Cheapest time to purchase a cruise.?

Question

Im looking for a Western Caribbiean Cruise for 4 adults. (All paying separate) for 7 days.

When would be a great time to purchase a cruise to get the cheapest deal? Im looking for one during the first or second week in Sept of 07.

Should we get 2 smaller rooms or a 4 person suite?

Which place should I purchase; Orbitz, Travelocity, Etc; Travel Angency; or the actual cruise website?

I want to purchase the flight seprate so that it is cheaper (Flying out of Chicago). How would I get from Orlando, Fl to Port Canaveral, Fl. (About an hour drive I know, but no idea how I would do that.)

Any suggestions, personal experiences, or ideas would be appreciated.

So far I have found a Carnival cruise for 399.00 which is not bad at all.

Answer 1

Check out www.vacationstogo.com for some deals.

You can search by departure port, month, cruise line ,etc.

You get a cheaper rate per person if you book the 4 person cabin.  However, they cabins are very small and the bathrooms are even smaller than hotel rooms.  Can the 4 of you share a room/bathroom without ending your friendship.  Also, in the 4 person cabins, there are likely going to be upper and lower bunk type beds.  Most adults don't dig sleeping in the upper bunks.

Remember, the price you see on most of the websites don't include port taxes and other fees.  These can run up to $100 per person. Also, tipping is not "optional" on the Carnival line.  They add this fee to your bill the moment you step on the ship.  $10/per day/per person.  $70 per person on a 7-day cruise.

Check out possible shuttle services.  For example, there is a shuttle that picks you up at Hobby Airport in Houston and takes you to the Galveston cruise terminal.

Prices generally go down closer to the cruise date but you risk not being able to get a cabin if they sell out.  We booked early this year since we are traveling during Spring Break week.

You can also saving money by booking your own excursions.  You can research on the web or even just hop off the port in port and many of the indepent operators have booths or signs at the dock.

Bar drinks can run $4-12 each.  Photos can run $10-20 each.  Bingo, spa are extra.

Get a box of the XXL Ziploc bags that are about 3 foot tall for taking home yucky, sandy clothes.

If you want to control your spending on the cruise, place a cash deposit instead of using a credit card.  The cruise will cut you off from charging once you have reached your deposit.  You can add more cash money to your account later...but getting a $2,800.00 credit card bill at the end of the cruise can be a shocker since Carnival makes it so easy to Sign N Sail....

Take US Dollars in 5 and 10s when shopping in the Mexican markets.  It is ok to bargain.  If the vendor asks for $50, offer $30.

5's are good to have went using local taxis.  

Don't book your return flight home too early.  De-barkation can be a hassle.  Last cruise, we were 2 hours late getting to port because of a storm.

Don't pack too much luggage...you still have to carry it through customs.

Answer 2

The cheapest time to cruise is Hurricane season!!! "Suites" are extremely expensive, if you're just talking four to a cabin, that's a good deal. Only if you are close (close quarters) otherwise opt for two per cabin. Carnival is usually the most reasonable and if you call them directly they can often beat the agents. The best deals online are via vacationstogo.com Sorry I can't help with Port Canaveral, I always go from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale.

Answer 3

http://travalocity.com

Answer 4

Book your cruise as early as possible like 2-3  months before your actual cruise.