When is the right time to book?

A question I'm asked constantly is when is the right time to book my cruise.

Should you book now, or wait until a couple of weeks before.
to be absolutely honest I don't know, but I can give you some advice.

Case for booking early.
1) Pick of the cabins - the cabin you want / where you want
2) Early booking discounts / free drinks / money off / on-board credit
3) The pick of the route - chose any itinerary you want  from the 1000's on offer
4) Pick your date - tied to work / childcare, you can have the date you want.

Case against booking early
1) Money - people round the pool "I paid £56 for this cruise"
(I'm joking but you know what I mean)

Case for booking late
1) Saving money - distressed stock on ships can have the prices slashed closer to departure.
2) Upgrades - paying for inside cabins & getting balconies !!

Case against booking late
1) You don't get to pick & choose your itinerary - you get what is left.
2) You don't get the free drinks / credits etc.
3) Flights can be very EXPENSIVE at the last minute.
4) You get the cabin you're given (under the nightclub / obstructed view)

These days the cruise lines want people to book as early as they can, there are attractive early booking perks. recently celebrity cruise gave drinks packages and tips to people who had booked early - meaning they overall cost was as good as a late booking price (by the time you had accounted for the freebies)

So overall there is no definite answer (as I said) but if you know where you want to go or have a particular date when you have to go, book early.

If you don't mind where you go / when you go or what cabin you have - wait and get a deal.

If you're in doubt - ask a professional, they know what the trends are & will give you honest advice.