Changes to the Next Cruise Program

[BND]

We did a "dummy" booking on GR last week for Quantum next April. Once they finally release the fall 2015 schedule, we'll change the date. A lot of people did that since dates haven't been released like they were supposed to be.

[Folk Singer]

The deposit would not change. The wording is that they "reserve the right" to change it to the OBC for an open booking if you change ship and sail date.

 

It is too soon to have been tested whether or not they will enforce that clause.

 

will keep an eye out.

[Folk Singer]

I just called C and A and was told that they are only going to enforce that if you make excessive changes to a booking.

 

 

I would probably fall into that category as I may add a few changes through the booking until cruise day. Usually upgrading and adding items to the cruise.

[molly361]

I would probably fall into that category as I may add a few changes through the booking until cruise day. Usually upgrading and adding items to the cruise.

 

 

They mean changes to ship and sail dates, not changes in cabin etc. They don't want folks making a reservation for a certain date and ship and then changing the date and ship lots of times.

 

The said a couple of changes is okay.

 

I may have to call again and see if I get the same answer. The sad thing is that they are not consistent. Even though that is what they told me I am not sure I believe them.

Edited April 2, 2014 by molly361

[Folk Singer]

]

 

 

Molly361,

 

Thank you for the above clarification.

Edited April 2, 2014 by Folk Singer

[icsys]

...I may have to call again and see if I get the same answer. The sad thing is that they are not consistent. Even though that is what they told me I am not sure I believe them.

 

Consistency is not a strongpoint with RCI service reps.

We called yesterday regarding adding OBC (as a gift to ourselves) to our onboard account prior to sailing and was told the only way is to pay cash to the account when onboard.

[travelgoddess1]

Just my luck :( Have never purchased an open booking, have always picked ship and date...but... Was going to book an RCI cruise while on X leaving on friday. The april '15 itineray hasn't been released for Galveston yet!!!!!!!!!!! Guess I'll try to wait until the end of the cruise and maybe they will be released by then. If not guess we'll have to do open booking. Or just might book something and then change it and test the "fine print".

 

IF I do ship and date and then change it and RCI changes the obc would it be as if I did open booking? Would deposit change? Anything else? I guess what I'm asking is..would I have anything to lose (other than obc) by taking a chance and booking and then switching?

 

The way I understand it, no, you would not lose anything -- the worst that could happen is you would get the reduced open booking amount if you changed your booking. :)

[knittinggirl]

Since they're now needing to start from scratch to make any changes in the booking, wouldn't any change be considered "excessive."

[kruzerci]

They mean changes to ship and sail dates, not changes in cabin etc. They don't want folks making a reservation for a certain date and ship and then changing the date and ship lots of times.

 

The said a couple of changes is okay.

 

I may have to call again and see if I get the same answer. The sad thing is that they are not consistent. Even though that is what they told me I am not sure I believe them.

 

I'm a little skeptical since they didn't even give a number. Are two changes fine but three are excessive :rolleyes:? Time will tell.

[molly361]

I'm a little skeptical since they didn't even give a number. Are two changes fine but three are excessive :rolleyes:? Time will tell.

 

 

Me too. When I cruise next month I may just book the two I am thinking of taking until I can firm up which one we will actually go on.

 

Seems like more work for everyone that way, but better safe than sorry

[Esahuma]

Consistency is not a strongpoint with RCI service reps.

We called yesterday regarding adding OBC (as a gift to ourselves) to our onboard account prior to sailing and was told the only way is to pay cash to the account when onboard.

 

**We have done this - go to rcl dot com click on "before you cruise" then click on "Shop Gifts and Gear" - then click on "RCL Gift Certificate" - they will then ask you for the name of the guest - sailing date - etc

 

I always print a copy of the certificate or invoice that is sent to my email account and bring it with me. One time the OBC did not get applied and I just showed them my receipt and they called Miami and had it applied!

 

Don't know why their own cs does not know this :confused:

[cruisenfever]

**We have done this - go to rcl dot com click on "before you cruise" then click on "Shop Gifts and Gear" - then click on "RCL Gift Certificate" - they will then ask you for the name of the guest - sailing date - etc

 

I always print a copy of the certificate or invoice that is sent to my email account and bring it with me. One time the OBC did not get applied and I just showed them my receipt and they called Miami and had it applied!

 

Don't know why their own cs does not know this :confused:

Here is the link to what you described above https://www.royalcaribbeancertificates.com/

Edited April 2, 2014 by cruisenfever

[ryansmum]

Hi,

 

Could someone please advise an email address for Crown and Anchor in USA? I'm having problems getting the correct obc applied to a NCC booking. I called Guatemala approx 10 days ago & I'm still waiting on a reply from a Supervisor as they are quoting me the new lower obc figures despite me buying the certificate over 12 months ago

 

Thanks

 

Lorraine

[Clarea]

Hi,

 

Could someone please advise an email address for Crown and Anchor in USA? I'm having problems getting the correct obc applied to a NCC booking. I called Guatemala approx 10 days ago & I'm still waiting on a reply from a Supervisor as they are quoting me the new lower obc figures despite me buying the certificate over 12 months ago

 

Thanks

 

Lorraine

crownandanchor@rccl.com

 

Also, for UK: crownanchor.uk@rccl.com

Edited April 2, 2014 by clarea

[ryansmum]

crownandanchor@rccl.com

 

Also, for UK: crownanchor.uk@rccl.com

 

Many thanks Bob

[rubrrick]

Ah, Rick, I'm sorry to hear you and Bobbie aren't throwing those great suite parties anymore! My DD Ariel and I remember them fondly, as I'm sure do many others with whom you generously shared your beautiful lodgings-at-sea.

 

 

Alas, RCI's latest misstep with drastically cutting back the value of a NextCruise Open Booking is a terrible mistake. For the first time, when I was on the Explorer last week, I did NOT buy a Next Cruise. For the past several years, I have always had one or two hanging around, and when I was ready to plan some travel, while Princess or another cruise line might have some great options, I always went with RCI because I had already put down that $100 deposit. Now, I'm "free" to go anywhere... because I don't have one in my pocket. (And it simply makes NO SENSE to give better OBC benefits for booking a specific sailing with the L.A. while onboard -- I have never been able to make an appointment with them, they're always PACKED with people who are not comfortable researching travel online, want to talk for hours with the L.A. while reviewing catalogs, looking at their travel calendar, budget, cabin type, etc., etc. -- I would just fill out a NextCruise certificate, drop it off and go, not feeling that I was losing anything by doing so. Now, I have to take hours out of my cruising time -- and take up time of the L.A. and away from other guests -- in order to receive a $100 OBC vs. the $25 offered on a 7-night cruise. And nothing for under 7 nights?!? Don't they want to promote their shorter sailings, too? I'm just confused, seems like bad business decisions to me...)

 

I'm only sorry I haven't cruised with you lately, and sorely wish I could join you on one of your River Cruises -- that just sounds like a great way to travel. I hope we get to do one together before you've moved on to your next adventure (maybe high-end train travel? Orient Express? That cool cross-country Canadian train trip? South America? China? There are a lot of those I'd love to try, too...)

 

My best to you and Bobbie, and very happy cruising to you both,

 

Denise, so great to hear from you, and get your feedback on what Royal Caribbean, in both of our minds, have done to alienate their loyal followers. It's so obvious that they don't want us.

 

Maybe, if they want to be more obvious, they would raise the cabin price, slightly for anyone turning Platinum, a bit more for those that are Diamond, even more for those that are Diamond Plus, and double the price for Pinnacle Club members. That should keep more cabins open for those first and second time cruisers, which fit their demographics.

 

Oh, wait, this is April 2nd, not the 1st......so I guess I cannot consider that an April Fools joke.

 

It does appear that Royal Caribbean is willing to give away upgrades to those that love to gamble in the casino.

 

I'm now looking at all cruise lines for good deals on different itineraries. That is why we are doing our 3rd river cruise coming up next month. I have experienced the ships, it's the sights that I want.

 

Denise, thanks for the comments, and definitely, lets stay in touch.;)

 

Rick

Edited April 3, 2014 by rubrrick
verbage

[EmpressofPurple]

Maybe, if they want to be more obvious, they would raise the cabin price, slightly for anyone turning Platinum, a bit more for those that are Diamond, even more for those that are Diamond Plus, and double the price for Pinnacle Club members. That should keep more cabins open for those first and second time cruisers, which fit their demographics.

 

Ha, that part made me laugh out loud!

 

I have speculated elsewhere that they are seeking new cruisers necause that helps them maximize their onboard upsells -- since my friends who are highly cruised are often less likely to drop big $$ on photos, logo items, drink packages, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, bingo, etc. -- but surely the financial muckety-mucks realize that the loyal return customers will keep the ships full, and sing the praises of cruising to their friends and family (assuming there are praises to sing)... they've got a LOT of berths to fill, you'd think they want to keep us coming back...

 

From a slightly different perspective: while I enjoy innovation (in cruising and in life), I hope that cruiselines are careful about listening TOO much to focus groups, polls, and other "modern marketing" techniques. Sure, people who are new to cruising will say, "Oh, I don't like to dress up," or "Oh, I'm uncomfortable tipping people directly, just bill me daily," or "Oh, I don't like multi-course, many-hour dinners with personal service," or "Oh, I don't like being expected to show up for dinner at a set time." My point is: new cruisers don't even know that this wonderful world of traditional cruising exists! Try it out before you condemn it.

 

Some of these traditions were new to me personally... some I was familiar with... but I always love to learn new patterns of interacting... so rather than "fix" cruising, or try to make it just like every other vacation I took, I adapted to the format. Why would I say, "Oh, it's my vacation, I don't want to dress up" on a cruise? If I didn't want to dress up, I'd go to a barefoot beach resort, not expect everyone on the cruise to stare at me in my shorts and t-shirt while they're all dressed up for formal night! And then the cruiselines respond and say, oh, most people want to do that, so we won't encourage dressing up because we don't want to alienate anyone... and they end up changing the unique world of cruising into being "just like everything else."

 

Anyway, I can sit around and bemoan the changes as well as anyone... but I still love cruising, there's nothing like sitting and watching the light on the ocean, thrilling to see a pod of dolphins, those amazing starry nights, sunrises and sunsets, special parties on deck with the ships' officers, the fun group events led by energetic CDs and their staffs, enjoying those amazing meals and that attentive personal service... and of course, meeting people like you and Bobbie!!!

 

I just hope hope hope that the cruiselines will begin to value their repeat customers once again, and realize that they will want to convert all those new cruisers into repeat cruisers -- not just people who want to "try" cruising once, and then go on to something else, saying, "Oh, we did that. It was fun, but nothing special." Make it special again!!!!!

[*Sparkle*]

I was looking forward to purchasing next cruise certificate (NCC) on my Explorer cruise in May which I booked with one of my NCCs I purchased on my December 2013 Explorer cruise. I booked the December 2013 cruise with my last NCC that had 2 Friends and Family Certificates attached to it (before the did away with em) which I used for friends and family who never cruised on Royal before and fell in love with it.......who then bought NCCs of their own

 

 

Does anyone else see the pattern.......smh at Royal

[Folk Singer]

**We have done this - go to rcl dot com click on "before you cruise" then click on "Shop Gifts and Gear" - then click on "RCL Gift Certificate" - they will then ask you for the name of the guest - sailing date - etc

 

I always print a copy of the certificate or invoice that is sent to my email account and bring it with me. One time the OBC did not get applied and I just showed them my receipt and they called Miami and had it applied!

 

Don't know why their own cs does not know this :confused:

 

 

have to do this. thanks

[icsys]

**We have done this - go to rcl dot com click on "before you cruise" then click on "Shop Gifts and Gear" - then click on "RCL Gift Certificate" - they will then ask you for the name of the guest - sailing date - etc

 

I always print a copy of the certificate or invoice that is sent to my email account and bring it with me. One time the OBC did not get applied and I just showed them my receipt and they called Miami and had it applied!

 

Don't know why their own cs does not know this :confused:

 

Here is the link to what you described above https://www.royalcaribbeancertificates.com/

Thanks for the info and links. I've never seen that page before and now I know why I was told the only way is to pay cash to the account when onboard...

 

Available to U.S. residents only

(excluding Puerto Rico).

 

...and this in terms & conditions...

 

13.Offer valid to residents of the United States only (excluding Puerto Rico). Certificates may not be valid where prohibited or restricted by law. This Gift Certificate can only be purchased by and mailed to U.S. residents (excluding Puerto Rico).

 

Another one to add to the list of 'why not' for the UK and ROI.

 

We won't be buying any more Open bookings either.

 

Let C&A know your concerns, if you have any. Their response to me was...

'changes to the program were driven by a quest for continuous improvement'.

and

'We believe listening to our guests is the most effective way to create the best possible rewards program, and your additional comments and suggestions are genuinely appreciated. Please rest assured that your feedback will be brought to the attention of the proper operational teams for continued internal review'.

Edited April 3, 2014 by icsys

[Wendy&Grumpy]

It is hard to believe, but it's all here:

 

http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/NextCruise/14037219_Onboard_NextCruise_Flyer_2015.pdf

 

To rub salt in the wound, if you book a specific cruise, later change the ship and sail date, they can drop the OBC to that of the Next Cruise. They don't want us stocking up on OBC opportunities that we can change at will.

 

Well I think that answers my question!

 

We'll be on Allure this October and are considering one of the Quantum class ships for October '16, which I'm sure won't be available for booking yet.

 

But if we book another (specific) cruise while onboard in order to move it to Quantum when bookings open, we'll lose most of the OBC, correct?

[Clarea]

Well I think that answers my question!

 

We'll be on Allure this October and are considering one of the Quantum class ships for October '16, which I'm sure won't be available for booking yet.

 

But if we book another (specific) cruise while onboard in order to move it to Quantum when bookings open, we'll lose most of the OBC, correct?

They reserve the right to remove most of the OBC if you change ship and sail date. However, Ellen has called C&A about this and their story (today) is that they will only remove the OBC if you change more than a couple of times. Since this is a brand new stipulation, we really don't know how they will actually implement it.

[Wendy&Grumpy]

If the reason for the change is to curtail those people who make multiple bookings only to change them before final payment, wouldn't they target the $100 deposit perk instead of the OBC for the Open Bookings?

 

Looking at this now, most of the people who will buy the open bookings from now on are the ones that are merely interested in the low deposit and not the OBC. The $100 deposit is still a great deal for those cruisers wishing to book a cruise or multiple cruises) on a whim knowing that they can change it before final payment.

 

If they raised the deposit, less people would book multiple cruises unless they are serious. So, IMO, RCI is not concerned about the multiple bookings but just the bottom line. They don't want to be giving out the OBC - it's all about the money.

 

Wouldn't an easier way to curtail that practice just be to not allow REbookings with NCC's? Once a specific date is booked, no ship/saildate changes allowed?

Edited April 3, 2014 by Wendy&Grumpy
clarification

[molly361]

They reserve the right to remove most of the OBC if you change ship and sail date. However, Ellen has called C&A about this and their story (today) is that they will only remove the OBC if you change more than a couple of times. Since this is a brand new stipulation, we really don't know how they will actually implement it.

 

 

Just called again and was told basically the same thing (kinda). This C and A gentleman said they are still working it out but "for now" the unofficial rule is that they will allow 1 change in ship and sail date without penalty.

 

 

Wouldn't an easier way to curtail that practice just be to not allow REbookings with NCC's? Once a specific date is booked, no ship/saildate changes allowed?

 

Or, like I mentioned to the rep just now the rules should actually read "if more than one change to the ship and/or sail date it will revert to theopen booking OBC"

Just called again and was told basically the same thing (kinda). This C and A gentleman said they are still working it out but "for now" the unofficial rule is that they will allow 1 change in ship and sail date.

[Clarea]

Just called again and was told basically the same thing (kinda). This C and A gentleman said they are still working it out but "for now" the unofficial rule is that they will allow 1 change in ship and sail date without penalty.

 

Thanks again for checking for us.:)