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Answer: We recommend booking your cruise at least 6 months in advance. Booking this far in advance gives you the best chance of finding your preferred stateroom or suite, picking and booking your shore excursions, and making dining reservations.

Pros of booking your cruise early (6-18 months in advance):

• Best stateroom selection – You’ll have more stateroom and suite options.
• Early booking deals – Book early and enjoy savings on premium amenities with the Early Booking Bonus on Have It All: prepaid crew appreciation, shore excursions, specialty dining, beverage package and more.
• Payment flexibility – Have more time and flexibility to pay off your cruise.

Cons:

• Waiting for vacation – Once you book your itinerary, you might feel antsy counting down the days.
• Plans change – Life happens and plans can change. We offer Cancellation Protection plans for peace-of-mind.
• Missing out on last-minute deals – You might miss out on some of our last-minute cruise deals.

Booking Last-Minute (within 2–8 weeks of departure)

Pros:

• Potential for deep discounts – Sometimes we offer last-minute deals.
• Spontaneity – Booking a cruise last minute or cruising standby amps up the excitement.
• No long wait – You book it, you pack, you go!

Cons:

• Limited stateroom choice – Our most popular staterooms and suites fill up fast.
• Higher travel costs – Last-minute flights and hotels tend to have higher costs.
• Limited availability – The itinerary you want might be all booked up.
• Less planning time – Planning ahead is ideal for finding shore excursions and making Specialty Dining reservations.