A few weeks ago, we started shopping around for a cruise to Alaska. Wanting to get the best deal, as always, we were looking for a “last-minute” cruise, and we were willing to make the decision a day or two before the ship’s departure.
Well, it turns out that “last-minute” cruises aren’t what they used to be.
The way it once worked, when a cruise line had bunches of empty state rooms, they’d slash prices at the “last minute” because it’s better to have people in state rooms, even at ridiculously low prices. Then, along came 9/11, and all the fallout from it, which included security checks that can’t always be made at the last minute. It’s our understanding that cruise lines had to file passenger manifests too far in advance.
Thanks, terrorists.
So what has replaced last-minute deals? In Holland America’s world, it’s a program rolled out this week, called Early Advantage savings. Book a cruise by September 15 for late fall to the Caribbean or 2011 to just about anywhere and save up to 50% of the posted rates, or so the cruise line claims. As you know, it’s not always easy to do the math on these promotions.
It does includes a chance to take a trip on the Nieuw Amsterdam (left), Holland America’s newest ship, at discount rates — in the Mediterranean after it crosses the Atlantic twice, to Fort Lauderdale in October and back to Europe in April. Whether the offer applies to other Nieuw Amsterdam itineraries is unclear but, if nothing else, the Early Advantage promotion is a way for Holland America to have you check on its prices and its itineraries…to get your attention.
And that’s how “last minute” deals become are “first-minute” deals.
Meanwhile, we’re still looking for one to Alaska.