If a cruise has unbooked rooms, can you go to the terminal last minute and pay a very discounted price?

Question

I've heard that since a cruise ship would rather book a room and get some money than have it empty that they will sell you a room just before the ship takes off super cheap. I live near Miami's port and want to try this sometime, but I'm unsure if it will work.

Carnival, Royal Carribean, and Princess all dock at the Miami port.

Answer 1

Because of 911, you can no longer show up at the dock to get on a cruise ship. The cruse company must turn in a list of passengers several days in advance to homeland security. So now a days, last minute would have to be at least 1 week or more. Be aware, that some will argue this point because you use to be able to do this, but not any longer.

Answer 2

No, I think the Department of Homeland Security requests a list of passengers 72 hours before sailing, so the cruise lines have to lock down their manifests before then.

Answer 3

You can only book there rooms with a Travel Agent that has blocked cabins,but you can get discounts. http://www.cruiseasy.joystar.com

Answer 4

No.  First of all, most ships these days sail full or almost full, especially in the summer.  Secondly, you need to have your passenger info submitted in time for the cruise line to have it screened by security officials, i.e. several days to a couple of weeks ahead of time.

Answer 5

The only discounts you can get is if you are a travel agent.

www.globetrottingspot.com

Answer 6

Years ago this used to happen but now with the increased security and Homeland Security, it is a thing of the past.

Answer 7

Because of 911, you can no longer do that. You need to have your tickets in advance, although if there are unbooked rooms you can get fantastic last minute deals. vacationstogo.com can help you with that. less than a week in advanced there is the possibility that a cruise has unbooked rooms. since there is not a lot of notice, the cruise line will be giving the rooms away for a very discounted price.

If you have any further questions feel free to send me a message, I'd be glad to help.

Hope this helps!!