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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