Showing up without a booked reservation

[getawaygirl]

Just curious. Has anyone ever just showed up to a port see if there were any last minute cancelations? I was wondering if you would be able to board or if that was even allowed. 

[Sigyn]

I've heard of people doing that and being able to get a reservation and board a ship.

[theflight74]

I wonder about turning up like that to cruise, would that not create a security issue.??

[gluecksbaer]

15 minutes ago, theflight74 said:

I wonder about turning up like that to cruise, would that not create a security issue.??

They would still have to book the reservation in the cruise line's system so you would have to clear any internal systems that would show someone as banned from the cruise line.

You would still have to check in and have all your travel documents in order.  

It's a shorter timeline but what other security checks would be in place in advance?

[DaKahuna]

 What about the requirement I have read about to have the ship's manifest to customs 48-hours prior to sailing?  How would that work if someone just showed up and said "I'll take an available cabin?"  Not sure you would get the best price doing it that way either. 

 

[Denversail]

I also think it has to be done 48 hours prior.

[reallyitsmema]

53 minutes ago, getawaygirl said:

Just curious. Has anyone ever just showed up to a port see if there were any last minute cancelations? I was wondering if you would be able to board or if that was even allowed. 

 

You used to be able to do that pre 9/11, it is not something that can be done now.

[billslowsky]

Happens all the time on Love Boat reruns.  John Ritter did it, but had to dress in drag since they paired him up with an otherwise unaccompanied female passenger.  Captain Stubing thought he looked hot.

[Ky Bill]

Prior to 9-11 the cruise lines had a ticket booth at the pier and sold available cabins at a fire sale price.  There we those frequent cruisers who moved to Florida just to take advantage of these opportunities.  They never knew a head of time where they were going and upon which ship.  Sounds kind of fun.  After 9-11 security stopped the practice and required booking ahead of time so some type of vetting could take place.  We've been cruising over 50 years so we've witnessed a lot of changes.

Bill

   

[Starry Eyes]

35 minutes ago, Denversail said:

I also think it has to be done 48 hours prior.

Pretty sure the deadline is shorter than that.

 

We booked the day prior to sailing a few years ago.  

 

[Denversail]

The only basis I have is my solo booking. I was told I can add a second person up to 48 hours prior to sailing.

[Ourusualbeach]

The timing varies but I have seen sailings still open to book on Royzls site unti about noon the dsy prior to sailing.

 

As for just showing up at yhe pier, that is no longer done

[Ourusualbeach]

1 hour ago, Denversail said:

The only basis I have is my solo booking. I was told I can add a second person up to 48 hours prior to sailing.

48 hours is a safe number.  As long as the manifest has not been sent it could bd vloser to sailings than that.

Edited March 26, 2023 by Ourusualbeach

[cublet]

Hello,

 

I don't know how he got past all the security etc but a guy at the next check-in counter said to the agent that he had no paperwork just a booking number as he booked the day before. No problem said the agent.

 

This was pre-covid - though I don't think that is significant.

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

[twangster]

1 hour ago, cublet said:

Hello,

 

I don't know how he got past all the security etc but a guy at the next check-in counter said to the agent that he had no paperwork just a booking number as he booked the day before. No problem said the agent.

 

This was pre-covid - though I don't think that is significant.

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

 

If you have a valid booking it is still possible to arrive at the terminal with no paperwork.  Security will escort you to someone who can validate your name is on the manifest.  There are some people, primarily older people, who don't have a smartphone or computer.  However you need to be on the manifest (have a confirmed booking).  It may not be the quickest process but it can be done.  

[getawaygirl]

Thanks for everyone's input!

[luckyinpa]

20 hours ago, billslowsky said:

Happens all the time on Love Boat reruns.  John Ritter did it, but had to dress in drag since they paired him up with an otherwise unaccompanied female passenger.  Captain Stubing thought he looked hot.

 

im currently watching every ep of that show and its funny that anyone at all can walk on a ship and never get off. even with a gun or other crazy stuff.

 

i do wonder how today they can market a cruise one day before sailing. i regular check pricing and see that and wonder how it would be processed if you booked saturday for a sunday cruise.seems like a nightmare at boarding. 

[Biker19]

4 hours ago, luckyinpa said:

seems like a nightmare at boarding. 

Why would that be? The same check in/boarding info is available if you book two years out or a day out (SetSail pass) and you can hand the porters your luggage, tell them the cabin number (they attach the tag) and it will be delivered like all other luggage. 

 

They don't market cruises one day out - the prices are typically way higher by then (prices typically bottom out by 30 days out). The closest in marketing is typically the GGG flier, which lists sailings usually at least two weeks out. 

[allennn]

My guess is that this might work in Florida or some place where there is a large number of cruises who live very close to port.

[Biker19]

Just now, allennn said:

My guess is that this might work in Florida or some place where there is a large number of cruisers who live very close to port.

Except those folks are usually motivated to cruise last minute by a big discount which is very unlikely a couple of days out.