Last Minute Vacation On a Last Minute Cruise

The phrase ‘last minute cruise’ may be a misnomer as they can be booked up to 90 days in advance. But there are bargains to be had by booking at the last minute as companies attempt to fill the staterooms before shoving off. So if you suddenly find yourself with some extra vacation time and a cruise is one of your dream vacations, then a last minute cruise may be a distinct possibility for you.

When a cruise line realizes the rooms aren’t going as fast as they thought they might, they may start lowering prices as the boarding date approaches. For example, a six-night western Caribbean cruise is “on sale” for $499 per person that sails in October 2006. But a last minute cruise lasting nine days in the Caribbean that sails in September 2006 is only $659, which is a $10 per day difference.

Cruises Not Always On the Ocean

While the first thought that goes through the minds of most people when they think of cruises is tooling across the ocean in a large ship, there are some pretty amazing trips down some pretty amazing rivers that can also offer last minute cruise deals.

A cruise down the Mississippi River can be a special treat for those not really wanting to leave the country. For others, a last minute cruise deal down the Amazon River may be a special vacation. Yet for still others, hopping from island to island in Hawaii or the Galapagos islands are the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they’re looking for.

However, the best travel deals are still available as a last minute cruise booked on one of the major cruise ship lines. They would much prefer to sell a room for $250 than let it sit empty during the course of the trip.

For many last minute cruise deals, the best place to find them is on the company’s website as they often make last minute cruise deals available on the better staterooms such as balcony rooms or suites if they are going empty. The price will not be as low as an inside room, but will be considerably cheaper than the normal price.

Think of it as a free upgrade on an airline. Many have found a free upgrade to first class seating simply by asking for it and since the plane is going to go anyway, it makes no difference which seat is empty. Cruise lines are a little different as room upkeep and amenities are different in the luxury rooms, but a little cheaper may push a last minute cruise deal within reach.