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Being open to different destinations and dates can lead to incredible savings. Because that’s usually the time frame when final payments are due for booked passengers, and it’s when cabins start to open up at lower prices. Norwegian includes a "last-minute cruise deals" category on its online deals page. Royal Caribbean's last-minute deals get their own page; scroll to the bottom to sign up for alerts, so you get first dibs on the offers. Carnival lists last-minute fares as Pack & Go, with a pricing button that allows you to filter results by your preferred price range.
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Keep in mind that if you do go that route, you will have to buy it for all remaining days of the cruise. To dissuade any fears cruisers might have about overpaying for shore excursions, Carnival has a Best Price Guarantee. Carnival Cruise Line has 14 homeports in the U.S., including 10 year-round ones, which is the most of any cruise line.
Simple tips to safely take a cruise ship vacation
A last-minute cruise could save you money, but be sure to review the booking terms to avoid surprises. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. You may be extremely lucky and find photo specials once you board your Carnival cruise, but the safest bet if you want to save is to book your package pre-cruise. If you book before your cruise, you save 15 percent on a social media plan that gives you enough bandwidth to access the most popular social media platforms and airline sites. This only applies to pre-booked excursions, and if you are claiming you found a lower price (and thus asking for reimbursement) it has to be for the same tour.
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For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. These three new cruises will open for sale on April 30, 2024. Cruise lines will also offer reduced rates to their employees, travel agents, and journalists rather than let cabins sail empty. Having more travel industry people experience the product is worth the loss of revenue because it can lead to an increase in sales down the road. You’ve heard the stories of cruisers getting amazing last-minute travel deals on unsold cruise cabins.
The Best Ways to Book a Cruise
Airfare prices can be higher at the last minute, so research thoroughly before booking. We examined several last-minute deals for cruises departing within 30 days and found that some of the best deals offered savings from 60% to 70%. You're probably wondering how much money you can save by booking a last-minute cruise. The total savings potential depends on how and when you book your cruise, and what deals you find. One of your best bets for a cheap Carnival cruise is to check out the line’s drink packages. Check out value-priced sailings on some of the line's older ships, which are still lively, fun and offer such attractions as WaterWorks water parks -- and often at bargain prices.
Deal Details
If you don't have a pre-purchased drinks package, consider purchasing a souvenir Carnival Cruise Line glass. You'll pay more upfront for your first cocktail, but the glass includes cheaper refills. You can also get a special meal without the specialty restaurant fee by attending the complimentary Sea Day Brunch, where a lavish spread shows off the skills of the culinary team. Other free food finds include pizza, pasta, deli, burritos and tacos. So you won't feel guilty saying, "Sorry, kids," to the candy, bring treats from home to distribute onboard; you are allowed to bring prepackaged, sealed items. Read your Carnival cruise details and fine print before packing to make sure you are not bringing more than the allowable limit.
Availability of staterooms is often limited, and I may need to be flexible with my accommodations. Inside cabins tend to be more abundant last-minute as they’re less sought after than oceanview or balcony rooms. However, if I’m not particular about the type of cabin, I might snag an incredible deal.
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Our cruise deals could include up to 50% off your total cruise fare plus hundreds of dollars in onboard credits and discounted specialty restaurant packages. You'll also be able to find deals on that perfect last-minute cruise to Cozumel, the Bahamas, or Alaska. And if you're looking for a cruise you can drive to, check out options for last-minute deals from Galveston or Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Port Canaveral.
Cruise lines try to protect their pricing, especially on balcony cabins and suites. They don’t want cruisers to expect discounts on the top staterooms or get used to booking last-minute to get the lowest fares. If you’re flexible, you may be able to save money by booking a cruise a few weeks or a couple of months before sailing. Just be sure you consider all of your travel costs and review booking terms first — and ensure you have a valid passport in hand if you need one. When someone mentions a last-minute vacation, I often think about the palpable excitement that comes with spontaneity.
Start your deal hunt three months before departure, knowing it might be weeks before you start to see deals on unsold cabins. What do cruise lines do with unsold cabins to get them filled? They offer extra-value deals and discounts to select groups of travelers and occasionally the public at large.
While there’s no way to guarantee yourself a deal when a certain ship has unsold cruise cabins close to departure, you can employ these strategies to target sailings and look for promotions. You’ll need to be flexible about your travel dates, ships, and cabin locations to have the best chance of success. Some say they're a myth -- legends from travel books of yore. But we're here to tell you that you can actually score an amazing bargain on a last-minute cruise. And that includes sailings aboard lines like Norwegian, Holland America, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean plus luxury options like Viking and Regent Seven Seas.
It’s important to know what to expect to ensure that I take advantage of the best deals possible without any surprises. When I’m hunting for a last-minute cruise, I should be prepared for limited cabin selections. Typically, the most economical and high-end suites go quickly, meaning I’ll often find mid-range cabins available. Being spontaneous doesn’t have to mean being reckless or impulsive.
Keeping all these factors in mind while searching will help me navigate the waters of last-minute cruise bookings successfully. Sometimes what seems like a slightly higher price upfront can actually be the better deal. Look for offers that include on-board credit or complimentary amenities. Just because you can get a last-minute deal for a cruise doesn't mean you should take it. However, if you're flexible with your dates and type of cabin, and especially if you can drive to a departure port, go for it.
Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Last minute cruises offer a great opportunity to get exceptional cruise deals, discounts, upgrades and other valuable offers on itineraries that cruise lines are looking to fill for close in departures. If you are flexible and want to take advantage of great last minute cruise deals you can book online or call one of our cruise experts to book your next cruise.
Another important consideration is socializing with other guests. Last minute cruises are melting pots of diverse individuals likewise drawn in by the thrill of spontaneity. Establishing connections with fellow cruisers can enrich your travel experience, fostering camaraderie and potentially leading to lasting friendships. Informal gatherings or dinner seating arrangements are perfect opportunities for mingling.
Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. If you love your Carnival experience, an easy way to save on your next cruise is with the Future Cruise Vacation Program. There is no extra charge for the burgers available at Guy's Burger Joint on the Lido Deck. Cherry on Top is a candy and ice cream shop with an eye-popping array of temptations, but less-than-tempting prices. If the kids want a sweet treat, steer them to the self-serve soft-serve ice cream and yogurt stations on the pool deck, which are available on a complimentary basis 24 hours a day. Each adult (age 21 or older) in your party can carry onboard (in your hand luggage) one normal-sized bottle of wine or Champagne.
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