Do You Think Trying to Cruise Last Minute is Terribly Expensive?

[Christine]

Okay, on July 24, 2004, my parents are taking my kids on the 7-day Eastern cruise. In the past week, my mom has said to me "why don't you try to get on the cruise and join us?" She then said it again today. I think she's getting a little nervous about going and would feel better if I was along.

I did a quick check on-line with DCL and some other websites. Rather than showing availability, it asks me to call. Has anyone ever booked 2 weeks prior and are the rates high? Until I fully think this out (over the next day), I'm not quite ready to spend my day on the phone. Just would like your opinions!

Thanks.

 

[wide awake]

I don't think it would be too bad...you'd be getting the 3rd/4th person price, right ?

 

[Christine]

Originally posted by wide awake
I don't think it would be too bad...you'd be getting the 3rd/4th person price, right ?

No, I would have to get my own cabin at this point. My parents and kids have reserved a Category 9, so we would have one more adult in the party. Also, I don't really want a share a cabin with my parents...my dad, well, he snores pretty badly. So, I would need to get a cheap cabin and then, of course, I would take at least one of the kids in the room with me.

 

[webray]

We booked two days before...try micdan.com..give them a call.

 

[CM_Mom]

Check rates for the weeks before and/or after to get an idea. Generally Disney's rates get higher as the cruise gets closer. The rate quoted on DCL for August 7 for two adults in a cat 10 is $3,541.20. As of a few minutes ago, DCL wasn't showing any availability for any sailing dates in July. One adult for Aug 7 was $2,843.10. Hope this helps.

The ship may be full for that date. If you're checking for just yourself, what category room do your parents have, how many kids are they taking and could it sleep one more? If they have four people in a Cat 4 stateroom that sleeps 5, then you'd have a better chance of getting on and it wouldn't cost as much. You'd have to check with DCL.

 

[Christine]

Originally posted by CM_Mom

The ship may be full for that date. If you're checking for just yourself, what category room do your parents have, how many kids are they taking and could it sleep one more? If they have four people in a Cat 4 stateroom that sleeps 5, then you'd have a better chance of getting on and it wouldn't cost as much. You'd have to check with DCL.

My parents have a Cat 9 room that sleeps 4 and there are 4 passengers, so that's out.

I'll probably just give it up...just wishful thinking....

 

[tinksmom]

Christine -- when we took our first cruise 4 years ago our table mates booked at the last minute. I have no idea how much they paid, but they were able to get on. Look into it, we'd love to have more people join our little Dis group.

 

[CM_Mom]

In my mind, if you have the money, it's worth a call to DCL to see if something becomes available.

 

[TammyC]

Expedia is showing availability in cat 5, 6, 10 or 11. You might be able to get a 10 close to your parents cabin. Price for one showed at $2778 - no cabin assignment though (guaranty only). I believe cat 6 was $4178. Good luck!

 

[katerkat]

It really depends - you might get a deal because they're trying to fill the ship last minute. I know Carnival and RCCL and a couple others offer great military deals on last minute cruises. Plus I've browsed sites that deal with last minute trips, discounted to fill airline seats (you know, on the red eye and other sucky flight times!) and hotels.

 

[kcashner]

The cheapest DCL cruise I ever took was booked 48 hours before boarding. It depends totally on availability.

An adult travelling alone (single in the cabin) pays 175% of the cost of an adult in a 2 person situation. That is, if the fare for one adult (with 2 adults in a cabin) is $1000, you would pay $1750 to have just yourself in a cabin. The first 2 people in a cabin pay full adult fare no matter how old they are. It might save some $ to move the oldest child to your cabin, but that depends totally on the fares. It might be possible to get a cabin that sleeps 5.

I would suggest that you call DCL's 800 number and ask. The worst they can do is to give you an outrageous price. The best is to have an acceptable option open.

 

[Christine]

Well, I did get a quote through a travel agent for approximately $2650 for an inside stateroom and $2800 for an outside. Guess I won't be going on that cruise!!! Since my parents have booked with 2 adults and 2 kids in one room, I don't think we can move a child out of their room and reconfigure their price.

 

[KaitlinsMom]

I would call DCL directly -

 

[staylor]

vacationstogo.com has rates listed and often discounts close to the cruise.

 

[PhotobearSam]

I hope you get to go.

 

[Christine]

Originally posted by PhotobearSam
I hope you get to go.

Your link didn't take me into the actual cruise, just to the search page. I did a quick check and Expedia advertised an inside cabin for $1618; however, when I went through the whole process to actually book it, it came up to $2690 for a Cat 11. I wonder what the extra $1000 was for?

 

[Dreamer04]

Hi Christine. When you only book one person in a cabin, they are charged 150% of the room rate. I just checked.

Good luck!

Ursula