Group Rates | Tagged Posts
2019
7
January
Can you snag a last-minute cruise deal in Vancouver for just the price of taxes?
7
January
Question:
Humans say...
Angie
I'd be curious to hear the answer to this, but I can't see why they'd do it. It would be a cost to them for staffing, food, etc. Hopefully someone has some wisdom!
Laura
Following
Anna
following
Jenn
*
Agusia
@
Breanne
F
Debra
Following.
Adriana
.
Jesse
I worked for a cruise line up until recently and I've never heard of this
Doesn't mean its not true though!
Ann
Following....
Amanda
.
Meg
*
Valerie
I believe they may have done this in the past but due to needing to check passports etc they need at least 3 days notice
Sindy
Never heard of it ...online yes...
Nicole
You need to book your travel in advance when you're crossing a border - its usually 3 to 4 days.
Gary
I don’t think it would happen since the cruise lines and the port authorities need to validate the passengers’ travel documents a few days before the cruise starts. There are legal issues preventing the stand-by rates to happen.
Stella
That was on the past. For security reasons they need one week prior to departure.
Felix
Used to be a thing in the 90th down in Fort Lauderdale. Not here in Vancouver.
Toron
Prior to 2001 this was true.
Atrun
I work at the Vancouver Port and that is absolutely not true.. also my son works for Royal Caribbean and I do get family discount but I get notified a day or two before only if there is room available.
Atrun
Nell Ross I’m off for the next two days and will return back to work on Friday and will find out from friends the best rate you can find around there... I have a part time job and am there every Friday and Sundays and maybe on Mondays when we are really busy... will contact you Friday night.. Take care
Stephani
Nell Ross check out Parkopedia.com lists all parking lots in the city.
PARKOPEDIA.COM
Find Parking, Car Parks, Street Parking, Private Garages - Book Parking
Atrun
Nell Ross.. I did ask my colleagues if there were reasonable parking lots for cruisers. I was told the prices are pretty much the same and they suggested that you should log in to ..
easy parking.ca
Good luck and enjoy your cruise
Zainab
Following
Catherin
Ivy Zhang
Christin
Worked on cruise ships... doesn’t happen.
Lisa
Not a chance.
Cheryl
Maybe pre 911, not worth current security. Sadly.
Amanda
nope used to work on ships ! Be super cool if that was the case tho
Allan
Maybe someone should start a bungie jumping company at the Pan Pacific. You could save the tax too!
Andrea
https://badgerherald.com/.../10/03/canadian-man-tries-t/
BADGERHERALD.COM
Canadian man tries to bungee onto ship — misses
Kelli
Ah so sounds like the consensus is this is a thing of the past... what a bummer lol!!
Maureen
nope, that has never happened. There may be a few cheaper rates but nope..
Chris
I'm a Cruise addict. Just got back from Paris yesterday. Like everyone said no same day hop ons. I get last minute offers all the time. The shortest one was 3 days pre Cruise.
Trey
Chris where do you find these deals?
Chris
Tracee Bonnici I belong to a Solo Travelers Group.
Nicole
The ships need to register their guests days prior to sailing (I think with Port Authority). So this can’t happen anymore.
Atrun
you’re absolutely correct
Margo
I have cruised a fair bit and never heard of that. What I have heard about is BC resident specials, where they offer residents of BC a special reduced rate to fill the ship. They typically offer the resident rates a few weeks before sailing.
Gloria
Margo do you know how you get on these lists?
Margo
Gloria - I spent a while a while looking at the different Alaska cruise itinerary offered by several cruise lines. When I narrowed my search to a few cruise lines I phoned there reservations department and confirmed what the resident rate on the sailing I was interested in. The cruise line I ended up choosing has 2 different rates, 1 was where I could choose my cabin location, and 2) the cheaper rate was taking a guaranteed cabin, meaning the cruise line chooses the location. You can pick from outside cabin, or one with a balacony but they choose the location.
Eve
You wish, I think someone is telling you porky pies (Lies).
Susan
Vacationstogo.com
VACATIONSTOGO.COM
Discount Cruises, Last Minute Cruises, Cruise, Cruise Line, Cruise Vacation
Katherin
Nell Ross you can easily change the currency: the website offers a currency converter.
Colleen
Katherin they use in this currency converter is NOT correct and you end up paying more than it states as they charge you in US dollars. Just call an expedia cruiseship Center. They often have group rates lower than the cruiselines and have access to any last minute deals.
Scented
So if it’s not a thing how do you get a super cheap last minute cruise deal?
Matia
Matthew Lorne Kittle I did. But it was in Orlando. 3 night Bahamas on carnival for 99.99
Andrew
I did 4 days to ensenada Mexico with a port of call to Catalina island for 99 cnd from long beach. In a state room
Miranda
Matia but the question asked was HOW did you get this deal?
Miranda
Andrew but the question asked was HOW did you get this deal? I'm curious too as I work for an airline so can absolutely go last minute !
Matia
Miranda Martin I just waited with packed luggage at the port.. then they tried to fill up the ship once everyone boarded
Andrew
Miranda Martin I called directly to carnival cruise agent and see if they had anything. Also registered for there email lists.
Sharron
Check “Vacations to Go” Cheapest rates to Alaska are now or early Sept.
David
The best you could do with last minute cruises is probably a couple of days before. If the ship is going to Alaska, it means you have to clear US customs before you even board the ship. So by the time “all passengers boarded” it’s unlikely you could get all the requirements to clear US customs in time.
David
I’ve also seen ads for cruises out of Cuba for about $1100 per person, includes airfare. But it was basically sailing in 3 days when booking.
Sally
In the past... But not lately! I think too many people started going for that so ships werent filling up... And then.. Security
Leah
Sally they must provide government with a list of all passengers days in advance for security reasons so last minute is now days before the cruise.
Steve
Guess you could jump off of Lions Gate on its way under
Kathie
Steve wait for the Norwegian Bliss, it’s only a 5 foot drop! But you’ll be arrested and returned to shore and a cell within seconds of landing on Board. Do not pass go, go directly to jail!
Sharon
total rubbish, 20 years ago you could though.
George
I'm I riding by the dump?
Annette
not since 911:(
Del
I asked last year when I was at the terminal. Apparently no longer can be done there isn’t even a location you can go too ask. I spoke to the cruise ship terminal office
Allan
Urban Legend....
Jane
Since 9-11 you have to be on the passenger list for 72 hours to be able to board the ship.
Fay
F
Terry
myth
Terry-Ki
The best deals you will find are by investing lots of time watching and following cruise prices and deals. Then you are prepared to jump if and when the best prices come along typically in the final two months or so. Cruise prices can change daily, it is all supply and demand working towards filling the ship just before it leaves.
A.I. says...
Scoring Last-Minute Cruise Deals in Vancouver
If you're a cruise enthusiast or simply looking for an impromptu adventure, you might have heard rumors about scoring incredible last-minute deals at the cruise port in Vancouver. The idea of snagging a remaining cabin for just the cost of taxes is undoubtedly tempting, but is it really true? Let's dive into the details and explore whether this strategy is worth a shot.
The Rumor Debunked
Unfortunately, the rumor about cruise lines selling remaining cabins for the price of taxes alone is largely a myth. While cruise companies do aim for maximum occupancy, their pricing strategies are typically more complex and carefully calculated.
Cruise lines invest significant resources into planning their itineraries, staffing, and onboard operations well in advance. Selling cabins at a steep discount right before departure could potentially disrupt their revenue model and create logistical challenges.
Last-Minute Deals: Separating Fact from Fiction
While the rumor of tax-only fares might be an exaggeration, it's true that cruise lines sometimes offer last-minute discounts to fill up their ships. These discounts can be substantial, but they are typically not as drastic as paying only the taxes.
Cruise lines may release unsold cabins at heavily discounted rates closer to the sailing date, especially for less popular itineraries or during off-peak seasons. However, these deals are usually available through their official websites or travel agents, rather than at the cruise port itself.
Strategies for Finding Last-Minute Cruise Deals
While the prospect of scoring a tax-only cruise fare might be a long shot, there are still ways to snag great last-minute deals. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Sign up for cruise line newsletters: Many cruise lines offer exclusive last-minute deals and promotions to subscribers of their email lists.
- Monitor cruise deal websites: Sites like Cruise Critic, Vacations to Go, and Cruise Direct often feature last-minute cruise deals at discounted rates.
- Be flexible with your dates and itineraries: The more flexible you are with your travel dates and destinations, the better your chances of finding a great deal.
- Consider repositioning cruises: Repositioning cruises, where ships relocate to different regions, can offer significant discounts as cruise lines aim to reposition their vessels while generating revenue.
Remember, last-minute cruise deals can be a great way to embark on an unforgettable adventure, but it's essential to manage your expectations and do your research to find the best deals that suit your preferences and budget.
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September
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Kelli
So I had someone tell me that if you go down to the cruise port in Vancouver on the day a cruise is leaving, once they have all the passengers boarded they then sell the remaining available rooms for the price of just the taxes to try to fill up the ship. Is this true?! Has anyone done this?!