UK/Europe New Cancellation,Transfer Policy & Deposit Increase

[kernow]

Don't remember the old terms ever saying that exactly. The old terms did commit RCI to refund decreases over 2% due to drops in taxes, fees, exchange rates - it does not refer to changes in basic pricing which is what 'price drops' are. Presumably the same conditions apply to all RCI brands in which case they will have to redsign the Celebrity and Azamara websites which actively enable you to upgrade your reservation for either less or more money dependent on current rates. Only last week we could have upgraded our Azamara cruise for a reduced fare but chose instead to phone RCI Weybridge and claim a £400 per person price drop - no quibble.

 

Ken

 

The 2010 Celebrity brochure that I have does not have the same wording as the RCL brochure being quoted here. It still mentions refunds and says they will pay the full amount of a decrease in their costs.

I have also been able to get price drops for my Oct 2009 cruise, perhaps this is something new they are introducing for cruises from 2010?

 

Hopefully Liz will let us all know when she gets clarification.

 

Julie

[Cymro1953]

Have you been on Thomson before?, we went to the Carribean in 2010 with them on all inclusive and I was more than impressed.

They could not do enough for us. It was our first Cruise all inclusive no tips and we were upgraded from an outside to a Suite.

The only reason we are not going with them again is our Daughter needs more activities as she has learning difficulties and her attention span is low

 

Hi,

We were on the Island Escape last year. (I know then she was still under Island Cruises half owned by Thomsons and RCI) But now she is fully in the Thomsons fleet and they haven't changed the style of the cruise.

We're back on her in December to the Canaries and then on Destiny next year for our 30th anniversary.

 

Berwyn

[Garyorient]

TRying to get my head round all of this.

I am a UK TA but haven't been in work for the last couple of days.

 

Difficult to assimilate 3 pages of posts on this thread, but a couple of things occur to me.

 

Firstly, I feel that one of the reason that RCI have increased the deposit is simply because of the proliferation of cancellations this year. Our cancellations for 2008 cruises are about 40% up on 2008 cancellations and I would expect that to be the same throughout the UK industry. I guess they feel that the extra £50 will make it more profitable and more sustainable to accept a cancellation. Not saying that I agree, but that would be my perspective.

 

One question that really concerns me, is what happens if you (as the end user) pays your TA early, but he sits on your money, and does not pay RCI until the required date. Would the end user then be liable for a price increase, despite having already paid (if you get my point).

 

Lots more issues relating to this decision, and I amn sure I will have an interesting disucssion with my RCI representative when he visits me on Wednesday.

 

One thing I will say in defence of RCI, that most of the other tour operators (specifically including the CCS group) charge a deposit of 10% of pre-discounted price, so any cruise package of more than £1500 per person will still attract a higher deposit than RCI.

 

Please do not shoot me down in flames, I'm just making some early observations, possibly without being in full possession of all the facts.

[sidari]

It is sad that RCI have chosen to increase deposits ! but others like princess charge 10% of the cruise price so even at £150 pp it is still reasonable though people in the UK do get a rough deal and not just from the cruise industry!!

 

On page one 1 read that someone was prepared to now wait until closer to a sailing date! ... well we have a med cruise on Brilliance in June which was sold out a few days ago, an outside was today being offered for sale at £1,500 pp which last week was on sale at £1,150 ! so beware that prices may well go up rather than down even in the current economic climate, and the CEO of RCI in an interview said they would rather send ships out with empty cabins than reduce the price!! Will they do it? we will have to wait and see.

[Elizanessie]

I had email back from RCCL UK, "we have made these changes following a great deal of discussion and competitive analysis of other cruise lines UK policies and are happy with the new policies we have put in place."

 

I have to wait till Tuesday though to get clarification on the changes. :(

 

Well tomorrow I will have great deal of discussion with my US TA about my future bookings and will rethink those I currently have with RCCL UK.

 

Sorry RCCL UK but I am not happy one little bit with the new policies put in place :mad:

 

Geez its only May and I have lost count of the amount of RCCL "changes" this year already that have peeved me.

[scottie99]

I think it is a fact that, on these boards we want to remain loyal to RCCL, (after my next cruise on the Jewel in 2 weeks time we will be Diamond.)

 

The problem is that desire does not seem to be reciprocated.

 

The situations highlighted on this thread along with the changes in 'perks' that are allocated to C&A members are helping me to conclude that other lines may appreciate my custom more than RCCL.

 

I have already used P&O 3 times and for my Silver Anniversary in October I am with them again. (Not to mention their much cheaper drink prices, being allowed to take alcohol on board, being able to buy a bottle on board and no 15% gratuity on evrey drink,-it s looking a more attractive option all the time!

[NorbertsNiece]

Me again.

Sigh, again.

I think I got carried away with post cruise blues, new itineraries and the corner aft cabin when I booked over 460 days before our next cruise.

So I've been monitoring for price drops....well a girl gets bored. I need to know whether the conditions under which I purchased this cruise will be honoured. If they've changed the rules can I get my deposit back? Bet I know the answer to that.

I certainly don't see why we should resort to a US TA. I'm trying hard to maintain my cool but am finding it hard. Honouring price drops is something that sets RCCL apart. There's less and less about them that's attractive for a UK cruiser. CC members are only a very small, tiny contingent of people who sail RCCL. How many guests not on CC or other boards are aware of the price drop issue anyway? I'd love to know how the figures stand up.

I'd maybe feel better about the deposit increase if they treated us the same as the US market and refund the whole amount on cancellation. Something about flying pigs springs to mind.

Bah.

[Elizanessie]

Hi Linda

 

I am fed up sighing at RCCL :(

 

I was so excited this week when choosing my cabin for my 50th birthday in 2011 on the Indy..sailing from Southampton..but then I happened to find the changes. Someone had asked me about something and you know how I dislike posting wrong info, hence my checking the booking conditions and thought what the heck when I saw them :eek::eek:

 

At this moment in time I am so mad at RCCL...good job it is bank holiday weekend.

 

Hey a funny thing...I have never ever had a price drop.

[RJL58]

I agree Linda, but they cant institute refundable deposits due to our legal trade rules.

In U.S TA`s cant discount cruises on basic cruise fare,unlike the U.K, they do however "share" there commission by offering OBCredit as an incentive to book with them.

RCL, if you book online offer a discount of 5% off the basic cruise fare, and if you talk to a cruise(RCL)specialist by phone they too can offer OBC to book.

I book my cruise and flights seperate,but pay more that way..

[RJL58]

Liz, I have claimed just 2 price drops with my TA one basic fare reduction and the other for a 55+ reduction AFTER booking and deposit paid.

My Dubia cruise on BrillOS in Jan came down by 230pp on basic fare, and my Ta said RCL will no longer honour price drops, exept on NEW bookings.

 

I am peeved that if I want to move cabin or upgrade to a higher cat I cant under the new rules.

 

I hope that although these rules are in place, they waive them when challanged out of common sense, just like the Diamond Fiasco.........:(

[Elizanessie]

Hi Rich

 

I have changed cabins a few times on my ressies not for price drops but just because of wanting to be near friends etc and the thought that in future we cant do that..well that makes me mad :mad:

 

If you couldnt get price drop recently I wonder when this new policy actually took effect? :confused:

 

I have a strange feeling UK wont back down on this...we havent the numbers to make them sit up and take notice of how upset UK folks here are..and I cant see Miami being interested in us either. :( If this new changes affected everyone worldwide then it would be a whole different ball game.

[coxswain]

Well its the nail in the coffin with me i'll not be booking anything for 2010 - i got a nice price drop about 5 weeks ago for last weeks trip on the Brilliance - i'm sure there will be more changes or charges to come over the summer ( to s### every penny out of us )

 

 

Second Class Royal Caribbean customers !!

 

 

jj.....

[Goldryder]

 

One thing I will say in defence of RCI, that most of the other tour operators (specifically including the CCS group) charge a deposit of 10% of pre-discounted price, so any cruise package of more than £1500 per person will still attract a higher deposit than RCI.

 

Please do not shoot me down in flames, I'm just making some early observations, possibly without being in full possession of all the facts.

 

I have to beg to differ there on the CompleteCruiseSolution (Carnival Group) deposits, in relation to Costa at least.

 

In March I booked a B2B that included flights, came to 2500 quid, one single charge of 100 quid deposit requested/paid - direct with Costa & transferred to my TA a couple days later without admin fees. I then added another 5 day segment to the end of it about a fortnight or so after the original booking, thus making a B2B2B and no further deposit required despite being added as another booking reference (linked to first). Total for entire cruise inc flights came to a tad under 3000 quid, total deposit requested by Costa/CCS was 100.

 

Costa have always kept their deposit at 100 quid regardless as to what sort of cabin grade, length or value of the cruise/package etc. They are one of a handful who still operate the 100 quid deposits but who are in the CCS group of companies.

[kbfromaus]

same problem here is Aus

[NorbertsNiece]

Morning all.

Liz: what dates you on Indy in 2011? Want to bring the family for my 60th...... sssssssssshhhhhh this is strictly between you and me!!

At the rate the recession is going though we may be on the Norfolk Broads in a barge......

Rich : Legal trade rules..... bah! I'm gonna become an MP and have the Jewel as my 2nd home.....

Sandra: We love the RCCL product. But the precruise experience is so unpleasant and fraught with issues. That comment about them being 'happy' with the changes. I'm so glad they're happy. Do they have a guest consultation group? Methinks not.

[peteukmcr]

Hi All

 

Firstly happy Bank Holiday Weekend! The weather looks good today for a change.

 

Anyway, I've been following this thread as looking to book for 2010 as we got such a good price in May 2008 when booking our forthcoming FOS this Sept, but wondered if someone could just summarise a couple of things.

 

Deposit up to £150 pp from 1st June I understand.

 

Do the new rules mean that if having booked online (when no all available cabins seem to show up) and then later I see a better cabin available, I can't change my cabin without the booking be classed as cancelled?

 

If I wanted to change the booking for another sailing, the original booking would be classed as cancelled?

 

If I wanted to add a post cruise stay, the original booking would be cancelled?

 

In other words, any changes would cause the original booking to be cancelled and thus lose my deposit and have to start all over again?

 

Thanks in advance, I think the appearance of the sun may have gone to my head!

[NorbertsNiece]

There must be better things to do on a sunny Sunday in North London.....

just clicked on the RCCL UK site.... you know the bit where on the front page you can click to get important updates there's something which is the link to : New cancellation and transfer policy : states.....

Sorry this page is no longer available.....

I think that also applies to my brain...

[Elizanessie]

just clicked on the RCCL UK site.... you know the bit where on the front page you can click to get important updates there's something which is the link to : New cancellation and transfer policy : states.....

 

Sorry this page is no longer available

 

Geez they were quick getting that link on there...pity it doesnt work mind :rolleyes: I guess we need to wait till Tuesday to get the low down on it.

 

(Linda, Feb13th 2011 for Indy) :D

 

Pete as to the new rules...well we just dont know :confused: till Tuesday.

[kernow]

I have to beg to differ there on the CompleteCruiseSolution (Carnival Group) deposits, in relation to Costa at least.

 

In March I booked a B2B that included flights, came to 2500 quid, one single charge of 100 quid deposit requested/paid - direct with Costa & transferred to my TA a couple days later without admin fees. I then added another 5 day segment to the end of it about a fortnight or so after the original booking, thus making a B2B2B and no further deposit required despite being added as another booking reference (linked to first). Total for entire cruise inc flights came to a tad under 3000 quid, total deposit requested by Costa/CCS was 100.

 

Costa have always kept their deposit at 100 quid regardless as to what sort of cabin grade, length or value of the cruise/package etc. They are one of a handful who still operate the 100 quid deposits but who are in the CCS group of companies.

 

We have booked our upcoming Costa trip with a TA and have also paid only £100 pp deposit for a cruise/air package costing £1400pp.

 

It seems to me RCL only want to be in line with other companies when it suits them, how about the difference in drink prices, alcohol policies, cost of tips etc

 

Julie

[Goldryder]

We have booked our upcoming Costa trip with a TA and have also paid only £100 pp deposit for a cruise/air package costing £1400pp.

 

It seems to me RCL only want to be in line with other companies when it suits them, how about the difference in drink prices, alcohol policies, cost of tips etc

 

Julie

 

I can't comment on RCI drinks etc as I won't and haven't been on one of their ships on principle. However generally the drinks on Costa can be high if bought individually, but there is a way around this. The X1 package for mealtime drinks works out at around 7 euro per day including the service fee, now for example for my cruise next year of 39 days on board it is 355 quid, paid upfront on the final invoice. Sounds alot but when you realise that a soft drink...say coke, with fee is around the 3 euro mark, then it does pay for itself very quickly. The X1 has to be ordered via the line or TA directly whereas the other drinks packages can be ordered online and they are added to the on board account and paid for at the end of the cruise.

 

On Allegra last year in the Far East people did take on alcohol in their carry on bags, they were allowed to do so unless they made an effort to hide it...that was frowned upon and the drinks were confiscated, quite understandable IMHO. I cannot say what the rest of the ships are like as have yet to try other areas of the world.

 

Gratuities are added to the on board account and are not removable,

 

 

Service charges 2009 - for cruises from december 2008 to november 2009

not included:

Transatlantic cruises of November 2009

Grand Oriental cruises of November 2009

Costa Serena 27 November 2009

Costa Pacifica 29 and 30 November 2009

Costa Europa 8 and 11 November 2009

Costa Classica 20 November 2009

Costa Marina 22 November 2009

Costa Allegra 27 November 2009

 

 

For all hotel services a service charge will be added each day to guests' accounts. Payment will only be required at the end of the cruise and depends on how many days the cruise lasts. The amount will be 6.50 euros/day per adult, for all cruises lasting up to 8 nights, or 5 euros/day per adult for longer cruises with the exception of:

- 10 dollars/day per adult for 7-night Caribbean cruises on Costa Fortuna and Costa Atlantica.

- 8 dollars/day per adult, for South American cruises and South America to Europe Transoceanic cruises on Costa Magica, Costa Mediterranea and Costa Romantica.

- 6 dollars/day per adult, for cruises up to 6 nights on Costa Classica and Costa Allegra.

There is no service charge for children under the age of 14, whereas guests between the ages of 14 and 17 will be charged 50% of the above rates.

The entire service charge is set aside by the Company for staff who perform hotel duties on board as an incentive to continually improve the quality of service offered on board Costa ships. Costa Cruises has received SA 8000 international certification for ethical conduct and social accountability.

The service charge is an integral part of the total price of the cruise and therefore the amount cannot be altered.

 

 

Service charges 2010 - for cruises from december 2009 to november 2010

included:

Transatlantic cruises of November 2009

Grand Oriental cruises of November 2009

Costa Serena 27 November 2009

Costa Pacifica 29 and 30 November 2009

Costa Europa 8 and 11 November 2009

Costa Classica 20 November 2009

Costa Marina 22 November 2009

Costa Allegra 27 November 2009

 

 

For all hotel services a mandatory service charge will be added each day to guests' accounts. Payment will be requested only at the end of the cruise and depends on the duration of the cruise. The following charges are applicable:

• 7 euros/day per adult for all cruises up to 8 nights, or 6 euros/day per adult for longer cruises

• 11 dollars/day per adult for Caribbean cruises on Costa Fortuna and Costa Atlantica departing from Fort Lauderdale

• 9 dollars/day per adult for 4-5-6-night mini Far Eastern cruises on Costa Allegra, Costa Classica and Costa Romantica

• 9 dollars/day per adult for South American and spring transatlantic cruises on Costa Concordia, Costa Magica and Costa Victoria

There is no service charge for children under the age of 14, whereas guests between the ages of 14 and 17 will be charged 50% of the above rates. The entire service charge is set aside by the company for staff who perform hotel duties on board as an incentive to continue improving the quality of service offered on Costa ships. Costa Cruises has received SA 8000 international certification for ethical conduct and social accountability. The service charge is an integral part of the total price of the cruise and therefore the amount cannot be altered.

 

 

Hope that is of some assistance :)

[dual]

may i enquire whether uk based cruisers can book their cruises via a U.S TA at all?

[kernow]

Goldryder, we had the x1 on our previous Costa cruise and loved it, I wish other lines would offer something similar.

The service charge is a good deal for us too as my son is 14 and only pays half price.

 

Don't get me wrong, I love RCL but with all the changes they are making I'm not sure they will remain my favourite cruise line.

 

Julie

[RJL58]

may i enquire whether uk based cruisers can book their cruises via a U.S TA at all?

 

YES we can, any of the U.S online travel agents will accept your bookings.

I also think the Miami RCL resevations will also accept U.K paxs. I use to do it this way and pick up my tickets at the pier at the last minute on good deals.

You just have to be prepared to spend on long distance phone calls and understand that you final payment is not gareenteed if somthing should go wrong. Wether your creditcard comp would help I dont know that one...

[Elizanessie]

may i enquire whether uk based cruisers can book their cruises via a U.S TA at all?

 

Oh yes we most certainly can use a US TA :D

 

Of my 4 cruises currently booked ..2 of them are booked with my US TA :D while the other 2 are booked wih RCCL UK.

 

I email my US TA or chat with her on Instant Message,also I have an internet phone which I can use for really cheap calls to USA for giving credit card details etc to my US TA. :D

 

Up until now I have split my bookings between UK & US but for future bookings due to this new policy I will be booking with US TA :D

[Mydnite]

may i enquire whether uk based cruisers can book their cruises via a U.S TA at all?

 

There is no reason why you cannot, but RCL in the US will not take a direct booking and some TAs do not want to take a UK booking.