I’ve found the cruise I want to go on, it’s with Celebrity during Thanksgiving in 2025. From what I’ve observed, the price varies by 1% to 2% every few days. Is it worthwhile to wait to reserve a cruise in order to get a better deal? Do rates grow considerably once it’s within a year of the cruise date? I’m primarily asking if there’s a good reason to book the cruise now rather than in January, since I don’t want to wait until a few weeks before.
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Are you an American citizen? If so, reserve a seat right away, but keep an eye on the cost. You can call to find out the current rate if the price of your stateroom level drops before you finalize the payment.
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When I desire a certain cabin location, I always reserve early. I can’t wait since the price swings are too little.
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Reserve now, just need to pay the deposit. Prepare for Cyber Monday and Black Friday by being knowledgeable. There’s a chance that could work out. Everything is dependent on how much time you wish to devote to this.
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Visit CruisePlum to view your cruise’s price history. There’s no assurance the same swings won’t happen, but it doesn’t hurt to book now and rebook if the fare significantly reduces.
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When it comes to any cruise during a major holiday (including Thanksgiving) earlier as those will sell out faster. We book our cruises over Christmas and New Years two years out.
Especially if you want a room that’s not an inside, I find the higher priced rooms go first as they are “typically” cheaper farther out. The bigger holidays also tend to be cheaper overall the earlier you book.
Same with any “special” cruises. We’re on an inaugural sailing, and the price increased $1500 since we booked the first day bookings opened. We also booked a solar eclipse cruise for 2026, where we will be in the path of totality, and since we booked in April 2024, it’s gone up $6,000.
That said, our Halloween cruise this year keeps dropping. I feel like thanksgiving could go either way since it’s a big holiday, but you don’t have loads of school vacation around it.
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Make a reservation now. Price reductions are valid until the last day of payment.
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It depends on whether the fare you choose has cancellation penalties prior to the 75 or 90 day final payment date. If it does then you can choose a fare that doesn’t have those penalties, or if you’re sure you want those dates then go ahead and book.
Booking early gives you the widest choices of cabins to pick from. No one can say for certain if the cruise will decrease in price, but future price changes generally depend on how well the cruise is selling. Cruises that are selling slowly generally have price reductions as the cabins go on sale to move them while cruises that are selling well tend to go up in price as the number of available cabins decreases while demand remains strong. And generally speaking holiday cruises, especially 7 night cruises, sell pretty well
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Hey OP, I’m a full time teacher and part time agent. I haven’t looked at this specific cruise but how much extra is the refundable rate? You can change non refundable rates for $100 pp. Plus Check out the Best price guarentee that allows for adjustments etc.
Biggest thing to note. USE A TRAVEL AGENT THAT CAN GIVE YOU PERKS. For example, I have promos right now to add $100+ onboard credit for travelers at no cost etc. Virtually every agent can offer you that… I am not special in that regard.
If you have questions please let me know. I also don’t charge any fees to book and will usually throw my clients Starbucks cards in addition from the commission I get as a token of appreciation. Plus, us teachers could use the extra money lol
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@Salish Therefore, the cost incurred while working with an agent is the same, but there are additional benefits?
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@Adele Yes, we pay the supplier’s pricing for cruises, but we also frequently get added benefits like onboard credit or a special supper. It’s not an extravagant bonus, don’t get me wrong, but $100 is $100.
Also, we can typically get through to a representative more quickly and advocate for the best solution if there is a problem.
Some agents may impose a booking fee. No, I don’t. Locate one that doesn’t, then!
It’s also worth noting that agents can get a little better deal when they book into an agency group reservation. I don’t advertise that often because it’s not guarenteed but o constantly check
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Purchase now. You can rebook and receive a refund for any price difference if it significantly drops. A competent local TA can assist you with this.
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I would put in a book. Prices are out of control. Since we booked, the price of our NYE cruise has doubled.
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Book early to acquire the type and location of cabin you like. To save steps to the elevators, I prefer to be mid-ship. There is always a trek to the ship’s rear.
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Black Friday is coming up soon - might be worth waiting until then at least.
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What happens if you make a reservation but then realize you can’t go?
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When it comes to any cruise during a major holiday (including Thanksgiving) earlier as those will sell out faster. We book our cruises over Christmas and New Years two years out.
Especially if you want a room that’s not an inside, I find the higher priced rooms go first as they are “typically” cheaper farther out. The bigger holidays also tend to be cheaper overall the earlier you book.
Same with any “special” cruises. We’re on an inaugural sailing, and the price increased $1500 since we booked the first day bookings opened. We also booked a solar eclipse cruise for 2026, where we will be in the path of totality, and since we booked in April 2024, it’s gone up $6,000.
That said, our Halloween cruise this year keeps dropping. I feel like thanksgiving could go either way since it’s a big holiday, but you don’t have loads of school vacation around it.
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Are you an American citizen? If so, reserve a seat right away, but keep an eye on the cost. You can call to find out the current rate if the price of your stateroom level drops before you finalize the payment.
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I’d book. Prices are getting crazy. Our NYE cruise has gone up to double since we booked.