When to book a cruise to get the best price?

[lumofny]

I am looking to book a cruise which I will be taking in September of this year. I've received what i feel is a pretty good quote already. Should I go ahead and book the cruise now for September or wait for the price to go even lower? I understand that cruises are discounted the closer to departure it becomes, but what are the chances that the price will increase as it gets closer?

The price is $614 per person, including govt fees and taxes for an 8 night cruise leaving from NYC onboard the Carnival Legend. Is this a good price to begin with?

I understand that some cruise lines will refund the difference of your booking price should the cruise fare drop after you make your reservations. Does Carnival have this policy? What are the procedures for getting a price adjustment? Thanks!

[Irish Shark]

I find the cruise that I want and do some shopping for the lowest bottom line price.

I find that it is a crap shoot on "deals". On our next cruise, Princess dropped the price $1600/cabin. It was good for a few days and the the TA's did not know about it. I got my TA to call Princess and we got the lower rate.

Now, today, on this same cruise the prices are going up and not down.

My advice is if you want to roll the dice go ahead and wait and wish for the deal. Personally, I would book it now.

[Darcy]

If you're happy with the price I would book now. My last three cruises never got discounted prior to sailing, they just continued to go up. The last one I took almost doubled in price from what I paid.

[Fern]

Hi lumofny,

ANY cruise that's under $100.00/day/pp is a good deal! I'd go ahead and book now. Keep watching the price on the website and let your TA know if it goes down. Most TA's do a good job of watching for you, but it's easier to do it yourself!

As long as you are outside of final payment you should get the new price. Some lines will give you an onboard credit (OBC) if the price goes down after final payment.

For our next cruise (Princess) the price just dropped over $300.00 for the two of us!

[Cruise Controlled]

Carnival Spirit - 8-night Mexican Riviera - I booked three days before the cruise. $395/pp all taxes and port charges included.

Carnival Destiny - 7-night Southern Caribbean - Booked 1 week before sail date. $336/pp all taxes and port fees incl.

[wakedreams]

614 is a good price for 8 days. however, that is during hurricane season, that is probably why it is so low -- I would recommend travel insurance.

If you book now and the price drops your travel agent should be able to get the cheaper rate for you.

happy sailing.