I know where I want to go...

Deni · #1 (**permalink**) September 16th, 2011, 10:46 PM

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.

Any thoughts or advice?

Thanks!

Deni

david30101 · #2 (**permalink**) September 16th, 2011, 11:42 PM

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.

Mike M · #3 (**permalink**) September 17th, 2011, 07:33 AM

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

flowers · #4 (**permalink**) September 17th, 2011, 12:18 PM

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.

Paul Motter · #5 (**permalink**) September 17th, 2011, 02:01 PM

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....

Fern · #6 (**permalink**) September 17th, 2011, 08:47 PM

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

. 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,

Deni · #7 (**permalink**) September 17th, 2011, 09:32 PM

Thanks Everyone!

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.

I will keep researching.

Deni