Can you buy a cabin at the cruise docks the day of departure? I'm thinking maybe out of Seattle or Vancouver to Alaska? Also, does one get a better rate because of the exchange rate,USA/CAD, by buying in Canada?

Since 9/11, I don't think they let you do this anymore. I believe 48 hours is the cut-off.

Hmm I wonder what 9/11 would have to do with anything. People don?t ship their luggage to the port 48 hours in advance for screening. Even when they ask you to fill out that crap on the internet telling them your info, if you do not fill it out, they still let you fill it out at the port and board.

The above poster might be correct in the current status of last minute tickets, but the explanation does not make sense.

Hello,

Call the cruise line before you make the trip and ask them about buying a cabin at the port. You would need to have all of your documentation, passport OR photo id with certified birth certificate and documentation of any name changes (i.e. women who have changed their name when they got married). The cruise line's regular reservations phone lines would be the place to start asking for assistance. I would give them a call 24 hours in advance to save you a wasted trip to the port and the time spent packing a suitcase.

Best Regards,
Julia Elzie
http://www.cruisingco.com
E-mail: [email protected]

For a Saturday,Sunday,or Monday sailing with Royal Caribbean,the deadline is 3pmET Friday before.Once a sailing is closed out,the manifest cannot be adjusted.I had a friend who wanted to join some others and RCL refused,even tho cabins were available.

It is my understanding that the mainfest for the cruise with everyones' names (and passport and/or immigration information if applicable) is submitted to the authorities for review before the sailing. For this reason, walk ons are generally not permitted.

The reason after 9/11 is to have the authorities look at the passenger list and compare it to a list of potential "trouble makers".

Theresa is correct. However, Lisa has a point--9/11 is too often the excuse given for every inconvenient change made...

I, for one, feel much more comfortable knowing that U.S. Immigration is reviewing the passenger manifest for the ship I'm sailing on.

Peter

"9/11 is too often the excuse given for every inconvenient change made"

Such a true statement! I was told by a NCL rep that since 9/11 they have a policy to not allow passengers to bring on their own liquor....huh??

Boy did I challenge this reasoning when she said that!! She was sweet and just said "well this is what I've been told".