Tips On Last Minute Bookings

[jam82]

We are cruising in 2.5 weeks and our friends are thinking of joining us. We always book far in advance and have no experience with last minute bookings. So, we're just wondering if the prices might come down any more between now and then. They need a cabin for three and would take any cabin type from a suite to an inside if they had to. As of today they'd have their choice of any category and it looks like there are at least 40 cabins that would work. So should they go ahead and book now or wait it out and see if the prices drop? Any experience with booking at the last minute would be helpful. How many days in advance will Carnival close the bookings?

 

They are looking at casino rates if that makes any difference.

Edited November 10, 2014 by jam82

[Disconnections]

It could go up. It could go down. Although there are plenty of staterooms available, it is a gamble.

 

You should still be eligible for the 110% Best Price Guarantee if prices drop within 48 hours after booking. You can also continuously place a 24 hour courtesy hold. If it goes up, complete the reservation. If it goes down, place another hold.

Edited November 10, 2014 by Disconnections

[RuthlessBoss]

What ship? Driving to the port?

 

They allow bookings till the day before, possibly even till the day of. If someone books that late, they won't be on the manifest, but they'll have the information. I had a last minute booking once on NCL, but all went well.

[Disconnections]

What ship? Driving to the port?

 

They allow bookings till the day before, possibly even till the day of. If someone books that late, they won't be on the manifest, but they'll have the information. I had a last minute booking once on NCL, but all went well.

 

The manifest gets submitted 60 minutes prior to departure.

 

Carnival allows same day bookings, but you are required to confirm your reservation by phone instead of Carnival.com and other channels.

[fireofficer5]

If there's room on the ship, ccl will take your $.

[jam82]

Great tips. Thank you. Do you think the casino rate would be a fare open to the public and therefore qualify for the 110% guarantee?

 

The ship is the Triumph so we'd all drive to the port.

[teamdrool]

i have found 9 days is normally the best time to buy, and lowest price.

 

Also booked same day, and 3 days before as well

[winddawn]

We are cruising in 2.5 weeks and our friends are thinking of joining us. We always book far in advance and have no experience with last minute bookings. So, we're just wondering if the prices might come down any more between now and then. They need a cabin for three and would take any cabin type from a suite to an inside if they had to. As of today they'd have their choice of any category and it looks like there are at least 40 cabins that would work. So should they go ahead and book now or wait it out and see if the prices drop? Any experience with booking at the last minute would be helpful. How many days in advance will Carnival close the bookings?

 

They are looking at casino rates if that makes any difference.

In my experience casino rates change less frequently than other fares.