Pricing Games

[wxjcupo]

Hi Everyone --

 

I noticed that a transatlantic cruise I am interested in going on next year by Celebrity went down in price by $200 a person yesterday for less than six hours and then, came back up again to the original pricing structure. I tried to get my TA to book it at the lower price and she quoted me the lower price and took my credit card info. Then, within an hour, the price went up again by $200 (back to the original price). She was slow on the trigger, thinking she had time to book it for me, and then, I ended up not getting it at the lower price.

 

I understand the laws of supply and demand, but it seems almost gimmicky to me to bait customers and then, in less than a day, take the lower price away. If the price is legit, it should remain legit for at least 24 hours. Most airlines are not this whimisical with their pricing structure (at least not the ones I fly, although I know Spirit is....LOL).

 

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks!

[Andy]

Hi Everyone --

 

I noticed that a transatlantic cruise I am interested in going on next year by Celebrity went down in price by $200 a person yesterday for less than six hours and then, came back up again to the original pricing structure. I tried to get my TA to book it at the lower price and she quoted me the lower price and took my credit card info. Then, within an hour, the price went up again by $200 (back to the original price). She was slow on the trigger, thinking she had time to book it for me, and then, I ended up not getting it at the lower price.

 

I understand the laws of supply and demand, but it seems almost gimmicky to me to bait customers and then, in less than a day, take the lower price away. If the price is legit, it should remain legit for at least 24 hours. Most airlines are not this whimisical with their pricing structure (at least not the ones I fly, although I know Spirit is....LOL).

 

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks!

 

Hi Wxjcupo !

 

I've seen this happen countless times over the years. It's true that prices can change daily, sometimes over an hour or two.... sometimes less !

 

I totally understand you being less than happy right now, but your TA should have been well aware that prices can change, and should have taken care of the price change immediately. Being slow to the trigger (as you put it), is not the best way to take care of your clients.

 

As for the line holding the price for 24 hours ? That's just not possible. What if they have 20 cabins to sell, and all are sold ? There are so many variables involved.

 

Dont lose hope. The price can change again, and hopefully all will work out fine. Keep checking the prices, and Good Luck !

[MacThespian]

Most airlines are not this whimisical with their pricing structure (at least not the ones I fly, although I know Spirit is....LOL).

 

Actually, most airlines change their prices multiple times each day, according to what I've read.

[Woobstr112G]

Hi Wxjcupo !

 

I've seen this happen countless times over the years. It's true that prices can change daily, sometimes over an hour or two.... sometimes less !

 

I totally understand you being less than happy right now, but your TA should have been well aware that prices can change, and should have taken care of the price change immediately. Being slow to the trigger (as you put it), is not the best way to take care of your clients.

 

As for the line holding the price for 24 hours ? That's just not possible. What if they have 20 cabins to sell, and all are sold ? There are so many variables involved.

 

Dont lose hope. The price can change again, and hopefully all will work out fine. Keep checking the prices, and Good Luck !

 

Definetey.....

 

Bob

 

Bob

[Tagsalong]

If you're talking about the May10 Constellation TA, the price drop was for approx. 22 hours. It was posted by someone on the Connections thread at 8;47pm Tuesday. We rebooked (directly with X) at 8:00am Wednesday and got the $400 savings. Then someone posted at 6:21pm Wed. night that the prices just went back up.

 

Sounds like you need to get another Travel Agent or start booking directly with X and then give your booking to an agency the day before final payment. Many cruisers do this.

[wxjcupo]

If you're talking about the May10 Constellation TA, the price drop was for approx. 22 hours. It was posted by someone on the Connections thread at 8;47pm Tuesday. We rebooked (directly with X) at 8:00am Wednesday and got the $400 savings. Then someone posted at 6:21pm Wed. night that the prices just went back up.

 

Sounds like you need to get another Travel Agent or start booking directly with X and then give your booking to an agency the day before final payment. Many cruisers do this.

 

Yes, it was for that particular cruise, but I noticed that the price went back up way before 6:21 pm. It was around 3 pm CDT when I noticed it. But, no matter. Live and learn. LOL.

[wxjcupo]

Hi Everyone --

 

Thanks for the good advice! No matter which TA I use, from now on, I will book with X first through the web site or phone, and then, give the reservation # to a TA for any amenities, such as onboard credit and such. Good ideas.

[wxjcupo]

Hi Everyone --

 

Just a quick update (not that many of you care...LOL): my TA was able to get me in on the deal as well am now enjoying the lower price locked into my reservation. I don't know what strings she pulled, but said she owed it to me. Sweet! I guess I won't be changing TAs after all. She even gave me a sizeable OBC, too.

[DiamondPlusDan]

This happened on the Equinox & Solstice TA for May 2011. Suites went from $3199 to $2399 for about 45 minutes. Balcony cabins went from $1349 to $999. Must have been a glitch in the system.

[bubbie617]

Glad to hear your TA stepped up and got it straightened out for you. Have a great trip. We love transatlatic cruises.

[spav01]

Did you guys get your favorite sweet sixteen? Or are you going Concierge?

[wxjcupo]

Did you guys get your favorite sweet sixteen? Or are you going Concierge?

 

Unlike the last transatlantic we took with you last year, where the balconies (the sweet 16) for PR residents were only $799 a person for a 12 night cruise, this one is $1699 (now) for those same balcony cabins for a 15 night cruise. The value isn't there for this one, so we opted for an interior this time. Honestly, we spent so little time on the balcony last time, we didn't feel it was worth the extra expense (for us). Besides, I have family aboard this one and we are all staying together in the same row, so it should be a lot of fun. We are all on deck 3 behind the customer relations desk. At $799 a person, it's only costing us $53 a day per person to go. A true steal. Now, if I can only stay out of the casino, it will remain a steal!! :-)