Wait for onboard 2004 booking?

[dcruiser]

Our family (mom, dad, & DD6) is booked on a 7-day Magic cruise (...our first...) in March 2003. A number of posts to this board have emphasized the importance of early booking. Since we know that, if we return in 2004 (which is likely), we will need to cruise on a *particular* week in March 2004, is there any reason to wait to book 2004 reservations until we board the ship in March 2003? If we book now (e.g., through DU or DCL), will we be able to later claim the ($200?) discount that I gather we would otherwise have received if we had booked onboard? What is the optimal strategy here? Thanks!

 

[Michelle]

I would wait until you get onboard to book. That is the ONLY way to get the Castaway Club credit. You could then transfer your reservation to a TA (such as Dreams and get their rebate in addition to the Castaway Club credit).

Another option you have is to book now if you're worried that the early booking savings may change substantially. You could then get a quote once onboard and see if the price difference (if any) is offset by the shipboard credit. If it's the same price onboard then you could cancel your initial reservation and re-book it onboard to get the credit. You MUST book onboard if you want the Castaway Club credit.

Hope that helps!

 

[DawnL]

With the way the prices increase so rapidly, I would book now and then double check the pricing when you get on board. If the price doesn't increase by then and they aren't able to modify your existing reservation to include the on-board credit, you can always have them book you a new reservation and then cancel out your first one. You could possibly end up saving more by booking now than waiting for the $200 credit.