Last Minute Cruising

[sharlon]

Family and I may be able to book a Disney cruise in late March/early April for May of 2004. Can anyone give me any info on last minute booking opportunities for Disney? Any resources that are particularly good at this type of booking?
Thanks!

 

[kcashner]

I've done last minute bookings (as close as 48 hours ahead) both thru my local TA and thru Disney. They have you go to the supervisor line at the port to pick up your documents. It's really smooth and worked very well. I don't recommend cutting it that close--we had an emergency situation and had to move up the cruise. If you have less than 2 weeks, they will have you claim docs at the port rather than overnighting...

 

[CGC33A]

I haven't done it, but I have noticed Expedia to have some good prices on short notice sailings (better than other sites for the same dates). Don't know about their service. I am using a TA I haven't used before for a cruise that I booked 3 weeks in advance. Don't know how it is going to turn out. Docs are supposed to be coming to me vs. port pickup

 

[GenieDana]

Call DCL directly. Best chances would be within the 60 days prior to sailing (when final payment is due) of when you want to sail.

If you can stay away from "spring break" and Memorial Day in May, and choose a non-peak time, your chances may be very good. A friend got a rate significantly less ($1000 less) than the Florida Resident rate on a CAT 4 booking 2 weeks before sailing, two years ago. You will also see "last minute" specials advertised in the Orlando Sentinel now and then.

Don't forget the art of negotiation ...

Good luck!

 

[sharlon]

Thank you all for your thoughts. It looks like we may have a chance then. We are thinking of going early May, but funds will not be available until April. I'll just make sure that I do my research first.
Thanks again and Happy New Year!

 

[jfis1020]

Originally posted by sharlon
Thank you all for your thoughts. It looks like we may have a chance then. We are thinking of going early May, but funds will not be available until April. I'll just make sure that I do my research first.
Thanks again and Happy New Year!

Do you have the Disney Visa Card? You can book your cruise and take six months to pay w/o interest if I remember correctly. Plus, you will be getting your Disney points too! Just a thought!