Hello! I've decided on my next cruise! YEA! Carnival Freedom next September. I know a long way away but plenty of time for saving my pennies. The trouble is I can't decide if I should book now or wait till next wave season.
I would wait at least 9 months out.. In the meantime.. Put money asside in a seperate account to where you wont touch it. That will go toward your cruise.
If there is a specific cabin, category or location you want then I would book now. If you book under the EasySaver promotion you will get the price reduction if the cabin price drops. Just remember that you will lose your deposit if you cancel.
If you aren't too choosy about the cabin or location then you could wait until after the first of the year to book.
Take care,
Mike
__________________ Cruisemates Community Leader/Moderator
"There is a great difference between being well traveled and just having been to many places." ~Me
I have not found wave season to be a good time to book myself, except for fake sales, which mostly are not sales.
I find the fall thru early January the best time to book when others are not booking. Prices go up during wave season because of the higher demand. Also not a good time to book flights, better in the fall.
I would at least look now - read my article on the state of the cruise industry right now -
Paul Motter Blog Update! The Cruise Industry Right Now An industry newsletter says the cruise business is reeling from the recent bad economic news ... Go>
9-14-11
There are a ton of bargains out there now. I would at least look. Dave the Wave MAY be right, but you can't predict the future, so....
__________________
I am the editor, but I also speculate, ask questions and play devil's advocate. I reserve the right to change my mind.
If you're sure that's the cruise you want, I think you should book Early Saver. If the price drops you can get the lower price. BUT, be sure to read the rules for Early Saver before you book :o. If there's a chance you'll change your mind or have to cancel, that might not be the best way to book.
We had to reschedule our cruise and it cost us the $200.00 deposit .
JMO,
__________________
Fern
"A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour."
Carnival Inspiration 2002 Carnival Elation 2004
Grand Princess 2004 NCL Sun 2005
Sun Princess 2006 NCL Dream 2007
Caribbean Princess 2007 NCL Dawn 2008
Island Princess 2008 Island Princess 2009
Golden Princess 2009 Carnival Conquest 2010
Grand Princess 2010 Island Princess 2011
Grand Princess 2011 Carnival Magic 2012
Carnival Dream 2012 Island Princess 2013
I think looking is half the fun anyway. The last cruise I took I did the early saver and then lost my job and had to reschedule. Later I saw the price drop and I ended up even.