When Does Cruise Planner Open?

The Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner (RCL) is a tool that allows travelers to pre-plan their vacations, including drink packages, excursions, and more. However, the planner is currently unavailable until 6-9 months before the sailing date. As a planner, I have two cruises booked for June 2023 and September 2023, but I cannot find any available items on the planner.

The Cruise Planner is designed to help travelers book in advance, get exclusive deals on drink packages, onboard activities, and shore excursions. Items will be added from now until the sailing date. There is no magic date by which all or even some items will be available, and it must be less than 10 months before the cruise.

I have seen excursions added three days prior to sailing, but there is no magic date by which all or even some items will be available. I recently booked a sailing for May 2023 and found nothing besides wifisurfing packages on the planner. Shows will be available to reserve on the first day of the month before the sailing, and guests can view all shows by date and time.

The Cruise Planner is a great tool for planning your cruise, managing your booking, and purchasing any cruise extras before you sail. Our expert Travel Advisors are committed to planning vacations, crafting unforgettable itineraries, and providing world-class service. We cruise on Oasis of the Seas on 4217, and we were about 8 months out when the Cruise Planner opens up for us to start purchasing things.

How far in advance do cruise schedules come out?

When do cruise lines open bookings for future sailings?. Generally speaking, you can book most cruises 18-24 months in advance. Cruise lines will release itineraries through a certain date a few times per year; the exact date can vary by destination.

As an example, Royal Caribbean released Fall 2024 – Winter 2025 sailings for cruises sailing to Alaska the week of November 7, 2022, while summer sailings to the Caribbean came out nearly a month later during the week of December 12, 2022.

Sometimes, a cruise line will release future bookings for a new ship separate from other sailings. On March 29, MSC Cruises opened bookings for MSC World America, their newest ship that is set to sail from Miami beginning in April 2025. As of now, there are no other sailings on MSC ships available past November 2024.

What is the most expensive time of year to cruise?

1. Peak Travel Season:. The summer months, especially June, July, and August, are the peak travel season for cruises. This is primarily due to families taking advantage of school holidays and vacation time. With increased demand, cruise prices tend to be higher during these months. If you’re planning a family cruise, be prepared to pay higher costs during the summer.

2. Holiday Periods:. Holiday periods such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year are also known for being expensive times to cruise. Many people celebrate these special occasions by taking a cruise, resulting in high demand and limited availability. If you have your heart set on a holiday cruise, booking well in advance is advisable to secure the best deals and accommodations.

3. Spring Break:. Another time when cruise prices tend to spike is during spring break, typically in March and April. College students and families with school-aged children often plan their vacations around this period. Cruise lines capitalize on the increased demand, leading to higher prices. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, consider avoiding the peak spring break weeks to find more affordable options.

Is it too early to book a cruise for 2025?

Plan Ahead and Cruise 2025. 2025 feels far away, but we’re already counting down the days. Whether your new year’s resolution is simply to travel more, or to check specific destinations off your bucket list, it’s never too early to start planning and booking your next cruise.

Start planning ahead and check out all our 2025 sailings.

What day do cruise prices drop?

Beyond holiday periods such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Labor Day when there may be some flash sales, January and February are particularly good times to book a cruise, as the first two months of the year are considered “wave season” in the cruising industry. It’s when companies are looking to base load their ships for the year.

“Wave season is when cruise lines announce incredible promotions in an effort to sell as much unsold space for the year as possible,” explains Jeremy Hall, a travel advisor at Cruise Vacations International.

Those promotions could include free stateroom upgrades, highly reduced cruise fares, discounts on deposits, free sailings for children, complimentary airfare, and discounted beverage packages, among other offers.

Can I book a cruise 2 weeks in advance?

Generally, you can book a cruise anywhere from 18 months to one week ahead of sailing. When you choose to book the cruise is up to you, but there are pros and cons for booking early or late.

Booking further ahead gives you more choice when it comes to cabin location. So, if you want a specific cabin or even a particular category that happens to be popular (certain suites and inside cabins tend to sell out first), you’ll want to book as soon as possible.

The prices on most cruises tend to drop as the sail date approaches. That means that the closer to the date of sailing you book, the less choice you’ll have in cabins but the more likely you are to save money.

What is the cheapest month to cruise?

Prospective cruisers can usually find “a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year” during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March. However, the optimal time to book may depend on when you plan to sail.

What dates are cheapest to cruise?

What is the cheapest time to book a cruise? Prospective cruisers can usually find “a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year” during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March.

Can I book a cruise for 2027?

With unbeatable prices and special offers, there’s never been a better time to book your next vacation at sea. Whether you’re drawn to the sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean, the rugged beauty of Alaska, or the rich cultural heritage of Europe, our diverse itineraries promise to ignite your sense of wanderlust. Plus, with flexible booking options and enhanced safety measures, you can plan your cruise with confidence and peace of mind.

Don’t let this opportunity sail away—seize the moment and embark on an unforgettable journey in 2027. Book now and make memories that will last a lifetime aboard our top-rated cruise ships. Start planning your adventure today and prepare to set sail for a world of endless possibilities!

When should I book a cruise for 2024?

CruiseBooking.com recommends you book your 2024 cruise early, particularly if you are interested in a specific suite or stateroom. Most voyages are available for reservations up to 24 months in advance.

Royal Caribbean ships are ideal for families seeking an extraordinary cruise adventure. Their fleet comprises some of the most impressive ships in the world, with cutting-edge features and amenities designed to cater to families of all sizes. Whether you’re looking for the warmth of the Caribbean, the majestic beauty of Alaska, or the cultural richness of Europe, Royal Caribbean Cruises in 2024 offers a diverse range of destinations to explore. Each destination is meticulously planned to create unforgettable memories for every family member. Onboard, the excitement never ends with thrilling activities like water slides, surf simulators, zip lines, and Broadway-style shows. Let’s not forget the delectable dining options that cater to every palate. Royal Caribbean ensures families have comfortable and convenient accommodations throughout their journey, from cozy staterooms to luxurious multi-bedroom suites. With a dedication to innovation, adventure, and relaxation, Royal Caribbean sets the standard for an unparalleled family cruise experience.

Luxury 5-star cruises with a laidback attitude are available on Celebrity Cruises. Picture yourself lounging on luxurious decks, sipping cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon in the Caribbean’s turquoise waters! Or perhaps you’re gazing in awe at the majestic glaciers of Alaska, feeling the crisp air invigorate your soul. Dive into a world of flavors with Celebrity’s exquisite dining options, from fine steaks to delectable seafood. And for those seeking thrills, immerse yourself in unique onboard experiences like rooftop terraces, interactive cooking classes, and Broadway-caliber entertainment! With destinations spanning the globe and experiences to delight every sense, a Celebrity Cruise in 2024 promises memories to last a lifetime!

Take a vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), where freedom is the ultimate luxury. NCL cruises are ideal for families with children or couples looking for a one-of-a-kind trip. They provide unprecedented flexibility and a variety of spectacular activities. NCL has a fleet of cutting-edge ships built to appeal to any preference. From the spacious and modern Norwegian Encore to the opulent Norwegian Bliss, each vessel has several facilities and entertainment options to ensure an unforgettable cruise. Whether you want to cruise the pristine waters of the Caribbean, admire the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska, or immerse yourself in the colorful culture of Europe, NCL’s cruises in 2024 have numerous itineraries that appeal to every traveler’s curiosity. With NCL, the possibilities are limitless. Enjoy a variety of onboard activities, including exhilarating waterslides.

How far in advance should I book a cruise to get the best price?

Cruise prices are usually the cheapest furthest from the sailing date when first launched or 60-90 days before the cruise sets sail.

The prices of some cruises will decrease last minute – but this doesn’t always happen.

Booking a cruise within the last 60/90 days may not always be the best way to get a bargain. If you leave it this late you run the risk of the cruise line only having a few cabins left and the prices increasing.

In order to book a cruise for the cheapest price you have two options:

• In general, the price when the cruise itineraries are first released is the cheapest that they’ll be.
• There are exceptions with last-minute deals but for the most part, cruises are cheaper when the itineraries have just been released.
• If you look to book a new ship that is not yet built you can get incredibly cheap cruises.

How early should you plan a cruise?

“It’s best to book a cruise six to 12 months out to ensure you get an optimum selection of cabin types, preferred itineraries, and special promotional rates,” says Jennifer DeLaCruz, a vice president at Carnival Cruise Lines. Some lines have price protection, like Carnival’s Early Saver program, so if a lower rate pops up after you book, the cruise line will adjust your fare accordingly.

The wave season — the most popular booking period — traditionally ran between January and March, especially for Caribbean sailings. But the growth of Alaska and Europe as cruise destinations has widened the booking period.

“There isn’t as much of a season as there once was,” says cruise expert Stewart Chiron, the voice behind cruiseguy.com, a cruise booking and news site. Now cruise lines offer discounted cruises and savings year-round to push sales.

Should I take my 4 year old on a cruise?

Are cruises fun with toddlers?. Of course they are! Cruises are fun for kids of all ages, and there are plenty of activities to keep your toddlers entertained.

Kids under the age of 3 can enjoy Toddler Time at the ship’s playroom, where they’ll be able to play with educational toys and interact with other kids around their age. Parental supervision is required during Toddler Time, but children don’t have to be potty trained in order to participate in Toddler Time activities. Certain toys and books will also be available to check out and bring back to your stateroom.

Potty-trained kids over 3 can participate in our Camp at Sea program. Open every day from 9:00am to 10:00pm, Camp at Sea’s entertainment center offers activities for kids with all kinds of interests, including STEM-oriented excursions, Xbox tournaments, culinary experiences, and art programs.

For parents who want to enjoy a couple of hours off or perhaps a romantic dinner, the Camp at Sea program also offers afternoon and slumber parties at different hours of the day. During these parties, kids will eat a meal and enjoy activities while being supervised by our youth staff, so you can rest easy that they are being taken care of while you get to enjoy some alone time. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.