Last min Cruise?

Question

I live in Long Beach. Its been mentioned that you can purchase a cruise by driving over to san pedro the day before and booking one for really cheap, if the space is avalible. Does anybody know how to go about doing this??? Are there offices some where near the ports are what? have you done it?

Answer 1

Every since 9/11 the cruise lines no longer offer "last minute" cruises.  About the best you could do now for last minute is a week or two before the cruise leaves.  All passengers on ALL cruise ships must register with their personal information at least 3 days before the cruise departure date so that the security checks can be made, including FBI checks.  Passengers who do not complete this information in advance will be required to arrive at the port at least 2 hours early so that the information can be gathered and a last minute check completed.  They will retain you at the checkin in desk while it is done.  Then the cruise lines are required to submit a complete passenger manifest at least 60 minutes before departure.

Here's what Royal Caribbean's web site has about this:

"Q:   Why should I use Online Check-In?

A:   Completing the Online Check-In process for all the guests in your reservation will save you from having to fill out forms at the pier and needs to be completed 3 days prior to your saildate.

Royal Caribbean International requires guests to be checked in no later than 60 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing time*. Guests arriving late will not be permitted to sail. This supports government regulations in some ports that require cruise lines to submit a departure manifest 60 minutes prior to sailing. Guests are requested to complete Online Check-In no later than 3 days prior to the cruise in order to expedite the pier check-in process. "

Answer 2

I've seen some last minute deals to fill a ship but not the day of the sailing.  Guess you could try, see what happens and let us know...

Answer 3

I live in FL, and you used to be able to get great last minute cruise deals.  With the new security clearance requirements, you need to book farther in advance.  You can still get some good deals a couple weeks in advance, but not as good as you used to be able to get.

Andrew

www.travelsbyandrew.com

Answer 4

Im sure you can do it, Just call a travel agency or call directy to the cruise line 1-800 number, you can found it thru the web page.