Fall Break is OVER. Here's how to plan your next Fall Break like a PRO.

Your suitcase is still half-packed. There’s a conch shell in your kid’s hoodie pocket. You said, “this was perfect, let’s do it again,” and then life said “EMAILS.” So, here’s the timing cheat sheet I give my own friends for planning next year’s fall break - no spreadsheets, just the time frames that actually matter.

Fall break energy, unlocked. ☀️ Nothing says “we did it right” like a beach day with your favorite people and your NEW favorite ship waiting in the background!

BEST TIME TO BOOK

• over 12 months out: you are in PROFESSIONAL PLANNER territory and will get the best selection, the friendliest pricing, and the longest runway to make payments. (you smartie pants, you!)

• 12–10 months out: best pick of cabins that sleep 3–4 people, connecting rooms, and that mid-ship sweet spot everyone wants.

• 9–6 months out: still good, but you’ll start playing musical chairs with cabin types—especially suites and ocean-view/balcony categories.

• 3–6 months out: you can still go, but you’ll likely compromise on something (price, deck, or dates).

• < 3 months: final-payment window. you’ll pay in full at booking and inventory will be tight. (ships often sell out, and the days of true last-minute steals are mostly past.)

Golden hour, but make it cruise-core. 🌅 Poolside laughs, ocean breeze, and nowhere else you need to be - that’s the real fall break glow-up.

HOW TO PICK A SHIP (without needing a PhD in Sailing Strategy)

Answer three questions and ignore the rest:

1. Do you want waterpark energy or spa energy?

2. Do you care more about the ship itself or the destinations it visits?

3. Are you happy with a chill sea day, or are you an adventure junkie?

Once you know those, the list narrows itself - not just the cruise line but the actual ship. (Future you just said, "Thanks!")

The place where future vacations are born. ✨ Don’t walk past the NextCruise desk! Those post-cruise perks are basically money waiting for you to use them.

NEXT CRUISE + CREDITS

If You Just Sailed Royal Caribbean,“NextCruise” Awaits: Recently cruised guests often get limited-time perks toward a future sailing (for Royal Caribbean, think reduced deposits and onboard credit). If you’re one of my clients using NextCruise, I track your window and make sure we apply it where it does the most good, so those perks don’t quietly expire in your junk drawer.

Waterpark energy: activated. 💦 Because sometimes the best cruise memories are made mid-scream, mid-splash, and mid-laugh.

YOUR FUTURE SELF WILL THANK YOU...

One More Golden Nugget from Your Favorite Travel Advisor

Fall break isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime puzzle; it’s a rhythm. And like most good things… if you don’t plan it, it won’t spontaneously happen. Planning can feel anxious because the options are… limitless. That’s why having a travel advisor who builds a truly personalized plan - based on your people, your budget, and your vibe - makes all the difference. I would love to be the agent that makes your next vacation your best one yet.

Spa energy, incoming. 🌴 A quiet stretch of sand, sunshine through the palms, and not a single email in sight - that’s the IDEAL vibe of a personalized by PIE vacation.

Overwhelmed with Options? You are in the right place... Not sure which ship’s your vibe? Don’t stress! That’s literally my specialty. FILL OUT THIS FORM, and I’ll do the matchmaking. You bring the dreams, I’ll bring the deals. XO, PIE