Nonrefundable Deposit Terms

Not sure if anyone else has shared the terms of the Nonrefundable Deposit Program that started today. On the cruise I booked today it was $100 difference PP.

Here are the terms in case they haven't been shared yet:

"Nonrefundable Deposit Program A booking made under the non-refundable deposit cruise fare rate (an "NRD Booking") requires the payment of a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. The deposit is not refundable at any time after it has been paid. Payment of full deposit and full name are required for each guest at the time of booking. Deposit made toward Guarantees and Suites excluding Sky Suites are non-refundable and subject to NRD Booking terms. Each time the guest changes the ship or sail date of an NRD Booking prior to the final payment due date, payments made towards the NRD Booking will be applied to the balance of the modified booking and a $100USD per person service fee will be charged to the modified booking. If the guest cancels an NRD Booking prior to the final payment due date, the cancellation terms of the cruise ticket contract apply, and Celebrity Cruises will issue a future cruise credit in the amount of the deposit paid minus a $100USD per person service fee to the guest named on the cancelled NRD Booking (the "FCC"). The FCC is applicable only towards the purchase of a Celebrity Cruises cruise and expires 12-months after the issue date (the "Expiration Date"). Any amount remaining after the Expiration Date will be void and forfeited. The FCC is non-transferable, non-refundable, and not redeemable for any other form of compensation, credit, or cash. For NRD Bookings that require a deposit of $100USD or less, no FCC or any other compensation or credit of any kind will be issued. Offer available to residents of United States and Canada. Prices are subject to availability, subject to change without notice; capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time. Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice. © 2017 Celebrity Cruises, Inc. Ships' Registry: Malta and Ecuador."

Thank you for posting. It is nice to see what the terms actually are. The $100 change fee may be an issue for many.

I just read your other post and with respect to the small difference ($100) in the price between refundable and non-refundable the entire process does not make a lot of sense. Personally, in order to accept the NR option I would need a significantly larger incentive to accept that option.

Thank you very much for posting this information! It’s very helpful to be able to read the terms before trying to make a decision about a new booking.

Thank you very much for posting this information! It’s very helpful to be able to read the terms before trying to make a decision about a new booking.

I know - I was so excited to score the cabin that I wanted that I didn't dare take too much time to make my decision about refundable vs. nonrefundable deposits. I finally decided to pay the $100 PP extra for refundable and not worry about the details.

Not sure if anyone else has shared the terms of the Nonrefundable Deposit Program that started today. On the cruise I booked today it was $100 difference PP.

 

Here are the terms in case they haven't been shared yet:

 

"Nonrefundable Deposit Program A booking made under the non-refundable deposit cruise fare rate (an "NRD Booking") requires the payment of a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. The deposit is not refundable at any time after it has been paid. Payment of full deposit and full name are required for each guest at the time of booking. Deposit made toward Guarantees and Suites excluding Sky Suites are non-refundable and subject to NRD Booking terms. Each time the guest changes the ship or sail date of an NRD Booking prior to the final payment due date, payments made towards the NRD Booking will be applied to the balance of the modified booking and a $100USD per person service fee will be charged to the modified booking. If the guest cancels an NRD Booking prior to the final payment due date, the cancellation terms of the cruise ticket contract apply, and Celebrity Cruises will issue a future cruise credit in the amount of the deposit paid minus a $100USD per person service fee to the guest named on the cancelled NRD Booking (the "FCC"). The FCC is applicable only towards the purchase of a Celebrity Cruises cruise and expires 12-months after the issue date (the "Expiration Date"). Any amount remaining after the Expiration Date will be void and forfeited. The FCC is non-transferable, non-refundable, and not redeemable for any other form of compensation, credit, or cash. For NRD Bookings that require a deposit of $100USD or less, no FCC or any other compensation or credit of any kind will be issued. Offer available to residents of United States and Canada. Prices are subject to availability, subject to change without notice; capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time. Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice. © 2017 Celebrity Cruises, Inc. Ships' Registry: Malta and Ecuador."

Are these terms for FCC ( open booking)?

Are these terms for FCC ( open booking)?

This is what the terms were this morning when I booked a new cruise. I interpreted the FCC as Future Cruise Credit that I would receive if I had a nonrefundable deposit and cancelled before final payment (would receive FCC for deposit minus $100 PP). I could be wrong.

What OBC did you receive with the new booking, please?

Thank you for posting. It is nice to see what the terms actually are. The $100 change fee may be an issue for many.

 

I just read your other post and with respect to the small difference ($100) in the price between refundable and non-refundable the entire process does not make a lot of sense. Personally, in order to accept the NR option I would need a significantly larger incentive to accept that option.

It is the frog and the hot water. You raise the temperature little by little until...

Guaranteed the difference won't be $100 in the future. And the spread won't be with the non-refundable going down, but the refundable...well, like the frog in the water.

What OBC did you receive with the new booking, please?

You have a choice of 1 perk - one is OBC of $150 per person. You can also do Go Better or Go Best for a higher rate.

It is the frog and the hot water. You raise the temperature little by little until...

 

Guaranteed the difference won't be $100 in the future. And the spread won't be with the non-refundable going down, but the refundable...well, like the frog in the water.

Agree..but for now paying $100 for greater flexibility would be worth it to us..

I have a feeling this option will soon go by the wayside like a lot of their recent changes.

No way would I choose this. I prefer to be flexible.

So Celebrity is going the way of the Airlines. I wonder if they will charge for baggage next?

I'm still confused about the rules for suites. I'd call Celebrity but doubt I'd get a straight answer. It will be a couple of more weeks until the cruise we want to book is available so will be watching for updates to the new rules.

I have a feeling this option will soon go by the wayside like a lot of their recent changes.

 

 

 

No way would I choose this. I prefer to be flexible.

I agree' date=' plus $100 per PERSON change fee? That's crazy.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

It's not clear if the $100 change fee per person applies when the price goes down on the cruise you've booked and you want to re-book at the lower rate. It's not stated that it applies in this situation. If the change fee applies, that's a reason not to book with the NRD as we've had several cruises drop in price after booking, and some a couple of times.

Not sure if anyone else has shared the terms of the Nonrefundable Deposit Program that started today. On the cruise I booked today it was $100 difference PP.

 

Here are the terms in case they haven't been shared yet:

 

"Nonrefundable Deposit Program A booking made under the non-refundable deposit cruise fare rate (an "NRD Booking") requires the payment of a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. The deposit is not refundable at any time after it has been paid. Payment of full deposit and full name are required for each guest at the time of booking. Deposit made toward Guarantees and Suites excluding Sky Suites are non-refundable and subject to NRD Booking terms. Each time the guest changes the ship or sail date of an NRD Booking prior to the final payment due date, payments made towards the NRD Booking will be applied to the balance of the modified booking and a $100USD per person service fee will be charged to the modified booking. If the guest cancels an NRD Booking prior to the final payment due date, the cancellation terms of the cruise ticket contract apply, and Celebrity Cruises will issue a future cruise credit in the amount of the deposit paid minus a $100USD per person service fee to the guest named on the cancelled NRD Booking (the "FCC"). The FCC is applicable only towards the purchase of a Celebrity Cruises cruise and expires 12-months after the issue date (the "Expiration Date"). Any amount remaining after the Expiration Date will be void and forfeited. The FCC is non-transferable, non-refundable, and not redeemable for any other form of compensation, credit, or cash. For NRD Bookings that require a deposit of $100USD or less, no FCC or any other compensation or credit of any kind will be issued. Offer available to residents of United States and Canada. Prices are subject to availability, subject to change without notice; capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time. Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice. © 2017 Celebrity Cruises, Inc. Ships' Registry: Malta and Ecuador."

Just to clarify: the NRD option means a $100 fee if one CHANGES the ship or date. The NRD does NOT mean that one could CANCEL the cruise before the final payment due date and receive a {FULL-$100} refund of the deposit???

In other words, those who book several cruises, just to "lock in " their favorite cabins for instance, can no longer expect to get their deposit back if they cancel before the final payment due date, if the NRD option is selected?

It also sounds like Trip Insurance from Celebrity would have to start with the date of the initial deposit (if NRD is used), and be paid for at that time, rather than paid for and commencing at the time of the final payment date (also to make the waiver for "Pre-existing Conditions" work properly), since there is now a financial risk to cancel even before the final payment due date. So ... the risk of using NRD and cancelling (for a reason not covered by insurance) could be loss of deposit and loss of the Travel Insurance fee?

God forbid for Celebrity to make it all clear.. Ask 100 people and will get 100 different answers.

I think TAs will know best.

I have a feeling this option will soon go by the wayside like a lot of their recent changes.

 

No way would I choose this. I prefer to be flexible.

It will stay - just as it has with RCI

Here is some more information that I am copying and pasting on the NRD

NEW SAILINGS NEW SAVINGS

Non Refundable Deposit

When you book any of our new 2019-20 vacations by May 31, 2018, you can save up to $300* with our New Sailings NewSavings offer. Your savings amount is based on the length of your sailing.

Plus, if you book an ocean view stateroom or higher, the first two guests in your stateroom each choose one free perk.

*Book Suite Class and the first two guests get all four perks with an upgrade to Premium Beverage Packages.

*THE PERKS:

• Classic Beverage Package • Unlimited Wi-Fi • Prepaid Tips • $150 to spend on board

When you take advantage of this offer, your deposit will be nonrefundable, but you’ll enjoy the flexibility of changing your ship and sail date with just a $100 per person change fee.

Savings Amount (per Stateroom) Varies by Length of Sailing:

• 4 to 5 nights, $100

• 6 to 8 nights, $200

• 9 nights or more, $300

Booking Window:

Nov. 28,2017 - May 31, 2018

* Cruise must be booked Nov. 28, 2017 – May 31, 2018 (the “Offer Period”). Offer applies to select 4-night and longer cruises that first open for sale between Oct. 17, 2017 andDec. 12, 2017 and that depart May 1, 2019 - April 30, 2020. Offer excludes Galapagos, repositioning, transatlantic and transpacific cruises. Non-refundable deposit booking(“NRDB”) cancelled prior to final payment due date will receive a future cruise credit in the amount of the deposit minus a $100 per person service fee. FCC is non-transferableand expires after 12-months from issue date. $100 per person service fee applies to changes to NRDB ship or sail date. Savings amount is per stateroom and based on length ofvoyage: $100 for 4 to 5 nights; $200 for 6 to 8 nights; $300 for 9 nights or longer. Savings will be applied to the cruise fare, of the first guest named in the stateroom, at checkout.Promo name is EBO NO REF DEP. 50% Off Savings: Savings applies to the cruise fare of the third, fourth, and fifth passengers booked in a triple, quad, or family ocean view,veranda, Concierge Class or suite stateroom. 50% Off Savings is not applicable to Cruisetours or Celebrity Explorations. Promo name is T4S NO REF DEP Perk Offer: Each of thefirst two guests in a qualifying ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass stateroom are eligible to receive one complimentary amenity: Classic Beverage Package,Unlimited Internet Package, $150 per person onboard credit (“OBC”), or Prepaid Gratuities. For an additional charge, guests may receive two amenities or all four amenities withan upgrade to the Premium Beverage package. Charge varies by number of cruise nights. All guests in the same stateroom must select the same options and provide Celebritywith the selected options at the time of booking. Promo codes are not required. Each of the first two guests in a qualifying suite booking are eligible to receive four complimentaryamenities: Premium Beverage Package, Unlimited Internet Package, $150 per person onboard credit (“OBC”), and Prepaid Gratuities. Guests with Internet Packages will receiveinstructions for Internet access in their staterooms on the first day of the cruise.OBC option: Guests’ stateroom folios will be credited with an OBC. OBC has no cash value, isapplicable to cruise only, non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and will expire if not used by 10:00 PM on the final night of the cruise. Prepaid Gratuities option providesfor prepaid stateroom, waiter, assistant waiter, and headwaiter gratuities in the amount suggested by Celebrity’s guidelines. Gratuities will be applied to the reservation within10 days of booking date. Offer applies to new individual bookings and to staterooms in non-contracted group bookings, which must be named and deposited during the OfferPeriod. Offer is capacity controlled, availability varies by sailing, and eligible staterooms may sell out. All offers are non-transferable and applicable only to the Offer Cruise. Offeris not combinable with Book & Go Packages, Exciting Deals, Interline, senior, loyalty, resident, net, travel agent, and employee rates. No refunds or credits will be granted forunused options. Offer and prices are subject to availability and change without notice, capacity controlled, and not applicable to charters or contracted groups. Single occupancybookings are eligible for the Offer. Changes to booking may result in removal of Offer. Travel Agents: Group bookings that are named prior to the start date of the Offer cannot be cancelled and rebooked under this Offer.Refer to celebritycruises.com and the Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Celebrity reserves the right to cancel the Offer at any time, correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, and change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice. ©2017 Celebrity Cruises.Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. 17059546 • 11/17

Here is a copy and paste of some of the information that my travel agent received from Celebrity which answers some of the questions about the nonrefundable fare promotion. This applies to the U.S. I do not know if it applies outside of the U.S. under the new nonrefundable promotion for bookings.

Non-Refundable Promos FAQ’s

Guests should be advised that the deposit is non-refundable from the time deposit is received and/or booking is placed in “BK” status. Any changes to the ship and/or sailing date will require a $100 USD or $127 CAD per person change fee, depending on the currency of the booking. After the Final Payment date, normal penalty policy applies and no change fees will be assessed.

What are the key benefits of non-refundable deposit fares?

When confirming a cruise reservation with the early savings, guests who opt to take advantage of nonrefundable deposit fares will automatically qualify for an early savings offer. The best part is that the early booking credit is combinable with the Go BBB offer available at the time of booking, offering guests the ability to stack on additional savings for the best deal out there!

When will non-refundable deposit fares be available to book and will they be available on all ships fleet-wide?

As of November 28, 2017, the fleet-wide launch of non-refundable deposit fares will debut across most of our ships as the deployment schedules are released. Non-refundable promotions will be available to all sailings with the Go Big, Go Better, Go Best perks. Nonrefundable promotions will not be available for itineraries 4 nights or less, Galapagos,Transatlantic, Transpacific, and Repositioning sailings.

What types of staterooms will be eligible for the non-refundable promotions?

Oceanview staterooms and above will be eligible on most sailings deployed on or after November 28, 2017.

Will guests still be able to take advantage of reduced deposit offers?Since the deposit amount for non-refundable fare will be held if the booking cancels, we require FULL deposit be made for any booking being created with or changing to the non-refundable rate.

If a guest books a non-refundable fare and later prefers to change to a refundable rate, will the booking remain under non-refundable status?

Yes. Any booking originally created as non-refundable will maintain this status for the life of the reservation, regardless of subsequent category changes.

What other promotions can the non-refundable fare be booked with?

The non-refundable fare offer is combinable with other non-refundable promos that allow combinability, onboard booking offers. All offers are not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to,Travel Agent, Exciting Deals, Net Rates, and Travel Agent Friends and Family.

Is the onboard credit refundable?

No, the OBC is in USD, has no cash value, is non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and will expire if not used by 10:00 PM on the last evening of the cruise.

Changes to Booking

Can a guest move from a non-refundable fare to a refundable price?

Guests can move from one to another, but once a non-refundable deposit program is selected, the booking retains the deposit amount in penalty no matter what other price is chosen.Additionally, if a guest moves from a non-refundable fare to a refundable fare, they would lose any “savings” or promos associated with the non-refundable fare – reassessed if they qualify for other promos onboard credit that was being added as part of the non-refundable rate.

How will name changes to a booking be affected if the booking has a non-refundable fare?As long as one name on the booking remains the same, there is no change fee or penalty impact. Only if the booking is cancelled, or goes below the original occupancy will the nonrefundable deposit penalty be withheld.

What happens to the NRP savings if a guest changes to a refundable rate?

If a guest changes from a non-refundable rate to a refundable rate, they would lose any savings that was offered as part of the non-refundable rate since it is specifically attached to the nonrefundable deposit price code.

What is the process/policy for bookings with a Non-Refundable Program that change ship and sailing date?

Regardless of if the change generates more revenue, the change fee of $100 USD or $127 CAD per person change fee, depending on the currency of the booking, must be added. This change fee option code will only be applied if they are changing ship/date. No change fee if moving to another cat on same sailing, or re-pricing on same sailing.

Cancellation

If a booking with a Non-Refundable Program cancels after the final payment, within the normal deposit penalty, will they still receive the FCC for the deposit less the $100 USD or $127 CAD perperson service fee, depending on the booking currency?

After final payment date, normal cancellation penalty schedules apply. No FCC’s will be issued.

Just to clarify: the NRD option means a $100 fee if one CHANGES the ship or date. The NRD does NOT mean that one could CANCEL the cruise before the final payment due date and receive a {FULL-$100} refund of the deposit???

 

 

In other words, those who book several cruises, just to "lock in " their favorite cabins for instance, can no longer expect to get their deposit back if they cancel before the final payment due date, if the NRD option is selected?

 

It also sounds like Trip Insurance from Celebrity would have to start with the date of the initial deposit (if NRD is used), and be paid for at that time, rather than paid for and commencing at the time of the final payment date (also to make the waiver for "Pre-existing Conditions" work properly), since there is now a financial risk to cancel even before the final payment due date. So ... the risk of using NRD and cancelling (for a reason not covered by insurance) could be loss of deposit and loss of the Travel Insurance fee?

It is confusing, but my interpretation is that if you cancel before final payment, you will receive your deposit minus $100 PP as a Future Cruise Credit (If I put down a $500 deposit I should get a $300 FCC if cancel before final payment), It would have to be used within 12 months. This is the paragraph that states that (I think ;)):

"If the guest cancels an NRD Booking prior to the final payment due date, the cancellation terms of the cruise ticket contract apply, and Celebrity Cruises will issue a future cruise credit in the amount of the deposit paid minus a $100USD per person service fee to the guest named on the cancelled NRD Booking (the "FCC"). The FCC is applicable only towards the purchase of a Celebrity Cruises cruise and expires 12-months after the issue date (the "Expiration Date")."

As far as the insurance goes, if you were only going to lose $100 PP, the insurance would not be worth purchasing ahead of time, IMO. At least, I haven't seen insurance that cheap.

In my case, it seemed that either way, there was a risk of losing $200 - if I did the NRD, I would pay $200 less but would be at risk of losing $200 if I cancelled (or changed the ship/sailing and had to pay the $100 PP change fee for each change prior to final payment). If I did the refundable deposit, I paid $200 more for the cruise, but will get my full deposit back and can change the cruise without a fee.

To me, it made sense to do the refundable since we both still work and 1 1/2 years is a long way off. We often have changed cruises due to work issues. I don't want to have an expiring FCC to factor in my decision-making for rebooking. I would rather pay $200 more, not worry about changes if needed and get the deposit (minus $100PP) back in cash if cancelled and apply it to any future cruise or anything I want.

Maybe I haven't thought this through correctly, but it's what makes sense to me. :D

Here is a copy and paste of some of the information that my travel agent received from Celebrity which answers some of the questions about the nonrefundable fare promotion. This applies to the U.S. I do not know if it applies outside of the U.S. under the new nonrefundable promotion for bookings.

 

Non-Refundable Promos FAQ’s

 

Guests should be advised that the deposit is non-refundable from the time deposit is received and/or booking is placed in “BK” status. Any changes to the ship and/or sailing date will require a $100 USD or $127 CAD per person change fee, depending on the currency of the booking. After the Final Payment date, normal penalty policy applies and no change fees will be assessed.

 

What are the key benefits of non-refundable deposit fares?

 

When confirming a cruise reservation with the early savings, guests who opt to take advantage of nonrefundable deposit fares will automatically qualify for an early savings offer. The best part is that the early booking credit is combinable with the Go BBB offer available at the time of booking, offering guests the ability to stack on additional savings for the best deal out there!

 

When will non-refundable deposit fares be available to book and will they be available on all ships fleet-wide?

 

As of November 28, 2017, the fleet-wide launch of non-refundable deposit fares will debut across most of our ships as the deployment schedules are released. Non-refundable promotions will be available to all sailings with the Go Big, Go Better, Go Best perks. Nonrefundable promotions will not be available for itineraries 4 nights or less, Galapagos,Transatlantic, Transpacific, and Repositioning sailings.

 

What types of staterooms will be eligible for the non-refundable promotions?

 

Oceanview staterooms and above will be eligible on most sailings deployed on or after November 28, 2017.

 

Will guests still be able to take advantage of reduced deposit offers?Since the deposit amount for non-refundable fare will be held if the booking cancels, we require FULL deposit be made for any booking being created with or changing to the non-refundable rate.

 

If a guest books a non-refundable fare and later prefers to change to a refundable rate, will the booking remain under non-refundable status?

 

Yes. Any booking originally created as non-refundable will maintain this status for the life of the reservation, regardless of subsequent category changes.

 

What other promotions can the non-refundable fare be booked with?

 

The non-refundable fare offer is combinable with other non-refundable promos that allow combinability, onboard booking offers. All offers are not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to,Travel Agent, Exciting Deals, Net Rates, and Travel Agent Friends and Family.

 

Is the onboard credit refundable?

 

No, the OBC is in USD, has no cash value, is non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and will expire if not used by 10:00 PM on the last evening of the cruise.

 

Changes to Booking

 

Can a guest move from a non-refundable fare to a refundable price?

 

Guests can move from one to another, but once a non-refundable deposit program is selected, the booking retains the deposit amount in penalty no matter what other price is chosen.Additionally, if a guest moves from a non-refundable fare to a refundable fare, they would lose any “savings” or promos associated with the non-refundable fare – reassessed if they qualify for other promos onboard credit that was being added as part of the non-refundable rate.

 

How will name changes to a booking be affected if the booking has a non-refundable fare?As long as one name on the booking remains the same, there is no change fee or penalty impact. Only if the booking is cancelled, or goes below the original occupancy will the nonrefundable deposit penalty be withheld.

 

What happens to the NRP savings if a guest changes to a refundable rate?

 

If a guest changes from a non-refundable rate to a refundable rate, they would lose any savings that was offered as part of the non-refundable rate since it is specifically attached to the nonrefundable deposit price code.

 

What is the process/policy for bookings with a Non-Refundable Program that change ship and sailing date?

 

Regardless of if the change generates more revenue, the change fee of $100 USD or $127 CAD per person change fee, depending on the currency of the booking, must be added. This change fee option code will only be applied if they are changing ship/date. No change fee if moving to another cat on same sailing, or re-pricing on same sailing.

 

Cancellation

 

If a booking with a Non-Refundable Program cancels after the final payment, within the normal deposit penalty, will they still receive the FCC for the deposit less the $100 USD or $127 CAD perperson service fee, depending on the booking currency?

 

After final payment date, normal cancellation penalty schedules apply. No FCC’s will be issued.

Thanks for posting this! It is very helpful.

Non refundable deposits have also appeared on other lines such as HAL. Viking River Cruises has a $500pp NRD.. Since we often book more than a year in advance & a lot can happen to cause changes to trip plans, we will pay a higher rate than NRD for the flexibility. We also avoided Viking for their terms.

I am assuming that old rules apply for bookings made prior 11/28/17.

I wonder if X will charge " change" fees for refundable fares if I want to change ship or date.

I am assuming that old rules apply for bookings made prior 11/28/17.

I wonder if X will charge " change" fees for refundable fares if I want to change ship or date.

I also assume the terms only apply to those cruises booked 11/28/17 and after.

I had my confirmation emailed to me for the cruise I booked on 11/28 and looked at the cancellation section very carefully. It looked the same as before (I chose refundable) and there was nothing about change fees. Let's hope it stays that way....