how late can you book a cruise?

[sunsetme]

When does booking for a cruise close these days?

[skynight]

As long as cabins are available I don't think if there is a real deadline.  If you do book inside the final payment date you have to pay in full when booking. 

[Guest Michael4650]

11:59 pm. LOL

[rj59]

I'm leaving on Island Princess on Thursday--insides still on sale for $500 or so.  NCL are the kings of last-minute fare drops--you can hop on several Transatlantic cruises for under $500. It would make an interesting bet to see if Princess actually sticks to its no more cruise discounts after booking promise and how they'll justify it. Otherwise they'll be sailing with a lot of empty cabins, while other lines on similar unpopular routes or times will do deep discounting. 

[wallyj]

4 hours ago, sunsetme said:

When does booking for a cruise close these days?

IIRC, I believe my TA said 48hrs before sailing? I believe the manifest has to be sent to Homeland security for US departures? This is the reason I believe no more ability to show up on Embarkation day and see if you can sail last minute.

[Cruise Raider]

18 hours ago, wallyj said:

IIRC, I believe my TA said 48hrs before sailing? I believe the manifest has to be sent to Homeland security for US departures? This is the reason I believe no more ability to show up on Embarkation day and see if you can sail last minute.

I think that is right.  

[skynight]

At U.S. ports believe the deadline to file passenger manifest is 60 minutes before sailing. Cruise lines typically want the last check in around 1 1/2 to 2 hours before sailing so the can comply.

Of course each country would have its own laws. 

[memoak]

22 minutes ago, skynight said:

At U.S. ports believe the deadline to file passenger manifest is 60 minutes before sailing. Cruise lines typically want the last check in around 1 1/2 to 2 hours before sailing so the can comply.

Of course each country would have its own laws. 

I have always believed it was 90 minutes before planned sailing time. So 2:30 for a 4:00 sailing in many ports 

[rbtan]

On 11/19/2023 at 5:47 PM, sunsetme said:

When does booking for a cruise close these days?

Pretty much depends on whether the ship is full. I've seen people book a cruise less than a week before sailing(us) You need to have all your info. ready to do it on the spot as well as pay the entire cruise at that time as well.

[BlerkOne]

If space is available you can book the day of the cruise, but have to call the cruise line. You can't just walk up to the ship and knock on the door 

[Dunchues]

I know a chap who was on holiday in Miami and saw a half price cruise offer leaving that afternoon on a travel agents board, he went in and paid in full and left at 4pm

[zgscl]

I agree with others about 2-3 days before is when it is pulled from the website and I think the TA portal also. If there are still cabins available I’ve definitely heard of people getting one 24 hours or day off but you definitely have to call and I think the phone agent had to jump through a couple hoops. 

[Pirateskigirl]

When I called Princess, I was told 3 days from a cruise departure is the latest you can book.