Anchor Fares

[mitzicat]

Recently we saw a Readers Offers offering anchor fare cruises. One of them was the same cruise we are booked on in October and the anchor fare was £700 per person less than we were charged, taking into account the Oceans club discount. We thought that paying the extra was very dear just to get a cabin choice and dinner sitting. I think that the anchor fares are very unfair on loyal FO cruisers.

[Nathan Philpot]

Thank you for your comment. The price of a cruise will fluctuate according to demand. Popular cruises such as our recent series of Solar Eclipse cruises sold out within days and the prices went up. They are now pretty much sold out and there will be no ‘Anchor Fares’. However, when we do need to reduce the price to fill the last remaining cabins, we do try to ensure that restrictions are put in place, that means they are not as attractive as booking early. For example, Anchor Fares have to be paid in full and there are 100% cancellation charges, it is non-transferable, Oceans Club discounts – both on the ticket and onboard are not applicable, any special requests cannot be guaranteed, and as you have mentioned, you cannot choose cabin number or your choice of dinner sitting – what’s more you may not even be able to choose your cabin grade or category and simply be allocated whatever is left.

Those who book early are able to choose their specific cabin on the ship whether that is high up, amidships, by the lifts etc. Popular cabin categories such as Balconies always sell early. You are also able to guarantee to book the cruise you want. There is never a guarantee that the price will come down nearer departure and in some cases this year, the price has actually gone up. Where valuable guests have booked early and we have the opportunity to upgrade them, then we will strive to ensure they are the first on the list.