a 7 day western in June 2004. Sure wish we could go earlier....

We are just awaiting the release of further bookings into 2004 so that we can put down a deposit and lock down our best price.

Hope you and your family are doing well!

 

[amy101361]

What is the absolute least traveled week of the year?

 

[amy101361]

bump

 

[Michelle]

Amy, that's impossible to answer with certainty, but the least traveled MONTH during the year has traditionally been September. However, DCL has been running lots of pricing specials (such as the $99 voucher for 3-night cruises for those sailing last January on a 4- or 7-night cruise) and has the lowest early booking savings for September, so it's not such a quiet month anymore. But for the best pricing, September is generally the best month.

 

[Minybear]

WebmasterMichelle

Do you think there would be any specials for this January or will they just keep the rates as is?

I booked our cruise 13 months early and I received the Early Booking Discount. I noticed that when I looked at their web site tonight there is a difference of $2 in my favor for our cruise.

 

[CarolAnnC]

One of the benefits to booking with Dreams Unlimited is that they will in fact keep tabs on your ressies, and lower the price if DCL does any adjustment in your favor. It is peace of mind to have a travel agent such as Dreams take care of that for you!