Last Min. Cruise Deals...Do they exist?

[jams]

In the past I have heard of great last min. cruise deals. Do they really exist? I checked some of the most popular cruise sites and travel sites and I don't see any great deals?

Urban legend????

[4RE KLR]

yes, they do exist.

You can call the cruise company directly and ask, or call a travel agent.

Some people do not like travel agents but they keep on top of the "list" that are available so they can use the trips themselves.

The companies want to fill every bed, on every Cruise so they do whatever it takes to get you in there. Once there you will spend money on board in the shops on alcohol and on land excursions. This is their bread and butter.

[jams]

Thanks for the insight. I will make a few calls.

[Dan40]

Originally Posted by jams

In the past I have heard of great last min. cruise deals. Do they really exist? I checked some of the most popular cruise sites and travel sites and I don't see any great deals?

Urban legend????

Depends on what you call, "last minute.' IF you are registered with a line to be called a week or two out, you can get a deal.

The 'urban legend' is that you can show at the dock, bags packed and get a very low priced cruise. You will NOT get on the ship.
Another is that you can book the cheapest cabin and immediately go to the Purser once onboard and upgrade to a suite for next to nothing. The lowest priced cabins and Suites are the first to sell out on any cruise. If a suite was available on board upgrade sales are at the highest possible prices.
Carnival for instance sails at an AVERAGE of 105% occupancy. RCL and NCL I'm sure are close too.

Right after 9/11 there were some 'taxes only' cruises because travel all but stopped for a couple of months.

Prices are super low now! My first cruise, 50 cruises and 40+ years back was $6800. for 11 days. The cabin was on the bottom pax deck and was so small that the wife and I had to turn sideways to pass each other in the cabin. Being newly married then, that rubbing while going past each other caused us to miss a lot of ship activities!

Today, $6800. would fetch a suite on a new mega ship with lots left over for the casino.