What does last minute mean in the cruising world?

Question

I want to book a caribbean or mexico cruise for June 25 2007 and I am wondering if booking last minute means 1 month before departure or 1 week? When is last minute? I started searching about three months ago and have only seen the prices increase as June gets closer.

Answer 1

They normally do increase as it gets closer.  I'm not for sure what last minute means though.

Answer 2

Most cruise lines require final payment 30 to 45 days before the cruise departs.  So if you try to book inside that window you are last minute.  You are also likely to pay more and not less and your options for a cabin will be severely limited if you are even able to get one.  

The best deals and prices are obtained by booking early and that can mean up to a year in advance.  I generally book nine months and up in advance.

If you have that one date set in your mind as your cruise date you will pay a premium price.  The more flexible your date is the more likely you will be able to find a cruise "deal".  The prices of cruises can change by hundreds depending upon the week that they depart.

Answer 3

If you want to get a good room then I suggest you book it as soon as possible. You are going to save money if you book it at the last minute, but it is not the most wise option to choose.

Answer 4

Last minute usually means in the last couple of weeks.  Most cruise lines will deeply discount any available staterooms so that they are not empty.  They cannot get you to spend money on the ship if you are not there.    However, be advised that the closer you get the fewer vacancies are available.  

Traditionally, June is an expensive season.  We have a cruise on Carnival for this Sept.  We got 7 nights for under 400 each.  It is not going for 599.  The prices can fluctuate greatly.  Carnival very rarely has empty staterooms on their ships.  Out PVP told us that they are filling ships faster than they can process the bookings.  And this was for over a year in advance.