Saturday, April 5, 2014

It’s time for 2015 vacation planning. Early Bird vs Wave Season. Group Leaders. How to get started



Now that WAVE SEASON is over, the “Early Birds” are ready to plan 2015.

You ask WHY ?  What better way to keep you excited about everyday life, than have something to look forward to.  Meaning, don’t come home from this year’s vacation, without having the next one already planned !  And if you didn’t get to plan a true get-away for 2015, then you have even more reasons to get your planning underway now !
 
For those who book "last minute", I guess you think this thought is in sane ... To book now for 2015.  Well guess what, the other 1/2 of the world doesn't feel that way !  The other 1/2, is thankful for this reminder, and wouldn't dare, wait till last minute.  Part of the excitement is the getting ready to go !  Pre-planners love this DRIVE !

What’s the difference between Early Bird Savings and Wave Season ?

Early Birds get the first rates that come out at the cruise lines.  These folks also get the best cabin locations.  They also know the value of limited type categories and they know they want them !  And in time, many of these rates will climb will prove a true Savings for these Early Birds.

FYI, there are 2 main things that drive rates UP.  These Early Birds buying space.  And Group Leaders.  The more space reserved, it drives the rates UP !

It’s during Early Bird Season that Group Leaders decide on their date and ship, and reserve space for their group.  Most folks don’t realize, that available group space on each sailing is limited.  Once the cruise line meets a quota, no more groups.  Folks who wait till the first of the year, are truly pushing their opportunity to get space for their group.  Royal Caribbean is a true example of how fast their group space sells out … Often by January, even October and Christmas space is gone!

Wave Season, is January to March.  These offers are for the last minute bookers.  Those that wait till the next year, to make vacation plans.  Sure there are a lot of offers.  But unless you knew the offers, back during Early Bird season, you have no idea if you got the best offer or not.  And unless an Early Bird cancels, you often get the cabin locations that are left over.

Many folks have the mis-conception these boats don’t sell out.  Unless you are in this business, how do you know ?  Are you listening to friends ?  And how they got some last minute deal ?  Remember, you have no idea, why the date they sailed, offered them such a great deal.  Not meaning to be sarcastically hurtful, but listen to friends, in reference to travel, is not your key asset !  Asking them why they like a certain cruise line or certain island, can be beneficial, “ONLY IF” they are exactly like you !

Also know, for the most part, if rates drop after the Early Birds have bought, they can usually take advantage of this SAVINGS up till final payment.  So what do they have to lose by booking early ?  What do they have to gain?  Best rates if rates never go down !  Best cabin location and choices !

What do groups gain from booking early ?  Not only the same, but they get promised to bring their group onboard.  Waiting too late, they lose out !

Personally, I’ve already booked my first Group for next year.  October 23, 2015.  And my reason, supply and demand.  There is ONE SAILING, out of Norfolk, going to Bermuda in 2015 !

Supply and demand, not only drives rates UP … It causes the space to sell quickly !

April is time to begin planning 2015, along with the early birds.
*First, ask family or those going with you, when they want to getaway in 2015
*Next, find out where they want to go
*Next, look online, whether it’s at the cruise line, or on specific websites, and see what is out there, when you want to cruise and where you want to cruise.
*Next, ask family if they are ready to confirm.
*Then, contact your agent, and confirm your space.
 
Why an agent ?  If you don’t know, agents are here for your protection.  As long as you’ve chosen someone who has been around for a while or been where you want to go and belong to a “name brand” agency, then you should be on your way in the right direction.  It's too late and very costly if you wait and call an agent, after booking on your own, and now you are in trouble !  There's a lot that consumers don't know ... Or we wouldn't still have all these agents !

Another reason to book with an agency, is because the cruise line can not give you a lower rate, no matter what MYTH folks may believe.  Not even for past passengers.  Matter of fact, to look for lower rates, look to the large national cruise-only agencies.  And look to one that someone else personally already knows or is closest to you.  You don’t have to get on the internet, like Orbitz, Hotwire, Priceline, the Airlines, and others (matter of fact, we provide the cruises to them, so they have “our rates”).  Buy from the horse’s mouth … A distributor versus the internet !  Most folks don’t know they can.  Search it out !

However, do not pay with cash (a check is like cash) !  And it’s my suggestion, that you don’t work with an agency that accepts cash.  Thought that’s a whole other topic, just know, many states do not have laws to protect your cash, given to an agency !  And even if you are not paying cash, because cash is accepted, this can affect you.  Again, a story for another day !

You have a jest of what you need to know in booking your vacation.  Talk to family; get online and look; find a reputable agency; don’t pay with cash.

One last thing … Wasting your time, when you’re not ready, by looking at info is fine.  Don’t call your agent till you  are ready !  Whether it’s Early Bird season or Wave Season, these folks are busy with folks who are buying now !  You’re wasting your own time, to call and ask questions, when you are not ready.  Space sells out and prices changing …. Such info has no value to you, till you are ready.  Besides …. Most rates are right online.  You don’t need the agent to view these … You need your agent when you are ready to confirm !

Get ready … 2015 is around the corner.

 

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