There are so many emails coming in from people who are asking about the Mediterranean Cruises 2012 season that I thought it would be a great idea to add a few more talking points. Many of my posts that appear in several specialty cruise web sites as well as my own are urging people who are considering taking a Mediterranean cruise in 2012 should book as early as possible. Although popular cruise lines continue to add larger, more feature-rich ships they are also retrofitting older ones and returning them to their active fleet and resuming itineraries in the Mediterranean. That means more cabins and staterooms to fill. At first glance, people may think that all of the extra inventory would mean fares would be lower but that is not the case at all. Certainly, there are loss leading cruise rates promoted by travel agents and consolidators who blast that all too familiar “80% off standard rates” advertisement but those fares are for cabins that nobody wants.
Travel professionals that have a great deal of experience with Mediterranean cruises almost unanimously agree with my statement. Fares for cabins and staterooms in preferred locations with full views of the ocean and also those cabins with balconies are never discounted by eighty percent off of standard rates. In fact, they are seldom discounted at all. Other complimentary incentives are added to create a sense of value to prospective passengers. Argue with me if you care to but I know the cruise industry as well as anyone does and if you take the time to think about the parameters of my thought process, I think you will understand and agree with my stance. Those who follow my writings know that I am not one to promote getting a cruise deal at the absolute rock bottom prices. As a highly respected travel writer and cruise authority, my job is to find great cruises that offer value and popular amenities at very competitive rates. I will never suggest that you wait until the last minute to book your dream cruise because all of the most desirable cabins and itineraries will already be booked, That is especially the case for Mediterranean cruises in general and specifically for the 2012 season.
If you plan to go on a Mediterranean cruise in 2012 you need to book now. Historically, all desirable staterooms on Mediterranean cruises book very quickly. Most people who are taking a Mediterranean cruise have been on a cruise before and know what cabin locations and floor plans are the most desirable. In fact, a good number of those most desirable cabins, the ones in the most preferred locations with private balconies, are not even offered for promotions through travel agents. These prized staterooms are held in reserve for loyal customers who have cruised with the lines previously. Some passengers actually booked their next cruise before they left their previous one! A person trying to book their Mediterranean cruise through a travel agent or other third party has no chance at those cabins. They are invisible outside of the cruise lines internal reservation systems. Your best bet is always to book your all inclusive cruises directly with the cruise lines. You will always get the lowest guaranteed fare and have the optimum chance to get significant amenities, including suite upgrades at no additional cost.
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