Originally published February 17 2005
Cruise passengers finding better deals by booking early; late reservations no longer the key to savings
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Until recently, travel agents advised cruise passengers to wait almost until the last minute to reserve their spots on most ships. Cruises were hardly ever booked solid, so prices usually dropped significantly as departure dates neared. But all that has changed in the past few months. As fewer new ships have entered the industry, cruises have started selling out faster. Accordingly, the best deals now come when you book about a year in advance.
So, you've decided to take a cruise.
I know, I know, it's not easy to get a handle on how to buy travel these days, especially cruises, which have been wheeled and dealed for the past number of years like a stack of carpets at Turkish bazaar.
For several years running you would have done yourself a favor if you would have waited to book your cruise until a month or so before departure, when rates would most likely be lowest and you'd almost be guaranteed a decent cabin even just a week or two before sailing.
Because of a glut of brand new ships -- often 10 or more a year -- coupled with a sluggish economy and a public hesitant to travel, supply trumped demand.
"In February 2005," Funk continues, "the cruise industry is stronger and it's absolutely necessary to book as much as twelve months in advance if you want a particular ship, date and cabin during peak cruise travel periods."
Quick explanation: The travel agent reserves a block of cabins on a given ship and the cruise line in turn gives them a discounted group rate that agents can pass on to their clients.
The cruise lines benefits because they're potentially selling a lot cabins through agency X, and the agent benefits because they can offer their clients a good price.
In addition to the ones I include in my deals column, you can find a reputable travel agency in your town by contacting one of a handful of agency groups or consortiums, which screen their members.
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