This is a question we get all the time...and it is a very important question.  Here is our philosophy which has been time-tested over the years.

It is in your best interest to book as early as you can, up to 12-18 months in advance if possible. Why? Because most cruise lines offer "Early Bird" discounts so why miss out on the savings. Also, as the departure date approaches, generally, prices begin to creep up and cabin selections diminish or dissappear. Last minute cruisers may find themselves in a cabin way forward or aft or in a cabin that wouldn't be their first choice.

All it takes to secure a cabin and lock in a rate is a small deposit, usually $100-200 per person for cruises less than 7 days and $250 per person on cruises of 7 days. Longer cruises will require a little more up front.

There is another bonus for booking early. While booking early does protect you from cruise fare increases (excluding taxes and fuel surcharge increases) it also may allow you to lower your rate at some future time if the ship is not filling up fast enough or if the economics of the day depresses prices. We try and keep an eye out for price reductions and then pass them along to you. So, booking early is a win-win situation.