COVID-19 has put a damper on most of our travel plans since it started causing cruise cancellations early last year. Now we are almost a year into the pandemic and good news of vaccine distribution is a positive sign for the cruise industry, as the world slowly works back to a healthy and booming travel economy.
Our internal booking data gives reason for optimism in late 2021 and into 2022 with most bookings being scheduled far in advance. This is a light at the end of the tunnel and makes now a crucial booking window for eager cruisers who want to be ahead of the curve.
Here’s a few reasons why booking a cruise now is a smart idea:
1. Cruise Lines are Offering Extra Perks
Travel providers want to make sure that customers who are booking during this tumultuous time get the most bang for their buck, so they are layering in perks like free gratuities, free drinks packages, internet packages, into the cost of your reservation.
These extras can add a lot of value to your trip and save you from spending hundreds during your time at sea.
Explore some of the best cruise bundles from top cruise providers!
2. Flexible Cancellations and Future Cruise Credits
If cruising again is a question of when, not if, to you, then booking now is essentially risk-free.
If you are an avid cruiser you will be happy to know that most cruise lines are offering Future Cruise Credits (FCC) if a sailing is cancelled due to COVID-19. Providers want their travelers to book without the worry of their trip being cancelled and losing their money. Many are giving full refunds, future cruise credits, and some are stacking extra perks onto your reservation when you choose a FCC instead of full refund.
3. Prices May Go Up
Our internal data and the development of a viable vaccine are huge indicators that cruising will return and when it does the demand may lead to higher prices. It is expected that cruise lines will have limited capacity when they do return, so this will make the demand even higher because there is less space available.
Booking now will put you ahead of this rush to book, possibly even with some extra perks.
4. Get the Best Cabin
Have you ever dreamed of sailing in that premium cabin with a view from the veranda? Maybe that option has always seemed out of reach. The good new is that you may be able to find an early-booking deal that offers upgraded cabin categories!
Due to the limited capacity allowed on ships when sailing returns, we can’t recommend enough booking early if you want to ensure you reserve the cabin category you need.
