May 4, 2023luv2cruz

Why Book Early?

In my May E-News, the focus is on 2024 travel, which might be just a tease for those who cannot plan too far in advance, but for those of us who can schedule our travels early and plan other things around them, 2024 does not seem that far away!

I already have my 2024 “Top Twelve” cruise list published (click here!), and have two cruises booked for myself.

What are the main reasons to go ahead and start planning a cruise now?

  1. You can get exactly what you want. For groups, family reunions, and connecting-cabin needs you must block your group and place deposits as far out as possible. All cruise ships have a certain capacity and reach a point when it is no longer possible to sell cabins of three, four, or more passengers. Even for single and double occupancy, if you wait too long then you can’t get your cabins close together.
  2. Prices do not go down! I used to re-fare a number of cruises, but last year I only lowered two fares and so far this year have re-priced zero. BUT — just in case! If your cruise does happen to have a fare reduction later on then I can be sure that you get the new offer. There is no downside to early booking.
  3. The days of the last-minute deal are just about gone. Ugh, a zombie myth that just won’t die, that you can always get a major discount last-minute. Sorry, but even my usual last-minute peeps have been severely disappointed this year — hardly any Spring deals and zero Summer deals (in fact, 2023 sailings are selling out very early) and I see no reason to think 2024 will be any different. Sometimes a couple that is not too picky about their cabin can wait until September to get an October discount, but why not just plan in advance so you don’t have to settle for whatever is left?
  4. Have your pick of the best ships, cabins, and itineraries. Set your dates in stone then you can focus on the fun stuff like which shore excursions to choose! Cruise itineraries do change from year to year, so if you wait too long and your preferred sailing gets sold out you can’t count on it being available the following year.
  5. Have something exciting to look forward to! Research shows that the planning and anticipation of a vacation is just as rewarding as the trip itself. It’s less stressful if you give yourself plenty of time to plan. Be nice to yourself and enjoy a little fun — leisurely researching your cruise ports-of-call is relaxing and keeps the excitement alive. Take notes, get some guide books, load a few apps — you’ll have a blast!