Any advice on last minute deals?

[Koohiichan]

My husband and I are hoping to get a last minute deal on a Caribbean cruise departing before New Years. I know that the holidays are an expensive time to sail. How likely are we to get a deal? When should we expect the lowest prices? We’re fine with an inside cabin. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Thanks, 
Koohiichan

[NMTraveller]

There are some deals out there.  Google 90 day cruise ticker...  They are there.  It may or may not be the ship you want.

 

The lowest prices are at 90 days out where people have to pay or cancel.

Edited October 22, 2023 by NMTraveller

[binro01]

Check out Celebrity’s Exciting deals list. If you are wanting to specifically sail on Celebrity. https://www.celebritycruises.com/promo-controller?contentPromotionId=promotion-217&destinations=CARIB
 

the other option is using cruise plum to find a great rate. Here is a good video on how to use it. 
 

The Secret to Finding Insane Cruise Deals - It's Easier Than You Think!
https://youtu.be/2pEfn-X5hF0

[Jim_Iain]

Recently read and article on PointsGuy -   Major cruise line to cruisers: We're done giving you last-minute deals.     Wonder if it will spread.

 

Looking for a last-minute deal on a Princess Cruises voyage? We have bad news: You're probably not going to find one.

 

In what it's calling a dramatic shift in its pricing strategy, the world's fifth-largest cruise line on Thursday said it would no longer offer last-minute discounts for cabins on unsold voyages.

The Los Angeles-based company said in a statement that for all 2024 and 2025 sailings, the current fares available for cabins are the lowest it will offer, and they will only rise over time.

[kathynorth]

We've found quite a few great deals via the Exciting Deals link that binro01 posted. Just be sure you understand those are Sail Only rates. You need to add in the cost of gratuities. If you want a drink package or internet package, then you also have to add that in too.  

[dreamer321]

31 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

...

[Princess] said in a statement that for all 2024 and 2025 sailings, the current fares available for cabins are the lowest it will offer, and they will only rise over time.

Too bad, I was considering them for a 4 day West Coast repositioning cruise booked last minute if the price dropped below my admittedly low target. Now, I'll have to look at other lines. If this becomes an industry practice then I'll look to other land based vacations.  

 

Vacation dollars are fungible and can be spent on other interests but sailing with empty cabins is revenue lost forever.  The passengers can play this game just as well as the cruise lines.

 

As far as last minute deals over New Years flexibility is the key but don't expect anything really low.

 

Check out cruiseplum for last minute deals. They aren't a travel agent just an info service.

[NutsAboutGolf]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

Recently read and article on PointsGuy -   Major cruise line to cruisers: We're done giving you last-minute deals.     Wonder if it will spread.

 

Looking for a last-minute deal on a Princess Cruises voyage? We have bad news: You're probably not going to find one.

 

In what it's calling a dramatic shift in its pricing strategy, the world's fifth-largest cruise line on Thursday said it would no longer offer last-minute discounts for cabins on unsold voyages.

The Los Angeles-based company said in a statement that for all 2024 and 2025 sailings, the current fares available for cabins are the lowest it will offer, and they will only rise over time.

 

Last-minute Princess deals for Nov and Dec are still alive currently

[NutsAboutGolf]

57 minutes ago, dreamer321 said:

Too bad, I was considering them for a 4 day West Coast repositioning cruise booked last minute if the price dropped below my admittedly low target. Now, I'll have to look at other lines. If this becomes an industry practice then I'll look to other land based vacations.  

 

Vacation dollars are fungible and can be spent on other interests but sailing with empty cabins is revenue lost forever.  The passengers can play this game just as well as the cruise lines.

 

As far as last minute deals over New Years flexibility is the key but don't expect anything really low.

 

Check out cruiseplum for last minute deals. They aren't a travel agent just an info service.

 

Their bark is probably worse than their bite; inevitably this will evolve.  Could be little more than trying to get folks to book their 2024 and 2025 sailings right now

[deliver42]

The Princess thing starts Nov. 1.

[NMTraveller]

20 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Recently read and article on PointsGuy -   Major cruise line to cruisers: We're done giving you last-minute deals.     Wonder if it will spread.

 

Looking for a last-minute deal on a Princess Cruises voyage? We have bad news: You're probably not going to find one.

 

In what it's calling a dramatic shift in its pricing strategy, the world's fifth-largest cruise line on Thursday said it would no longer offer last-minute discounts for cabins on unsold voyages.

The Los Angeles-based company said in a statement that for all 2024 and 2025 sailings, the current fares available for cabins are the lowest it will offer, and they will only rise over time.

I am doubtful that they will want to leave cabins unsold...

 

If nothing else they will offer them to their casino club...

Edited October 24, 2023 by NMTraveller