Will The Cost Of The Pre-Cruise Excursion Increase?

Cruise prices fluctuate significantly, with the only significant changes occurring around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Extensions can cost more money than the cruise fare alone, and a new Royal Caribbean cruise planner sale has begun with savings on pre-cruise purchases. The sale runs between July 29 and promises up to 35 onboard prices. Understanding the reasons behind price fluctuations can help navigate the cruise market. Princess has raised shore excursion prices significantly since the beginning of the year, and for our May Alaska cruise, they raised the prices. Excursions once on board are always higher than the per cruise price, and prices go up closer to sailing. Prices may increase by $10-20 more for unsold excursions a week or two before the sail date. Ship’s excursion office tours are usually more expensive but have the advantage of ideal timing and pickup close to the ship. Most cruise lines charge the same prices for shore excursions booked online and on board or offer a discount for tours purchased in advance. Shore excursions may be booked online up until the Pre-Sail cut-off time, 11:59pm ET, the evening prior to the cruise departure. Most tour operators allow bookings much further in advance than six months, especially for high-demand locations, such as Alaska cruises.

What day of the week do cruise prices drop?

A 2018 study by CruiseWatch found that travelers should book cruises on Thursdays due to the day when cruise lines offer solid bargains. However, to secure the best deals, travelers must act fast. When a sailing is not sold out, most cruise lines will discount cabins rather than sailing empty, which can lead to price drops. To secure better deals, travelers should book early and keep an eye out for promotional periods. Travel agents like Karen Malone and Jo Ann Buening recommend booking early rather than later, as stalling on booking can result in slim pickings and less desirable cabins.

Limited availability is more common closer to sailing, with cabins on lowest decks often being the only option. Jo Ann Buening advises booking based on the size and cruise line of the ship, with smaller ships booking nine to 12 months out and mega-ships six to nine months out.

Should I buy cruise excursions in advance?

Starting your search for the perfect shore excursion for your party is recommended as it ensures guaranteed seats and prevents last-minute trouble. Booking with us allows you to cancel any tour up to 7 days before the tour date, making it easy and hassle-free. We aim to offer availability for tours for the following cruise season as early as October the previous year and keep our website updated with availability year-round.

If you have any questions or need assistance, our customer service reps can be contacted via phone, email, or chat on our website. Start booking your tours now to relax and focus on other aspects of planning your vacation.

Are cruise ship excursions worth the money?

Shore excursions are a popular part of cruise trips, offering guided tours and private beach clubs to make the most of your time in each port. While not mandatory, they can be a worthwhile experience. Shore activities can be divided into two categories: those sold directly by the cruise line and those through local or third-party companies. As an avid cruiser, I have experienced both types of excursions and have had both positive and negative experiences.

One of my favorite shore excursions was a resort day pass in St. Kitts, booked through a third-party travel site, and another was a guided tour of top attractions in Jamaica, booked directly through Carnival while on one of their ships.

How to get lower price on cruise?

Christopher Festerman, a senior travel professional for CruisesOnly, offers seven tips for finding the best cruise deals. He suggests booking early for special needs or large parties, waiting for last-minute deals, not assuming an interior stateroom is the best deal, and booking shore excursions from outside vendors. He also advises not to assume that onboard drinks and Wi-Fi packages are worth the price, as prices may drop after paying for the trip. Festerman suggests that these tips can help you make the most of your cruise experience and find the best deals.

Do prices of cruises go down as the date gets closer?

When planning a cruise, it’s best to wait until fares drop before booking. This is because prices typically drop within 90-60 days of the departure date, after final payments are due. This strategy is best for those with flexible work schedules or retirees who can adjust their travel dates to take advantage of less expensive fares. To track fares, use the Shipmate app and Cruise Critic to stay updated on price drops. Signing up to receive alerts can help you avoid the stress of constantly scanning prices.

Some people may even request price matches even after booking, depending on the cruise line. This approach is best for people with flexible work schedules or retirees who can adjust their travel dates to take advantage of these less expensive fares.

When should you book a cruise in 2024?

The best months to book a cruise are January through March, when most cruise lines launch wave season promotions, and November through December, when Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales start before Thanksgiving and end days or weeks after. These months may offer cheap cruise deals or extras, but it’s not guaranteed to find the cheapest pricing. Cruise lines may inflate prices before a sale, so deals for 30 or 50 off may not be as good as expected.

The winter months may be the best time to book a cruise depending on the itinerary and the popularity of the sailing. In a year when Alaska cruises are popular, wave season promotions in January and February may not be as good as they are, but if bookings are soft, wave season specials could be the best of the year.

What are the disadvantages of shore excursions?

Cruise line excursions offer advantages such as traveling with a group of passengers and comparing notes with fellow shipmates. They are also reputable and licensed, unlike independent tours. However, downsides include potential long lines, crowded buses, and long stops at souvenir shops. Port tours can range from free on cruise lines like Viking, Crystal, and Uniworld to over $100 per person for higher-priced options like golf, helicopter rides, seaplane rides, and visits to ancient ruins.

Some lines even offer overnight excursions to swanky hotels or private limo tours. Traditional shore excursions are worth it for exploring sites far from the cruise dock, accessing historic monuments, forts, or castles, and learning more about a region.

Why do cruise prices change daily?

Cruise lines operate similarly to other travel businesses, releasing prices based on market conditions. If a ship is selling well, prices may rise significantly, as seen with early Prima sailings. If not, prices may decrease to fill the ship. After final payment, there may be significant price reductions due to the option to cancel and rebook. Booking early has historically been successful due to busy times, but due to COVID-19, many ships are currently half full, offering incredible deals if passengers can wait.

Is it cheaper to book excursions before a cruise?

Cruise lines typically charge the same prices for shore excursions booked online and on board, or offer discounts for tours purchased in advance. Royal Caribbean often offers up to 30 off select tours reserved ahead of sailing. It is best practice to tip tour guides at the end of the tour, except if tips are included in the price or if visiting a non-tipping culture where offering cash would be awkward.

Is it best to pre book excursions?

When booking a shore excursion, it’s essential to consider the port and weather conditions before making a decision. If there are limited availability or tours you want to avoid, booking in advance is recommended due to high demand. However, if you have multiple options or are uncertain about the port, booking onboard may be more suitable. Some cruise lines may charge cancellation fees if you change your mind.

Most people prefer to book with the cruise line for their level of trust and peace of mind, but private bookings can offer benefits in terms of price. Emrys from Cruise Hive advises booking through the cruise line, as the ship will wait for you and refunds will be provided if the port of call is cancelled.

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

To save money on cruises, be flexible and check multiple dates before and after your desired sailing. Book at least six to 12 months in advance for trips in May or September, when kids are in school, or outside of the holiday season. Avoid peak months like June, July, and August, and late November and late December, which are usually more expensive. Offseason sailings offer better pricing.

For large groups, book up to two years in advance if the cruise line allows it, but note that flights can only be reserved 330 days ahead and departure ports are confirmed around 18 months before sail away. Booking early ensures a ship with suitable dining rooms, but some cruise lines may not offer small dining rooms or flexible dining times.

If price is the most important factor, book 45 to 90 days before a sailing to get deeply discounted fares. Cruise lines will fill empty cabins once early bookers have paid their full fares, but these may not be as low as the initial early booking price.