Anybody Ever do Same Day Booking?

[jeremyosborne81]

I know at airports a person can walk up to a check in counter and buy a ticket for a flight leaving that day.

Has that ever been an option for a cruise? What is that process like? Did you get a good deal?

[Essiesmom]

Check in clerks at the port do not have access to available cabins or the ability to book cabins and take payment.  You CAN book the same day, at least on Carnival, but you have to call.  Can't do it online.  Also will not be able to do online checkin.  Do not pay any attention to anyone who comes along saying you have to do it within three days because manifest goes to CBP 72 hours out.  It goes in 60 min before departure.  EM

[Cruzaholic41]

Yes. I’ve done it several times. It was all pre 9/11 though.  Now, bookings are cut 24 hours before sailing. 

[evandbob]

9 hours ago, jeremyosborne81 said:

I know at airports a person can walk up to a check in counter and buy a ticket for a flight leaving that day.

Has that ever been an option for a cruise? What is that process like? Did you get a good deal?

Almost.  I booked a Carnival Conquest cruise on a Friday at 4PM and was boarding the ship the next day at noon.  This was in February this year.

 

I booked an inside guarantee solo on line and was assigned a balcony.

Edited April 15, 2020 by evandbob

[iancal]

Closest we came was during March break.  We were touring in FLL.   

 

Book a gty balcony three days prior to sailing.   Booked on a Wed. afternoon, sailed on Saturday.  Incredible price.  There were apparently only two slots left.    

 

We assumed a not so great balcony location.  We were upgraded to the hightest cat. balcony on the ship.  Great location, large balcony.    I can only assume that a suite became available and the folks who originally had our balcony got upgraded.

 

We have always had good fortune with late bookings.  Anywhere from three days out to five weeks out.

[dolittle]

In Feb 2015 I was taking a walk with my wife and happened to mention I saw the N.C.L.Breakaway going the next day for 300 dollars.She said if that is true we will book it.We did at 2:00 P.M. sat. and sailed the next day(Sun). It was easy for us we live In Phila. burbs took the train to Phila. and Bolt bus to N.Y. Great cruise.

[dolittle]

20 hours ago, jeremyosborne81 said:

I know at airports a person can walk up to a check in counter and buy a ticket for a flight leaving that day.

Has that ever been an option for a cruise? What is that process like? Did you get a good deal?

The worst and most expensive flight you will ever take.

[dolittle]

21 hours ago, jeremyosborne81 said:

I know at airports a person can walk up to a check in counter and buy a ticket for a flight leaving that day.

Has that ever been an option for a cruise? What is that process like? Did you get a good deal?

There used to be a wives tale on this site that went like this ''my uncle(it was always the uncle) used to walk up to the ship and slip the guy a hundred bucks or so and get on the ship'' doubt if it was ever true . 

 

[George C]

In late 70’s I did a cruise to nowhere that I booked on Friday and it sailed on Saturday, living in nyc , always cruised out of New York when I lived there , lots of singles and drinking . 

[Essiesmom]

In Sept/Oct 2017 a hurricane (Matthew?) displaced Carnival Fascination from her home port in San Juan.  She temporarily relocated to JAX, and Carnival were calling people that I believe were casino players groups and offering them a free cruise if they could sail the same day.  Unfortunately, we are not players but we did pick up a cheapie the next week from Port Canaveral.  EM

[ldubs]

On 4/15/2020 at 5:17 PM, dolittle said:

The worst and most expensive flight you will ever take.

 

Why do you think that?  I suppose cost can vary by the situation but why would it be the worst flight you would ever take?  Only ask because we have done this and didn't have that experience at all.  

 

[spookwife]

On 4/14/2020 at 10:17 PM, jeremyosborne81 said:

I know at airports a person can walk up to a check in counter and buy a ticket for a flight leaving that day.

Has that ever been an option for a cruise? What is that process like? Did you get a good deal?

 hasn't been a viable option at airports since 9/11.  and when it is, you pay through the nose and are subject to extra security screening.

 

as for cruise lines:   you can't in person.    most cruise lines   cut off new bookings the day before.   the few that still permit it the day of it must be done online or by calling, and by like 9 or 10 am.  there are no deals to be had.  

 

if you do not have a booked reservation, you are not getting into the cruise terminal at all.  

[dolittle]

You would get the last seat and pay more than anyone else on the plane.Wonder if you can still do this ,I doubt they would take cash.

[GlamorousGirl]

I booked one less than 48 hours in advance once. The cruise wasn’t even up on the website anymore, yet I paid a lot more and for a worse cabin than I was used to. The cabin was next to a room with a noisy motor, very cramped, and an odd shape. I got much better deals booking far in advance during sales.