Arriving early is one of the key components to starting an enjoyable vacation. Many travelers are unaware of the consequences of
missing a flight or cruise until it actually happens. The results are sometimes costly and always upsetting and in some cases, may
result in a complete cancellation of the entire vacation.

For cruisers, I often recommend arriving day prior even for those driving to the port. One benefit of remaining overnight at a hotel near a port is the free parking which many hotels offer. The parking expense for a seven day cruise from the Port of Miami is $20 per day or $140 per week which exceeds the cost of an hotel.

Frequent fliers are aware that flight delays and cancellations are a common event especially prevalent during the Winter months. Most cruise passengers arriving by air purchase their tickets separately and thus remove any liability from the cruise line for any refund for the portion of the cruise lost. The last minute air transportation and additional hotel nights to meet the cruise may be covered by insurance if the traveler has purchased a policy. Passengers leaving from U.S. ports such as Seattle and attempting to join the cruise at the next port in Alaska will discover that Federal law forbids them from boarding.

Check with your agent to make sure that your vacation is as negative event free as possible.

Lawrence R Fishkin
President
Travel Themes And Dreams, Inc

Cruise Lines have spent much of the past thirty years creating incentives to convince cruise consumers that booking early will insure the lowest cabin rates.  While it is certainly true that advance purchase provides the widest choice of cabins, greater likelihood of fulfilling dining preferences, shore excursion confirmations, and better air transportation rates.  Does it follow that the last minute option is an illusion which is non existent or hardly ever available?  The answers to these questions goes to the heart of the issue which in the final analysis, depend on the profile of the individual cruise consumer.

There are several valid criteria which dictate advance planning for many cruisers.

Among these are:

1. Fixed Vacation Dates
2. Holiday or High Season Cruises On Specific Ships
3. Special Needs (Handicapped)
4. Families traveling together wanting adjacent or adjoining

cabins.

1. Desire certain deck or cabin category

For all of the above and more, early booking is the best choice.

Last minute rates do exist and are best suited for the cruise traveler who has the flexibility to accept what ships, cabin categories, or even destinations are being discounted.  The key to getting a true value last minute deal instead of “fools gold” is having the knowledge of the real value of each offer.  Savvy buyers can either acquire this knowledge on their own or seek the advice of a qualified travel professional who can guide them through the process.