Cheapest price at the dock?

Question

My husband and I were looking into last minute cruise deals as we are helping a friend move to Florida this summer. He hasn't signed the lease yet so the dates aren't set but I'm guessing it will start Aug 1. So we just started looking at cruise deals since that's only like 7 wks (and more like 5 until we know the dates).

Right now I saw cruises dropping their prices down to like $70 a day. 5 day just over $300. I have heard of people showing up at the dock day of and getting great deals. I can't imagine you can get much better than that. We've taken several cruises so no preference on where it goes.

If you've bought at the dock day of, was it really that much cheaper than the last minute online deals? What's the best price you've seen day of at the dock? Don't the cruise lines have a rock bottom price where it's more cost effective to sail with the room empty than put you in it for a loss?

Answer 1

The short answer is NO!!!! Cruise lines must state their passenger list at leas 24 hour prior to departure and that means no late jump ons. Many do theyre late time check in over the net minimum three days prior to departure. Ill guesst that this is either an urban muth or a thing of the past. Youll probably get the best price by boking early. But if you cant check the cruise lines home pages and look after last minute offer. Also have your credit card ready and filled with money for easy booking and paying. When you know the date and if you find a cruise thats fits you that you can afford then book it el pronto. The day after it could be gone or much more expencier. Johan.

Answer 2

with aftermath of 09/11/01, and security the cruise lines and government require more time to get your information and legal documents.  when the cruiselines talk about "short term" its more like 30days up to about two weeks.

you can call the cruiselines and talk with them also.

good luck,

Answer 3

You can't buy a cruise "at the dock", due to security precautions.

"Last minute" in cruising is after the 60-day cancellation deadline has passed, i.e. 60 days before the cruise departs.