Is it possible to book a last minute inexpensive cruise out of Port Everglades?

[riu girl]

(also posted on ports forum but am posting here as well hoping for information for first time cruiser).

 

I am interested in booking a very last minute (one or two days prior to cruise departure) out of Port Everglades.

I have never been to Port Everglades and have no idea how to do this.

Is there an office to visit (or phone number etc.) somewhere in the port Everglades area where I could possibly book this?

 

And if so, what would I expect to pay for a last minute booking on a 3 or 4 night cruise? Cruise ship/itinerary is not important, just want to spend a few days on a cruise ship.

 

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[tiyana4]

You are taking a huge chance by waiting until the last few days prior to sailing. Not only will your cabin selection be VERY limited but unless you live in Fort Lauderdale, airfare/transportation may be a concern. While you can obtain some very good prices (up to $200 off depending on cabin category) by waiting until 15-30 days prior to sailing, it will also depend on supply and demand. Cruiselines who offer upgrades generally do so for passengers who are booked either in guaranteed rooms or have early bookings (months in advance). By waiting after this time you could end up with a room next to the nightclub or bowling alley.

 

Princess cruises often sell out completely due to popularity and therefore have few, if any "week of sailing" specials. Other cruiseline availability will vary but I do know your only option would be booking it online directly through the cruiseline or through a travel agent this close to sailing. But remember you will be completely at the mercy of the cruiseline as far as rooms are concerned. You may also have to wait once onboard for your room to be assigned to you while other passengers will be free to go straight to their rooms.

 

Port Everglades is simply the terminal/facility where passengers are processed and embark/disembark from the ships, they do not participate in the sale of tickets for cruiselines. Check out Cruisevacationoutlet.com, cruisevacationcenter.com, or travelzoo.com for some great last minute deals. I hope this helps.

[akur23]

I just moved to Florida and am available to travel easily. Are there any last minute newsletters around? I'm only an hour or so from Port Canaveral. Do lines other than Disney sail from there? Disney would be okay, but DH really wants a casino. TIA! :confused:

[catamaran]

Nearly every online cruise agency has what they call last minute specials. Look at the ads and go to their website.

 

Because of scurity concerns, you may need to book a few days earlier to get the paperwork moving.You should be able to get an inside for about 70$/day.

I have booked outsides for less than $ 90/day for 7-10 days.

 

Online and follow up by phone is the way to go.

[gizmo]

One or two days out is VERY difficult and may not even be available./

 

Many TA's have specials 7 to 30 days out. Check out all the TA's listed on this site. Sign up for their news letter. You may get a ton of emails, but keep checking them and you will find something sooner or later.

 

Many TA's located in Florida get some good last minute deals since people do not have to arrange air fare.

 

Good prices can be found but you have to keep checking all the emails.

 

There used to be "travel clubs" that get last minute deals. I never dealt with any but have heard of them. Search the internet and you might find one.

[dkjretired]

I believe cruise lines have to submit a manifest to the Coast Guard either 48 or 72 hours prior to sailing. Used to be you could walk up to the ship and if available get right on but since 9/11 not possible.

 

If you live in Florida, many of the cruise lines have resident specials and also you might want to look at departures two weeks or so out. Some good prices can be realized at that time.

[Arubalisa]

Do an online search for the terms "last minute cruise vacation". There are agencies which specialize in these types of deals.

[localdeltarider]

I saw a deal on one of the online websites for a 7 day out of FLL for 299 outside or balcany. I saw it on thanksgiving day and tried to call but the agency was closed. I called the next day (black friday) and was told that there was one balcany room available on Costa Magica for 344 per person (taxes and port charges included) sailing the next day. I actually got online and found a flight leaving out of Oakland CA that would get me to FLL by 7:00 AM with a return flight home the following saturday at 3:00 pm. The total cost with airfare was under $1250.00 for my wife and I. Unfortunately i couldn't get my wife to go for it. But it seems as though they can book people up to about 12 hours in advance because the travel agent called later that night Pacific time and asked if i was still interested.

[jeaniebelle]

Check out website www. *****.com

They have 90 day "ticker" for last minute cruises.

[Bequia]

I believe cruise lines have to submit a manifest to the Coast Guard either 48 or 72 hours prior to sailing. Used to be you could walk up to the ship and if available get right on but since 9/11 not possible.

 

That's about to change after the 1st of the year.

For vessels departing from the United States, the proposed amendment provides for transmission of passenger and crew manifests 60 minutes prior to departure.

CBP (Customs and Border Protection) is retaining the requirement to transmit passenger and crew manifest data at least 24 hours and up to 96 hours prior to a vessel's entering the U.S. port of arrival. This requirement is consistent with the U.S. Coast Guard's ``Notice of Arrival'' (NOA) requirements.

[Capt_BJ]

That's about to change after the 1st of the year.

 

For vessels departing from the United States, the proposed amendment provides for transmission of passenger and crew manifests 60 minutes prior to departure.

 

CBP (Customs and Border Protection) is retaining the requirement to transmit passenger and crew manifest data at least 24 hours and up to 96 hours prior to a vessel's entering the U.S. port of arrival. This requirement is consistent with the U.S. Coast Guard's ``Notice of Arrival'' (NOA) requirements.

 

with regards to locking down the manifest, the simple ans is you need the advance notice as has been stated. If you begin to drill down....the requirement does not apply to leave the country....it applies to enter. In the case of the cruise ship on a 3 day cruise, the 72 hour notice comes in to play. It also can if the ship leaves port, but a port call at another US port like Key West is in the window.

 

So the answer becomes....it depends. (and yes the rules change)

 

However also as stated you really don't want to try and walk up to the cruise terminal. But I have taken cruises in FL with less than a week lead time. Get 'friendly' with a travel agent. We had a good one who would call us up when there was a great deal - often unsold spots from a group buy and we'd cruise for pennies on the dollar. It is one thing that's harder to duplicate on the web.....a personal relationship with someone who actually tries to help you..... A 'thank you' on the back side of the trip encouraged another notification .... etc etc. Being able to get on a ship with less than a week notice requires a bit more flex' than many have & can put you in line for a great deal....

[csk]

I live in Daytona Beach, and have cruised out of Port Canaveral many times, Royal Caribbean has the Mariner 7 days, Soverigen of the SEas 3 and 4 nights, Carnival has the Sensation for 3 and 4 nights and the Glory for 7 days, also Disney, we have did the last minute several times. If you are wanting a special ship and cruise, not a good idea to wait too late, but if at the last minute you decide you want a short cruise usually can find one. Before 9/11 you could go to pier and hope there was a cabin, since 9/11 I think it is 24 hours or so. A few months ago we booked the Mariner on Saturday and sailed on Sunday. We have also did other 3 and 4 days with less than a weeks notice. I think it also depends on the time of the year, in the fall, usually cabins left, during February, March and April, they usually sail full, for us it is just a gamble, if I see something good we go.