Booking your holiday cruise months in advance brings with it many benefits, not least early bird savings. To get the low fares, however, you need to book when cruise lines first put their new itineraries on sale. Sometimes the early savings are the lowest rates offered for a specific sailing date. And some cruise lines will offer a price guarantee that allows cruisers to ask for a lower price if the fares for the cruise they’ve booked drops below what they’ve already paid. Other cruise lines allow you to have the difference in fares as onboard credit.
Get Your Pick of Cabins
By booking early, you’ll have a much wider choice of cabins. This is especially the case with suites and cabins in prime locations. You’re also more likely to be able to choose cabins that are close to each other, which is especially useful if you’re travelling with family members or friends. One of the UK’s leading cruise experts, Jane Archer, told the Daily Telegraph that if you want a cruise on a specific ship, sailing date or cabin, it’s best to book early. That’s because when cruise lines offer discounts or free upgrades for last-minute bookings, it’s usually for the least desirable cabins. “And there is no guarantee that the cruise or cabin you want will have places at a reduced rate,” she said.
Some cruise lines throw in additional enticing perks for early bird bookings such as:
• Free flights to your embarkation port
• Onboard credit
• Dining times of your choice
• Complimentary upgrades
And some lines offer early-bird group incentives such as:
• Private cocktail parties
• Onboard credit
• Complimentary bottles of wine
Obviously, you will need to check what your chosen cruise line offers in the way of incentives for early-bird bookings. Your travel agent should also be able to suggest the best cruises for your needs and budget, and take care of your cruise booking as well as arrange flights and your pre- or post-cruise hotel bookings, and in-port excursions as well as help with special onboard arrangements.
About Travel Club Elite
Award-winning travel agent Travel Club Elite organise cruises, luxury travel, and ski holidays and much more. To find out how Travel Club Elite can arrange the best deal for your cruise holiday, call 0121 213 0012 or go here.
