[festusbanjo]

Because cruise ships derive significant revenue from on board activities (shops, casino, excursions) and they have largely fixed expenses (fuel, wages (the number of room attendants and waiters is static since they live on board)), it is imperative that they leave port as full as possible even if it means practically giving away cabins and free upgrades to do so. So yes, last minute deals are real, but they are generally only bookable through a travel agency. If you're willing to gamble a bit, ask an agent for their opinion on when the best dates to go are (shoulder season between autumn and Christmas), book a cheap airline ticket to one of the big cruise ports (Miami or Fort Lauderdale) and have your agent contact you when the deals start flowing, (usually two weeks prior to sailing) You might not get the exact itinerary or destinations you would have chosen, but the price can't be beat.

[cll]

I booked a two-week transatlantic cruise that even with taxes, port fees and tips, turned out cheaper than my recent one-week cruise.

[SuziQ]

I signed up on cruises.com , and get e-mails regularly from them about last minute 'bargains'. I've never been on a cruise, so I'm not sure how much of a bargain they are, but comparing them to the regular prices mentioned on the cruise lines sites, they do look pretty good!