Maybaybie10 Posted August 1, 2013 #1 Share Posted August 1, 2013 I know this has been discussed a lot on these boards, but I currently have very spotty internet and wanted to post before I lost it. I apologize for not searching through the threads. What is the "new" rule about price drops after final payment? We haven't cruised in over two years and the rules were different back then. I just got notification (from a place that shall remain nameless) that the junior suite my parents have booked on our upcoming cruise has dropped. They paid $1749 when they booked 15+ months ago and the price just dropped to $1449 and then to $1349 a few hours later. The Grand Suite is even down to $1949! Of course we are 5 days past final payment, so I'm thinking we are out of luck? They are fine with what they paid, but of course I want them to get the best deal they can so I thought I'd check with the experts! I will send a quick email to our TA just incase, but we're not expecting anything. They are splurging for the JS anyway because it is my Dad's 70th birthday. It was also supposed to be his Retirement Cruise, but he's been bitten by the cruise bug (always thought he would hate cruising!) so he's decided to keep working so they can afford to keep cruising! Either way they are fine with what they paid, so anything else would just be a bonus. Thanks in advance for all your kind advice and experiences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coralc Posted August 1, 2013 #2 Share Posted August 1, 2013 If this is not a sale price for new bookings, then it's possible your parents could upgrade to a GS for $249 p/p. There are no refunds or returns in price paid after final payment, but an upgrade is possible. Also check for senior, residency and other discounts that they might be eligible for. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted August 1, 2013 #3 Share Posted August 1, 2013 I know this has been discussed a lot on these boards, but I currently have very spotty internet and wanted to post before I lost it. I apologize for not searching through the threads. What is the "new" rule about price drops after final payment? We haven't cruised in over two years and the rules were different back then. I just got notification (from a place that shall remain nameless) that the junior suite my parents have booked on our upcoming cruise has dropped. They paid $1749 when they booked 15+ months ago and the price just dropped to $1449 and then to $1349 a few hours later. The Grand Suite is even down to $1949! Of course we are 5 days past final payment, so I'm thinking we are out of luck? They are fine with what they paid, but of course I want them to get the best deal they can so I thought I'd check with the experts! I will send a quick email to our TA just incase, but we're not expecting anything. They are splurging for the JS anyway because it is my Dad's 70th birthday. It was also supposed to be his Retirement Cruise, but he's been bitten by the cruise bug (always thought he would hate cruising!) so he's decided to keep working so they can afford to keep cruising! Either way they are fine with what they paid, so anything else would just be a bonus. Thanks in advance for all your kind advice and experiences. I assume that your parents are over 55? ;) They can have their TA call IMMEDIATELY and get them a GS for the same price that they paid for their JS!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eng23 Posted August 1, 2013 #4 Share Posted August 1, 2013 An upgrade is about the only option. There is no longer OBC or price adjustments given for price drops after final payment date. If the GS rate comes down to the price of the JS you can upgrade for free or you can pay the difference right now to upgrade to the GS. It just depends on what you or your parents would be comfortable doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COMBOY Posted August 1, 2013 #5 Share Posted August 1, 2013 I think this is one of the most talked about subject along with smoking, smuggling alcohol and formal ware. I'm most cases there are no refunds after final payment even if price goes down. Cruise line routinely discount the price if there are any remaining cabins after final payment for "new bookings only." When you book early you secure and lock in your fare, cabin location and dining preference so in a sense you pay a premium to do so. You can wait and book after final payment, but the cruise could be sold out or at a higher price and/or you might not get your dining preference. Now, they might be able to upgrade to a higher cabin grade if available. IMO looking at the prices after final payment is sort of useless, but it never hurt to ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eng23 Posted August 1, 2013 #6 Share Posted August 1, 2013 I assume that your parents are over 55? ;) They can have their TA call IMMEDIATELY and get them a GS for the same price that they paid for their JS!!! A very good point there. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maybaybie10 Posted August 1, 2013 Author #7 Share Posted August 1, 2013 I assume that your parents are over 55? ;) They can have their TA call IMMEDIATELY and get them a GS for the same price that they paid for their JS!!! Please forgive me for sounding dumb, but does being 55 have anything to do with getting the GS for the JS price? I thought senior discounts were only on certain bookings. And yes...they are both welllllllll over 55! :p ETA: I just did a fake booking and noticed that the GS is down to $1749 too with the senior rate!! Whoohoo! Thank you!! My parents would be nuts not to do this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted August 1, 2013 #8 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Please forgive me for sounding dumb, but does being 55 have anything to do with getting the GS for the JS price? I thought senior discounts were only on certain bookings. And yes...they are both welllllllll over 55! :p ETA: I just did a fake booking and noticed that the GS is down to $1749 too!! Whoohoo! Many times the senior discount is only available on certain categories. In this case, it looks like the senior discount was on the GS, but not the JS so it brought the GS price down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted August 1, 2013 #9 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Please forgive me for sounding dumb, but does being 55 have anything to do with getting the GS for the JS price? I thought senior discounts were only on certain bookings. And yes...they are both welllllllll over 55! :p ETA: I just did a fake booking and noticed that the GS is down to $1749 too with the senior rate!! Whoohoo! Thank you!! My parents would be nuts not to do this! That's what I was telling you!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maybaybie10 Posted August 1, 2013 Author #10 Share Posted August 1, 2013 That's what I was telling you!!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I finally got a hold of my Mom (at the grocery store!) and told her to call. Of course it would be that today is our TA's day off, but I told her to talk to someone else in the office....and QUICKLY!! A (first time ever) GS for my Dad's 70th Birthday Cruise. How perfect!!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knittinggirl Posted August 1, 2013 #11 Share Posted August 1, 2013 We had something similar happen on our Celebrity cruise in September. The day after final payment, the price dropped a couple hundred dollars. But they would only give us an upgrade to a higher category. Unfortunately, it was much higher than what we paid. But, booking so early, we got our choice of stateroom. I need to change my price alert to stop sending me price drops for that particular cruise. Too frustrating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mein18 Posted August 1, 2013 #12 Share Posted August 1, 2013 THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I finally got a hold of my Mom (at the grocery store!) and told her to call. Of course it would be that today is our TA's day off, but I told her to talk to someone else in the office....and QUICKLY!! A (first time ever) GS for my Dad's 70th Birthday Cruise. How perfect!!:) What a great birthday present for your Dad. They will love the GS and all the service, pampering and extras that come with it. Hopefully your Mom gets through to the TA and gets this completed soon. Please keep us updated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RevSmith Posted August 1, 2013 #13 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Some times a price drop isn't really a price drop. Do your research carefully Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akcruz Posted August 1, 2013 #14 Share Posted August 1, 2013 THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I finally got a hold of my Mom (at the grocery store!) and told her to call. Of course it would be that today is our TA's day off, but I told her to talk to someone else in the office....and QUICKLY!! A (first time ever) GS for my Dad's 70th Birthday Cruise. How perfect!!:) Can one of you put a cabin on hold to potentially lock in the price while trying to hold of the TA? At least you will have some proof that the rate was there just in case?? Just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigque Posted August 1, 2013 #15 Share Posted August 1, 2013 I just had fnal payment two days ago on my upcoming cruise. I'm not interested in upgrading to a Junior Suite from my hump D-1, so I won't even look anymore now for price drops since I can't get it cause I don't wan to be disappointed. But now if I was able to skip to a Grand Suite that would be different, but those are all sold out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shippy Posted August 1, 2013 #16 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Please forgive me for sounding dumb, but does being 55 have anything to do with getting the GS for the JS price? I thought senior discounts were only on certain bookings. And yes...they are both welllllllll over 55! :p ETA: I just did a fake booking and noticed that the GS is down to $1749 too with the senior rate!! Whoohoo! Thank you!! My parents would be nuts not to do this! To good to pass by especially on the ALLURE ! I am going to surprise my husband with that upgrade ! The thing he will like the most is the 'private' island. When we were there , many years ago, it was not separated into 'classes'.Everyone had use of the whole beach. Now, since the improvements, there is a part gated off for suite only guests. A JS does not count. You have to show your room key to get in. A big part of the regular beach is VERY rocky. You have to get off the ship early to get a good sandy part...which we usually don't. The other perks are not important to us as we have Diamond status. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgsterling Posted August 1, 2013 #17 Share Posted August 1, 2013 I know this has been discussed a lot on these boards, but I currently have very spotty internet and wanted to post before I lost it. I apologize for not searching through the threads. What is the "new" rule about price drops after final payment? We haven't cruised in over two years and the rules were different back then. I just got notification (from a place that shall remain nameless) that the junior suite my parents have booked on our upcoming cruise has dropped. They paid $1749 when they booked 15+ months ago and the price just dropped to $1449 and then to $1349 a few hours later. The Grand Suite is even down to $1949! Of course we are 5 days past final payment, so I'm thinking we are out of luck? They are fine with what they paid, but of course I want them to get the best deal they can so I thought I'd check with the experts! I will send a quick email to our TA just incase, but we're not expecting anything. They are splurging for the JS anyway because it is my Dad's 70th birthday. It was also supposed to be his Retirement Cruise, but he's been bitten by the cruise bug (always thought he would hate cruising!) so he's decided to keep working so they can afford to keep cruising! Either way they are fine with what they paid, so anything else would just be a bonus. Thanks in advance for all your kind advice and experiences. Same thing happened to us. I was told that the rule is that you cannot get a credit once past the last payment date. They do allow you to upgrade and pay the difference between what you paid and what the new cabin cost is for the upgrade cabin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maybaybie10 Posted August 1, 2013 Author #18 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Thank you again to all who helped me- it does pay to just throw it out there and see what happens! My Mom called and our TA happened to be working today (Fate I tell ya!) and she contacted whomever she needed to and got back to us and asked if she wanted the upgrade for $50pp. I'm not sure what the $50 was for, but neither of us cared! My parents are now in a GS!! It wasn't until hours later I remembered something about the Concierge Lounge so I had to Google all about that- Wow- serious perks! :p The best part was that she let me call Dad and tell him the good news. He giggled like a school girl! It's hard to believe that 2 years ago he was the stick in the mud when I wanted to go on a cruise for my 40th birthday. He went because it was what I wanted....but now he is hooked! Every night he gets online and decides where he wants to go next- we've created a monster! He's driving Mom crazy...but she loves it too, so it's all good. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! PS...If anyone wants to come celebrate Dad's 70th with us, there are still about 8 or so Grand Suites available for a darn good price for the 10/6/13 Western sailing of Allure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
critterchick Posted August 2, 2013 #19 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Thank you again to all who helped me- it does pay to just throw it out there and see what happens! My Mom called and our TA happened to be working today (Fate I tell ya!) and she contacted whomever she needed to and got back to us and asked if she wanted the upgrade for $50pp. I'm not sure what the $50 was for, but neither of us cared! My parents are now in a GS!! It wasn't until hours later I remembered something about the Concierge Lounge so I had to Google all about that- Wow- serious perks! :p The best part was that she let me call Dad and tell him the good news. He giggled like a school girl! It's hard to believe that 2 years ago he was the stick in the mud when I wanted to go on a cruise for my 40th birthday. He went because it was what I wanted....but now he is hooked! Every night he gets online and decides where he wants to go next- we've created a monster! He's driving Mom crazy...but she loves it too, so it's all good. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! PS...If anyone wants to come celebrate Dad's 70th with us, there are still about 8 or so Grand Suites available for a darn good price for the 10/6/13 Western sailing of Allure! Well done!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattyG12 Posted August 2, 2013 #20 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Awww I love hearing about a happy ending. Congrats to your mom and dad!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awhcruiser Posted August 2, 2013 #21 Share Posted August 2, 2013 See Post#18. Some times a price drop isn't really a price drop. Do your research carefully Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amethyst4110 Posted August 2, 2013 #22 Share Posted August 2, 2013 In keeping with this subject...but a slightly different question... If the cutoff date has not happened...but you have paid the cruise in full...and you find out that the rates have gone down...can you get onboard credit or a refund for lower prices if you booked thru the website. I also did talk to a travel agent at royal caribbean but have not in a while. Our final payment due date is 8/6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molly361 Posted August 2, 2013 #23 Share Posted August 2, 2013 In keeping with this subject...but a slightly different question... If the cutoff date has not happened...but you have paid the cruise in full...and you find out that the rates have gone down...can you get onboard credit or a refund for lower prices if you booked thru the website. I also did talk to a travel agent at royal caribbean but have not in a while. Our final payment due date is 8/6 Yes you can as long as it is before 8/6 in your case Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted August 2, 2013 #24 Share Posted August 2, 2013 In keeping with this subject...but a slightly different question... If the cutoff date has not happened...but you have paid the cruise in full...and you find out that the rates have gone down...can you get onboard credit or a refund for lower prices if you booked thru the website. I also did talk to a travel agent at royal caribbean but have not in a while. Our final payment due date is 8/6 When this has happened to us, they have credited our credit card with the price difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wvufan Posted August 2, 2013 #25 Share Posted August 2, 2013 This is true even if you book through a TA who requires an earlier payment. They do that in part so that if there is a problem with a card etc they have time to fix it before the RCCL final payment date. As long as the price reduction is before the RCCL final payment date you can take advantage. Happy Sails to You OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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