Expert: Curtis Thorsen - 2/24/2004

Question
Can you give me some information on how to get the best price for cruises.  We have taken 2 cruises.  I was amazed at the difference in price when talking to other individuals.  (Same cabin category) I am wanting to go either on an Alaska Cruise or from San Juan in the eastern caribbean. Leaving from Houston Tx.  Approximately in one year from now. Is there a better method than checking the specials, booking early, booking last minute?

Answer
Hi Keith I have to be honest with you and advise you that I do own a Travel Agency.
But to answer your questions regarding best time to book and who to book with.....let me say that FIRST OF ALL, DO NOT LOOK AT ONLY WHO HAS THE LOWEST RATES.... always make "Service" part of that final decision. Secondly and I say this respectfully.... I would never ask another passenger how much they paid for their cruise as you will here probably EVERYTHING BUT THE TRUTH or the whole story in fact ! You don't know the entire factors in their pricing i.e. a group booking possibly offering lower rates, when they booked, were there coupons involved to lower their rate etc.....

Booking early has the advatages of better selection of cabin availability, and if your TA is doing their job, they will monitor your rates so that if a better promotion comes along, they can get your rates adjusted to the lower fare. You have then gotten the best of both worlds.

I am actually surprised that living in Texas you arent trying to sail from there and avoiding high air costs. So many of our clients in your area were thrilled to be able to sail from Texas or New Orleans !

If you wish to sail from San Juan you would be doing the southern caribbean with some cruiselines visiting a couple of eastern ports of call. As for Alaska.... what can I say but breathtaking !

Don't get me wrong... I have many clients that opt to cruise at the last minute, but sometimes if they are not sailing from near their residence they experience a problem finding air or the type of accommodations they are seeking. Also if looking for a cabin to accommodate 3-4 passengers, those cabins are the first to go.

Also, make sure any agency you book with has no cancellation fees, should you be forced to cancel your cruise. You will of course be looking at cruiseline cancellation penalties should you have to cancel after final payments have been made.

Hope I shed some light on your questions and if I can assist you further regarding your upcoming cruise plans, do not hesitate to call or email me.


Great Vacations Start with Your Travel "angels" ........ Committed to P.R.I.D.E.
(Personal Responsibility In Delivering Excellence) For all your travel needs !


Curtis J. Thorsen, President    
Cruise & Resort Connection, Inc. "Virtuoso" Agency ~~~ Specialists in the Art of Travel
10781 Hwy 23
Glennville, Ga. 30427
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