Last Minute Booking - Cons?

[Frequent Flyer]

I'm thinking about booking a cruise on the Magic a few months from now. Last time we sailed, I booked much further in advance. What will we miss out on by booking so late? I'm thinking maybe dinner time choices, excursions, spa and palo reservations may be booked up. Anything else to consider?

Thanks

 

[Mommb]

Yes, the only downside to booking less than 3 months before sailing is that many other guests will have had time to book activities. You may be assigned late dining, and you may have trouble booking onboard activities, including adult dining, and some excursions. Gold activity booking starts 105 days in advance, and Silver booking starts at 90 days.

Port arrival times aren't booked until 40 days in advance at the earliest, so if you're over 2 months away that isn't an issue.

 

[Skippyboo]

Cabin choice. Less options available

 

[princesscinderella]

My biggest con with booking late is getting stuck with late dining. I really don’t like eating that late and going to bed feeling full. Theres always a few reservations at palo and Remy/Enchante, alcohol tastings, spa services etc held back for on board booking so you aren’t totally locked out of that. To me a last minute trip is always better than staying at home.

 

[JulieBeeRN]

Totally not looking at last minute cruises right now.....

 

[mjkacmom]

If it’s spring break (all of March and most of April), cost.

 

[FastPasser.]

I always book less than two or three months out. The last cruise was only five days out. It’s not for everyone, but it works for us.

 

[cvjw]

We book late cruises a lot. If something is sold out, keep checking for a cancellation or just book onboard. We always pick late dining, so that isn’t an issue for us. We always book Palo when we board.

 

[LittleMissMagic]

I've booked 1 past and 1 upcoming cruise (both 3-nights on the Wish) less than 30 days in advance. The only downside for me was not being able to check-in 35 days (Gold) in advance, therefore getting later Port Arrival Times (12:30 for my last cruise, 1:15 for my upcoming cruise). What I did realize on my last cruise is that having a later PAT meant that the cruise terminal wasn't crowded, and the boarding process was actually more efficient. With my upcoming cruise, I'm actually thinking the 1:15 PAT could work out to my advantage because rooms are ready at 1:30, so we should be able to go straight to our room to drop our bags.

I always choose late dining which is typically the least popular, so that has never been an issue for me.

I also rarely book excursions through Disney (usually use an outside vendor).

As for activities, it often requires persistently checking the app for availability, but I've been able to book a lot of popular activities within the 30 day window. For my past last-minute cruise, I was able to score both Palo Brunch and a Serenity Bay Cabana. For my upcoming cruise (which we booked 27 days in advance), we have booked Prima Notte at Palo Steakhouse, a Martini Tasting, and dinner at Enchante. I'm lucky because it's my sister's hobby to continuously check the app for availability - you'd be surprised how many things open up in the week before the cruise!

Now, the biggest PRO to booking a cruise last-minute.... less time doing the countdown dance! We're leaving on the Wish next week, and I'm so excited!

 

[Joanna71985]

I booked my upcoming cruise 6 weeks in advance. And so far the only thing I haven't been able to get is Palo Brunch (I was able to book dinner, plus get the 3 Marvel character reservations).

 

[Frequent Flyer]

Thanks everyone. Very helpful. I DID IT!!!!