Upcoming changes to NRD (non-refundable deposit) program

[AtlantaCruiser72]

I don't have all the details, but the NRD (non-refundable deposit) program terms are changing effective June 1st.  Any reservations made on or after June 1st 2022 booked with a NRD that are cancelled prior to final payment will no longer receive FCC (less the $100pp admin fee), the full amount of the deposit will now be forfeit.  No word on what happens with the NRD if a client wants to change ship/date prior to final payment.  Any reservations made on or before 5/31/2022 will still follow the existing guidelines for future changes/cancellations.

 

This was given to agents in my company via an internal email, not a corporate communication from Royal.  If I get more details I will come back and post on this thread.

[HicksRA]

That could be pretty painful for TAs and long bookings. You’d lose $900!  

[Babr]

I’m thinking that Royal is looking for a way to stop the flow of money out. Since the pandemic, they have allowed refunds, they’ve paid Covid expenses- even private transportation, they’ve gone the last mile to incentivize people to return to cruising.

 

Now they have to save themselves, but it will come as a rude awakening to customers who have become accustomed to the free ride.

[A&L_Ont]

If this comes to be, RC better bring back the option of refundable deposits for suites.  

[AtlantaCruiser72]

1 minute ago, A&L_Ont said:

If this comes to be, RC better bring back the option of refundable deposits for suites.  

Refundable deposits for suites have always been available - either by calling the contact center, your PVP, or booking through a knowledgeable travel agent.  That said they come at a significant increase in price, even more so than non-suite categories.

[HicksRA]

1 minute ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

Refundable deposits for suites have always been available - either by calling the contact center, your PVP, or booking through a knowledgeable travel agent.  That said they come at a significant increase in price, even more so than non-suite categories.

Yes. I was told by a rep once that I could get a refundable deposit on a GS but the price quoted was almost double. I passed. 

[molly361]

They must also be trying to get away from FCC's  My TA just cancelled a sailing for me for tomorrow due to my having COVID and their policy states either a refund OR a FCC and he was told refund only no FCC option  I was just going to roll the FCC onto a new booing he had just made 

 

 

[molly361]

6 minutes ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

Refundable deposits for suites have always been available - either by calling the contact center, your PVP, or booking through a knowledgeable travel agent.  That said they come at a significant increase in price, even more so than non-suite categories.

I thought that they even discontinued that policy a while ago?  Have you done that lately?

Edited May 27, 2022 by molly361

[AtlantaCruiser72]

3 minutes ago, molly361 said:

I thought that they even discontinued that policy a while ago?  Have you done that lately?

 

Here's a screenshot of suite availability for a random 2023 sailing on the Allure (5.7.23) from the Travel Agent booking system.  So yes, it's still possible though usually not at all beneficial financially.  "STANDARD" is the rate code used for fully refundable deposit suite bookings and may or may not combine with other discounts/offers.  The "Best Rate" represents the NRD fare along with any other discounts/promos available in the market.

 

[molly361]

7 minutes ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

 

Here's a screenshot of suite availability for a random 2023 sailing on the Allure (5.7.23) from the Travel Agent booking system.  So yes, it's still possible though usually not at all beneficial financially.  "STANDARD" is the rate code used for fully refundable deposit suite bookings and may or may not combine with other discounts/offers.  The "Best Rate" represents the NRD fare along with any other discounts/promos available in the market.

 

Thanks   A lot of them have the same rate standard or best rate

[Babr]

5 minutes ago, molly361 said:

Thanks   A lot of them have the same rate standard or best rate

Looks like only the ones waitlisted. Not likely to get a discount on those.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

2 minutes ago, molly361 said:

Thanks   A lot of them have the same rate standard or best rate

I did my search based on double occupancy.  The categories marked WLT in orange are either sold out or are not available for double occupancy booking and as such will show same price in both columns, so those need to be ignored.  Only the categories that show AVL or GTY in green followed by a number in parenthesis (which represents the # of available rooms) are actually available to book for double occupancy, and for those you can see the significant difference in pricing between Best Rate and STANDARD

[FionaMG]

I'm sure they'll find a way to tell us this enhances our cruise experience. 

 

That said, deposits have pretty much always been non-refundable on this side of the pond and forfeited if you cancel the booking. That's one of the reasons we are all so used to buying travel insurance over here, since most of the time it's how we get our deposits back if we do have to cancel.

 

I wonder if this will push up sales at Next Cruise if they continue to have the $100 deposits.

[The sea calls my name]

1 hour ago, A&L_Ont said:

If this comes to be, RC better bring back the option of refundable deposits for suites.  

Not just suites, all cabin categories. No one wants to lose $500-$900.

[Babr]

1 hour ago, molly361 said:

They must also be trying to get away from FCC's  My TA just cancelled a sailing for me for tomorrow due to my having COVID and their policy states either a refund OR a FCC and he was told refund only no FCC option  I was just going to roll the FCC onto a new booing he had just made 

 

 

I think you are right. FCC is a liability that stays on the books until it is used or it expires. Getting away from them cleans up the accounting.

[nelblu]

1 hour ago, molly361 said:

They must also be trying to get away from FCC's  My TA just cancelled a sailing for me for tomorrow due to my having COVID and their policy states either a refund OR a FCC and he was told refund only no FCC option  I was just going to roll the FCC onto a new booing he had just made 

 

 

What is funny, I get e-mails from Royal UK for promos, and a couple of days ago got these promos and one of the selling points is "Cruise with Confidence" program.   Tried to ascertain the period this covers, but could not unless I'm having a senior moment.

 

Is this June 1 policy for US only.  I guess, I'll have to book future cruises while on board as the exposure is only $100, unless there are changes forthcoming to this also.

 

 

To:

 

Wed, May 25 at 2:11 AM

 

 

Stop wondering and start exploring View in Browser Call us at 0344 493 4005 (Local charges apply)   PLAN A CRUISE   CRUISE DEALS   You deserve a getaway! A few days ago you were looking for an adventure to explore the world with us. We do not want you to miss the opportunity to live the adventure of your life. Discover new destinations aboard Royal Caribbean.     CALL US LOCAL CHARGES APPLY       DISCOVER ALL OUR DEALS       BOOK ONLINE     TERMS & CONDITIONS Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, oritineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. For full terms and conditions, please click here. GENERAL For general booking terms and conditions, guarantee exclusions, cancellation charges & other information and full terms and conditions please refer to the Royal Caribbean brochure relevant to your travel period, contact your travel agent or visit https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en?country=GBR. E-MAIL INFORMATION If you would like to update your e-mail address, or to unsubscribe, click here. PRIVACY POLICY Read our Privacy Policy. Promoter is the Ship Operator of the applicable cruise which shall be either RCL Cruises LTD, Royal Caribbean International, incorporated in England and Wales with number 07366612 and registered office at Building 3, The Heights, Brooklands Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0NY, United Kingdom, or Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, a Liberian company with offices at 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132-2096, USA.

Edited May 27, 2022 by nelblu

[wayne_trisha]

6 hours ago, Babr said:

I’m thinking that Royal is looking for a way to stop the flow of money out. Since the pandemic, they have allowed refunds, they’ve paid Covid expenses- even private transportation, they’ve gone the last mile to incentivize people to return to cruising.

 

Now they have to save themselves, but it will come as a rude awakening to customers who have become accustomed to the free ride.

I think it is going to be a rude awakening to RCCL. 

[ngrund]

6 hours ago, The sea calls my name said:

Not just suites, all cabin categories. No one wants to lose $500-$900.

Yes, but for a refundable deposit, (in my experience) the fare is higher by almost as much as the deposit

[Ashland]

7 hours ago, molly361 said:

They must also be trying to get away from FCC's  My TA just cancelled a sailing for me for tomorrow due to my having COVID and their policy states either a refund OR a FCC and he was told refund only no FCC option  I was just going to roll the FCC onto a new booing he had just made 

 

 

Feel better and soon.

[sfaaa]

4 hours ago, wayne_trisha said:

I think it is going to be a rude awakening to RCCL. 

It will depend on whether RCCL competitors will be following RCCL's lead and do the same. I hope not.

[ONECRUISER]

10 hours ago, nelblu said:

What is funny, I get e-mails from Royal UK for promos, and a couple of days ago got these promos and one of the selling points is "Cruise with Confidence" program.   Tried to ascertain the period this covers, but could not unless I'm having a senior moment.

 

Is this June 1 policy for US only.  I guess, I'll have to book future cruises while on board as the exposure is only $100, unless there are changes forthcoming to this also.

 

 

To:

 

Wed, May 25 at 2:11 AM

 

 

Stop wondering and start exploring View in Browser Call us at 0344 493 4005 (Local charges apply)   PLAN A CRUISE   CRUISE DEALS   You deserve a getaway! A few days ago you were looking for an adventure to explore the world with us. We do not want you to miss the opportunity to live the adventure of your life. Discover new destinations aboard Royal Caribbean.     CALL US LOCAL CHARGES APPLY       DISCOVER ALL OUR DEALS       BOOK ONLINE     TERMS & CONDITIONS Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, oritineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. For full terms and conditions, please click here. GENERAL For general booking terms and conditions, guarantee exclusions, cancellation charges & other information and full terms and conditions please refer to the Royal Caribbean brochure relevant to your travel period, contact your travel agent or visit https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en?country=GBR. E-MAIL INFORMATION If you would like to update your e-mail address, or to unsubscribe, click here. PRIVACY POLICY Read our Privacy Policy. Promoter is the Ship Operator of the applicable cruise which shall be either RCL Cruises LTD, Royal Caribbean International, incorporated in England and Wales with number 07366612 and registered office at Building 3, The Heights, Brooklands Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0NY, United Kingdom, or Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, a Liberian company with offices at 1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132-2096, USA.

Yes, in Full Term link says: Applies to new bookings made between 27 May 2022 to 31 May 2022

Edited May 28, 2022 by ONECRUISER

[ONECRUISER]

12 hours ago, molly361 said:

They must also be trying to get away from FCC's  My TA just cancelled a sailing for me for tomorrow due to my having COVID and their policy states either a refund OR a FCC and he was told refund only no FCC option  I was just going to roll the FCC onto a new booing he had just made 

 

 

Canceled a Cruise Couple weeks ago expecting FCC, instead a Refund in my acct this week... Hope you get Well Soon

[Cruise Gopher]

Another reason to book with a TA who has access to group rates that are always refundable deposits. 

[pcur]

I called C&A today.  I was told the CWC policy is ending on 5/31, as stated above, and the cancellation/change policies would revert back to pre-pandemic.  FCCs will be gone, and the $100 change fee per person remains. 

 

 

[Biker19]

1 hour ago, pcur said:

I called C&A today.  I was told the CWC policy is ending on 5/31

Except that unless RCI publishes something official, bookings before 3/31 have CWC protection till at least 9/30.