SHOULD I WAIT TILL FINAL PAYMENT?

[shipstud]

Just wondering ,

 

I've booked a Panama Canal cruise for next year under a great casino rate with guarantee ocean view.  . Final payment is due Nov 3.  My question is... If I wait till November to make final payment do I stand a better chance at a better cabin location or upgrade.  Not asking for something for free, just curious.  I've never booked a guarantee cabin.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

andrew

[PhillyFan33579]

When I booked a guarantee cabin in the past, I did not receive my cabin assignment until shortly before the cruise, which was well past the final payment date. Based on that, I don’t think it will make any difference when you pay for your cruise in full. 

[evandbob]

I doubt it makes a difference in cabin selection if final payment is made before due date - the pool of guarantees won't get cabins assigned until a final count of fares is taken and the ship is sold out.  That may be the week prior to the sail date, or when you actually do your check in.

 

I prepaid most of my Carnival sailings since I used discounted gift cards.

[Djptcp]

We did one Guarantee and didn't find out our cabin until we arrived at the Port. The porters have the manifest and ours looked up our names and filled out luggage tags for us. The cabin we received was for the same category we had booked - no upgrade.

[ForSharonB]

Good question!  I've always wondered if there was any advantage or disadvantage to paying off early.

[Lottacruises]

If it's from Galveston it will sell out. 

[ForSharonB]

3 hours ago, Lottacruises said:

If it's from Galveston it will sell out. 

Looks like OP is already booked.  Just wondering if he should wait until final payment date to make final payment.

Pros?  Cons?