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Last minute cruises..

(31 Posts)
Shinamae Sun 02-Mar-25 10:25:03

My son’s 40th is in September and him and a couple of friends want to go on a Mediterranean cruise only for four or five days, he seems to think that he’ll get a good deal if he waits for a last minute cruise but I am worried that he won’t get one and think he would be better to book one now
Personally, you could not pay me to go on a cruise, but if you could give me some advice about this, I would be grateful
Thanks in anticipation..😎😎😎

Shelflife Sun 02-Mar-25 10:44:01

We have had a few cruises - thoroughly enjoyed them .
I am sure your almost 40 year old son and his friends will sort this out for themselves and have a lovely holiday.

Witzend Sun 02-Mar-25 11:12:45

My sister and BiL have been on a few ‘last minute’ cruises - they have managed to get very good deals that way, but they’re not fussy about e.g. what type of cabin.

Daddima Sun 02-Mar-25 12:00:23

He’s going to be 40, so why are you worried?
His decision, and it’s he who will live with the consequences ( which will hardly be tragic!)
Relax.

Shinamae Sun 02-Mar-25 12:04:27

Daddima

He’s going to be 40, so why are you worried?
His decision, and it’s he who will live with the consequences ( which will hardly be tragic!)
Relax.

You don’t know my son, and I don’t owe you an explanation as to why I’m worried.. Suffice it to say I am..

Lathyrus3 Sun 02-Mar-25 12:31:19

A friend who not ever booked last minute cruises and never failed to get one.

She would leave it till the day before and always argued the price down. but she didn’t mind which cruise line and where she went or what cabin. Obviously you get the ones nobody else wants😬

It took quite a lot of effort. Personally I couldn’t be bothered but it gave her pleasure.

I’m pretty sure he’ll get something.

Lathyrus3 Sun 02-Mar-25 12:31:39

who only ever

BlueSapphire Sun 02-Mar-25 12:54:30

I have a friend who works for Tui, and they often have good cruise deals, so it might be worth your son calling into one of their branches.

Aveline Sun 02-Mar-25 13:19:50

Shinamae your response to Dadima is quite uncalled for. If you post asking for advice don't complain when you get it.

pascal30 Sun 02-Mar-25 13:25:41

Aveline

Shinamae your response to Dadima is quite uncalled for. If you post asking for advice don't complain when you get it.

I don't agree.. I think Dadima was actually being quite supportive..

Esmay Sun 02-Mar-25 13:30:41

Don't worry -he's sure to get a last minute deal .
Motherhood !
When my son and wife go on holiday I always feel anxious as they have gone on the wrong day and lose passports and tickets .
I would fund being invited really stressful !

Esmay Sun 02-Mar-25 13:31:07

Oops find not fund !

Astitchintime Sun 02-Mar-25 13:41:02

Personally, I wouldn't risk a 'last-minute booking' for a cruise. Much prefer to choose my cabin rather than have what's left, which is often a gamble in terms of location and suitability - inside cabin/restricted view/noise from ship). However, as he will only be 40 it might not be a concern for him for such a short cruise.

ElaineI Sun 02-Mar-25 15:52:08

I like to choose where I am on the ship but if you are not bothered then probably would get a great deal. They may not spend a lot of time in their cabin anyway.

Aveline Sun 02-Mar-25 16:39:40

pascal30. I agree. It was a perfectly reasonable request and finished on a kindly note suggesting the OP relax. No need to be so snippy.

OldFrill Sun 02-Mar-25 17:16:21

It's a pity you mentioned your son Shinamae, you should just have asked if it was viable to get last minute reduced cruise holidays. Too many enjoy judging/veering off on an irrelevant tangent rather than answer the question. Yes you can get cheap last minute cruises so long as you aren't fussy about ship, itinerary and accommodation. September is a popular time in the med so he may be as well to explore other options too.

Greenfinch Sun 02-Mar-25 17:59:25

I would be worried about organising travel insurance etc. if I were to book a late cruise. I believe you have to say where you are going.

OldFrill Sun 02-Mar-25 18:04:25

Greenfinch

I would be worried about organising travel insurance etc. if I were to book a late cruise. I believe you have to say where you are going.

He'll know where he's going when he's booked, you don't need to get travel insurance until you've booked. He could already have it. Why do you think it's a potential problem?

Greenfinch Sun 02-Mar-25 18:08:28

Last minute booking doesn’t give much time to get things organised. I wouldn’t like it but perhaps I am overthinking.He’s young so could probably cope.

62Granny Sun 02-Mar-25 18:17:41

As others have said if they leave it till the last minute they will get something but there will be no room choices, they may mean an inside room, only a problem if you are a bit claustrophobic, under the disco/theatre , this may not seem like a problem as they will probably say we will be out till late , but there is usually rehearsal during the day time too, as friends of ours found out. So if they are willing to take a chance on a not perfect holiday they probably won't get everything on their wish list.

AuntieE Mon 03-Mar-25 13:52:08

Daddima

He’s going to be 40, so why are you worried?
His decision, and it’s he who will live with the consequences ( which will hardly be tragic!)
Relax.

She's his MOTHER!

This is what mothers of sons, even the non-Jewish variety, do.

They worry and baby their sons.

There is a Jewish legend that when the Creator made the first woman she immediately started crying. The angels standing around asked what was going on, and the Lord, blessed be He, replied, "She is a mother, this is what mothers do,"

OldFrill Mon 03-Mar-25 14:00:38

AuntieE

Daddima

He’s going to be 40, so why are you worried?
His decision, and it’s he who will live with the consequences ( which will hardly be tragic!)
Relax.

She's his MOTHER!

This is what mothers of sons, even the non-Jewish variety, do.

They worry and baby their sons.

There is a Jewish legend that when the Creator made the first woman she immediately started crying. The angels standing around asked what was going on, and the Lord, blessed be He, replied, "She is a mother, this is what mothers do,"

It's certainly not what l do, but l know some do - with specific cause. Shinamae's reasons for her concern aren't anyone's business but hers. I really don't see the any reason for stereotypical Jewish comment.

4allweknow Mon 03-Mar-25 14:57:37

Are your DSs friends happy to wait to book last minute? Choice of style of cruise, accommodation, destination and leaving port may well be limited but if they think they will save money leaving to last minute, they may well be lucky.

Norah Mon 03-Mar-25 15:03:51

Last minute and cheap - what's not to like? Pick a cheap offering, pack bags, fly off to embarkation, load, go. Easy.

Shiname has no reason to explain her son, private bit.

Jaxjacky Mon 03-Mar-25 15:58:13

He should be fine, how exciting, being me I’d have a plan B in case.