bargain?

WE HAVE CRUISED BEFORE AND HAVE ALWAYS BOOKED WITH A LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT. I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE HAD EVER TAKEN A CHANCE AND JUST WENT OUT TO THE PORT THE DAY OF THE CRUISE AND GOT ON A SHIP. IF SO, WAS IT "A LOT" CHEAPER AND WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN? WE ARE GOING TO BE IN FLORIDA THE 1ST WEEK OF MAY AND WE WERE THINKING ABOUT TRYING IT. SHOULD WE?????

THANKS

[karessamom]

I don't think you can, from what i've heard. I recently saw a post by someone else on this board a week or so ago wondering the same thing. The response is that since 911 (September 11 when the twin towers went down) that you have to have at least a couple of weeks notice to the cruiseline if not more.

[diverdiver]

Since 9/11, you can no longer just show up at the port to book a cruise. The ship must submit their Passenger Manifest at least 72 hours prior to sailing.

[GJG]

Are you guys sure about no last minute travel? I agree it makes perfect sense to submit some type of registry 72 hours in advance for security purposes. But, I was told by a Carnival TA they maintain a standby list. People on that list can show up at the pier the morning of the cruise and will be booked on a space available basis. OK for locals, but I wouldn't try it from out of state.

I got an email yesterday with a special for the Paradise Eastern 7 night out of Miami for $329.00.... sounds like a bargain to me... that was for the 4/25/04 sailing... so first week of may might not be so bad. (yes it included port and taxes)

[Jim Bragg]

Linda, It is not done, it is not possible to do, and if anyone tells you otherwise they are wrong or at best pulling your leg. You CAN book up to a couple days berore sailing through a reputable TA or the cruiseline directly IF they have the available cabins and MAYBE it might be a pretty good bargain but it also may cost you more!
Jim

[diverdiver]

Thank you, Jim Bragg, for pointing out that it's just simply not possible to show up at the pier and expect to get on the ship.