How Common Are Price Drops?

[TXRoo]

I am planning on getting a D1 balcony room on the Rhapsody for the 9/18/05 sailing and the price for two people total is approx. $1764.

 

I have just a couple of questions...

 

1) The TA said that unlike Carnival, RCI does automatic refunds/discounts for passengers already booked if the price of the cruise reduces. Is this correct? Or do you have to watch the prices yourself and then request the refund/discount like Carnival makes you do?

 

2) Are price drops/senior discounts common on Sept. bookings?

 

3) If any of you were betting people, what would be our odds for getting a discount/refund?

 

I'm not offended or complaining about the price, but every little bit off the price means more money I can use to do the stuff we want to in port. :D

 

Thanks in advance!

TXRoo

[sally r]

TXRoo, since the new "no discounting" policy took effect so recently I don't know if anyone will be able to answer your question. Pricing is so different now.

 

September is usually the best time for deals in the caribbean as it is high season for hurricanes and the kiddies are back in school. Drops in price are rare unless a ship is not filling up. Lots of times the suites will go "on sale". Might not save you hard cash but you could get a better cabin for the same as what you are currently paying. I would still check RCCL's website often and not rely on anyone to automatically give you the best deal.

 

Have a great cruise..the Rhapsody is a wonderful, friendly ship!

[PTarbay]

My cruise priced dropped $100 pp a couple months before sailing.It didn't automatically drop I had to call my agent and have her call RCI and change it.The woman I booked with on the ship said if you book directly with RCI it will automatically change.

[springtxbill]

I am surprised your TA did not know that the reduction has to be asked for. Mid September would have a good chance of the price going down so keep looking at it especially about 3-4 months from the sailing.

[Ocean Boy]

I wouldn't trust anyone to give an automatic price drop. If there is one and you want it you'd better keep track of things yourself.

[BamaVol]

Prices also rise. Thankfully, they do not automatically bill you. :D I booked next weeks Majesty 4 months ahead. The price in our category has risen 50% since then.

[TonyaJune]

RCI does not automatically give price reductions. Periodically check the pricing on your sailing and if you see a drop in price call your TA and have her call RCI to get the reduction. I've done this quite a few times in the past and have never had a problem.

[TXRoo]

Great! Thanks everyone for your help. I bookmarked the RCI page with my booking and I will be checking it myself! :D

 

Muchos Gracias!

[Gift Cruiser]

I just got a very generous price reduction but I found it myself and contacted the TA. She was able to get the price difference refunded even after I had paid the final payment and my travel docs where in. Good luck.

Traci

[TXRoo]

Ok, booked an aft balcony. We'll see if the price drops between now and then. If it does, I'll fish around and find this thread and update. :)

 

Thanks for all your help!