My husband and I are looking to go on the PG this Fall for our 25th Anniversary. I've been researching this for quite a while (too long really, I'm obsessed!) and reading everything I can on the subject. My problem is "When to Book?". I've been watching and waiting for specials to come out and I just haven't seen any. It seems that in prior years you could get a decent special at that time of year (Sept/Oct/Nov)(free air, 2for1). Do I book now at the highest rates that RSSC has? Or do I wait and roll the dice? Thanks!

Babs

Babs, do you have a preference on cabins? If portholes are fine, you need to book Cat F early. If you want a starboard balcony, you need to book early. This is just my impression from past posts here.

Radisson usually allows those already booked to get new specials. This is especially true prior to final payment. However, people with good TAs have been able to talk Radisson into the specail anyhow.

Therefore, my recommendation, if you are going to book prior to final payment time anyhow, book early to get choice of cabin. If you want to wait for a special (none right now rest of year on PG), be prepared not to go or to not get your prefernce on cabin.

Although not true for PG, many of us here try to book first day schedules are out on Mariner and Voyager to get the coveted Cat H (or center Cat G on Voyager). We trust Radisson to make us whole if they end up with better specials later.

Babs44 - welcome to LCT! It seems like the Paul Gauguin is selling out quite well this year and my guess would be that it is best not to wait until you might see a new discount. RSSC changed their marketing this year and have tried to make it so that the people who book the earliest get the best deals.

We booked our 2004 trip on the PG in 2003 with our fabulous cruise consultant Ngaire. She was able to phone us shortly after we made our required final payment to inform us that our weeks had just been discounted and she put through the refund on our charge card. So if you book with a good agent and the cost of your cruise goes down, you will get a refund.

Babs44, I agree with Marc & Kathy Z about booking as early as possible, especially if you are looking for a particular cabin category and location. Almost everyone seems to agree that the starboard side of ship is desired for the best views. So they always go very fast. I didn't book quite fast enough for the upcoming PIP PG cruise in May 2005 so we ended up with a port side. Not that it will stop us from having a wonderful time in paradise!!

I, too, research as much as I possibly can. I also get obsessed (good for the diet - :D ).

Babs, I agree with Marc, Kathy, and Cyndi, go ahead and book when you can (as early as possible), and if a special becomes available then you may get a pleasant surprise down the road. This happened to us, as we booked over 1 year in advance, and then about 60 days prior to our cruise on the PG, RSSC ran a special that was a better deal than what I had originally booked. They cheerfully credited the difference back to me with no issues.

Cheers,
Ken

Thanks everyone so much! I expect to book in the next few weeks. I'm looking for a starboard oceanview room. I hope I can get it! I'm just waiting for hubby to get the dates free from work!

Your advice has really helped me out. I appreciate it!

Babs

Babs, Good luck!! Let us know how it works out.

Babs,
You might consider going ahead, booking, and depositing 10% that is fully refundable up until 120 days prior to sailing so that you can get the date and cabin of your choice. If you wait until your husband gets the approval you could lose the cabin and date of your choice.

Thanks Susan for the suggestion. This is a good idea since I can cancel or even change the cruise date if necessary before 120 days with no penalty. I'll let everyone know how I make out!

Babs

It's official, I'm now booked on the 10/15/05 sailing of the PG with a precruise on Bora Bora! I'm very excited! I only hope that by final payment time hubby can get the 2 weeks off. Keep your fingers crossed!

Babs

All fingers and toes crossed!!! Joanna

Congrats Babs...good luck! r/wes

Babs, I'm so excited for you. It just HAS to all work out with all of us to cheer for you. Since my pre-cruise for 5/21 is Bora Bora, I'll do whatever I can to help you out with your questions on that. Which hotel did you choose?

We decided on an overwater bungalow at the Bora Bora Pearl Resort. I'm looking forward to swimming in the beautiful clear water. We just want to relaxe while at the resort. I agonized about the decision and then realized you can't go wrong with any resort on Bora Bora! They all seem to have something for everyone!

While on the PG we'll definitely take the waverunner excusion on BB.

Babs

Babs,
While I have not stayed at the Bora Bora Pearl I have visited and the overwater bungalows are beautiful. The property is very pretty and built within the last couple of years. I have spoken to several couples who stayed there and they were very happy with the services. There are a number of activities on-site such as beach volleyball, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, etc. but they also can arrange diving, parasailing, four wheel jeep trips, waverunners.

Congrats, Babs!!

Masaki