For bargain hunters looking for the best deals, nothing sounds better than last minute cruise deals. With a little flexibility and a little research, you can be heading for the high seas for less than you ever imagined.

Shoppers should know that cruise lines offer great cruise deals to travelers who book early. Very early, anywhere from 6 to 18 months early. As departure dates come closer, demand for cabins increases, and so does the price of those cabins. But cruise vacations tend to be booked several months out, and when it gets within 60-90 days of departure, the prices again begin to come down as cruise lines work to make sure that every possible cabin is booked. That’s where last minute deals come into play.

Remember old television shows or movies where someone shows up to buy the last vacant cabin as the ship is getting ready to leave the dock? This isn’t going to happen, so don’t plan to browse cruise deals for this weekend. Security concerns in recent years have caused some countries to change their visa and passport requirements. For example, in the United States, passenger names have to be run through Homeland Security databases no less than 48 hours prior to departure.

But keep in mind that in the cruise industry, last minute deals have a different meaning than for the airline industry. Last minute flights may be leaving in a matter of days, even hours, but a last minute cruise is more likely to be leaving in weeks. If you’re able to be flexible about your arrangements, and a bit of a gambler, there are a few tips that can help you find excellent last minute cruise deals.

The closer it gets to the departure date, the lower the price may drop, but it’s important to remember that there will also be fewer options. You may not have as many room choices, and the rooms that are left are often in less desirable locations – they may be interior rooms instead of ocean view, or be on a lower deck. There will also be fewer choices of ships and itineraries. If your heart is set on a specific destination, or on having an ocean few on an upper deck, last minute deals may not satisfy you.

There are sometimes unexpected benefits to booking a last minute cruise, besides the lower price. Cruise lines don’t want ships to sail with empty rooms, and may offer additional incentives such as on-board credit or coupons. If there are cancellations, you may be able to get a room upgrade.

Last minute deals are the riskiest deals to plan. If you misjudge the timing, you may miss out on the room or destination that you want. Your cruise of choice could sell out and leave you without a vacation. But if you’re willing to take a gamble, last minute cruise deals could be the perfect answer for you.