Thinking about a cruise and have ?'s

[tikilyn]

We want to plan a cruise sometime in 2007. We are waiting for our Ds to turn 4.

My questions are. When is the best time to go, and when is the cheapest time to go? How soon should we make ressie? What kind of prices am I looking at for a 4day cruise?

Looking forward to hear your answers


TIA
Sabrina

 

[Coach]

Dear Sabrina,

My family has, both times, cruised during the 2nd. week in October. We did the 7 day land /sea package and we had a great time. Our cruise was during the "value" season so the prices were low. It was warm enough to use the resort pool at WDW and it was not hot at all on the cruise. As a matter of fact, my DW needed a light sweater in the evening while we walked on deck.
I know there are other times of the year that are part of the value season but we like October the best.
We will be on the Wonder this Halloween for the 4 night cruise.
Good luck and remember...

Leave only footprints and take only memories...

Coach

 

[tikilyn]

Thanks Coach,

My understanding now is that the value season is the same as WDW? Great that helps alot.


If anyone else wants to share some answers, that would be great.
Sabrina

 

[jodifla]

http://www.allseastravel.com/

they have prices posted, so you can get an idea. It's hard to say what the prices will be in 3 years, though.

One thing to note: Kids only pay taxes and port charges before they turn 3 -- that's why plan to cruise with DS this September, while he's still 2. That shaves a few hundred dollars off right there.

Also, summer, spring break, Christmas, the prices jump up astronomically. That's why when DS starts school, we probably will be taking other cruise lines. So we feel we have a narrow window of opportunity!

 

[HooKooDooKu]

2007 is a long way off right now to make specific plans.

For example, the current schedule for Fall of 2005 doesn't show ANY 4 day trips. They currently only show 7 day trips. And interestingly enough, they leave the same day (one Eastern, the other Western).

By 2007, there could be one or more additional ships, and you don't know what kinds of iteneraries will be available.


Sept and Oct seem to be the cheapest times. If someone wanted to book a cruise for this year, the cheapest time seems to be any week in Sept, with Oct costing a few hundred more.


As for when to book, go ahead an book as soon as the itenireries for Fall 2007 are released. Based on this year, it sounds like you'll have to wait until around January 2006.

[Edit]
I'm mistaken. DCL does show 3/4 night cruises in Fall of 2005. It appears that they have a mistake (one that has existed for about a month now) on their page where they list special pricing for future dates. For some reason, that page shows Eastern and Western 7 day cruises sailing on the same dates (for example, they show a 7 day Eastern and a 7 day Western sailing on Oct 15).

 

[jrabbit]

My vote is for the end of January. Great weather - getting away from the snow and rain at home and the prices are very attractive.

Best rates happen when you book early!!!

 

[tikilyn]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the advice. Well I have to say that I am excited about this cruise, and I have plenty of time to start learning the in's and outs of the cruise. And will start saving my money now!!


Thanks again
Sabrina

 

[TheWog]

I would say January as well. Kept my son out of first grade for a week. Life experience is incredible. The earlier you book the better. Waiting for January 2006 to open up to see the Western Itinerary. We live in the Northeast and have now made a habit of getting out when it is bitterly cold. Need to recharge. It does wonders.

 

[mhelsley]

I also noticed that rates in the first part of Dec. were even cheaper than traveling during hurricane season. The best advice is to look at a travel websites that specialize in cruises and compare on a week to week bases as prices for cruises can vary alot from one trip date to the next. Then pick a low price date and compare prices with other travel agents. Good luck.