Can a person show up at the port on the departure date of a cruise and get a cabin?

Question

My family wants to go on a cruise vacation on the week of Dec 22 or 23. But prices are ridiculous. Has anyone ever tried doing this? Does it actually work? I understand that if the ship is sold out then you are out of luck, but you can try different ships....help! We want to know if it can work.

Answer 1

No, you cannot show up on the day of departure and get a cabin on the ship, even if it is not sold out.  The cruise lines have to submit their passenger list 72 hours in advance.  After that time, any unsold cabins are going to remain unsold.  Prior to Sept 11 this was possible.  Now it is not.

As for Christmas, the reason the prices are high is because the demand is high.  This would not work even before Sept 11.  All the Christmas time cruises will be sold out.  I would suggest that you look for a less popular time to cruise.  That is when prices will be lower.

Answer 2

That would not be possible, just consider current security measures and you'll understand the difficulties.  Very few ships, planes, trains or buses are not booked solid during the holidays.  I'm cruising during December and my cruise has been sold out for months.

But at this time, you still might be able to find some openings and if you are flexible it might be a great deal.

Best of Luck to You!

Answer 3

Not possible