Wait list vs. unavailable

On the Regent web site, what is the difference in a suite category that is listed as "wait list" vs. a category shown as "unavailable"?

Unavailable means that category is sold out. Waitlist means you can be on a waiting list for that category. You'll definitely be guaranteed a cabin at that price in that category, or better. Some people like to do this as they might get an upgrade but the downside is, they might not like the cabin they get assigned.

A Guaranty assures you of a suite in that category or better but I think a Waitlist only assures you of a suite IF one becomes available.

Yeah; I'm confused too.

If they had an unreserved suite in a category, that should be "available", right?

"Unavailable" means they're all completely, thoroughly sold out, right?

So . . . "wait list" . . does that mean that they *are* all reserved, but they think a few people might back out, so they'll allow you to wait? Like overbooking by airlines? BUT, then how do they decide the cutoff between "waitlist" and "unavailable"? Oversold by one or two vs. oversold by 5 or 6?

Yep, still confused!

Unavailable is just that - unavailable - the category is filled.

As far as oversold, waitlist, etc., each cruise line would have it's own formula as to when to place cabins on a waitlist category. A guarantee is a DEFINITE of getting the category you paid for, or better.

Threechicks is right. The waitlist gives you a cabin IF one becomes available in that category.

Regent has a tendency to notify those on a guarantee really late. Some don't know the cabin until they are actually at the dock. If you prefer a certain type of cabin on a certain deck, then don't do a guarantee or a waitlist, as you could end up with a cabin you won't be happy with.

Above posters are correct - waitlist is IFFY - but Guarantee is certain you'll get a suite.

BTW, I think most cruisers would be happy in ANY Regent suite!

While we are happy to be on a Regent ship going anywhere, we would not do a guarantee on the Navigator or Voyager due to aft vibration issues (that not everyone finds annoying). I'm not 100% sure but I believe you can waitlist for suites in certain areas as well as certain categories.

Sure would be interesting to know what criteria must be met for a "wait list" suite category to become "unavailable".

A guarantee means you get a suite of that category but we booked the last cabin for last year's Sydney to Auckland and none came available. We got a bump offer. We could have declined and someone else would have been bumped but regardless - that cruise was beyond sold out.