Buy ticket day of (or day before) cruise

[ms simba]

Is it possible to buy a cruise ticket the day of or the day before a cruise?

 

My plans to see a shuttle launch were scrapped by NASA so now I am wondering about going on a cruise for 3-days to Nassau aboard Carnival instead of staying one day in Cocoa Beach.

 

However, I am not sure if I can go at that time. Also, I am not sure if I want to go on a cruise where I don't get off the ship. My sister (and others) have told me about the poverty and shanty towns in Nassau. I would not like to subject myself to this. Also, I have read about the numerous homeless cats and dogs that are at many of the tourist sites which would bother me forever. So I am thinking about staying on the ship.

 

So would I be able to go up to the ship and buy a ticket if I change my mind?

[cb at sea]

Check with the cruiseline that you're thinking of!

As far as "poverty" goes, if you don't go roaming around looking for it, you won't see it! In Nassau, right by the dock is a major shopping area--straw market and shops. You can take a cab to Paradise Island where the Atlantis Hotel is--no poverty there!

Or, stay on the ship--after all, you've paid to USE the ship! And there will be no crowds when the ship is in port!

[ms simba]

I heard that they won't let you into the Atlantis Hotel unless you have a card showing you are a guest. What else is on Paradise Island?

[Grandiva]

If you tour the island you may see the poverty. We toured Belize and it put my life in perspective. I've learned noy to complain so much. It is a poor country. If you stay around the port area you are not likely to see any poverty. Perhaps some stray animals, but I have never seen any that were heart renching. I am a animal lover and some things stick with me too. Get off the ship and see the beauty of the islands and have a great time.

[JanineM]

You should look at Sovereign of the Seas out of Port Canaveral. They have three and four night cruises to the Bahamas.

 

One stop is on their "private" island. No worries there about being on your own.

 

And I found Nassau to be perfectly safe. We took a water taxi ($8) over to Atlantis and just walked around. We didn't spend any money on beach access, the aquarium or any of those things. We looked in the shops, looked that the "free" giant aquariums in the hotel, spent a bit of money in the casinos and that was about it.

 

You could check with Royal Caribbean directly to see if they'll take a booking that close to sailing time.

[Wylie Coyote]

I am not sure where the OP has traveled within the USA, but there is plenty of poverty, dispair and street begging right here in every major and somewhat major city. it is everywhere. No matter where you go... you are likely to meet someone in need (real or not) wanting you to help them.

 

Now..... having said that... you should never limit your travels to places you find interesting. Compassion is not all about giving but sometimes about understandong the culture. If you really think that you will not be able to get over certain aspects of a particular port or destination, then remove it from your plans......and choose places that will make you happy. Afterall...isn't that what a vacation is for...escape and happiness!!??

 

Happy Cruising!!!!! :D

[Wylie Coyote]

Since 9/11 and even before for most cruise lines.... they kinda like to know who is onboard prior to cruising...and USA Homeland Security have rules about who will be onbaord within a certain period before departure......so to answer your initial question.... you cannot buy a ticket immediately before boarding a cruise. In fact....several threads here talk about Travel Agents having trouble making arrangements within a week of departure ( I understand certain exceptions with people who live in departure ports cities with prior approval to sail).

 

Anyways... hope to see you onboard my next cruise!!!! :D

[JanineM]

Since 9/11 and even before for most cruise lines.... they kinda like to know who is onboard prior to cruising...and USA Homeland Security have rules about who will be onbaord within a certain period before departure......so to answer your initial question.... you cannot buy a ticket immediately before boarding a cruise. In fact....several threads here talk about Travel Agents having trouble making arrangements within a week of departure ( I understand certain exceptions with people who live in departure ports cities with prior approval to sail).

 

Anyways... hope to see you onboard my next cruise!!!! :D

 

I've read in the last couple of weeks that they are loosening the rules on this. For some lines, like Carnival, you can call the port agent the day before a sailing to see if there are any opportunities.

[cusyl]

I ve bought tickets a couple weeks before sailing, but I understand, at least on Carnival, that you can buy a ticket as long is it is 90 minutes before sailing.

[kitty9]

I just spoke to a Customer Service Rep at Carnival and he said nothing closer than 72 hours before departure. Same for other lines as they have to submit manifests before departure.

 

I have to agree with another poster who said if you don't want to see poverty or stray animals, you can't leave your house. Those things are everywhere, not just on cruises. The way to help the poverty in those areas is to vacation there and spend money.

[cusyl]

I just spoke to a Customer Service Rep at Carnival and he said nothing closer than 72 hours before departure. Same for other lines as they have to submit manifests before departure.

 

.

Okay, that makes sense...3 days will give them time to check out all the passenger lists.

[LonW]

You should look at Sovereign of the Seas out of Port Canaveral. They have three and four night cruises to the Bahamas.

 

One stop is on their "private" island. No worries there about being on your own.

 

And I found Nassau to be perfectly safe. We took a water taxi ($8) over to Atlantis and just walked around. We didn't spend any money on beach access, the aquarium or any of those things. We looked in the shops, looked that the "free" giant aquariums in the hotel, spent a bit of money in the casinos and that was about it.

 

You could check with Royal Caribbean directly to see if they'll take a booking that close to sailing time.

 

"giant aquariums in the hotel" Is Not Free it was a few years ago but it hasn't been free for a few years.

[cusyl]

We were there June of 2002 and no one stopped us. We walked right by the guards and down into the aquarium area. I know there is a different aquarium they do charge for?:cool:

[blindrid]

I heard that they won't let you into the Atlantis Hotel unless you have a card showing you are a guest. What else is on Paradise Island?

 

Sure you can go in. Aquarium costs a few bucks but we enjoyed wondering around......to the OP, it sounds like you have a problem with a lot of things that would probably prevent you from enjoying yourself, may I suggest Disney World?

[JanineM]

"giant aquariums in the hotel" Is Not Free it was a few years ago but it hasn't been free for a few years.

 

No one charged us in February of this year!