Upgrading from a waitlist

[Hokapontas]

Hi all. I booked our cruise on the Insignia back in October and was tossing up Verandah vs Penthouse. Concierge verandah did not interest me, so I booked the B1 verandah.

 

I have since reviewed our position and wanted to try getting a PH instead but my travel agent said it was waitlisted. Does anyone know the procedure above putting your name down? Is there anything else I can do?

 

Thanks.

[Mura]

When we were in your position a few years ago on a very sold out cruise we asked our TA to put us on the wait list. He was able to tell us where we were on the list. If you are way down ... it probably won't happen. (We were.)

 

But if you are towards the top of the list, there's a good chance. It all depends on the cruise and how patient you can be. Also how close you are to final pay-up date. If that date has passed, your chances probably aren't great. If there is still time, you might be lucky.

 

Mura

 

It depends on

[Hokapontas]

Hi Mura. Thanks for the info. Actually I paid the final payment a month before it was due, on the day I asked for the waitlist. I hope it isn't better to be still only reserved with a down payment? I thought being paid up would mean I am definitely on the cruise, not a time waster. I figured a top up payment is all they would need then.

 

Well one could hope. :rolleyes:

[Mura]

That should indeed help. When we booked a cruise, waitlisted -- not sure if it was O or Regent! -- we were advised to pay the deposit to get more attention. We did so, and indeed a room came up.

 

Again, it does depend on how sold out the cruise is and what comes up. But having paid in full in advance should be a real advantage.

 

Mura

[Mura]

Do you have a TA, and one who works with Oceania regularly? Here is where that person can be of great help!

 

If you have paid in full and the date has passed, then I hope that you are happy with the room you had to begin with. You just never know if that upgrade/upsell will appear.

 

We usually book a PH. But when we booked the Norway cruise in July 2010 we were too late, and only ended up with an A3. (Not that these are terrible digs, not at all.) We were waitlisted for a PH, and I asked when we boarded if there had been any last minute cancellations. Nope.

 

We really wanted that PH but the A3 was fine.

 

So I wish you luck on your wait list. It depends a lot on how sold out your cruise is.

 

Maybe some other experts will chime in here, because I'm far from an expert!

 

Mura

[CVA34]

When we were looking into the May 22 2014 cruise all the cabins above A1 were waitlisted. I wasn't exactly sure how we could be added to the list and how long it was. I called Oceania spoke to an agent just to inquired as to my questions about wait listing. The agent stated that we would have to place a deposit on the category that we wanted to wait for. We did just that ... a PH3 or 2 or 1. The agent took my deposit and all of our information and said they would send a conformation letter to our email. When we received the conformation letter it stated that we had a confirmed PH1 suite. I really wasn't sure of what I just read and called the agent, just to reconfirm what I read. The agent stated that while entering our request, a PH1 from their inventory became available and placed our request for the suite. Really excited I then asked to be placed on the waitlist for an OC suite. While waiting approximately 7 weeks I emailed and inquired as to the status of our waitlist for the OC suite, their reply was that I need to add to my deposit as we were now assigned to an OC suite. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Edited March 1, 2014 by CVA34

[Hokapontas]

When we were looking into the May 22 2014 cruise all the cabins above A1 were waitlisted. I wasn't exactly sure how we could be added to the list and how long it was. I called Oceania spoke to an agent just to inquired as to my questions about wait listing. The agent stated that we would have to place a deposit on the category that we wanted to wait for. We did just that ... a PH3 or 2 or 1. The agent took my deposit and all of our information and said they would send a conformation letter to our email. When we received the conformation letter it stated that we had a confirmed PH1 suite. I really wasn't sure of what I just read and called the agent, just to reconfirm what I read. The agent stated that while entering our request, a PH1 from their inventory became available and placed our request for the suite. Really excited I then asked to be placed on the waitlist for an OC suite. While waiting approximately 7 weeks I emailed and inquired as to the status of our waitlist for the OC suite, their reply was that I need to add to my deposit as we were now assigned to an OC suite. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

Wow, interesting story. Do you think that calling the company is warranted? We are in Australia so I would need to check time zones.

My TA is very informative but did not even tell me where I could be expected to be on the list. I am just so impatient to find out - or improve the chances.

 

Yes, Mura, I am happy with the room I chose at first, I guess this is just a further improvement. It is our 25th anniversary holiday, after all. I am wishing I had done this last time I thought of it, before Christmas, before visitors. :o

[Mura]

Here's hoping you get that upgrade, then! It's probably not worth the time and cost to call Oceania if you're in Australia. From what I've heard of the system there, Oceania will just tell you to talk to the agent. Unfortunately, I've also heard that the service down there (for more money, too) is inferior. When someone has a monopoly there isn't all that much incentive to give superior service.

 

Good luck! (And happy anniversary),

 

Mura

[CVA34]

Hokapontas...As for calling Oceania, I believe that I was in the right place at the right time. My initial call was for information only and I got lucky. Happy 25th anniversary. We are cruising for our 38th anniversary. Good luck on the upgrade.

 

DB

[Hawaiidan]

Wow, interesting story. Do you think that calling the company is warranted? We are in Australia so I would need to check time zones.

My TA is very informative but did not even tell me where I could be expected to be on the list. I am just so impatient to find out - or improve the chances.

 

Yes, Mura, I am happy with the room I chose at first, I guess this is just a further improvement. It is our 25th anniversary holiday, after all. I am wishing I had done this last time I thought of it, before Christmas, before visitors. :o

 

What these folks are describing is getting a higher class cabin, not at a discount or up-sell but at full boat price !

I think some reading this might think assume that these wait lists are some how akin to a discount of sorts. It is not.

[GeorgesGal]

Right you are, Hawaiidan! I don't think there is any discount involved; they are most likely paying the 'full freight'!

 

And a big Thank You for your service aboard our ships in the past!

 

Donna

Edited March 1, 2014 by George'sGal

[CVA34]

When I posted my story I assumed that it was a full price and not a discount fare that was being discussed on the thread.

 

DB

[Hawaiidan]

The term "Upgrade" is often linked to getting either a free increase or a discounted Up-sell by many....That's where some confusion might arise, that's the way it read to me.

 

Clearing a wait list for a suite request doesn't seem like the same its just buying a more expensive cabin

[Hokapontas]

When I posted my story I assumed that it was a full price and not a discount fare that was being discussed on the thread.

 

DB

 

Yep, I mean just getting a higher level room. I know it was not much more for the PH, but hesitated. I would be amazed at the fact you would be getting it for no up charge. The problem right now is anything above B2 is waitlisted.

 

I am a little worried that paying in full now may have dampened my chances...but I don't really know how it goes. I guess I will keep going with my gut and await a miracle!

 

Thanks for all your wishes!

[Mura]

I find it hard to believe that having paid in advance you have dampened your chances of moving up. I would expect the opposite to be the case. (But then again, what do I know?)

 

When the ship is so very well sold, however, your chances can be reduced. Just as our Norway cruise was sold out in the PH level before I ever realized the itinerary was though. I did everything I could to move up, but not enough people cancelled! That's your real risk, I think.

 

Mura

[Hawaiidan]

I find it hard to believe that having paid in advance you have dampened your chances of moving up. I would expect the opposite to be the case. (But then again, what do I know?)

 

When the ship is so very well sold, however, your chances can be reduced. Just as our Norway cruise was sold out in the PH level before I ever realized the itinerary was though. I did everything I could to move up, but not enough people cancelled! That's your real risk, I think.

 

Mura

 

 

I was told 3 days ago, after paying in full 6 months ago on a 1/2 sold cruise, that I would have to request the cabin/class I wanted and pay the deposit for that cabin.

Even more that if it was available I would pay the prevailing rate..no discount... no nothing..

It was hinted that if I did so they would overlook the 100% cancel fee on my first reservation !!!

Gee, how great.

Meanwhile I watched at they gave away dozens of 50% or better discounted true- upgrades.

I was told that fully paid passengers in a specific class would not be considered at all for any discount or paid up grade.

These offers were for "others" not those dumb enough to book well in advance, and who offered to be considered if other options became available.

It was made very clear that under no circumstance, would I ever be offered anything.

 

No... I am not stupid. I get the message....loud and clear.

[Hawaiidan]

I find it hard to believe that having paid in advance you have dampened your chances of moving up. I would expect the opposite to be the case. (But then again, what do I know?)

 

When the ship is so very well sold, however, your chances can be reduced. Just as our Norway cruise was sold out in the PH level before I ever realized the itinerary was though. I did everything I could to move up, but not enough people cancelled! That's your real risk, I think.

 

Mura

 

 

I was told 3 days ago, after paying in full 6 months ago on a 1/2 sold cruise, that I would have to request the cabin/class I wanted and pay the deposit for that cabin.

Even more that if it was available I would pay the prevailing rate..no discount... no nothing..

It was hinted that if I did so they would overlook the 100% cancel fee on my first reservation !!!

Gee, how great.

Meanwhile I watched at they gave away dozens of 50% or better discounted true- upgrades.

I was told that fully paid passengers in a specific class would not be considered at all for any discount or paid up grade.

These offers were for "others" not those dumb enough to book well in advance, and who offered to be considered if other options became available.

It was made very clear that under no circumstance, would I ever be offered anything.

 

No... I am not stupid. I get the message....loud and clear.

[Mura]

Dan,

 

I'm guessing here that the difference is paying in full BEFORE the final date, or trying to get the higher cabin AFTERWARDS.

 

Maybe I've been misreading OP's comments, but it seemed to me that payment was made in advance for the B1, but now they are hoping to get the higher level cabin. (Oops, I just backtracked to earlier comments and it appears payment was made a month before it was due, so it may well be that they are no past final payment date.)

 

Once you pass the final payment date, yes, unless they offer you an upsell or upgrade from their end, you are -- shall we say -- screwed?

 

These cases may justify having a TA that is very close to Oceania ... they can work wonders. But it's too late now to get one if the OP doesn't have one! I know that if I were in this situation, if a cabin were available my TA would get it for me without penalties. This wasn't possible for our Norway cruise in 2010 because no such cabins were available.

 

(Just imagine the dark glances I sent to those who were in *MY* cabin!)

 

Mura

[LHT28]

Yep, I mean just getting a higher level room. I know it was not much more for the PH, but hesitated. I would be amazed at the fact you would be getting it for no up charge. The problem right now is anything above B2 is waitlisted.

 

I am a little worried that paying in full now may have dampened my chances...but I don't really know how it goes. I guess I will keep going with my gut and await a miracle!

 

Thanks for all your wishes!

 

If all the PH are waitlisted you will have to wait until those ahead of you on the list either move off or move down a cat or cancel

 

If you are on the list ....wait & hope

 

At least you are on the ship ;)

[ORV]

I was told 3 days ago, after paying in full 6 months ago on a 1/2 sold cruise, that I would have to request the cabin/class I wanted and pay the deposit for that cabin.

Even more that if it was available I would pay the prevailing rate..no discount... no nothing..

It was hinted that if I did so they would overlook the 100% cancel fee on my first reservation !!!

Gee, how great.

Meanwhile I watched at they gave away dozens of 50% or better discounted true- upgrades.

I was told that fully paid passengers in a specific class would not be considered at all for any discount or paid up grade.

These offers were for "others" not those dumb enough to book well in advance, and who offered to be considered if other options became available.

It was made very clear that under no circumstance, would I ever be offered anything.

 

No... I am not stupid. I get the message....loud and clear.

 

Where's your TA in all this?

[vrogers]

Hokapontas have you tried calling the Sydney number for Oceania?

[Hawaiidan]

Where's your TA in all this?

 

He gets the same song and dance... every call gets a different answer these past few months there have, it appears big staff changes. What was once rather easy is now a nightmare. Really makes me want to do another reservation !!!

As Mura put it...we are screwed.

[Hokapontas]

Hokapontas have you tried calling the Sydney number for Oceania?

 

Not yet as my google searches have only turned up the 800 number. (or a timber wholesaler!) Do you have it and can you pass it on?

My TA has just done a at-port tour of a ship that is in Aus at the moment and I am going to see him tomorrow. I am hoping he will be more informative. He has sailed on O and worked on a cruise line in the recent past, works now for a cruise specialist travel agent.

[DavidMjps]

Not yet as my google searches have only turned up the 800 number. (or a timber wholesaler!) Do you have it and can you pass it on?

Provided you have Australia selected as your location (at the top of the page) on the oceaniacruises.com website the Sydney phone number is shown. It's (02) 9959 1371

 

I spoke to a very helpful person there recently.

[Hokapontas]

Ahh, I used to be able to select Australia but seem to have lost that feature on the top of the page. 'Guest services' is FAQ's, 800 number and languages are Eng, Spanish, Portuguese and German. Nothing seems to be able to be changed. so weird. Thanks for the phone number though. I will get a clearer picture tomorrow.