4 Comments Allure of the Seas to Debut in December, 2010

1. Faraz

   February 11th, 2010 at 6:51 am

   1

   Thought it was interesting that pricing for Allure of the Seas was low at $999.

   At some point, cruisers might tire of the very large ship appeal and not be willing to spend top dollar for the experience. But I don’t get why RCL discounted this ship right off the bat.

2. Michael

   February 16th, 2010 at 8:51 am

   2

   I was going to sail with Royal Caribbean but since I very rudely got the shaft by their sales department, I will be looking elsewhere. I called last night to check the availability of 2 cabins but needed to verify with my wife on the dates of the cruise. It was too late to call back so I called first thing in the morning. They raised the prices by over $600!!!! The same cabins are still available but 12 hours later they want to stick it to me on the price. The sales person very smugly told me “supply and demand” so too bad. I do not buy it. That is no way to treat a potential customer.

   I say no thank you to Royal Caribbean. I will take my business elsewhere.

3. Anne Campbell

   February 16th, 2010 at 9:11 am

   3

   Michael….

   Royal Caribbean wasn’t trying to cheat you. All cruise lines use “yield management” just as the airlines do. This is a computerized program that adjusts fares as cabins are sold. A few cabins are sold and, because there is less supply of that category, the price goes up.

   Once I saw a terrific deal on a cruise that included airfare so I called the cruise line’s reservations departments. I was told there was ONE cabin left in that category and when it was gone, the old fares would apply.

   A friend wanted to book a great deal, had to wait a few hours to check with her husband, and when she went back the fare increased. This was at a website travel agency.

   And reservations agents — whether Royal Caribbean’s or those found in travel agencies — have no control of cruise prices. They are set by the cruise line.

4. Michael

   February 16th, 2010 at 4:49 pm

   4

   Saying that this is the way the cruise lines sell their cabins doesn’t make it an ethical practice. The only way to teach these greedy impersonal corporations is to vote with your wallet.

   I will not support an industry that treats its customers the way I was treated.

   The airlines at least post the current available fare on their web site. The cruise line purposely posts rates that are not available. That is called “bait and switch”

   I will certainly tell all of my friends of my experience with RCCL and hope eventually the cruise lines learn.

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