How long are travel agents allowed to hold blocks of cabins??

[dixie54]

I was wondering if there is a certain time that TA's have to release cabins that are not booked? Do they hold specific cabins or are they holding just cabin categories?

 

thanks for any info!

[MCC retired]

TA's are basicly holding only categories until they book a cabin with guest names w/deposits .

 

The group allotment is reduced periodicly, more frequently if bookings are not being made. If the cruise line needs them back on a hot sailing, TA's are given short notice that the allotment is being recalled.

 

All of the unsold allotment is returned to the cruise line before the final payment date .

[Trekker954]

TA's are basicly holding only categories until they book a cabin with guest names w/deposits .

 

The group allotment is reduced periodicly, more frequently if bookings are not being made. If the cruise line needs them back on a hot sailing, TA's are given short notice that the allotment is being recalled.

 

All of the unsold allotment is returned to the cruise line before the final payment date .

 

So if final payment is due two months prior to a cruise, are you saying unsold cabins are returned to the cruise lines two months prior, more or less?

[crusinmama06]

So if final payment is due two months prior to a cruise, are you saying unsold cabins are returned to the cruise lines two months prior, more or less?

 

All unsold inventory is recalled by final payment. So yes, if your individual final payment is 60 days before the cruise, then yes, all groups space is recalled before then.

[negc]

So if final payment is due two months prior to a cruise, are you saying unsold cabins are returned to the cruise lines two months prior, more or less?

 

Sometimes much earlier than that, especially if the cruiseline finds a particular cruise is generating a lot of demand. Unless the agency has paid the full deposit on those cabins, and is merely holding a block of unsold rooms,RCI can, and will, call back those rooms on relatively short notice.:)

[Rancher Dave]

To take it a step further, when a block is first taken there is generally a reasonable period of time to sell the cabins, so it's not like they can grab a block on day of sailing being posted and hold it to final payment, they are pulled back long before then.

[CGBCruiser]

To take it a step further, when a block is first taken there is generally a reasonable period of time to sell the cabins, so it's not like they can grab a block on day of sailing being posted and hold it to final payment, they are pulled back long before then.

 

You are exactly right!

[bajathree]

double post

[bajathree]

TA's can hold blocks of cabins for a good amount of time.....they can also put holds specific cabins. Group space does get returned to the CL before final.....but I have also seen big blocks come back after final. Once a TA holds specific cabins they are usually given 30 days to sell it or loose it...but some grace time can be given.....also the agent/agency can simply open another group and put holds on them for another 30 days and go thru the process all over again....just like anything there are ways around things....bottom line.....a TA can tie up a group of cabins for some time.