Last-Minute Deals

[JohnEZ]

Hey everyone,

 

You know over on a few boards I see messages regarding heavily discounted tickets for a voyage on, oh let's say Cunard. But my question is where does one actually find those discounts... Travelocity? Orbitz? Travel agent? Other internet site?

 

Just wondering, thanks,

John

[Langdak04]

John,

 

From a TA point of view, yes these deals do exist, we get them from the cruise lines by fax or email, depending on which method the agency has signed up with.

 

They do exist, but usually in very small quantities ie; less then half a dozen cabins in any certain category.

 

Hope that helps

 

Cheers!

[LHT28]

Some cruiselines have email specials but not sure if they have the Last minute ones listed.

Best to get your TA to advise you if they get any good deals on the cruiselines you are interested in.

[JohnEZ]

Thanks everyone :)

 

-John

[CaribbeanBlue]

Check your sunday paper under the travel section. Many cruise travel agents will list their last minute cruise deals there. These get snapped up really fast. You have to be able to travel and you may not get the best cabin in the world but you will get a really great bargain rate. The ships don't want to pull out without all of the cabins full.

 

CaribbeanBlue

 

http://www.*****.org

[marvholly]

These deal are less and less post 9/11 and with the increase in interest in vacationing on cruises.

 

Also, the really cheap ones come out <2-3 weeks before a cruise. therefore, if you have a job or need to book air (as I do both FT job and living in metro Chicago) anything you save on the cruise will be negated by the <21 dy air booking.

[Tiffdraw]

I find a lot of times you can get last minute deals. A cruise ship rather give a room for 100 dollars instead of it being empty for 7 days on a cruise. They still make money off of who ever in staying in the room. With the drinks, casino, tips, and shops. You can always find a deal, sometimes you just have to look harder then others.

 

Tiffany

[ShamrockFL]

Can these really only be found through a TA or an advertisment somewhere. I thought I had heard that some cruise lines maintain lists of people who are in the local area and are packed and willing to go at the last minute. For instance we are now retired and living in S. Florida. On many Saturdays or Sundays we could be in Lauderdale or Miami (or P. Caneveral if necessary) within a matter of hours if the price is right. Is there anything like this in existence for any of the cruise lines?

[Phyljim]

Shamrock, I know Princess cruises has a standby program. We are on the standby list for Galveston. Princess added Galveston just this year...but the Florida ports were listed before. Give them a try

 

Phyl from Texas

[euphoria]

Greetings Phyl,

 

Could you tell us more about Princess stand bye program. I live near San Francisco and would love to participate in something like that.

 

Warmly,

 

Laurie

[Cotton]

I thought I had heard that some cruise lines maintain lists of people who are in the local area and are packed and willing to go at the last minute.

 

:o Sorry, but "last minute cruise" is a misnomer. Since 9/11, there are no true last minute cruises. The cruiseline must turn over the manifest to the Coast Guard 72 hours prior to any cruise.

[chasetf]

I thought I had heard that some cruise lines maintain lists of people who are in the local area and are packed and willing to go at the last minute.

 

:o Sorry, but "last minute cruise" is a misnomer. Since 9/11, there are no true last minute cruises. The cruiseline must turn over the manifest to the Coast Guard 72 hours prior to any cruise.

Last minute used to mean showing up at the pier sailing day to see if you can get on board. But as you mention, that cannot be done anymore. As such, last minute has been extended to mean weeks prior... short notification. Many lines, like Princess, allow you to register to get these "last minute" deals. We have taken advantage of a few of them. :D

[chasetf]

Greetings Phyl, Could you tell us more about Princess stand bye program. I live near San Francisco and would love to participate in something like that. Warmly, Laurie

For Princess, you need to be a member of the Captain's Circle. Once a member, you can sign up online for the StandBy program which allows you to declare how much notice (weeks / months) you desire and from which ports you are willing to sail. :)

 

We have gotten a number of offers and taken them up on a couple.. :D