Royal Caribbean International is making it much easier to book early and still get the best price on a cruise. Cruisers won’t have to wait until the last minute to grab the best deal, a trend that has escalated since cruise lines lowered rates due to the recession.
If the guest then finds a lower fare advertised by Royal Caribbean for the same ship, sail-date and stateroom category, they can receive the difference in price as an onboard credit to spend on cocktails, spa services, specialty dining and other shipboard purchases. Any dollars not spent will be refunded at the conclusion of the cruise.
Available until 72 hours prior to sailing, booked passengers who find a lower fare simply notify either Royal Caribbean or their travel agent who will apply for the best fare.
Royal Caribbean and Carnival are the only two cruise lines offering this special incentive.
22 September
Cruise Deals
Cruise 1st offer a range of cruise deals all over the world.
Find cruises to suit your tastes and destinations at expedia.com
ShipCritic Blog is a labor of love by Anne Campbell, a journalist who has been covering the cruise industry since 1993. Why a blog? This newfangled technology is the best way of interacting with cruisers, both first timers and veterans, who also share a passion for seeing the world by ship.
4 Comments Royal Caribbean Offers Price Guarantee
Kaj
October 9th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
1I appreciate you comments and the valuable information from you sight for those of us on a tight budget but find cruising as the best way to see the world.
I am looking for your opinion on the best “discount” sites for find cruise deals in advance vs. a month or two before.
Thanks,
A Cruising Novis
Anne Campbell
October 9th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
2My favorite discount site is “Cruise Compete” which is really a reverse auction. This is how it works. You put in your preferred ship, sailing date and itinerary and travel agents bid on your business. At no time does the agent have acess to your email or any private information. It’s you who decides to initiate contact. Of course you’re under no obligation to book. If you decide you like a travel agent’s offer, then you proceed as you would on any cruise line booking.
Because cruisers decided to book at the last minute last year, several cruise lines have smartened up. Instead off adding their cheapest rates close to departure, they’re offering discount rates now. Princess and NCL are doing this the best.
Keep in mind that Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara can never discount a penny below the cruise line rate (which may be discosunted).
Carnival also has a super program to protect your rate. If you sign up for this program (it’s free), the cruise line will guarantee you the best price the the cruise sells for. For example, if you buy a seven-day June, 2010 Carnival cruise today for $1500 for two, if Carnival is later selling the same cruise at a lower price — $1000 for two — you’re cruise fare will be adjusted and the price of your ticket comes down to $1000.
I like to get on the mailing lists of several tavel agencies. That way deals arrive in my inbox. Cruises Only, Cruise.com, Cruise Brother, Vacations to Go, and American Vacation Center are among my favorite.
Hope this helps!
Anne
MzzJax
October 24th, 2009 at 10:02 am
3hey that sounds very interesting i have never heard about that cruise auction type thing before, but ill be having a look into that.
Hate Royal Carribean Service
November 10th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
4If your trip goes smoothly, you will probably think this is the best cruising ship out there…
but if you are one of the unlucky few to get double charged, decide to upgrade after your initial purchase or are just unlucky with these sort of things…
BE PREPARED TO HAVE A LONG ARDUOUS RECONCILIATION PROCESS.
Service on complaints is slow and unhelpful followed by non resolution. BE WARE!!!!
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