Can I really get a free cruise if I show up at the port with packed bags?

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Zef H

Even if the ship was not sold out, this would not work. The cruise line must report its passenger list to Homeland Security 72 hours in advance. Once this list is reported, no one can be added.

Even prior to Sept 11, 2001 when this could be done, the cabins were not free. You could get the cabin for a discount, but you could not get the cabin for free. But now, because of the reporting requirement, you can no longer do this.

Jay J

This is better than those email scams. Thanks for the laugh, intentional or not. I can just see a bunch of people standing on the docks with their bags packed and nowhere to go.

Damien M. Cross

While it's likely that you'll spend money on drinks and shore excursions, the cruise line doesn't make any money on shore excursions.

Of course, they would love to have the rooms filled... But keep in mind that the cost of the ticket pays for a number of things: fuel, food, wages of the people staffing the cruise, etc.

While you're more than welcome to test out that theory by showing up at the port with packed bags, I have a strong feeling that you would be packing the bags right back into your car and heading home without setting foot on the liner.

Dusie

Since 9/11 the ship has to print out the passenger list about 72 hours before sailing. All names are checked. Most cruises are sold out weeks beforehand and they have to pay port charges to every place they stop at. There is no way anyones getting on for free.

Johan from Sweden

This is a stupid question (but rather fun to read). There is a number of things that makes this rethiciolous and some are mentioned above. But the main reason is a counter question: If every one could travel for free by just show up outside the terminal why pay for the trip at all?

In fact most of the cruise companys uses the ticket price to encure that every ship goes as full as possible. Most prizes are on demand prices and is changed regarding to how many that have booked what cabins. They will also sell out empty cabins as last minutes travels to any one that could travel at a very short notice. Johan

Ali

Yeah, sure just walk on up there with your bags packed and I'm sure they would let you on the cruise.

Are you kidding me? I highly doubt they would let you on there, seeing that you haven't paid anything and they don't have youin their systems as a passenger. Yeah, they make some money off of selling drinks and all that, but they don't get money from the shore excursions. Besides most of the time, I'm sure all the rooms are filled (or at least during peak season).

DCDARLING

Thanks for the laugh-seriously, I needed that.
Like others have said due to 9/11 you they are obligated to report the final roster of the people in board 72 hours prior to sailing. Most times cruise lines wont even allow us to book clients 72 hours before they leave even if they arent sold out! Cruise lines are a CORPORATION therefore they make money, and arent going to give consumers anything for free- Hell, you are lucky if you get a free coupon book or crystal ship--

kimmer727

If that were true you wouldn't be able to get NEAR the cruise ship docks. Oh - but that would be nice.

LOL

Brandy

I would love to know that answer too because I live not too far from Tampa and would love a free cruise! I have never heard of that before, but I have heard of stranger things!

Lauroo

HAHAHa no you can not get on the cruise for free if you line up with pack bags they make up stand in a long line after you talk to the people at the desk and make sure you have paid your fees and then when you get to secuirty they check again to make sure you paid>>>

ZZTOP

Yeah, just sneak on board, pick a cabin, and have fun.

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