Curly-Q

Wow, so many posters on this thread I started; unfortunately I don't have time to read them all. But for anyone still interested, these are the lessons I've learned.

First, I really do like RCCL and have three cruises booked with them and awaiting a fourth to open up. I don't like this new policy, but I do like their cruises. I have sailed with Regents, NCL, and Celebrity; have a HAL cruise booked and itching to try Princess. I like playing the field when it comes to cruises, but RCCL is still a favorite.

Second, if you book suites while on board, your deposit is 100% NON-refundable. With my three cruises, which I booked on-board, every deposit is 100% non-refundable, there was NO reduction in deposit and OBC was applied to the future cruise. Also, be aware this ONLY applies to cruises booked while on-board. Had I booked these cruises through my TA, the deposits would have been fully refundable, with the normal sliding time scale.

Third, if you don't book suites and believe this will not affect you, RCCL is considering making this standard for ALL cabins booked while on board; similarly, it will not affect bookings made through your TA. As for the UK cruisers, I'm sorry if this is the way it has always been for you, but this is not the way cruising is for US bookings. But I suppose all that could change at any given time.

Most important lesson learned: I will never, ever book another cruise while on board because it's not a good deal by any stretch of the imagination. I will, however, continue to book RCCL cruises through my TA. RCCL is going to have a difficult time funding all their big future cruise offices and personnel if they keep going like this. If other lines adopt this crazy method, I won't book on-board with them either, my TA will get all that business!! Of course, I transfer all the bookings to him anyway, so it's all good....

If nothing else, consider yourself forewarned if you like booking your next cruise while on board.

First ever HAL cruise -- Westerdam, 14 night EB Panama Canal, Dec 8, 2017 - both of us celebrating our December birthdays.

So looking forward to our first HAL cruise!

Now that is a new one on me. I will advise my TA. I am sure she will not be happy is true.

You can assign the cruise to a TA, but you still will not receive a refund if you must cancel. Since this ONLY applies to cruises booked onboard, assigning it to a TA after the cruise does not change the nonrefundable policy. I've already assigned to cruise to a TA, but there is no change in the policy. If I booked it with the TA, the original refund policies are still in place....this change ONLY applies to onboard bookings.

Well then contact Royal and explain that you were unaware of the no cancel policy. Or transfer the booking to a TA and see if they can work it out for you. Seems like a better use of energy than posting snarky comments here to anyone that disagrees with you. I certainly wouldn't book onboard without being absolutely certain what the ramifications are - but that's just me. Your anger is a little misplaced. I don't always agree with Royal's policies but when I do, it certainly doesn't make me a sheep.

Did that before posting. Booking cannot be canceled, it can be changed within the first 30 days, with a $100 change fee after that initial 30 days, but absolutely NO refund. Cannot have it assigned to a TA either. I'm trying to help anyone who has an upcoming cruise and likes to book onboard, especially if they are planning to book a grand suite or higher. My "snarky" comments are in response to those who feel if it doesn't affect them, no worries. This policy will either be abolished or expanded to cover more cabin categories or specific cruises; sticking one's head in the sand does not result in change and the view remains the same.

Outside of North America bookings, virtually all deposits are non-refundable - you have been lucky. The policy outside of NA may be coming.

No luck involved, and you may be right, but inside of the 90 day mark, or somewhere there about, with a full refund 90+ days out -- even RCCL's website still indicates this. I know this because I've had to cancel past cruises before due to changes in approved vacation time being cancelled. However, inside the 90-days, the refund is proportioned with partial refund, which is why I always have insurance in place by final payment.

If you received no incentive to book onboard and you were told it was non refundable, then why in the world did you book it? Seems like it would have made more sense to book it once you got home where you have an out.

The Next Cruise office did not elaborate on that topic. Even the booking staff was unclear on the change except that it is brand new. I received NO incentive, paid full deposit which is 100% nonrefundable-period! I'm just the tip of the iceberg, there will be more complaints which is why I'm trying to warn people. It's a bad deal and, unfortunately, much too late for me.

Didn't get the responses that you were looking for, huh?

I really wasn't expecting much at all considering the local crowd, but thanks for your concern; for most of those on here, as long as their precious apple cart isn't threatened, they're okay with it.....sheep are like that you know....

This is a NEW change. I've booked many cruises in the past, I started with an inside room and worked my way up to a suite. So all you green-with-envy-types are being ridiculous. I've never, NEVER, booked a cruise where the deposit was non-refundable whether booked onboard or through a TA. FYI-- I booked this suite onboard with NO reduction in deposit or OBC on the booking cruise, so that means I paid $900 to book a cruise a year plus out, one that I will have to save for! I work hard for my money, and don't go around with my nose up in the air bragging I'm "Diamond, Diamond Plus, Pinnacle," etc. and I'm NOT a crybaby. This policy is UNFAIR to people like me who like to plan and save for their vacations! I don't have $900 to throw away, do YOU??? And this ONLY applies to those bookings made onboard and not through a TA as I've just learned. So lesson learned, NEVER book RCCL onboard if you want a Grand Suite or better; or just don't book at all, as is my choice. Plenty of other lines out there that DON"T have this policy.

Also, I DO NOT care if there is already a topic thread, I didn't see it and it didn't come up during a topic search--I checked! God knows how many times other mundane topics such as formal nights and such have generated over the years! Please forgive me all you holier-than-thou's and have a nice day.

RCCL's new policy for onboard bookings of suites is why I'm leaving. Their new NO-REFUND policy is not just nor fair. If you're thinking this will not affect you, you are wrong. How long do you think it will be before ALL deposits become nonrefundable?

Why only Grand Suites and above? All lines receive booking cancellations before final payment and/or sail date. We book our cruises way in advance in order to save for them, we are not hogging anything; we did not receive any OBC on the current cruise; and we did not receive any reduced deposit. The only difference was making a reservation while on board, I don't know if reservations through a TA are any different. Maybe RCCL should go after the huge group booking companies and not the average cruiser trying to plan ahead.

If you think you're okay because you don't/haven't book suites, it's probably only a matter of time before this policy goes across the board. RCCL is attempting to do to cruises what the airlines did to flying. Shame on you RCCL, I hope this policy comes back and bites you. Either way, you've lost my business forever.

Okay, so I have a TA on Brilliance coming up soon and perused the internet packages offered by RCL. My first thoughts were: OMG, highway robbery, extortion, gouging and some serious amounts of greed! Seriously...

For those of you that have paid such a dear price to "stay in touch," can you tell me was it worth it; was it everything you hoped it would be? If lots of people are signing up for these overpriced packages, I can understand how RCCL and other lines are staying in the black.... So maybe I'll just have to go seriously out-of-pocket for two weeks, because I'm having a difficult time justifying their super over inflated prices. Or maybe is just me....

Are there other options besides paying those outrageous prices?

Hi all,

For those who have done it, I'm thinking about booking a transatlantic from Rome to FLL in December. What can I expect for weather and seas? Would it be too cold to book a balcony, excursion enjoyment, ship motion in forward or aft cabins? I'd appreciate some feedback.

Thanks for your help!

Thanks, just checking -- I don't always believe everything I hear or read ;)

That RCCL (and other cruise lines) offer little to no "extras" for their transatlantic cruises. I booked a transatlantic suite and paid sticker price with the TA with absolutely no extras included. So, I'm wondering is this true, that cruise lines do not offer any extra items, like OBC, gratuities, beverage, special deals, etc. on their transatlantic cruises? If so, why not?

If this is not true, I'll start looking for a new TA!

Okay, I'm confused. Looking at the various suites on X, I don't see access to Michael's listed in cabin descriptions for Sky Suite 1 or 2, but there is access to Luminae; however, I see access to Michael's listed with Celebrity or higher suites descriptions.

So, is this something new that X hasn't placed in the suite cabin descriptions?

I don't see much difference between the S1, S2 and Celebrity suites at all other than maybe size and location) -- am I missing something here?

After reading these posts, I understand Air2Sea seems to rely more on American Airlines-especially for international flights, which would explain why there is absolutely NO difference (in fact A2S is higher) on a one-way Barcelona-Atlanta search from Delta website. Sure, better prices are on American, I just prefer Delta. I wonder why Air2Sea doesn't partner with Delta? And, why does Air2Sea offer airline choices, when they don't partner with those choices? Or maybe I'm searching it all wrong.....

T

I found this article with pictures of Business Class seating on BA 777 aircraft. I wouldn't like that seat configuration.

http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/11/29/british-airways-business-class-seats/

After reading that article I'll be sure to NEVER book on BA! We always fly business or first class for the longer flights, but business class on BA looks like a true nightmare! Thanks for posting that link!

Has anyone had any luck with booking Delta on Air2Sea? I see lower prices for AA and United, but Delta is way up there on Air2Sea!

 

What ship/date/airports are you looking at? Are you looking at a specific airline?

We are pricing a return from Barcelona to Atlanta on the April 17th Brilliance TA. I prefer Delta, and their return flight time window just opened a few days ago. I'm checking prices so I can budget, etc. I do see a much better price on American, and while I prefer to use Delta, it may come down to using American. I haven't flown business class American before, which is why I prefer Delta.

Right now, I'm getting a one-way Business class on Delta's site at $5041 PP and the exact same flight Air2Sea is $5751.71 PP. I'm wondering if Air2Sea's Delta price may change, and it's definitely higher than Delta's price which makes no sense to me.

Thanks for all the input and help!!!

Has anyone used Air2Sea to book an international one-way Business class either to or from a cruise port? If so, was there a marked difference/savings in the price? I've read there can be great savings for one-way air on Air2Sea, but I don't know if this applies to business class as well. Looking at Air2Sea in the just opened airfare time window for a future cruise and I'm not seeing any real difference in the prices, but maybe as time goes by Air2Sea fares will be better. I'm curious if anyone has had experience with this. Thanks!

This will be my 5th cruise coming up. I booked a cruise in July on the Explorer of the seas on a Alaska getaway. All 4 previous cruises I've been on I have always brought a suit with me. Now that I am getting a little older approaching 50, I just don't want the hassle of lugging one from south Florida all the way to Seattle just to wear it for dinner twice! What are your thoughts on this issue? Am I alone in thinking about bringing one or not? Maybe I will just wear a shirt and tie

 

Gary

TAKE THE JACKET/SUIT: Regardless of whether or not the cruise line will "enforce" their own dress codes, I believe if you want to enjoy formal night in the MDR, then at least dress in a coat and tie. Going in with just a shirt and tie looks lame, like you forgot your jacket or something.

If you're so concerned about packing and being comfortable, then perhaps contemplate another style of vacation or dine at the WJ or other casual places on ship on formal night. Nothing looks more ridiculous to me than seeing men dressed in polos in the MDR on formal night. Go read the definition of formal -- it's not about how comfortable you feel, it's about dressing appropriately and honoring tradition and class.

If wearing a coat and tie is just too much, then by all means belly up to the buffet! Just my 2 cents worth in answer to your poll.

Pre-Check and ability to use "Pre" line is ONLY granted when it appears on your boarding pass, if for what ever reason it does not show up on your BP you will not be allow to use the "Pre" line and Pre-Check regardless of your Global Entry card or any other trusted traveler credential

 

GE is not a 100% guarantee for anything

Srpilo

Are you sure about this? Link to info below says a Global Entry Pass includes TSA Prechek -- that's why the GP is more expensive.

Am I misinterpreting the info? Sure don't want to be in the wrong line!:eek:

https://www.dhs.gov/comparison-chart

Great review! We are doing this cruise next April and looking forward to it, and it will be our first TA also.

Loved reading your cruise blog, very interesting about the time warps, good to know for next year's cruise! We usually enjoy early seating for dinner, but now are thinking maybe second/late would be better.

Did you book your return airfare through Air2Sea or on your own?

Thanks for the review, enjoyable reading! :cool:

You have been living a blessed life style way too long. If you ever knew, you have forgotten what working hard for your vacation is like.

Quite frankly, I'm offended by your remarks! At be beginning of our cruising history, we cruised in an inside cabin, then moved up to an ocean view cabin, then to balcony cabins. Finally, we were able to afford a suite; actually we booked a suite for a special anniversary, but we loved it and now find it difficult to NOT cruise in a suite.

We HAVE worked very hard our entire life and have NO guilt over sailing in a suite -- we weren't born into it, we didn't steal it, we earned it! We're not looking to laud our suite benefits over the other cruise mates, but we enjoy them, we paid for them and we will use them!

We don't have a blessed life, we worked for every dang thing we have and now can enjoy what we worked so hard for! For all those non-suite guests who are envious of the suite perks, get busy earning your way toward suites; and if that's impossible, don't begrudge those who do book suites and all the perks that come with them.

Princess Cruises provides complimentary in-suite afternoon tea service for full suite guests, upon request. I love having afternoon tea and have enjoyed in-suite tea service on Celebrity. However, this will be our first Princess cruise and a TA, what can I expect for in-suite afternoon tea--scones & cream, sandwiches, etc? Where/when do I make the request and is there a certain time frame when it's offered since this may effect what time we choose for evening dining. Thanks!

Has anyone ever had any luck at reserving a Suite (Grand & above) at a reduced price from their TA? I know TA's work from block of rooms, but I've never been able to get a better price on a suite, at least not from my TA; and my OBC hasn't been that great either.