Guarantee cabin allocated WOW

[MicCanberra]

need to stop looking at the price drops, suites are now less that a standard balcony and concierge. now that sucks as I'm unable to upgrade!

 

Sometimes it is not worth it and sometimes it cannot be done. Stop looking if it causes you buyers remorse and you feel you are losing the gloss off your cruise. You must have thought you had a good deal at one stage so run with the excitement of that and enjoy your cruise to the max.:D

[LuckiePuris]

Hey guys,

 

I'm an AUS TA and guarantee cabin allocations all depend on the cruise line as to when they're done, and how booked the particular sailing is.

 

I have many clients that book guarantee status and it ranges sailing to sailing and cruise line to cruise line. Some cabins are allocated 48 hours from deposit, some a month from departure, some on boarding.

 

It really does come down to ship inventory and the cruise line. We TA's just need to sit tight and wait for the notification to come through!

 

That being said I just booked a Celeb cruise for myself in balcony guarantee, and received my cabin number within 48 hours of deposit (yay!). I also booked some clients on this same sailing, same category, same promo rate, and it's been a week and they still haven't been assigned their cabin numbers.

 

Just a bit of luck sometimes!

Edited September 12, 2014 by LuckiePuris

[woodyren]

Hey guys,

 

I'm an AUS TA and guarantee cabin allocations all depend on the cruise line as to when they're done, and how booked the particular sailing is.

 

I have many clients that book guarantee status and it ranges sailing to sailing and cruise line to cruise line. Some cabins are allocated 48 hours from deposit, some a month from departure, some on boarding.

 

It really does come down to ship inventory and the cruise line. We TA's just need to sit tight and wait for the notification to come through!

 

That being said I just booked a Celeb cruise for myself in balcony guarantee, and received my cabin number within 48 hours of deposit (yay!). I also booked some clients on this same sailing, same category, same promo rate, and it's been a week and they still haven't been assigned their cabin numbers.

 

Just a bit of luck sometimes!

 

Once your customers guarantees have been allocated are you able to change their cabins to a better one within the same category if available?

[dancinman66]

It can usually be done by you or the ta calling royal to have the change put through

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[woodyren]

It can usually be done by you or the ta calling royal to have the change put through

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

I realise that and in fact did just that last night as a better cabin became available on one leg of my Quantum cruise. It was through a US agent though.

 

Because the poster stated that they were an Aussie TA I was interested in knowing whether they can do this as simply as it has been done with the US rules.

 

Flexibility and price are the two reasons I book off shore. Price is not as large a difference now on many occasions but flexibility is still a main driver for me. If I could get the flexibility locally I would be booking locally a lot more.

 

By flexibility I mean. No fee (or minimal fee <$100) for cancellations. No fee for category changes as prices change. Price drops honoured. Changes to cabin within class once gty allocated. After final payment. No fees for upgrades.

[LuckiePuris]

Once your customers guarantees have been allocated are you able to change their cabins to a better one within the same category if available?

 

 

Yes most cruise lines do allow this. For example, a client booked Celebrity balcony guarantee and we're allocated a cabin in 1B category. They preferred a different cabin number to the one allocated, so we were able to change to another cabin number in the same category as long as the cabin was available.

[LuckiePuris]

I realise that and in fact did just that last night as a better cabin became available on one leg of my Quantum cruise. It was through a US agent though.

 

 

 

Because the poster stated that they were an Aussie TA I was interested in knowing whether they can do this as simply as it has been done with the US rules.

 

 

 

Flexibility and price are the two reasons I book off shore. Price is not as large a difference now on many occasions but flexibility is still a main driver for me. If I could get the flexibility locally I would be booking locally a lot more.

 

 

 

By flexibility I mean. No fee (or minimal fee <$100) for cancellations. No fee for category changes as prices change. Price drops honoured. Changes to cabin within class once gty allocated. After final payment. No fees for upgrades.

 

 

I completely understand what you mean about more flexibility booking offshore. It isn't Aus TA's that are generally setting these fees / rules, normally the cruise line.

 

There are different terms and conditions for cruise contracts for cruises booked from Australia, as opposed to cruises booked offshore.

 

For example RCI contracts for offshore bookings very easily allow for price drops / upgrades etc. However RCI contracts for Australian bookings are quite limited in what can be done which is why we (including myself) have had issues when our price drops.

 

TA's may charge an admin change fee etc, however the bulk of the restrictions do arise from the contracts with the cruise lines.

 

On one of my RCI cruises there was a price drop and I was able to argue to get the pricing refared, however on a second RCI cruise I wasn't able to get this done.

 

It's a bit of hit and miss sometimes.

 

The only thing to be sure of when booking offshore is to read the terms and conditions as some US agencies clearly state that the rates are only for US residents, and you may be denied boarding. I have heard of this happen to clients a few times, but not sure how common it actually is that they follow through with this.

[Guest012]

The only thing to be sure of when booking offshore is to read the terms and conditions as some US agencies clearly state that the rates are only for US residents, and you may be denied boarding. I have heard of this happen to clients a few times, but not sure how common it actually is that they follow through with this.

 

 

Yet again the "denied boarding" statement has appeared and correct me if i am wrong but almost each time it has been posted by someone in the industry .. if i remember right you are a travel salesperson :confused:.... We have booked internationally for many years and have many friends who do so and none of us have ever heard of, or come across anyone who has been or knows anyone who has been denied boarding for booking with a U.S agency be it for the rate or just because you did...our agency would not even consider booking us on a U.S resident fare guess we're lucky........ however if you book with a US agency and arrive with incorrect travel docs eg: wrong or expired passport details, no visa etc.... you are going to have trouble boarding... same as here in Australia....... any cruiser here had trouble....:confused:

 

 

In regards to travel shops here charging fee's I was astounded to be told when I checked out pricing on a long cruise last week that not only did i have to pay 10% of the cruise price in deposit...fair deal...but an additional, non refundable, $150pp for handling my booking....... goodbye....on to the next one.

[LuckiePuris]

Yet again the "denied boarding" statement has appeared and correct me if i am wrong but almost each time it has been posted by someone in the industry .. if i remember right you are a travel salesperson :confused:.... We have booked internationally for many years and have many friends who do so and none of us have ever heard of, or come across anyone who has been or knows anyone who has been denied boarding for booking with a U.S agency be it for the rate or just because you did...our agency would not even consider booking us on a U.S resident fare guess we're lucky........ however if you book with a US agency and arrive with incorrect travel docs eg: wrong or expired passport details, no visa etc.... you are going to have trouble boarding... same as here in Australia....... any cruiser here had trouble....:confused:

 

 

In regards to travel shops here charging fee's I was astounded to be told when I checked out pricing on a long cruise last week that not only did i have to pay 10% of the cruise price in deposit...fair deal...but an additional, non refundable, $150pp for handling my booking....... goodbye....on to the next one.

 

That's terrible about a handling fee to handle your booking - I would have walked right out lol!

 

To be honest yes I am a TA but I have also booked previously for myself using an offshore TA. It's all about shopping and finding the best possible deal.

 

I just wanted to mention the denied boarding bit just because it is the the t&c's whereas as to how often it's actually enforced, who knows?!

 

I've been on CC since before I was a TA and come on here because I love cruising and chatting to like minded people. I'm certainly not saying to book through Aus TA's or not, but just wanted to point out the claus with offshore agents just incase a newbie books and isn't aware of the very small risk.

 

I truly believe a holiday is like anything you buy. Research and shop, and make sure you get the best value :)

Edited September 15, 2014 by LuckiePuris

[rugbypopsie]

Read my lips...scare tactics are just that, NOBODY has ever reported they were denied boarding because they booked overseas. To further shoot down myths, the Australian travel agents insurance scheme is being withdrawn so you can put that one to bed too. I have booked both here and overseas many times...yes some lines do not book Australians, but if the agents book you, they lose their commission, that is all! Of course you should be diligent in booking/buying anything on the net..personal references from friends have always got me a good deal without any drama.

 

Sue

 

 

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[LuckiePuris]

Read my lips...scare tactics are just that, NOBODY has ever reported they were denied boarding because they booked overseas. To further shoot down myths, the Australian travel agents insurance scheme is being withdrawn so you can put that one to bed too. I have booked both here and overseas many times...yes some lines do not book Australians, but if the agents book you, they lose their commission, that is all! Of course you should be diligent in booking/buying anything on the net..personal references from friends have always got me a good deal without any drama.

 

Sue

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

Hi Sue, I think you are correct in suggesting that it is a scare tactic / deterrent.

 

Has anyone heard of anyone on CC that has experienced issues or a denied boarding? Very curious if it has actually happened!

Edited September 15, 2014 by LuckiePuris

[rugbypopsie]

Hi Sue, I think you are correct in suggesting that it is a scare tactic / deterrent.

 

Has anyone heard of anyone on CC that has experienced issues or a denied boarding? Very curious if it has actually happened!

 

Never ever in all the thousands iof Aussies and kiwis posting over the last ten years..

 

It doesn't happen.

 

Sue

[woodyren]

I have never heard of it happening in spite of the many times I have read warnings about it on various forums.

 

I'll add it to the list of propaganda used to try to drum up business. The other one on that list is the scare tactic cruise lines use to try to price gouge you on their excursions. You know the you might miss the ship one if you take a private tour. I'll give it that this has almost certainly happened but I have never actually heard or read about anyone it has happened to. I have read many stories about people missing the ship but they all appeared to be caused by drinking or not adjusting their times to the local time etc rather than being on an excursion.

 

As far as the Aussie TA's I agree that is the cruise lines fault because they impose the restrictive conditions. Not sure how that can be changed but I am sure that if consumers just cop it sweet they won't change it.

 

If the Aussie dollar keeps heading south it may change the situation for me though.

Edited September 15, 2014 by woodyren

[Guest012]

Read my lips...scare tactics are just that, NOBODY has ever reported they were denied boarding because they booked overseas. Sue Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

 

Well said Sue..... and today no matter where in the world you buy it's "buyer beware"...... with no TCF to fall back on you are at risk just as much here as there..... btw I only buy from long time in business reputable US agents that DON'T request I lie about where i live....;):D:D

 

LuckiePuris you posted "I have heard of this happen to clients a few times" I say if you are now unsure about the validity of your information.... go back to your source ... Travel salespeople aren't held in high esteem by the masses here ..... so please be careful what you post ...not fair to impose what could be regarded as scare tactics on people......

[LuckiePuris]

Well said Sue..... and today no matter where in the world you buy it's "buyer beware"...... with no TCF to fall back on you are at risk just as much here as there..... btw I only buy from long time in business reputable US agents that DON'T request I lie about where i live....;):D:D

 

LuckiePuris you posted "I have heard of this happen to clients a few times" I say if you are now unsure about the validity of your information.... go back to your source ... Travel salespeople aren't held in high esteem by the masses here ..... so please be careful what you post ...not fair to impose what could be regarded as scare tactics on people......

 

I have heard of it happen three times in my years as a TA but was curious if anyone had heard of it happening on CC.

 

There is no benefit of me using scare tactics here - I'm not on here to get a sale or propaganda for Aus TA's. As I mentioned in my previous posts I myself have previously booked with an overseas TA and I myself do recommend that you shop around and purchase your cruise wherever you can get the best value.

 

I have been on CC long before I was a TA and I have never come on here telling anyone they had to book through an Aus TA, or that TA's are so great. Like any profession, you have your great TA's who have a passion for travel and customer service, and your not so great TA's.

 

I mainly addressed this post to explain that the cruise line conditions for Aus TA's are more restrictive than USA TA's which is why most times an Aus TA's hands are tied.

 

Not a Aus TA vs USA post at all.

 

Sometimes an Aus TA has better value, sometimes a USA TA has best value. The key is to research and shop for the best value.

Edited September 16, 2014 by LuckiePuris

[stki]

 

 

Sometimes an Aus TA has better value, sometimes a USA TA has best value. The key is to research and shop for the best value.

 

 

This is so true. We used to always book via our US TA. Better pricing & better conditions. In the last year or so, I have got prices from the Aust cruise line direct & the prices have been better than my US TA was able to give me (Princess OZ).

 

However, I am have able to save a huge amount on my RCI bookings, by booking via my US TA. The USD would have to tank to .60 to be even with the Aussie price on one of my cruises.

 

I also have never heard of anyone being denied boarding due to booking a cruise with a US TA. More than likely it may have been due to Passport or Visa issues.

 

Cheers

 

Tanya

[LuckiePuris]

This is so true. We used to always book via our US TA. Better pricing & better conditions. In the last year or so, I have got prices from the Aust cruise line direct & the prices have been better than my US TA was able to give me (Princess OZ).

 

However, I am have able to save a huge amount on my RCI bookings, by booking via my US TA. The USD would have to tank to .60 to be even with the Aussie price on one of my cruises.

 

I also have never heard of anyone being denied boarding due to booking a cruise with a US TA. More than likely it may have been due to Passport or Visa issues.

 

Cheers

 

Tanya

 

Hi Tanya,

 

Wow that's crazy difference on your RCI cruise! The savings are good cocktail money!!

 

The three that I know of that were denied boarding was due to booking a US resident rate (which was in their t&c's) and it was later discovered they had no proof of residency as they were Aus residents lol.

 

From the sounds of it, it is very rare which is why most of us don't pay it too much thought.

Edited September 16, 2014 by LuckiePuris

[rugbypopsie]

Hi Tanya,

 

Wow that's crazy difference on your RCI cruise! The savings are good cocktail money!!

 

The three that I know of that were denied boarding was due to booking a US resident rate (which was in their t&c's) and it was later discovered they had no proof of residency as they were Aus residents lol.

 

From the sounds of it, it is very rare which is why most of us don't pay it too much thought.

 

Sorry, this still doesn't make sense. Denied boarding when? At the pier they check you in, they have no more interest in where you reside than the airline ckerk at the airport. If you had been booked at a US resident rate that would possibly but probably not, be picked up earlier. At that stage the line could refuse the booking...however I repeat I have never heard or seen any evidence. Nor have any of my friends who all cruise often and often book overseas.

 

In any case you can be sure you won't rock up to the ship and not be be able to board. Things are getting better here...but we still need to be vigilant, money is hard to come by, do your research, brochure prices are merely indications. But beyond price find yourself a cruise specialist who really wants your business and treats you accordingly.

 

Sue

[goodycruising]

Hi Tanya,

 

Wow that's crazy difference on your RCI cruise! The savings are good cocktail money!!

 

The three that I know of that were denied boarding was due to booking a US resident rate (which was in their t&c's) and it was later discovered they had no proof of residency as they were Aus residents lol.

 

From the sounds of it, it is very rare which is why most of us don't pay it too much thought.

 

Was it because of the booking with resident rate, or did they not have a visa that may have been required? I have heard of Aussies that could not do consecutive cruises due to the Jones Law (?) thing. Maybe they tried to book with resident rate to get around that? Just a thought.

 

As people have said, book with a TA that will take your Aussie details, not a bogus address.

 

We have seen cruises on RCI/Celebrity where the Aussie price was significantly lower than the US available, and I believe that is so they can offer them cheaper flights, but that is just a guess.

 

There is differences in our terms as applied by the cruise companies. You only have to click on some benefits to then find out they are not available to all places. I do think some Aussie TAs use that to either charge for changes and cancellations, or to refuse changes that they could actually do, but are either too lazy or too un-knowledgeable to carry out for the customer. Then sometimes they have booked a group of cabins, and the terms they are bound by are for the discount they are getting, and if you go direct the terms may differ, but then the price and added bonuses/discounts may differ to.

 

Time is money. If you have the time, you can research, or if you just don't have the time, then earn the money doing what you best, and book with the way that will save you time and make it easy. We have spent a lot of hours reading here and doing research, and if I had a well paid job, or didn't enjoy doing the research, the money saved would not add up. And...I feel like for all those hours I am barely getting a good handle on RCI Aust, with a spattering of knowledge on Celebrity Aust, and don't know much about any other cruise line that sails out of Australia. So for me to then take the time to research an overseas journey, well, gets back to my original statement, time is money.

[Guest012]

Sorry, this still doesn't make sense. Denied boarding when? At the pier they check you in, they have no more interest in where you reside than the airline ckerk at the airport. If you had been booked at a US resident rate that would possibly but probably not, be picked up earlier. At that stage the line could refuse the booking...however I repeat I have never heard or seen any evidence. Nor have any of my friends who all cruise often and often book overseas.

 

In any case you can be sure you won't rock up to the ship and not be be able to board. Things are getting better here...but we still need to be vigilant, money is hard to come by, do your research, brochure prices are merely indications. But beyond price find yourself a cruise specialist who really wants your business and treats you accordingly.

 

Sue

 

Well said again Sue;):)

 

 

 

No matter where we have boarded in the world we have never been asked for any further proof of ourselves other than our passport so they can match up with the details already logged into the system..:rolleyes:

 

The pricing here in Australia, especially last minute deals, has gotten a lot better in recent time's.. We now have many more sellers touting for your business plus more cruise ships calling so pricing had to become more competitive.... but for us, when booking international cruises, it's just not close to what we can buy offshore we would be crazy to give up the extra's just to finance the industry here..... one cruise netted us savings of $150pp, plus drinks pkg, free grats and a generous OBC:D oops and nearly forgot "price drop" advantages.....we both worked long and hard earning our money and the more "bang for our buck" we can get the better off we are.... we always receive exemplary customer service.. even with the time difference they are on the ball, we get quotes back within hours...

I emailed 8 local sellers here last week for quotes for a cruise which would gross them around $19,000.00 .... got 2 back.......... go figure....

 

 

I look at the "pax denied boarding" statement as "conjecture" and no doubt it will be resurrected again and again........ however i do agree pax should be more vigilant about reading "terms and conditions" not only the cruiseline one but your agency one's here in Australia ...........and do yourself a favour read them.........BEFORE YOU BOOK....

[sleeptalker]

We booked a Balcony Guarantee with Carnival Spirit in June this year for an October 2014 Cruise. It was very cheap and we have been allocated a cabin with an Extended Balcony. Very Happy with that.:)

[KarateMan]

It was the upgrades that have caused me to favour choosing cabins at the top levels of the ship. I always used to book standard insides on the lower decks as they were the cheapest. Back in 2005 on the Sapphire Princess I was upgraded to an inside on Aloha deck. Ever since that date I have realised that the location was much more convenient for my lifestyle on the ship so I have always booked cabins on the upper decks.

 

Apart from that I have also been upgraded in balcony cabins. When I booked a cheap balcony deal I went for the cheapest and found myself always upgraded from a lower deck balcony to a upper deck balcony. I always loved it. Some people think being under the main pool decks you get a lot of noise but it didn't bother me.

 

The best upgrade I ever had was from balcony to the top suite on Dawn Princess for a 2 night repositioning cruise from Sydney to Brisbane.