When considering when to book a cruise, there are a few specifics that can guide your planning.

Booking an Alaska Cruise

On Alaska cruises, for example, balcony cabins on newer ships usually sell out long before less desirable accommodations. Though these are more expensive, the demand is still high enough (and the supply small enough) that getting in early is a must.

Route matters, too. The Gulf Route between Vancouver and Anchorage is the most popular choice for Alaska cruises. Several lines offer on-shore excursions as part of a package deal. Book as far in advance as possible, certainly no later than six months ahead for May-September departures.

Round Trip cruises starting in Vancouver often have more spaces closer to the departure date. Booking for May or September will give you more choices, too. In every case, unless you just get lucky, you can expect to pay $100 (and up) more for a ocean view cabin than for an interior one.

The Bahamas/Caribbean cruises are slightly different. Though they too require planning in order to get a good deal, there are so many lines going so often you have many more choices. Also, the weather is less of a consideration.

Holidays, not surprisingly, sell out first. Spring Break week (when college students flood every tourist destination), the Christmas-New Year week, and of course July and August are the most desired times. Even with all the options, demand for Caribbean cruises is so high that you'll need to book almost a year in advance to get a good cabin on a nice voyage.

Bargains abound for September-early December and you may find a good cabin available as short as 60 days before departure. If you can, take advantage of that, since the weather can still be pleasant. Take account of the possibility of hurricanes during that time of year, though. Be prepared to be flexible.

You can get more cruising tips by going to our page on Cruise Line Vacations