People often ask me when is the best time to book a cruise. The simple answer is to book a cruise early. Some people think that waiting to the last minute in order to book a cruise will save additional money but that is not necessarily the case. The most popular specialized cruises suggest making reservations at least a year in advance. The closer to the cruise date the more likely that the cruise lines will sell unreserved inventory to major travel companies such as Travelocity and Orbitz. Travel consolidators will then make all inclusive cruise package deals that will include flights and other incidentals. There may be some great deals booking through them or there may not be. Voyage Masters suggests that you make cruise reservations directly with the cruise lines. Go to their website and do some research. Pick the time of year, destination and cruise theme.

Some cruise line websites even have chat rooms where you can read reviews, comment and even chat real-time with a cruise line employee. In fact, the best time to book a cruise is now! Notice the sponsors on this page. If you do not see what you are looking for then use the Google search box at the bottom of this page. Just search for Carnival, Disney and so forth.

Seriously though, for some reason there seems to be some sort of mechanism in the cruise reservation systems that reprice fares early Tuesday mornings. When I say early, I mean like around 2:00AM. Check a few of their discount offers and see for yourself. Also get on cruise mailing lists. Signing up for emails alerts is the best but is is nice to get those beautiful cruise brochures in the mail! Be sure to register for specialized cruises as well.

So, once again, folks. When is the best time to book a cruise? NOW - so go have fun.