Here's how to build the trip around the date, step by step.
Step 1: Pick the Date First, Then the Destination
Working backward from a fixed date (rather than “sometime next year”) makes the whole planning process more concrete. It also tells you exactly how much lead time you're working with.
Step 2: Check How Far Out You're Booking
This is the detail that changes the math most. Booking 270 days or more before departure opens up the option to cover the entire cruise with Reward Points. Closer to the date, points can still cover up to 50%, but the full-points option requires that lead time.
Full details on the 270-day rule →
Step 3: Choose a Route That Matches the Occasion
A quiet, scenic route (like the Norwegian fjords) suits a reflective anniversary trip; a lively, multi-island Caribbean itinerary suits a bigger celebration; a Mediterranean route works well if you want variety built into the trip itself.
Step 4: Work Out the Specifics Privately
Exact pricing and point coverage depend on your specific cruise, cabin, and dates — that's always worked out individually rather than published generally, so this is the point to reach out and go over it one-on-one.