Lock in or wait?

[Cruise Junky]

not sure what to do. We have a casino rate on our Koningsdam cruise next year...about $800 - $900 pp lower than advertised rate. No perks. Today there is an additional $750 off pp (all prices Cdn) if we switch to a non-refundable deposit. That's a huge savings. Also the deposit drops in half. Instead of $1560 it's 1/2 that.

 

Part of me wants to hold out for explore 4 but a part realizes it's not getting any lower and with such a huge savings I can just buy my drinks.

 

Thoughts?

[Scrapnana]

Very often prices go up when the Explore 4 program is being offered. That could wipe out the savings you are seeing now.

[Cruise Junky]

Very often prices go up when the Explore 4 program is being offered. That could wipe out the savings you are seeing now.

That's my thought too. Not only my casino rate savings but also the extra $1500. It's a 24 day cruise so a drink package would be nice but not that nice.

[RMLincoln]

October 2018 is a long way off... do you have some type of insurance that could help you recover all or part of your non-refundable deposit? Or maybe you are willing to risk that which is a personal decision. Also, sometimes a non-refundable deposit can mean that there are no changes allow, no room changes or upgrades... just ask the questions and make sure you are ok with the fine print. We've changed a booking to a good deal in the past that require a non-refundable deposit, and it all worked out great, but we were within a month of final payment anyway so not a lot of risk.

 

Just food for thought: We booked in May for October and the price has only gone up. YMMV. Nice to have such choices! Happy planning. m--

[albingirl]

I'm ok with locking in a good price in advance. I don't need to book way ahead because of air but I love a great price. Just make sure you can live with the cabin you select, since there won't be any changes, as previously mentioned. Also, Explore 4 really increases the price of the cruise. It's a fun perk, to be sure, but very expensive on a long cruise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

JMO -- but I would never book a "locked" in fair with non-refundable deposit this far out from a cruise.

Hope you get good insurance that will also cover the deposit if for any reason you have to cancel.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

A bird in the hand............

[blizzardboy]

Very often prices go up when the Explore 4 program is being offered. That could wipe out the savings you are seeing now.

It often depends on how high the demand for an itinerary, and how close you are to sail date. Last summer we got Exp 4 for our January cruise at about $350 each for our suite, while some others got it free.

[Cruise Junky]

A bird in the hand............

 

That is definitely where I'm leaning towards. Our Credit card insurance would cover any medical cancellations.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

I'm ok with locking in a good price in advance. I don't need to book way ahead because of air but I love a great price. Just make sure you can live with the cabin you select, since there won't be any changes, as previously mentioned. Also, Explore 4 really increases the price of the cruise. It's a fun perk, to be sure, but very expensive on a long cruise.

I agree with you. 😀

[blizzardboy]

Your deposit may become non-refundable, but unless Hal has totally changed policies, you could still re-fare before final payment is made at whatever the price and promos are at that time. You wouldn't be asking for your deposit back.

[KAKcruiser]

My understanding is that in addition to the nonrefundable deposit, you cannot make any changes to your reservation. That means no price reductions or changes to other promotions.

[msmayor]

Very often prices go up when the Explore 4 program is being offered. That could wipe out the savings you are seeing now.

 

As another poster said, it doesn't always work out that way. A lot depends on ship and itinerary, I think.

 

We had booked the Zuiderdam under the casino rate about 10 months out, then at the 8 month mark Explore 4 came out. We applied that promotion (were able to keep the casino rate) and our fare increased only $89pp on a signature suite. It would have been a good deal with a regular stateroom (the free beverage package and specialty dinner for 10 nights, only $89!) but since we were booked in a Signature Suite at the time so we got prepaid gratuities and $200 internet credit too. This made it a huge value for us.

 

You really have to check the pricing carefully to see if the value is there.

[DaveOKC]

not sure what to do. We have a casino rate on our Koningsdam cruise next year...about $800 - $900 pp lower than advertised rate. No perks. Today there is an additional $750 off pp (all prices Cdn) if we switch to a non-refundable deposit. That's a huge savings. Also the deposit drops in half. Instead of $1560 it's 1/2 that.

 

Part of me wants to hold out for explore 4 but a part realizes it's not getting any lower and with such a huge savings I can just buy my drinks.

 

Thoughts?

 

Being on a Casino Rate, I am a bit surprised they lowered it, but that is good news. One thought - since you are on a Casino promotion, you can often get free drinks in the casino - might want to check this out.

[iancal]

We always buy cruises based on our 'target' price. When it hits, we buy. Usually in the final payment window.

 

We establish the price by shopping, watching the pricing etc. It can vary by region. The target price on our Feb. South American cruise hit prior to the final payment window. We purchased it.

 

We do the same for air. We know that there will be customers paying more than us, and those paying less. We simply want to buy at a price we are happy with.

[VermeulT]

My understanding is that in addition to the nonrefundable deposit, you cannot make any changes to your reservation. That means no price reductions or changes to other promotions.

 

 

From my discussions tonight with a PCC - there would be no price reductions - but if the rate lowers - they could offer upgrade/ upsell, offer OBC, or offer discount on future booking. so you'd get something.

[croozen]

Did you take the deal? We also just booked far in advance (July 2018) and got the Casino rate with a reduced ($780) deposit for a 12 day Med cruise. I am confused as to whether this is both a Casino rate and a Snap Fare rate, (the confirmation notes" casino discount has been incorporated in the fare") but in any event it is lower $$ than we have ever seen, so we took it. I am hedging my bets that the Explore 4 that I am told will come out soon - can not better this price factoring in how much we drink, OBC etc. In any event, are locked in now but as per what others have explained, will explore the options with HAL as to what adding perks might be and if it is worthwhile to us.

[Cruise Junky]

Did you take the deal? We also just booked far in advance (July 2018) and got the Casino rate with a reduced ($780) deposit for a 12 day Med cruise. I am confused as to whether this is both a Casino rate and a Snap Fare rate, (the confirmation notes" casino discount has been incorporated in the fare") but in any event it is lower $$ than we have ever seen, so we took it. I am hedging my bets that the Explore 4 that I am told will come out soon - can not better this price factoring in how much we drink, OBC etc. In any event, are locked in now but as per what others have explained, will explore the options with HAL as to what adding perks might be and if it is worthwhile to us.

 

No, we didn't. We're too on the fence about what we want to do. I think we're going Greek Island hopping instead.