Usually 48 hours prior to sailing but it seems the casino has a lot of their own rules on what they will and will not allow so you should call them to confirm.
14696 on Oasis is set up like any other balcony stateroom on Oasis or Allure that has the bed by the balcony. The connecting door is on your left as you walk in and does not change the set up of the room
Unless we have a major financial meltdown I don't think prices will just magically drop. They will keep pushing the envelope until people stop booking.