At Cruise Critic, we find that a lot of the best deals are last-minute ones — the result of lines wanting to fill ships that aren’t quite full just prior to sailing. Now that it’s Wave Season and the quality of the added incentives has been called into question, we wondered just how far in advance people book their sailings.

What we asked: How far in advance do you book your sailings?

What they said: Nearly half — 49 percent — said they book at least six months in advance. Another 29 percent said they reserve their cabins at least a year out. About 19 percent said they wait until a couple of months before, and the remaining 4 percent book just a couple of weeks ahead.

What it all means: It seems like most folks are planners. They like to have their trips solidified well in advance. Actually, we’re surprised that so few cruisers take advantage of last-minute deals.

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6 Responses to “Poll Position: Advance Bookings”

1. Kim
   January 23rd, 2012 @ 2:29 pm

   You shouldn’t be surprised – with the cost of airfare waiting for the last minute cruise deals just means dumping more into the flight so no savings. If I lived closer to a port however I would be cruising every few months!

2. Roberta Gerlach
   January 23rd, 2012 @ 4:27 pm

   Would LOVE to get a great last-minute deal, but the ones I would like need air travel that needs booking way in advance to get the best ticket price, especially European cruises.

3. Tricia
   January 23rd, 2012 @ 4:53 pm

   I have to be honest, I haven’t found any last minute deals lately. I am leaving in 35 days and my cruise is higher than when I booked it.
   If you have to fly, you also can’t leave that until the last minute.

4. Mary Fortin
   January 23rd, 2012 @ 6:27 pm

   For those of us who have to fly into any port, last minute deals are often diluted by higher last minute airfares. Plus, we prefer to grab a cabin in the best locations, something that we couldn’t do at the last minute.

5. lesley Taylor
   January 24th, 2012 @ 6:43 am

   By booking early (as we do) it ensures we get the cabin WE want…it may cost more but its worth it..it makes all the difference.

6. Carol Knowles
   January 25th, 2012 @ 12:01 pm

   We’ve booked early in the past because we had to coordinate taking vacation time from our jobs. Also, I check back and see if the fare drops; if it does I contact the cruise line and obtain an upgrade commensurate with the dollars we spent. In some cases we’ve been upgraded beyond which I believe is due to the length of time we’d booked and also our loyalty.

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