Has anyone ever gone to a cruise terminal the day of the cruise to see if there are any rooms left? I've?

Question

heard of some people doing it and getting a really cheap room since it was the day of sailing. I'd be interested in which terminal and cruise line you did it with and how much money you paid. I think it would be a neat thing to do going with your bags packed and just getting on a ship. Please let me know. Thanks!

Answer 1

I don't think it is possible any more.  Before Sept 11, 2001 this could be done.  However, I believe the cruise lines have to provide an advance manifest to Homeland Security before the ship departs.  This would not be possible if a passenger was not known to the cruise line until a few hours before the ship leaves.

Also, I believe the cruise lines are now using the same kind of passenger management software that the airlines are using.  This means that if the ship is selling better than expected, prices will increase.  If the ship is not selling as well as expected, prices will drop.  The idea is to get the ship fully sold before it is set to leave.  The last figure I saw indicated that the average ship was sailing at 103 to 105% of capacity.  

100% is two per cabin.  Since some cabins hold more than two, a ship can sail at more than 100% capacity.  I was recently on the Freedom of the Seas.  This ship was so full that it was the capacity of the lifeboats that forced Royal Caribbean to stop selling.  100% on the Freedom of the Seas is 3634.  The ship sailed with 4200 passengers (115% of capacity).  There are 28 lifeboats and each holds 150 people, which is 4200 passengers total.

So, if the average ship is leaving port with more than two per cabin, it is very unlikely that you would be able to find an open cabin to purchase on the day the ship sails.

My best advise is, call the cruise lines and ask if what you want to do is possible.  If you get a positive answer, then I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 2

Well if you could find an open room, it would be really cheap since the liner has no choice but to sell it. But I don't think you could practically do that. Almost all cruises are booked a couple days beforehand. Plus think about it...you would have to get all your baggage together, get a ticket and have it checked, go through security, ect. Its a long process that would be hard to do in half a day. I personally wouldn't want to pack my bags not knowing if I would have to unpack them as soon as I got home.

Answer 3

thats risky....how do u set up a weeks worth of plans on a change like that?  what if it doesnt work then you made plans for nothing....odd...but to each his own

Answer 4

Yes, people do this all the time.  You risk not being able to get a good cabin, but you will get a great deal on the price.  Cruise ships always like to be completely FULL when leaving port.  GO for it!!