Congratulations, you’re finally ready to book a river cruise you’ve always wanted! Before you get started, there are a few things to consider to get the most out of your trip. You’ll want to focus on your personal preferences, your budget, when you can travel, and weigh the pros and cons of booking early versus last-minute reservations.
Advantages to Booking a River Cruise Early
Beyond taking advantage of some great discounts when you book a river cruise six months to two years in advance, you can usually rest assured that all your personal preferences for the cruise are ready to go. Here are a few things you can choose in advance when you book a cruise early:
Monthly payment plan ahead of your trip
Rather than laying out a large chunk of money to pay for the cruise upfront, some folks may prefer to make monthly payments. By signing up early, they can easily make monthly payments that keep their finances on track and don’t overextend their budget.
Work-related travel restrictions
If you are still working, you may only have certain time of the year when you can schedule vacation days with your employer. This is an excellent reason to make your reservation early. Some families also must consider the kids’ schedules, when they are out of school, which could include hiring a sitter.
Peak seasons for cruises
Many seasoned travelers prefer to travel during the peak times of the year when the sun is out and the weather is nicer. In addition, the holiday season is always in high demand for our cruises. So, if your vacation destination operates during a busy season, it would be a smart idea to book your river cruise far ahead of schedule.
Cabin preferences and special needs
Some of our generously sized rooms are also some of the least expensive. This means, however, that these cabins sell out fast. So if you’re looking to book a larger cabin with a balcony, or need special accommodations such as a wheelchair-accessible cabin, you’ll want to consider booking your cruise early.
Taking a group river cruise
Consider booking early if you want to travel on a group cruise with 10 or more people. If you are having a family reunion, celebrating an anniversary, or are simply out enjoying a cruise with family and friends, the booking process will be much simpler if the your cruise is booked in advance.
Interested in seeing where our ships go? Contact USA River Cruises today and discover a new way to explore the gorgeous and culturally rich regions of the U.S. and beyond.
