Many folks take their yearly or family vacation in
June. Naturally, what better time to
plan next year’s vacation than right after you return ! So July is most often, the biggest month, for confirming next
year’s vacation.
Group space, cabins which hold 3 & 4 in a room, best balcony
locations, and even the suites, are the first to go on a cruise ship ! Especially for peak seasons, like summer and
holidays, “and” cruises that are in a destination for limited time (or for just
one sailing).
Why does group space sell out early ? Consumers may not realize …
(A)“How many” groups are actually sailing. Not even all the ones on your own
cruise. It’s the best vacation for
groups ! For reunions ! For getting away
together ! Whether it’s 4 cabins or 50
cabins.
(B)Cruise Lines will not allow but so much space reserved
for groups. Reserved and “not deposited”
is space that the Cruise Line could be left holding, if groups do not sell all
their space. The Cruise Line can not
afford to leave but so much space vulnerable.
So it sells out ! It does not
mean that group folks can’t still book; it just means, they can’t receive group
amenities and the Cruise Line does not treat it as a group (only cross
referenced together).
(C ) Group Leaders know that their members need time to plan
and pay for that next vacation. These
folks book early. As early as 15 months
to 10 months in advance.
Why do cabins for 3 and 4 sell out quickly, especially for
peak sailings, like Summer and Holidays ?
(A)Families are cruising big time ! For the most part, these are the cruisers who
need cabins that hold 3 and 4 in a room.
(B)What consumers don’t know … The Cruise Lines have a “capacity
control”. Just cause they have beds, it
does NOT mean every bed can be sold !
The ship may look empty, yet, if they reach their capacity, then the
cabins that hold 3 & 4 can no longer be sold.
Why best balcony locations sell out first ?
(A)Majority of folks cruising today, have turned to
balconies. So that’s why they are
selling out first !
(B)Many folks who are spending money for a balcony, want the
best cabin location too ! To some, that
means, highest deck or by the pool, yet to others, it means, mid-ship.
(C )Also, select Cruise Lines, such as Princess, often advertise
balcony sales first; or complimentary upgrade to balconies. Once balconies are sold out, they often
charge the same rate for inside. Why not;
makes up for loss in money on balcony sales ! See how Princess does, balcony sale tomorrow: http://content.princess.com/pcan/?Xzaz7TQ67CdFcmkuXJxu52yXpw0pwFrnX
Why suites, when they are the most expensive ?
(A)The rich or folks who like to cruise with all the luxury
of home, do cruise ! And it’s high
demand and competition in getting these cabins ! Many times, these cabins are sold BEFORE the
pricing ever comes out. These folks
pre-buy without price known !
(B) Families love these cabins and being together !
What does this have to do with YOU, when you do not fit into
one of these type cruisers ?
The more cabins that sell on any sailing, DRIVES RATEs UP. So when you are ready to buy, rates have
possibly gone up ! Early planners, even
if only sailing as 2 in a room, know this.
These folks also book early !
See why July is so busy ?!
If you’ve yet to think about booking for 2014, these are
reasons to jump onboard and do as the other cruisers do ! Why miss the boat !
Late bookers wait till January. Last minute bookers, who do not care their
location, cause they think this is the best way to get a deal or cause they can’t
plan early (whether it’s work or personal preference), book 3-6 months in
advance.
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