How close to a cruise can you book?

[tarheel87]

My husband just asked me about how close to a cruise can you book it? I think he's hoping to perhaps find a great last-minute deal for a summer cruise. I certainly would like that. :D

[PattyG12]

I THINK that they have to turn the manifest over to the Homeland Security people at least 24 hours early (I thought it was 2 or 3 days but was corrected before). I sure hope your DH is going to surprise you with a cruise!!

[ssatterly]

48 hours is the closest I think. Since 9/11. I know personally my DH and I booked on a Monday and sailed on a Sat. So we booked within the same week 5 days to be exact.

[ryano]

So we booked within the same week 5 days to be exact.

 

yeah I just checked out of curiosity and there is still a booking available on Freedom for 4-10-11.

 

I think at some point inside 5 days though you would likely have to call RC direct and book......I dont have a clue how close to sail date they still let you book online.

[HB Cruiser]

I know personally my DH and I booked on a Monday and sailed on a Sat. So we booked within the same week 5 days to be exact.

 

You beat us by a day, we booked on a Monday and sailed the following Sunday.

 

Fastest planning of a cruise/airfare I have ever done. Exciting but not sure I would try it again, well, unless we get one of the best deals EVER as we did the last time. ;)

 

Tim

[B_Mc]

I was curious so I checked the site and you can still book online for April 9th! So...within 4 days?

[anthk333]

In actuality, the ship needs to submit their APIS information to the government ONE hour before sailing. The ships want you on an hour and a half before sailing just in case. You can still book the day before sailing; I have had a single request for a same day cruise in the last couple of years (it was for a HAL sailing), and they were going to let the person purchase the cabin, but the price was an issue...:rolleyes:

[will773]

We just booked the Navigator last week. Not as close as some of these other people, but certainly the closest I have ever booked.