Do last minute bookings/deals work?

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fredm71

Guest
I've been on 2 RC cruises before (W. Caribbean & S. Caribbean), loved them both, but I was jealous that a few people at my table were telling me that they got a better room at much less cost because they booked at the last minute (I think a week or two prior.)

I want to go on a European cruise (7 night, Classic Mediterranean) around June but I'm flexible, and I wanted to know if people had good experience being able to wait until the last minute to book in order to get a better deal. I notice even in the past week that prices have been going up and down and it's driving me crazy. Right now the week of 5/31 is $859 inside room or $1089 per person for an ocean view, that is the best price for a week in this time range, then they go up hundreds more after that. Plus, flights to Barcelona from Newark are $1200 per person right now which is more expensive than I would like.

Is this the best cruise price I can hope for -- for this particular cruise, and around this time of year -- or is there a good chance that I can beat that if I wait? Or do these often book completely and it'll be sold out? (That is my biggest worry.)

Thanks for any advice at all that you have.
 
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suer182

Guest
JMO last minute deals might be available if the ship is not sold out. There is a group cruise from this board currently on the Emerald Princess. That ship was sold out 6 months prior to sailing. Cabins opened up after final payment but the price of air might have killed ya. =twocents
 
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KimberleyFL

Guest
Some last minute deals work for me because I live near a couple ports. If you are really set on a specific cruise on a specific date, I wouldn't count on last minute deals especially if you have to fly. Another thing to consider is the cabin availability if that matters to you. It seems that the best cabins and suites and balcony rooms can be sold out early. A month ago, I was able to find a cruise (for March 17th) I liked out of a nearby port, get a superior balcony category at a really good rate, but not a steal. A week later, the only cabins available were outside and inside categories. Most times we can't get a balcony cabin on two or three months notice.

It is really hit or miss. Depends on how picky you are about cabins. It is more likely to happen if your time is flexible.....and your flights are available.
 
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Mbandy

Guest
As a T/A I can tell you that last minute deals are the exception rather than the rule. It is important for the cruise line to know well in advance how many people will be on the ship (and most sailings go out full or almost full). If the cruise line made a habit of offering last minute deals on unsold cabins, everyone would wait until the last minute to book. My advice? Book early and book often :thumb
 
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