Last minute bookings

[ryansmama]

Is it really possible to show up at the peir and get on the ship the day of sailing for dirt cheap or is this another internet myth? Thanks

Kim

I believe that since 9/11, it has been necessary for cruise lines to submit passenger lists several days in advance.

Hi,
Yes, it is a myth.
Ships sail full these days, mostly....and Andee is right, operators cannot
simply produce last minute passengers and wisk them thru U S Customs and
Border protection people ( besides causing a bit of a nightmare for their
on-board hotel management team ).

" last minute " deal itself is a misnomer....the best you can acheive with a cruise
company in the rare presicament of having 20 ++ cabins unsold about a week before
sailing is a quick sell-off thru their key bulk volume travel agencies....a week in advance.

Standbys are permitted for off duty crews/employees...and even they have to
'' register their intent '' at least 72 hours prior to sailing; the price they pay has
been pre-set when they '' booked '' their standby status and will not go down just
because they get confirmed '' last minute''.

Cheers
CG