Found lower price after final payment

[*Wink*]

First : I DID NOT VERBALLY ATTACK my TA. I just asked. Didn't seem unresonable TO ASK. I was extremly polite and my TA is someone I have been dealing with for awhile who was not in the lest offended by my question. I began every sentence with a please and ended with a thank you for any help he could offer.

 

Second : You have a very valid point that I would NOT want to be charged more if the price went up. But I bet if that was what they did you would call and ASK why.

Okay, okay.. I changed my post to say "tongue lashing," but not soon enough. I agree, verbal attack is too strong.

 

I just don't want other folks discouraged when they don't get a free upgrade without having to become "furious" and start a "heated" discussion with a "few choice words."

[harry0]

Wow.. Can't imagine the tongue lashing your TA would receive if NCL raised the fare and you were required to pay-up or downgrade.

 

Often times fares go up after final payment.

 

Think about it. ;)

 

Royal Caribbean gives OBC for price drops after final-which is a smart move.

My sister booked a inside last year for a cruise last week. Two weeks ago the price went down to almost half of whatt she paid (she paid double for cruising solo). TA said she had to fight to get her a upgrade to outside(she couldn't care less about it).

This left a bad taste in everyone that cruised with us (10). Why should we book in advance if we get penalized for it. I will never book with NCL in advance, I will wait and take my chances. We loved the Dawn but hated this policy.

[*Wink*]

Royal Caribbean gives OBC for price drops after final-which is a smart move.

My sister booked a inside last year for a cruise last week. Two weeks ago the price went down to almost half of whatt she paid (she paid double for cruising solo). TA said she had to fight to get her a upgrade to outside(she couldn't care less about it).

This left a bad taste in everyone that cruised with us (10). Why should we book in advance if we get penalized for it. I will never book with NCL in advance, I will wait and take my chances. We loved the Dawn but hated this policy.

I know RC does.. currently.

 

NCL doesn't. The reason to book early is to get the cabin you want. Like you, if you don't care, then book later. I want to make sure I'm not stuck in a cabin near the kids club.

 

If you don't like the policy, don't book with NCL.

[CruisnGram]

No, once you've made your payment they will not "refund" any money just because you paid before the due date.

 

I think I understand what you are saying, but I want to clarify as some may be confused.

 

If you make your final payment before the due date, and the price drops BEFORE the final payment due date, you can get a refund for the difference if you contact them immediately.

 

CG

[harry0]

I know RC does.. currently.

 

NCL doesn't. The reason to book early is to get the cabin you want. Like you, if you don't care, then book later. I want to make sure I'm not stuck in a cabin near the kids club.

 

If you don't like the policy, don't book with NCL.

 

 

Wink

I made my future booking plans with NCL very clear in my original post. But I will repeat it-

" I will never book with NCL in advance, I will wait and take my chances".

This policy stinks and people should let them know.

[*Wink*]

Wink

I made my future booking plans with NCL very clear in my original post. But I will repeat it-

" I will never book with NCL in advance, I will wait and take my chances".

This policy stinks and people should let them know.

I wasn't referring to you, harry0.. it was a general "you." And the point was, if you book with a company and you don't like their terms, then don't complain when those terms are carried out.

[CruisnGram]

Royal Caribbean gives OBC for price drops after final-which is a smart move.

My sister booked a inside last year for a cruise last week. Two weeks ago the price went down to almost half of whatt she paid (she paid double for cruising solo). TA said she had to fight to get her a upgrade to outside(she couldn't care less about it).

This left a bad taste in everyone that cruised with us (10). Why should we book in advance if we get penalized for it. I will never book with NCL in advance, I will wait and take my chances. We loved the Dawn but hated this policy.

 

I understand what you are saying Harry, but honestly, I don't see how RCL or any other cruise line keeps up this policy. I know that Carnival stopped doing it unless you book with the early saver or whatever they call it. And I forsee other crusielines following the same path. And just as an FYI, I find RCL cruises to be so ridiculously priced that even if they do give you and OBC if prices drop, you are still paying way more then an NCL cruise in most cases. If the bottom line is dollars saved, you still come out ahead with NCL even if they don't give you the price reduction like RCL does.

 

It just makes bad, bad business sense to me. If they book 2000 people on a cruise and give every single one of them their bottom line pricing (when prices drop) they are losing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

 

I also don't think that anyone who books early has any reason to complain when they don't get the price drops after their final payment is due. Look at it this way. You pick a cruise that you want to go on, at the time you want to go, on a ship you want to sail on, and a wide choice of available cabins, for a price that you think is reasonable (or you wouldn't book it) and if you need to fly, you have the date well in advance and can grab up cheap airfare. You as the early booker have all of the advantages. So you enter into a contract with the cruise line. They will provide you with the cabin, food, service etc for a price that both of you agree on.

 

Then, sailing gets close and the ship has X amount of unsold cabins. Unsold cabins make them no profit. So they discount those cabins to attract last minute customers. Sometimes they will drastically cut those cabin rates strictly to cover their costs. The profit will be made on those people in the casino, the bars, etc. Those people do indeed get a better price then you but they have less choices when it comes to cabins (many are in undesireable locations and many categories sold out), less time for planning and most likely higher airfares.

 

I know we all want the best deal, but I fail to understand how anyone can be upset if they don't get the reduced price when they willingly entered into a contract with the cruiseline and agreed to pay a certain price. And I know this has been said numerous times here, but how come you think you should get the price reduction, but if the cruise was almost sold out and prices skyrocketed (which I've seen many, many times) you wouldn't be willing to pay the increase? If you expect the cruise line to give you the price drop, why aren't you willing to pay the price increase if it occurs? You can't have it both ways.

 

This can be debated forever on the boards and everyone has their own opinion. I agree that if it upsets you, and you are flexible enough to be able to plan last minute cruises, and are willing to take what cabins are left, and be willing to risk not being able to get a cabin, and pay whatever is needed for airfare, then you should ever book with NCL in advance again. Many of us wish that we could be that flexible but cannot.

 

CG

[njhorseman]

Royal Caribbean gives OBC for price drops after final-which is a smart move.

My sister booked a inside last year for a cruise last week. Two weeks ago the price went down to almost half of whatt she paid (she paid double for cruising solo). TA said she had to fight to get her a upgrade to outside(she couldn't care less about it).

This left a bad taste in everyone that cruised with us (10). Why should we book in advance if we get penalized for it. I will never book with NCL in advance, I will wait and take my chances. We loved the Dawn but hated this policy.

 

 

I'm curious if you book airline tickets in advance.

[harry0]

I know that when I cruise with Royal they will honor a price drop anytime-I will book in advance with them-I will wait with NCL because I am flexable - As far as Royals pricing-I do not see a big difference and many cruises are less. Why do I feel I am entitled............I guess because I have cruised with Royal so many times I thought this was industry wide.

Do I book airlines in advance........Yes.

 

Question

Would you like NCL to have the same policy as Royal Caribbean concerning price drops?

 

If you answer Yes-I am in agreement with you.

[judipa]

We have a similar situation now. The odds depend on your TA. Some agencies are great about giving you something for price drops after final payment... and some just ARE NOT! NCL is saying the same thing to our TA. We just wanted to upgrade to the higher cabin category for the current price, but it is a no-go so far... GOOD LUCK!! In the past we HAVE been able to get OBC or an upgrade when we were persistent, but NICE.:)

 

made my final payment a month ago. called ncl today and cited price drop and got upgrade of several levels within my same category. past cruise got upgrade from balcony to mini-suite when prices dropped. helps to make reservations thru ncl agent.

[Giorgi-one]

Let's use a little common sense here. How can you expect the cruise line to offer refunds to everyone on the ship when they drop the price after final payment? It's like buying a car and then seeing a sale 3 months later and expecting the dealer to offer everyone who bought a car this year a refund. You book early to get best choice of cabins and usually get the best price. Cruiselines will drop price to sell last few cabins and almost always specify "new bookings only". No you cannot cancel and rebook since the computers keep track of that.

[terrymtex01]

My thoughts are very simple on this. NCL... keep doing what you are doing. I love your cruises, ships and crew. You made money second quarter of this year where as RCCL lost money. So you must be doing something right. As long as you are making money I know you will still be in business and I will still be able to enjoy my cruises onboard your ships. NCL.. keep on keeping on.

[harry0]

If I buy a car and pay a year in advance and the price goes down before I even pick it up-you bet I want the price difference. I try and wait for end of year sales with car purchases too.

The airline comparison is closer. Most companies now charge for luggage (that stinks too) I like Southwest's policy best-Am I wrong?

The fact is a few, maybe more( I know RCI. Celeb.Princess) of NCLs competition lets you get credit after final payment.

So like I said I can and will wait to book last minute with NCL and take my chances.

 

Cruise Critic is great-Where else can get this kind of discussion and learn policy details about companies.

 

 

Have a good day.

Harry

[lvtotrvl1]

Let's use a little common sense here. How can you expect the cruise line to offer refunds to everyone on the ship when they drop the price after final payment? It's like buying a car and then seeing a sale 3 months later and expecting the dealer to offer everyone who bought a car this year a refund. You book early to get best choice of cabins and usually get the best price. Cruiselines will drop price to sell last few cabins and almost always specify "new bookings only". No you cannot cancel and rebook since the computers keep track of that.

 

Excellent point, but common sense does not always prevail in this new "me world".

[joyce&bob]

Okay, okay.. I changed my post to say "tongue lashing," but not soon enough. I agree, verbal attack is too strong.

 

I just don't want other folks discouraged when they don't get a free upgrade without having to become "furious" and start a "heated" discussion with a "few choice words."

 

I think you have me mixed up with the response from crazycypriet (sp) #17. I never became furious nor had a heated discussion with a few choice words. Clearly not my style...if you read back one of my first comments was I understand "a rule is a rule". Sorry, I responded to your comments which were not caused by my message. Re-read #17. Wow! can we be friends now?????????????

[rickechambers1@aol.com]

Most companies now charge for luggage (that stinks too) I like Southwest's policy best-Am I wrong?

Harry

 

Hmmm....not "wrong"....that's not the word I was thinking of....man, what's that word, can't think of it now. Wait it'll come to me. ;)

 

It's true, this could be debated forever...if the price doubled after you made your deposit, you'd feel smug. Purchase what you feel is a value and not worry so much about things. Don't we all want a good value?

 

I purchased a home in Las Vegas last year //after the price was reduced by $200,000 due to falling demand// it has since fallen another $60,000, it's disappointing but, it is what it is. Should I ask for a refund...or be grateful that I haven't lost $300,000 like my neighbor? I still have a nice house that was a value for the price paid and is still a good value to me now. That being said, my house in Washington, D.C. has gone up $80,000...and of course that is great, but again, it is what it is. C'est La Vie.

[dispachcops]

We are sailing same day as you, dont see any countdown timer with what cruise you are going to be on... we are on Dawn same sailing... We got free upgrade just for asking to the best available in same type.... still have a balcony, but better location and better deck... Not like we got put in an owners suite or penthouse or anything like that :rolleyes:

I think it makes sense that they give current passengers free upgrades, cause that opens up cheaper cabins for last minute sales...

[joyce&bob]

We are sailing same day as you, dont see any countdown timer with what cruise you are going to be on... we are on Dawn same sailing... We got free upgrade just for asking to the best available in same type.... still have a balcony, but better location and better deck... Not like we got put in an owners suite or penthouse or anything like that :rolleyes:

I think it makes sense that they give current passengers free upgrades, cause that opens up cheaper cabins for last minute sales...

 

Finally a response that makes total sense....give current passengers upgrades (in the category they paid for) - then have your last minute sales.... Hey! I think we have it worked out....now how do we get NCL to make that the policy. Sure makes sense.

 

By the way we are on the Dawn 12/4 sailing. I'm new to these boards. I shy away sometimes cause you ask what you think is a reasonable question and WHAM! some people get so sarcastic.

[*Wink*]

I think you have me mixed up with the response from crazycypriet (sp) #17. I never became furious nor had a heated discussion with a few choice words. Clearly not my style...if you read back one of my first comments was I understand "a rule is a rule". Sorry, I responded to your comments which were not caused by my message. Re-read #17. Wow! can we be friends now?????????????

LOL!!!! You are absolutely right! So sorry to have not checked that... buddy. :D

 

I was feeling a bit heated myself at the post I responded to. I probably read too much into it and should have just kept my big mouth shut (as usual.)

 

I think I'll drink my coffee now and agree with Harry0 at least on one point.. Cruise Critic IS great.

[brunolvr]

I understand what you are saying Harry, but honestly, I don't see how RCL or any other cruise line keeps up this policy. I know that Carnival stopped doing it unless you book with the early saver or whatever they call it. And I forsee other crusielines following the same path. And just as an FYI, I find RCL cruises to be so ridiculously priced that even if they do give you and OBC if prices drop, you are still paying way more then an NCL cruise in most cases. If the bottom line is dollars saved, you still come out ahead with NCL even if they don't give you the price reduction like RCL does.

 

It just makes bad, bad business sense to me. If they book 2000 people on a cruise and give every single one of them their bottom line pricing (when prices drop) they are losing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

 

I also don't think that anyone who books early has any reason to complain when they don't get the price drops after their final payment is due. Look at it this way. You pick a cruise that you want to go on, at the time you want to go, on a ship you want to sail on, and a wide choice of available cabins, for a price that you think is reasonable (or you wouldn't book it) and if you need to fly, you have the date well in advance and can grab up cheap airfare. You as the early booker have all of the advantages. So you enter into a contract with the cruise line. They will provide you with the cabin, food, service etc for a price that both of you agree on.

 

Then, sailing gets close and the ship has X amount of unsold cabins. Unsold cabins make them no profit. So they discount those cabins to attract last minute customers. Sometimes they will drastically cut those cabin rates strictly to cover their costs. The profit will be made on those people in the casino, the bars, etc. Those people do indeed get a better price then you but they have less choices when it comes to cabins (many are in undesireable locations and many categories sold out), less time for planning and most likely higher airfares.

 

I know we all want the best deal, but I fail to understand how anyone can be upset if they don't get the reduced price when they willingly entered into a contract with the cruiseline and agreed to pay a certain price. And I know this has been said numerous times here, but how come you think you should get the price reduction, but if the cruise was almost sold out and prices skyrocketed (which I've seen many, many times) you wouldn't be willing to pay the increase? If you expect the cruise line to give you the price drop, why aren't you willing to pay the price increase if it occurs? You can't have it both ways.

 

This can be debated forever on the boards and everyone has their own opinion. I agree that if it upsets you, and you are flexible enough to be able to plan last minute cruises, and are willing to take what cabins are left, and be willing to risk not being able to get a cabin, and pay whatever is needed for airfare, then you should ever book with NCL in advance again. Many of us wish that we could be that flexible but cannot.

 

CG

 

Very well said, CruisnGram!:) I agree with you wholeheartedly!

[dispachcops]

 

By the way we are on the Dawn 12/4 sailing. I'm new to these boards. I shy away sometimes cause you ask what you think is a reasonable question and WHAM! some people get so sarcastic.

 

 

Follow the link below and meet some others that are going to be on the same ship as us. Hope to meet you on board.

 

Kelly

[harry0]

This is a observation not a cut on anyone-

Some of us as cruisers are a lot like car or truck loyalist. I drive a Ford truck, I get a little defensive(in a light way) when someone cuts on Ford. I prefer Royal Caribbean and for some reason I defend them. Though I am a stockholder, that is not the reason. Its who I choose to cruise with.

I am kind of tired of this Yogi Bera type statement but, "It is what it is".

Sorry for being off topic.

Happy Cruising

Harry

[beetle9]

I would have to agree if rccl can give credit if price drops then other lines could to and as far as you paying more if price goes up you should notice the fine print:mad: if oil goes up they are going to charge you more. I have been on 14 ccl trips and took my 1st rccl trip this yr and got a credit back on my card when price dropped. and it was not real expensive to start with i am trying a ncl trip in a couple of weeks just did not kike ccl response to a complaint on my 14th trip with them, i guess repeat bussiness is not very inportant anymore. :)

[uneamie]

Nope would never let something like this spoil my cruise....but may make me think twice about booking so early...especially on NCL. I will pursue the matter with my TA and hope for an OBC or upgrade... It is an opportunity to see what my TA can accomplish. We have given them plenty of business.

 

I talked to my TA today and he said "he would see what he could do" promising to go to bat for us.... How long should I wait before I bring the matter up again to him???? What would you suggest.

 

We live in Florida so booking later would not be an issue...don't have to fly. However, I have to admit the anticipation factor would be shortened and sometimes that is part of the fun.

 

Sometimes...with certain cruises, the only advantage to booking early is being able to "select" the cabin you want. If you have no preference to cabin or cabin location then sometimes it is more beneficial to wait for the price drops that occur closer to the sailing date......we prefer picking our cabin and taking a chance that we will be paying a higher price...but that's just us of course...

 

we do not cruise 2 and 3 times a year like some here do, and it's been pointed out to me by a few that we've not cruised for 5 years so......I may not always know what the most currant correct answers are for this issue.

[Don Haynes]

While Royal Caribbean may still honor lower prices after the final payment date, none of the other cruise lines do. Also keep in mind with the slow economy this year, only Royal Caribbean lost money during the second quarter. One wonders how Royal Caribbean can lose money when they have the highest prices of the main line budget cruise lines?