Negotiate extra benefits before deposit commitments?

[pbinpp]

We have a quote for a cruise to/from South America.  Can we hold out for extra benefits before making our deposit?  The cruise is on NCL and the agent is via the NCL website.

 

[schmoopie17]

Not sure what kinds of "extra benefits" you would expect. Maybe a friend with benefits? A 401K plan, a pension, extra weeks of vacation, good health insurance? 

 

Seriously, though...not sure what you're looking for. The good thing is deposits are refundable until final payment so if you don't get the benefits you want, you can always cancel.

[Liljo22]

The only benefits that change are upping the Cruise First certificates to $500 for $250, double Cruise Next certificates and extra Latitude points on select cruises.  All other perks stay the same.  

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, pbinpp said:

We have a quote for a cruise to/from South America.  Can we hold out for extra benefits before making our deposit?  The cruise is on NCL and the agent is via the NCL website.

 

I've never  heard of anyone successfully negotiating with benefits directly with the cruise line.  Perhaps with a TA ...

[dbrown84]

1 hour ago, schmoopie17 said:

Not sure what kinds of "extra benefits" you would expect. Maybe a friend with benefits? A 401K plan, a pension, extra weeks of vacation, good health insurance? 

 

Seriously, though...not sure what you're looking for. The good thing is deposits are refundable until final payment so if you don't get the benefits you want, you can always cancel.

I just finished scouring the entire NCL T&Cs, and I see no mention of these friends with benefits you speak of.  and I looked twice. LOL

[dbrown84]

Just now, dbrown84 said:

I just finished scouring the entire NCL T&Cs, and I see no mention of these friends with benefits you speak of.  and I looked twice. LOL

[BirdTravels]

1 hour ago, pbinpp said:

We have a quote for a cruise to/from South America.  Can we hold out for extra benefits before making our deposit?  The cruise is on NCL and the agent is via the NCL website.

 

10’s of thousands of passengers cruise each week. They sell out their ships. Take it or leave it. You have zero leverage. 

[PATRLR]

5 hours ago, pbinpp said:

We have a quote for a cruise to/from South America.  Can we hold out for extra benefits before making our deposit?  The cruise is on NCL and the agent is via the NCL website.

 

If I were you, I'd check with some of the online cruise travel agencies.  They typically offer more benefits than NCL direct.  Usually in the form of OBC that the cruise line doesn't offer, but it could be more than that, including a less expensive cruise fare.  Check multiple agencies.

[richmke]

I mention to the NCL Rep that I can book through XYZ, and they will give me ABC. Sometimes they can match (or do a little better). I'm torn between going direct and using a local TA. Sometimes it is easier to get stuff done directly with the cruise line. Sometimes the TA knows stuff I don't know.