UGH! Can't reserve Bungalows or Cabana's!

[azarak]

So I get an email from RCCL just now saying there's a new sale on excursions for my upcoming cruise on Allure. I've been thinking about a Bungalow or Cabana on Labadee because we will be a party of 4 adults and 4 kids. The kids age range from 3 to 8 and I was thinking the younger kids would need a comfy place to nap and relax in the shade. Until today, Bungalows and Cabanas have not been showing up on my excursion list for purchase. Well today I log into my cruise planner and there the Bungalows and Cabanas sit, the prices reflect the "sales price", but it says I have to book on board. WTH? Problem is, if I book on board then that completely defeats the pre cruise sale and I will have to pay full price. I just don't get it. I understand if they're sold out, just take them off the list or stamp "SOLD OUT" across the picture. Don't tease me with an offer I am unable to take advantage of. That just sucks. I guess I will go back to the original plan of get off the ship early, head to either Nellies Beach or Columbus Cove, drag 4-6 beach loungers to the nearest shaded area and set up shop. It'll be way cheaper that way.

[Susie22]

Hello. I would call Royal and reserve with their rep on the phone.

[bouhunter]

I will go back to the original plan of get off the ship early, head to either Nellies Beach or Columbus Cove, drag 4-6 beach loungers to the nearest shaded area and set up shop. It'll be way cheaper that way.

 

Or at least pick up the phone and give it a try.

[cb at sea]

They do leave some available for onboard booking. Not EVERYONE (even in this day and age) does everything on the computer!

[Rala]

They do leave some available for onboard booking. Not EVERYONE (even in this day and age) does everything on the computer!

 

How do you know this, who told you this? Why would they hold some back if they can sell them all ahead of time? I doubt they care if some people do not use computers. If you have some basis in fact for your statement, please let us know.

[Clarea]

... Why would they hold some back if they can sell them all ahead of time? I doubt they care if some people do not use computers ... .

The Shore Excursion people say this, and I believe the company does hold back a small percentage of slots for onboard bookings.

[azarak]

How do you know this, who told you this? Why would they hold some back if they can sell them all ahead of time? I doubt they care if some people do not use computers. If you have some basis in fact for your statement, please let us know.

 

Totally agree. Personally I prefer do to most things via computer. I hate a telephone and try to avoid using it at all cost. Especially having to deal with automated crap, being put on hold with horrible music blaring in my ear, listening to sales pitches, no one speaking good English... I just prefer to reserve/order online and just be done. But in this case I will pick up my phone, go through all of the automated prompts, be put on hold, try to decipher what they're saying and see if I can reserve it via telephone instead of waiting until we board.

[Ourusualbeach]

Totally agree. Personally I prefer do to most things via computer. I hate a telephone and try to avoid using it at all cost. Especially having to deal with automated crap, being put on hold with horrible music blaring in my ear, listening to sales pitches, no one speaking good English... I just prefer to reserve/order online and just be done. But in this case I will pick up my phone, go through all of the automated prompts, be put on hold, try to decipher what they're saying and see if I can reserve it via telephone instead of waiting until we board.

 

If it’s not available to book on line it not be available to book via phone.

[bouhunter]

How do you know this, who told you this? Why would they hold some back if they can sell them all ahead of time? I doubt they care if some people do not use computers. If you have some basis in fact for your statement, please let us know.

 

They do hold open some excursion slots, etc for onboard booking. It's about having some activities available for booking for guests onboard. We were unable to book an excursion online last winter, it showed no availability. Onboard the first day we were able to book it. I guess that's a "basis in fact".......

[bouhunter]

Totally agree. Personally I prefer do to most things via computer. I hate a telephone and try to avoid using it at all cost. Especially having to deal with automated crap, being put on hold with horrible music blaring in my ear, listening to sales pitches, no one speaking good English... I just prefer to reserve/order online and just be done. But in this case I will pick up my phone, go through all of the automated prompts, be put on hold, try to decipher what they're saying and see if I can reserve it via telephone instead of waiting until we board.

 

I called RCCL this morning to change a reservation from one ship to another, different dates. It was a quick, pleasant and productive phone call that accomplished exactly what we wanted while talking to a friendly RCCL employee for just a few minutes.:)

[32cute2me]

I'm trying to book a bungalow as well (for March). It lets me select it and choose how many people but the dates, etc. won't come up. Wonder if this means it's sold out or is there glitch in the website? Anyone had this experience?

 

UPDATE: It turns out you have to select one person, despite how many people will actually be in the bungalow.

Edited August 9, 2018 by 32cute2me
Update

[BillOh]

How do you know this, who told you this? Why would they hold some back if they can sell them all ahead of time? I doubt they care if some people do not use computers. If you have some basis in fact for your statement, please let us know.

 

 

I can verify several instances where they were available after boarding the ship. I got one back in 2015, but that cruise had a lot of last minute cancelations, which also resulted in my only vist from the upgrade fairy.

[Goofyfanatic]

I'm trying to book a bungalow as well (for March). It lets me select it and choose how many people but the dates, etc. won't come up. Wonder if this means it's sold out or is there glitch in the website? Anyone had this experience?

 

UPDATE: It turns out you have to select one person, despite how many people will actually be in the bungalow.

 

From experience I can tell you that it will let you book as more than one person. We did it by accident on the beach lounger for two...I think that is what it is called...and my wife a few days later had the ah ha moment. One quick call to the casino line took care of that mistake. Rep said they get those calls all day long. LOL.

[32cute2me]

From experience I can tell you that it will let you book as more than one person. We did it by accident on the beach lounger for two...I think that is what it is called...and my wife a few days later had the ah ha moment. One quick call to the casino line took care of that mistake. Rep said they get those calls all day long. LOL.

Haha...I almost made the same mistake. I put in 2 people. It tried to charge me for 2 bungalows! I changed it back to one and all was good. It would not, however, let me book for 3 (which to them meant 3 bungalows, not 3 people). Anyway, I'm all good now. Thanks!

[Rala]

Thank you to all who responded...I stand corrected. I really didn't expect a reply from the poster I quoted, so again thank you to all of you who took the time to reply. :D

[ONECRUISER]

They do hold open some excursion slots, etc for onboard booking. It's about having some activities available for booking for guests onboard. We were unable to book an excursion online last winter, it showed no availability. Onboard the first day we were able to book it. I guess that's a "basis in fact".......

Agree. Royal has done this with Shore Excursions for at least 20+ yrs that I'm aware. They always hold some things back to book after boarding ship....