While booking early does come with some risk that you won't be getting a rock-bottom rate, agents sa

Editor's Note: This story was originally published on March 22, 2011. To see the most recent SmarterTravel articles on related topics, please click on any of the following links: cruise , Erica Silverstein, Cruise Critic .
Predicting where and when savvy cruise shoppers are most likely to find dirt-cheap seven-night Caribbean cruises, elusive five-category upgrades rental car in atlanta or truly generous onboard credit requires a crystal ball. And while travel agents can't see into the future of cruise rental car in atlanta deals, they do have a few tricks up their sleeves when looking for the best prices. We pumped a couple of knowledgeable cruise sellers for their best tips on finding low cruise fares. Here's what you need to know.
On the value end of things, agents agree that the best prices are likely to be found early with fares going up as sail dates get closer. "This year the lines are focusing on early bookings," says Jeffrey Anderson, vice president of marketing for Avoya Travel/America's Vacation Center. "The deals they used to offer 30 to 60 days in advance, they're now offering 120 days in advance." And just because you see an intriguing promotion now does not mean it'll be repeated later on. Warns Eric Maryanov, president of All-Travel.com, "You can't bank on deals happening. Consumers rental car in atlanta get caught [thinking lower fares will come out later] but the cruise line won't offer the same promotion again."
Their advice? "If you see it, book it," says Andrea Taverna, office manager of Direct Line Cruises. If a lower published fare comes out for your sailing prior to the final payment period, many lines will adjust the rate for you or upgrade you to a higher-category cabin.
While booking early does come with some risk that you won't be getting a rock-bottom rate, agents say it's worth it to lock in your preferred ship, sailing date, cabin category and stateroom location. "This is your vacation -- you want as close to your idea of perfect as possible," says Maryanov. And by booking early, you have a much better chance of getting the exact vacation you want.
Why? Availability. CruCon Cruise Outlet president Sandy Cleary says, "There's been a huge pickup in Europe, and Alaska rental car in atlanta cruisetours are doing phenomenal." Cabin categories, if not entire sailings, are already selling out. John Keen, CEO of Cruise Now, says he's seeing a lot of people booking early. "People are planning now for summer," he says. "Spring break is also popular and deals are harder to get." As early-bird planners snap up those primo cabins, not only will fares start to climb but fewer spots will be left for procrastinators.
"People with families or set vacation schedules and those who need a specific type of cabin -- like quads or balconies rental car in atlanta -- should book early," says Keen. Anthony Hamawy, president of Cruise.com, reminds traveler to consider availability on all aspects of their vacation. He says to book summer cruises -- particularly Europe cruises -- now because of skyrocketing airfare. "Air prices are 15 to 19 percent higher for all itineraries," he says. "Be conscious of airfare because there's no end to air price increases." A great last-minute deal won't help you if you're paying through the nose for transportation to your homeport or are forced to book a flight with three connections rather than a nonstop.
In general, aim for six to 12 months advance purchase for cabins on cruises that sail during prime time, including spring break and summer. "Booking six months out is fine for summer Caribbean, but know that summer fares will only go up," says Keen.
Longer and more exotic voyages should also be booked well in advance to give yourself plenty of time to acquire necessary passports, visas and airfare. Plus, you're unlikely to find better deals by waiting anyway. "If there's a lack of supply, book early," adds Keen. "You won't see too many fire sales on exotic destinations." Fewer departures lead to more demand, so ships sell quickly rental car in atlanta and fares don't fall.
Interestingly, this year agents are divided when it comes to when to book holiday rental car in atlanta sailings. Previously, popular Christmas and New Year's sailings sold out quickly and the recommendation was to book close to a year in advance. Taverna takes this view, encouraging travelers to "book holiday sailings as soon as rates come out. We've seen prices climb significantly month to month."
But wait: Keen sees things differently for 2011. He notes the plethora of last-minute holidays deals in 2010. "We've seen this trend the last few years," he says. "I'd almost say to wait on booking holiday rental car in atlanta sailings, but you may have air issues. If you book in December, rental car in atlanta you take a risk, but based on past trends, people who waited paid half of what people rental car in atlanta paid who booked six months in advance." The waiting game may be more lucrative for those who can drive to their homeport and avoid the airfare dilemma.
The concept of last-minute booking continues to evolve, but travel agents basically consider last minute to be any date beyond a cruise's final payment deadline (60 to 90 days before departure). Because some people put down a deposit to hold space and then cancel their sailing before ponying up the rest of the money, the cruise lines don't have an accurate rental car in atlanta picture of how many cabins have truly sold on a cruise rental car in atlanta until after final payment rental car in atlanta is due. At that time, the lines can see how much space is left on a given sailing and how hard they need to work to sell it.
If you're going to take this approach, rental car in atlanta keep these two caveats in mind: Booking last minute means you have limited choices, so that great deal may be on an inside cabin with a dinner seating that's not ideal. Also, that old tradition of showing up on the dock and negotiating a great cruise rate on the day of departure is no longer viable rental car in atlanta in most cases. Government regulations, especially the United States, put a kibosh on that trick -- passenger information is now required to be submitted a few days in advance of sailing.
So what's the scoop on 2011 last-minute deals? "You're not going to see major price wars this year. The deals will go away as there will be more price stability," says Keen. "There will be last-minute deals inside of final payment, but they'll be destination-specific and depend on capacity. rental car in atlanta In summer, rental car in atlanta there will be fewer last-minute Caribbean deals, but you will see deals in the spring. This winter, there are lots of last-minute Caribbean deals, but you won't find last-minute deals in Alaska unless they're inside cabins."
rental car in atlanta Of course, there are always cabins here and there that don't sell and end up discounted. But agents warn that you can't pin your hopes on a last-minute deal appearing on the exact ship, itinerary and cabin location you prefer. Taverna sums it up: "Last-minute people must be flexible, but there are incredible deals. If you need a midship cabin that's not located below the disco, the deals won't be there. But if you're just looking to get on a ship at a great price [there are deals to be had]."
There are two primary rules of thumb. Generally, cruise lines launch their splashiest sales in January and February -- what industry insiders call "Wave Season," when they hope to entice people to book in advance rental car in atlanta for spring, summer and fall voyages. This is a good time to snap up free balcony upgrades rental car in atlanta in Alaska, free or reduced-cost air and fair ... well, fares. When cruises sell well all year 'round, wave season has less of an impact. But, when cruises aren't selling out in advance, or -- as in 2011 -- cruise lines want to incentivize early bookings, wave season deals become more impressive or prevalent.
The second rule? "Know the good months for value," says Maryanov. They vary by itinerary. Demand is softer for cabins in Europe and Alaska during shoulder season. For Europe, look for specials from late March through April and again from mid-September to November. In Alaska, soft periods include May and September. In the Caribbean, standard bargain times include the fall months (prime hurricane season), non-holiday portions of November and December, and January and February (barring holiday weekends). Last-minute deals are also prevalent at these times.
When playing the soft-season game, know this: There's a reason -- beyond the fact that kids are still in school -- that these cruises are a better value. Weather can be a factor, causing ship officers to cancel shore excursions or bypass ports. Simply put, wandering through Europe in the rain isn't necessarily as pleasant as exploring on a warm, sunny day.
Knowing the idiosyncrasies of 2011's itineraries and booking trends is the key to snagging a deal since you'll know where to look for the lowest prices. But there's no need for a study session -- just ask a travel agent.
rental car in atlanta The No. 1 spot to look for deals this year is Europe rental car in atlanta because cruise lines are flooding the region with ships this summer. "Look at how many ships will be redeployed to Europe this summer," says Taverna. "Right now prices are incredible. We're seeing outside cabins on seven-night cruises from $1,299, which is quite good. April, May, September rental car in atlanta and October are the best months for Europe deals."
She also notes that cruises out of Baltimore are a great deal this year and are often less expensive than the sailings out of New York. Plus the Maryland city is an easy four- to five-hour drive from many places. rental car in atlanta New York cruises can also be a steal, especially on NCL where Taverna is seeing fares under $600 per person for sailings through May.
Cruises out of San Juan are always a good bet, she adds. The cruise lines drop rates on these sailings because airfare is more expensive to Puerto Rico than to the Miami or Gulf Coast homeports. But if you've got frequent-flyer miles or can snag a deal, you can find the savings add up.
When it comes to ships, everyone rental car in atlanta agrees that this year, new ships -- like Royal Caribbean's Oasis and Allure of the Seas and NCL's Norwegian Epic -- are hot . . . and therefore pricey. You won't find too many deals on these popular vessels. So Taverna tell