There’s no time like the present to get planning! I’ve had quite a few requests for Alaska cruises or cruisetours this week. I guess it shouldn’t be surprising since most people have already taken their winter getaway or have their spring break vacation booked. Now it’s time to concentrate on trips during the summer months.
Even though there are more and more ships doing Alaska itineraries every year, I personally feel it’s best not to wait until the last minute to book. Unless you have been fortunate enough to visit Alaska before, you really want to be able to choose the best itinerary for your Alaska cruise.
For most people, an Alaska cruise or cruisetour is a once in a lifetime vacation (although the number of repeat visitors to Alaska is increasing.) If you are considering an Alaska cruise for 2007, you should either be booked by now or should be planning on booking soon. You might object and say that you see lots of availability when you search online. My response would be that there are great itineraries, okay itineraries and not so good itineraries out there. Guess what fills up first? Add to that if you have a specific date or timeframe that you can only travel during, or if you only want to sail on one cruise line/ship, or if you want a specific type of stateroom or even cruisetour. Then you really need to get moving. It’s good to be specific about what you want from your vacation, but it also does limit your options when booking.
Another objection to booking may be that you think you’ll find a last minute deal or the pricing will be better close in. Well, yes, you may find a last minute deal, but guess what? It’s most likely on the not so good itinerary or ship. While that may be okay for someone seeking a warm weather, last minute getaway to the Caribbean, it’s really not best for a destination driven cruise itinerary, like Alaska. Why not choose while the choosing is good? In most cases, if the price drops after a cruise is booked, we are able to lower the price before the final payment is applied.
Here are some other reasons to book early (or now!)…
Take advantage of early booking pricing. Yes, there really is such a thing. As space gets more limited on a ship that is selling well, the price goes up (not down.)
You’re traveling with your extended family or friends or a group of some type and you want to be near each other or on the same flight.
Flights to Seattle, Vancouver or Anchorage from your gateway city are limited or expensive.
You have a strong preference for your type of stateroom or dining time.
At first you may think, what’s the big deal about the dining time? Maybe you are traveling with children and really need to have an early dining time? Or perhaps you want to get the most out of your port days and don’t want to rush back to the ship for an early seating. If you feel strongly about this, don’t wait or you risk the chance of not getting what you want.
Speaking of staterooms, I highly recommend splurging on a balcony stateroom for Alaska. Even if you normally take the least expensive inside stateroom, you may want to at least upgrade to an oceanview. But, there’s nothing like having your own private balcony or veranda on a cruise. This past summer when we took our Alaska cruise, there were so many times that we ran out on the balcony to quick see some scenery or wildlife. And, we’re not even the type to spend a lot of time in our stateroom. However, had we not had a balcony, we would have missed quite a bit while getting ready in the morning or for dinner in the evening. It was also wonderful pulling in to port early in the morning. To be able to wrap up in the robe furnished by the cruise line and sit out on the balcony taking in the beauty of Alaska while sipping hot coffee or cocoa delivered by room service. Where else can you do that!? One evening, our entertainment was simply watching for whales on our friends balcony that was directly off the stern of the ship. We’re normally the type that goes to the shows, or lounges or casino in the evening. With Alaska, it’s a whole other type of trip.
If you haven’t already, feel free to view my Alaska cruise photos posted on Webshots (look under the Links category.) Or, contact me for more information and to make your reservation for an Alaska cruise or cruisetour!
Amy Johnson
A Room With A View - Cruise & Travel
262-424-8982 or 920-420-0435
aroomwithaview@wi.rr.com
www.aroomwithaview.joystar.com
