Last minute deals

[MagicJunkie]

Has anyone ever had success booking within a month of their desired departure date? If not, how much time in advance is needed? I know its crazy, but we are a spur of the moment kind of family.
Fingers crossed, Thanks.

 

[sophie1]

We just booked a family of 4 on the Wonder ( 3 day ) for March and still got a decent deal. I think it depends when you want to travel.

 

[smilingmouse]

Generally, it is cheapest to book in advance, esp. with DCL. Your chances of getting a good last minute deal are better in the off, value, season. Good luck. Also, check with TAs. They might get you a better deal.

GOOD LUCK! Have fun!

 

[crisi]

Often, adults can book last minute, but there is no room for additional children on the ship.

 

[becobscot]

I booked Dec.14th for a Jan.20th cruise and got a good deal. I think this is only because this is a slow time when the weather may not be the greatest. I've read that the earlier you book on Disney the better price you get unlike other cruise lines. The Disney ships tend to sail full most of the time from what I understand. If you are going in Jan or Sept(at the height of hurricane season) you can probably get a good last minute deal. For other times, I would try to book ahead as the prices do increases as the sail date approaches.

 

[kcashner]

I actually booked a January sailing less than 72 hours before sailing. However, that was before 9/11, so I'm not sure it would even be allowed now.

There are several considerations. In general, the price goes up as the cruise date approaches. However, off season, this is not always true. Secondly, not only does the ship fill, but each age group fills. Thus, there may be cabins on the ship but no room for a child of a particular age. Again, with school age kids off season, you will probably be ok.

The other thing to keep in mind is that travel seems to be picking up this season (per reports in the Wall Street Journal, etc.) Cruises are tending to book earlier and fuller.

When you book on short notice, you just pick up tickets at the port.

 

[disneylover5]

I know there is a web site that posts last minute deals...does anyone know what it is?

 

[becobscot]

There are a couple. vacationstogo.com and 11thhourvacations. I think that since 9/11 that they have to have a manifest 72 hours before the cruise so I don't think you can book much closer than that.