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Old 07-09-2014, 11:52 PM   #1
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least expensive times to cruise?

So we are very new to cruising, but we would like to become pros very soon. In order to do that, we need to save as much as we can so we can cruise more. So, what are the least expensive times to cruise typically? And are there some destinations that are always expensive no matter when you go?

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Old 07-10-2014, 12:47 PM   #2
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You are going to love cruising! With Disney Cruise Line, the earlier you book, the lower the price. As the ship fills, the price increases. Typically, the Fantasy being the newest ship, is usually the most expensive. For best prices, consider cruises out of ports other than Port Canaveral such as Miami or Galveston. For timing, consider cruising during the fall. While this is Hurricane Season, keep in mind that the ship can adjust its itinerary to avoid storms.

Hope this helps!
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Old 07-10-2014, 10:10 PM   #3
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cruising isn't like a land vacation where you can always get a cheaper price certain times of the year. More often than not the cheapest rates sometimes end up being ones that you can only get within a week or two of a cruise because they need to fill space on the ship. Your best bet to get a good price on a cruise is to book early.
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Old 07-18-2014, 08:17 PM   #4
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One of the biggest savings is if you're close enough to the port of embarkation that you can drive.

On DCL, like Sara said, Miami and Galveston are generally lowest, and the "regular" itineraries (Bahamas, Eastern and Western Caribbean) tend to be cheaper than the special itineraries (Alaska, Europe, Hawaii, holiday-themed cruises) - a major reason for having special itineraries is to get people bidding for space on relatively "rare" ports of call.

Fall is generally the best, but it really is a week-by-week thing. Rates will pop up for a particular holiday (even minor holidays), then drop down again. Don't just pick a date, get a price, and assume the rest of the season will cost the same.

It's also worth looking at January and the first half of February - not as cheap as the cheapest, but most folks don't vacation right after the holiday break. There's also a bit of a lull in rates between Easter and late May/early June.

On a per-night basis, repositionings (on any cruise line) tend to be the biggest bargains. Part of the reason is that they tend to have more days at sea compared to days in ports of call - days at sea are cheaper for the cruise line (and fewer chances to pay for shore excursions is cheaper for us, too). Since they're one-way cruises, you may spend more on transportation than a round-trip. On the Transatlantic repos you'll end up paying for a one-way international airfare, which can eat up any savings you have on the cruise, and then some.
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