When is the latest you can book a cruise? About This Page:

[Mulan2]

We are thinking of a last minute 3 night Wonder cruise for Oct. 23,2008 for my sister's birthday. We won't know until maybe 2 months beforehand whether everyone can go. There will be 4 adults and 3 kids. Would like to get 2 Cat. 11s if possible. I know DCL needs passport numbers and such. So when is the latest that you can book? I heard maybe 6 weeks before the cruise sails???

[duck addict]

The earlier the better. Categories and cruises sell out. They have a pretty liberal policy as to deposit vs payment. (I think you can cancel up to about 75 days out without penalty-which I think is also the deadline for providing the passport numbers.) The deposit is $200-$250 per guest.

[marisag]

You can book up until a few weeks before. I have done it many times for clients. (I think the shortest time beforehand was 3 weeks). Don is correct that the sooner the better though- just for availability and price. That being said- the 3 night cruises are the least popular so you have a little bit more leeway with them then the 4 or 7 night cruises.

You can fill out all your information online as soon as you have a confirmation number and get luggage tags at the port so there is no need to leave enough time to receive documents.

If you think you will know 2 months ahead of time you should be fine as long as there is availability.

Hope that helps!!

[Mulan2]

Thanks for your answers.
We always rebook on board to get the lowest price and availability but never booked last minute. 3 weeks? Wow. That is good news. Sis is a Florida resident and she also has a friend who is interested in joining us who is a CM and may get us better rates. It really doesn't matter to me if we don't go on the cruise if it gets booked up since the F& W F is happening also and that is our Plan B! I'll just be happy to spend my sis's birthday Disney style whether on land or sea!!!!!!!

[dmpyron]

You need to provide your information to the cruise line not less than 72 hours prior to sailing to make TSA "happy" (they are NEVER "happy").

But I'd book now and try to decide just before final payment. This will give you more flexibility and a better rate.

Note on first paragraph. You can actually show up at the pier without providing the info, but you may have to wait up to 2 hours to board. Which means you want to get there at least 2 1/2 hours prior to sailing.