Cabin price variances thruout the year

[gaffgolf]

As a past cruiser, I'm aware that cabin prices are capacity-controlled and can vary thruout the year with periodic sales and especially as the sail date approaches and the ship is not filling--at least that has been the case with cruises departing U. S. ports for nearby destinations. However, I don't know if that is the case for Mediterranean cruises.

We are looking at a 12-day cruise in Italy and Greece during June 2011 (we know this is prime season -high pricing but can't be helped) on Princess. As past passengers they are offering early booking prices that look extremely good until 9/30/10. Should we book now or wait to see if Princess drops the price during the usual promotional periods before Xmas or in early Spring? We do not want to wait until just before sailing for fear of poor cabin choice.

Thanks for your assistance.

[Magnolia Blossom]

My experience has been that prices have been going up, not down. If you find a price book it, especially that far out You can watch the price and if it comes down, call Princess for a price adjustment.

We cruised the Baltics this summer and I watched the capacity on that cruise and also a Med. cruise which we are hoping to do next year. By the time we were three weeks out, our cruise was sold out completely and the Med cruise only had high end suites and a handfull of insides.

If it's a cruise you really want, don't gamble with availability.

MB

[Mike M]

I agree. Book it now. If the price drops before final payment you should be able to get the lower price.

Have fun and enjoy the Med.

Take care,
Mike

[onlijoni]

Originally Posted by gaffgolf

As a past cruiser, I'm aware that cabin prices are capacity-controlled and can vary thruout the year with periodic sales and especially as the sail date approaches and the ship is not filling--at least that has been the case with cruises departing U. S. ports for nearby destinations. However, I don't know if that is the case for Mediterranean cruises.

We are looking at a 12-day cruise in Italy and Greece during June 2011 (we know this is prime season -high pricing but can't be helped) on Princess. As past passengers they are offering early booking prices that look extremely good until 9/30/10. Should we book now or wait to see if Princess drops the price during the usual promotional periods before Xmas or in early Spring? We do not want to wait until just before sailing for fear of poor cabin choice.

Thanks for your assistance.

A friend who cruises a lot tells me that if the price drops because of a promotion, and you contact Princess, they will give an onboard credit for the difference...she has done about 20 Princess cruises. Onlijoni

[AF1]

My last two cruises have been thru Europe and the Med. The first cruise the prices only went up. The second they went down and we got OBC. I would book now; then watch the prices to see if they drop; you really don't lose anything by booking now.

[Trip]

I concur, if the price now is comfortable for you, book it, and, watch for a price decrease, and, let your agent know...If your agent is on their toes, you will get a notice that they found it before you did