Now That's What I Call Last Minute!

[dbcruzin]

Just off the Fantasy out of Charleston. Booked on Friday @ 1:00, Sailed on Saturday @ 4:00. I know this question comes around every once in awhile, so I thought I would share my experience. The 72 hour rule either does not really exist, or they are able to revise the submitted manifest after initial submission.

 

Some thoughts on really last minute bookings:

 

• My PVP was shocked - I am always hitting her with email requests for last minute sailings, but never booked one this late (my previous record was 2 days prior to sailing). I had been watching 2 sailings (Dream and Fascination). When I went to check for the last time Friday morning, the Fantasy also popped up as available. Pricing was not bad, but certainly not the cheapest I have booked.
  
• We booked an inside GTY, and we received an OV on deck 6.
  
• Even though we did our funpass as soon as we confirmed the booking, at checkin we had to go through the manual process. No big deal, just took awhile.
  
• At checkin, we were handed S&S cards for someone else - cabin number was right on the envelope, but not us.
  
• Had to get S&S cards printed (took awhile to get that straightened out) and the dining time was listed as "See Maître D". Maître D was very accommodating, and got us a table for 2.
  
• In the room, the guests who were supposed to be in our room were Platinum (as are we), so the welcome letter was written out to them.
  
• Room Steward called us by the wrong name most of the week. I didn't have the heart to correct him after a couple of tries. I gave him credit for trying! I assume the list he was given had the old guests name on the list.
  
• We were not on the casino list for free slot entry - but they happily accommodated us
  
• I sent my shareholder OBC request in Friday afternoon, and got an email on Monday that it had been applied.
  

Had a great 6 days on the Fantasy. Great (small) ship, great crew, lots of Southerners onboard (N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Georgia).

 

Were there 2 elegant nights?

[MicksMom]

Noticed last night an Interior was available on Carnival's website for The Magic sailing today. The date wasn't available earlier.

[JackieB]

I scanned the thread and replies, but didn't notice a,"I saved a ton of money

with this last minute booking."

 

Was this last minute deal a real money-saver or simply for the adrenaline rush?

 

Does any website show these VERY last minute opportunities?

[laumicmah]

Just off the Fantasy out of Charleston. Booked on Friday @ 1:00, Sailed on Saturday @ 4:00. I know this question comes around every once in awhile, so I thought I would share my experience. The 72 hour rule either does not really exist, or they are able to revise the submitted manifest after initial submission.

 

Some thoughts on really last minute bookings:

 

• My PVP was shocked - I am always hitting her with email requests for last minute sailings, but never booked one this late (my previous record was 2 days prior to sailing). I had been watching 2 sailings (Dream and Fascination). When I went to check for the last time Friday morning, the Fantasy also popped up as available. Pricing was not bad, but certainly not the cheapest I have booked.
  
• We booked an inside GTY, and we received an OV on deck 6.
  
• Even though we did our funpass as soon as we confirmed the booking, at checkin we had to go through the manual process. No big deal, just took awhile.
  
• At checkin, we were handed S&S cards for someone else - cabin number was right on the envelope, but not us.
  
• Had to get S&S cards printed (took awhile to get that straightened out) and the dining time was listed as "See Maître D". Maître D was very accommodating, and got us a table for 2.
  
• In the room, the guests who were supposed to be in our room were Platinum (as are we), so the welcome letter was written out to them.
  
• Room Steward called us by the wrong name most of the week. I didn't have the heart to correct him after a couple of tries. I gave him credit for trying! I assume the list he was given had the old guests name on the list.
  
• We were not on the casino list for free slot entry - but they happily accommodated us
  
• I sent my shareholder OBC request in Friday afternoon, and got an email on Monday that it had been applied.
  

Had a great 6 days on the Fantasy. Great (small) ship, great crew, lots of Southerners onboard (N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Georgia).

Awesome...I'm so jealous!

[glrounds]

I never understood how the 72 hour rule got set in stone. There may be a requirement to have an advanced passenger manifest sent 72 hours prior to sailing but there is nothing preventing a passenger from booking right before departure as long as they are on the final manifest.

 

Passengers can book international flights which is considered a much higher security risk hours before take off. So why would the government restrict cruise line passengers which when it comes to security a much lower risk?

 

Vinnie

 

I also think being a recent past passenger may have something to do with it. Their logic may be, if you were cool for several years cruising on Carnival, what is the likelihood that you've suddenly turned into a mad terrorist?:confused:

 

[CourtneyLovesCruising]

What an exciting adventure! I'd love to book a cruise so last minute, especially since I am always ready to go!

[samikitty]

Were there 2 elegant nights?

 

No - just one on the first sea day.

[samikitty]

I scanned the thread and replies, but didn't notice a,"I saved a ton of money with this last minute booking."

 

Was this last minute deal a real money-saver or simply for the adrenaline rush?

 

Does any website show these VERY last minute opportunities?

 

I thought I replied earlier - the price was average. I can't remember the exact price but it was around $400pp inside GTY (upgraded to an OV). It was no where near the swine flu pricing where they were really giving them away. I would say the price was comparable to a 6-month advance purchase. I purchased last minute because I wanted a quick get away - and the planets aligned to let it happen.

[YubaSutter]

Just off the Fantasy out of Charleston. Booked on Friday @ 1:00, Sailed on Saturday @ 4:00. I know this question comes around every once in awhile, so I thought I would share my experience. The 72 hour rule either does not really exist, or they are able to revise the submitted manifest after initial submission.

 

Some thoughts on really last minute bookings:

 

• My PVP was shocked - I am always hitting her with email requests for last minute sailings, but never booked one this late (my previous record was 2 days prior to sailing). I had been watching 2 sailings (Dream and Fascination). When I went to check for the last time Friday morning, the Fantasy also popped up as available. Pricing was not bad, but certainly not the cheapest I have booked.
  
• We booked an inside GTY, and we received an OV on deck 6.
  
• Even though we did our funpass as soon as we confirmed the booking, at checkin we had to go through the manual process. No big deal, just took awhile.
  
• At checkin, we were handed S&S cards for someone else - cabin number was right on the envelope, but not us.
  
• Had to get S&S cards printed (took awhile to get that straightened out) and the dining time was listed as "See Maître D". Maître D was very accommodating, and got us a table for 2.
  
• In the room, the guests who were supposed to be in our room were Platinum (as are we), so the welcome letter was written out to them.
  
• Room Steward called us by the wrong name most of the week. I didn't have the heart to correct him after a couple of tries. I gave him credit for trying! I assume the list he was given had the old guests name on the list.
  
• We were not on the casino list for free slot entry - but they happily accommodated us
  
• I sent my shareholder OBC request in Friday afternoon, and got an email on Monday that it had been applied.
  

Had a great 6 days on the Fantasy. Great (small) ship, great crew, lots of Southerners onboard (N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Georgia).

 

On a few occasions, I called Carnival at 9 am and booked a same day departure. 5 hours later, I step onto the ship.

[DougieFresh1986]

On a few occasions, I called Carnival at 9 am and booked a same day departure. 5 hours later, I step onto the ship.

 

 

The Question is..... Was it at a deep discount???