This is getting complicated

[pookiepie777]

I was going to finally book my Jan 06 cruise this week when I just found out that Florida residents can get an incredible rate .. but the catch is that you can't book until 90 days before the cruise because those rates aren't released until then. Should I take my chances waiting? I have heard of some people switching TA's after booking to get a better price but can that be done so close to the cruise date?
Please Help!

 

[GenieDana]

Florida Resident rates are a promotion by DCL to fill vacancies in sailings. Lately, there have been few vacancies, thus the FR rates are likewise getting fewer and further between (and only available for the remaining inventory for a given sailing).

The likelihood a FR rate will be offered is greater during slower months, and you do not know until about 3 mos. out, or or even less, when they will be offered and for which sailings.

Regardless, if you wait to book, you may not get the cabin or category of your choice, if a cabin at all. You should book early for what you will be satisfied with, then hope a FLR is offered for your sailing. If it is offered later, DCL will credit you the difference between what you paid and the going FLR rate, but you must ask for it - it is not automatically applied.

 

[MelissaE1]

On our last DCL cruise (Jan '03) we booked it at the going rate and later resident rates did come out and our travel agency adjusted the price for us. Nearly any agency will do this for you, just make sure you ask in advance of booking to be sure. For most of them you do have to call and ask them, they will not automatically adjust, although a few do. One way to know is to get on the All Seasons Travel (www.allseastravel.com) mailing list, they will email you when and if resident rates become available. I have been watching resident rates for years, and I will second that they are definitely becoming fewer and further between, so book the best rate you can find and if resident rates come out for your date, take it as a bonus.