New Pricing Bundles or Non-Refundable: Your Thoughts!

[molole]

Don't like the new pricing scheme at all.

I want refundable deposit but don't want perks and now I would be forced to pay for perks I don't need to get refundable.

Time to find a good TA who can give me what I look for.

[bkbarrym]

30 minutes ago, NantahalaCruiser said:

 

As an example, when I looked on April 4, the Reflection 13N TA on October 20, 2020 had an A2 non-refundable 0 perk fare of $2805 and A2 refundable 2 perk fare of $3299. Using 105% of $2805 = $2945 as the estimate for a refundable 0 perk fare, the difference for 2 perks would be $3299 - $2945 = $354. Gratuities of $195 (13 x $15) + $150 OBC would have only a value of $345 which would not be justified by the $354 estimated cost of 2 perks. Perhaps your cruise will have better numbers!

 

One other thought is that you might find the value of the Classic Beverage Package to be worth more than the $150 OBC if you enjoy several specialty coffees per day. Three of them would have an alternative cost of about $18 including gratuities so 13x$18 = $234!

 

Happy cruising.

Thanks for the response however the analysis/example has no bearing as X no longer offers a refundable 0 perk fare.

 

The perks only have value if it's something we would consider paying for and using. Justifying the beverage perk as you suggested (with specialty coffees) is of no interest to us.

[Redtravel]

On April 5, 2019 at 2:33 PM, ak1004 said:

Celebrity is very good in marketing and upselling.

 

Unfortunately what many people don't realize, is that once you add the cost of all the "perks" (plus specialty restaurants, specialty teas and coffees, shuttles etc.) you can book Oceania or Azamara for almost the same price. Our last Azamara cruise included free internet, free gratuities, $500 onboard credit, premium beverage package etc. Oceania always includes all specialty restaurants. The more confusing the terms, the easier it is to cause people to buy those overpriced items ($300 for internet? Seriously?)

 

Same as people who buy Honda and Toyota, add all the options, and don't realize that they could buy Lexus or Acura for almost the same price..  

You are so right. We will be sailing on Azamara cruise to Alaska. It includes more, is longer, and costs less than similar accomodations on Celebrity. Booked during a promo.....book inside and get a veranda. It also includes OBC that we used to book our excursions. We sail on Oceania too. Great food in all venues. No surcharges to eat anywhere. Service is outstanding. 

[Luvcrusn]

1 hour ago, ak1004 said:

 

Life has a funny way to show you that your plans are not always in line with reality. We had to cancel two cruises in the last two years due to my wife medical issues. For us, a non refundable deposit is a show stopper, and the difference in 2 perks is bigger than taking them separately. In addition, I don't like to be forced to buy something, and this is exactly what X is trying to do.

 

Is this doesn't change, our upcoming cruises with X (which are already booked) will be the last ones. There are so many good options available, there is no need to sail with a company that has zero respect for you.  

I was in no way saying that I like non-refundable deposits. I don't. I was saying that the option suggested by another poster of an incentive of reduced deposits don't appeal to me since eventually you have to pay for the cruise in full anyway. Some people book cruises as placeholders and so to them, the appeal of reduced deposits makes sense. We also opt for taking trip cancellation insurance (not from X) in case of issues like you mentioned. We always have booked refundable deposits because of the possibility of the unexpected.  Although the insurance has a cost that will be lost if we have to cancel, at least we'll get our cruise money back.  By purchasing the insurance at the time we book the cruise we are also insuring pre-existing conditions. Everyone has to do what makes sense for their own comfort. 

[Seville2Cabo]

It took me awhile to stop laughing about X not respecting someone. This has nothing to do with respect. This is business and what they feel will be their best return on investment (right or wrong we don’t know). 

Seems they want customers that will spend money on their ships. If not, they want to lock them in for the deposit. Not everyone is their target customer. No cruise line want customers that don’t spend on ship, that is where the profit is

[ak1004]

3 hours ago, Seville2Cabo said:

It took me awhile to stop laughing about X not respecting someone. This has nothing to do with respect. This is business and what they feel will be their best return on investment (right or wrong we don’t know). 

Seems they want customers that will spend money on their ships. If not, they want to lock them in for the deposit. Not everyone is their target customer. No cruise line want customers that don’t spend on ship, that is where the profit is

 

Well, they have their goals, I have mine. I don't work for the cruise company last time I checked, and I put my interest first, not theirs. This is why we have competition.

 

I spend very little on board since most of the items onboard are overpriced by huge margin. But there always are and always will be people who spend thousands in the casinos, on alcohol, on expensive suites etc. They will always subsidize my inside cabin (because I only sleep there, so there is absolutely no reason for me to overpay to a more expensive cabin, which in many cases is not even larger than the inside). 

[jagoffee]

If you cancel or change with the nonrefundable deposit, you still get a credit to use on Celebrity minus a $100 change fee, correct?  Therefore if you pay a deposit of $450 to book a no perk basic fare, it will only cost you $100?  The $350 can be used on a future cruise?

I may be in the minority, but that seems reasonable to me. Cruisers booked in the UK have it much worse.

I do think it might stop people from booking multiple cruises during the same time frame.

 

[bkbarrym]

1 hour ago, jagoffee said:

If you cancel or change with the nonrefundable deposit, you still get a credit to use on Celebrity minus a $100 change fee, correct?  Therefore if you pay a deposit of $450 to book a no perk basic fare, it will only cost you $100?  The $350 can be used on a future cruise?

I may be in the minority, but that seems reasonable to me. Cruisers booked in the UK have it much worse.

I do think it might stop people from booking multiple cruises during the same time frame.

 

You have up to 12 months to use the future cruise credit or it's forfeited. 

[villauk]

4 hours ago, jagoffee said:

If you cancel or change with the nonrefundable deposit, you still get a credit to use on Celebrity minus a $100 change fee, correct?  Therefore if you pay a deposit of $450 to book a no perk basic fare, it will only cost you $100?  The $350 can be used on a future cruise?

I may be in the minority, but that seems reasonable to me. Cruisers booked in the UK have it much worse.

I do think it might stop people from booking multiple cruises during the same time frame.

 

 

 

I don’t book multiple cruises during the same timeframe and I book in the US because it’s far more flexible than over here. However, now I have an issue under the new programme as I book two cabins: a balcony with perks for my DH and myself and an inside for the kids without perks (the TA OBC pays for their gratuities). This means that now one booking is refundable and one is not! Additionally, as I said before the new inception, all that will happen with the ‘Sail Only’ price is that it will be lower but not that low to be cost effective not to take it without the 2 perks. Resulting in price increases and being forced to take the 2 option ‘perks’ without really needing them.

[hcat]

Posted 7 hours ago   8 hours ago, jagoffee said:

       If you cancel or change with the nonrefundable deposit, you still get a credit to use on Celebrity minus a $100 change fee, correct?  Therefore if you pay a deposit of $450 to book a no perk basic fare, it will only cost you $100?  The $350 can be used on a future cruise? I may be in the minority, but that seems reasonable to me. Cruisers booked in the UK have it much worse. I do think it might stop people from booking multiple cruises during the same time frame.   You have up to 12 months to use the future cruise credit or it's forfeited. 

 

Bkbarry m replied;

      You have up to 12 months to use the future cruise credit or it's forfeited. 

 

Seems reasonable  to me if you do not want to add in any perks. A stateroom is being held off the market with the res. You only lose $100 and get a chance to re book later with the credit. May discourage multiple choice bookings, that can drive up prices for everyone.

 

We do not prefer non-refundable bookings,  and like  to include 2 perks..Classic Alcohol  plus 1...we usually choose OBC or grats.

 

Our present bookings have the same terms and the last one was done just before the new changes..It went up  $200 so no need to re book it. We book for the itin,  ship, and cabin we want..we aren't no frills cruisers  and look for a fair price we are willing to pay,

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 7, 2019 by hcat

[mek]

14 hours ago, bkbarrym said:

Thanks for the response however the analysis/example has no bearing as X no longer offers a refundable 0 perk fare.

 

The perks only have value if it's something we would consider paying for and using. Justifying the beverage perk as you suggested (with specialty coffees) is of no interest to us.

I agree with you.  Once on Princess I bought a coffee card,(which one one time didn't expire),  and it took me two cruises to use it up. The beverage pkg for us would be a total waste.  My husband can't drink because of meds and the Elite drinks are fine with me.  An occasional speciality coffee and a few extra cocktails probably cost me $100 or less for a 7 night cruise, so no value to me at all.

[ak1004]

50 minutes ago, hcat said:

Posted 7 hours ago   8 hours ago, jagoffee said:

       If you cancel or change with the nonrefundable deposit, you still get a credit to use on Celebrity minus a $100 change fee, correct?  Therefore if you pay a deposit of $450 to book a no perk basic fare, it will only cost you $100?  The $350 can be used on a future cruise? I may be in the minority, but that seems reasonable to me. Cruisers booked in the UK have it much worse. I do think it might stop people from booking multiple cruises during the same time frame.   You have up to 12 months to use the future cruise credit or it's forfeited. 

 

Bkbarry m replied;

      You have up to 12 months to use the future cruise credit or it's forfeited. 

 

Seems reasonable  to me if you do not want to add in any perks. A stateroom is being held off the market with the res. You only lose $100 and get a chance to re book later with the credit. May discourage multiple choice bookings, that can drive up prices for everyone.

 

We do not prefer non-refundable bookings,  and like  to include 2 perks..Classic Alcohol  plus 1...we usually choose OBC or grats.

 

Our present bookings have the same terms and the last one was done just before the new changes..It went up  $200 so no need to re book it. We book for the itin,  ship, and cabin we want..we aren't no frills cruisers  and look for a fair price we are willing to pay,

 

I rest my case. As long as Celebrity sees such posts, they won't change their policy.

[jkgourmet]

1 hour ago, ak1004 said:

 

From what I checked, HAL prices are very competitive and in many cases cheaper than X. And we actually liked it better than X. Better food, more unique entertainment.

 

I looked whenever were thinking about a New England/Canada cruise in 2020 when HAL was offering an alcohol package perk - even in inside cabins.  Because my big online TA pays gratuities on X, I still couldn't make it work.  ☹️

[bkbarrym]

9 minutes ago, mek said:

I agree with you.  Once on Princess I bought a coffee card,(which one one time didn't expire),  and it took me two cruises to use it up. The beverage pkg for us would be a total waste.  My husband can't drink because of meds and the Elite drinks are fine with me.  An occasional speciality coffee and a few extra cocktails probably cost me $100 or less for a 7 night cruise, so no value to me at all.

It would seem that unless you take the beverage package adding perks doesn't work to your benefit.

[bkbarrym]

18 minutes ago, mek said:

I agree with you.  Once on Princess I bought a coffee card,(which one one time didn't expire),  and it took me two cruises to use it up. The beverage pkg for us would be a total waste.  My husband can't drink because of meds and the Elite drinks are fine with me.  An occasional speciality coffee and a few extra cocktails probably cost me $100 or less for a 7 night cruise, so no value to me at all.

It would seem that unless you take the beverage package adding perks doesn't work to your benefit.

[jkgourmet]

4 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

 

I rest my case. As long as Celebrity sees such posts, they won't change their policy.

 

Why should they if it creates additional profit to their bottom line (and less hassle from people who book multiple cruises with the intention of canceling some). Why should they if it doesn't result in less passengers?

 

Profit for their stockholders IS their primary goal.  And there is NOTHING wrong with that.

[jkgourmet]

4 minutes ago, bkbarrym said:

It would seem that unless you take the beverage package adding perks doesn't work to your benefit.

 

I agree.  And since we will not cruise without an alcohol package, the cost of it when not included as a perk becomes a comparative pricing issue.  our TA pays the gratuities on X = pretty much keeps us On X.  For now.

Edited April 7, 2019 by jkgourmet

[ak1004]

2 minutes ago, jkgourmet said:

 

Why should they if it creates additional profit to their bottom line (and less hassle from people who book multiple cruises with the intention of canceling some). Why should they if it doesn't result in less passengers?

 

Profit for their stockholders IS their primary goal.  And there is NOTHING wrong with that.

 

Of course. But other lines want profits too - and still have have refundable deposits. 

[jkgourmet]

9 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

 

Of course. But other lines want profits too - and still have have refundable deposits. 

 

I'll get you see some changes.  And compare Viking Ocean deposit/refund policy.  Much more restrictive than X.

 

I do predict that X will add (higher cost) refundable deposit fares for all classes of cabins.  

 

For DECADES, this has been what airlines do.  Want the flexibility of refundable passage, you pay for it.

Edited April 7, 2019 by jkgourmet

[happy cruzer]

Celebrity will still run promotions that will fill the ships if this pricing model doesn't.  As JK said, it is a business.  RCCL in general is trying to keep cruisers from holding multiple cabins.

[jagoffee]

8 hours ago, bkbarrym said:

You have up to 12 months to use the future cruise credit or it's forfeited. 

 

Are you saying you have to actually take a cruise within 12 months or just apply your credit to a deposit for a cruise at a future date.  Is this a big deal?

5 hours ago, villauk said:

 

 

I don’t book multiple cruises during the same timeframe and I book in the US because it’s far more flexible than over here. However, now I have an issue under the new programme as I book two cabins: a balcony with perks for my DH and myself and an inside for the kids without perks (the TA OBC pays for their gratuities). This means that now one booking is refundable and one is not! Additionally, as I said before the new inception, all that will happen with the ‘Sail Only’ price is that it will be lower but not that low to be cost effective not to take it without the 2 perks. Resulting in price increases and being forced to take the 2 option ‘perks’ without really needing them.

You are certainly risking the loss of $100 per person.  The TA OBC is Refundable, so you do not necessarily have to use it for gratuities.  I suppose you have to run the numbers on the inside cabins for the kids.  The cost with the two perks and a refundable deposit and the cost for an inside with no perks and a potential loss of $100 per person if you cancel/move your cruise.  In that case the perks would be gratuities and $150 OBC per person. (Assuming of course that you could use the $150 for something on board.  

 

It certainly makes it more of a challenge for you.

[Oville]

11 minutes ago, jkgourmet said:

 

I'll get you see some changes.  And compare Viking Ocean deposit/refund policy.  Much more restrictive than X.

Check out Virgin, $750 non-refundable deposit but I think it can be moved to another sailing.

Edited April 7, 2019 by Oville

[Luvcrusn]

Celebrity's new pricing policy has happened, like it or not. They often come out with new ones and then variations on the newest theme are added. DH and I have sailed many different lines, but have enjoyed X to the point that for many years, when we've decided our next vacation will be a cruise, we book on X without shopping other lines. This new pricing structure has given us a reason to shop again. Many of the posts I read here have indicated that many long time X cruisers feel similarly. X is taking a calculated risk that those that shop will return and that new cruisers will find the X brand and replace the ones who leave. Personally, I think that when you give people who are loyal a reason to shop around you are giving up business that may never return. X has clearly made a choice here. Loyal customers will make their own. No amount of posts here will matter. Ships sailing full or not so full and profit margins will be the determining factor of the success or lack thereof of the new pricing strategy. X is one business among many who offer cruise vacations fighting for a market share.

[mek]

14 minutes ago, Luvcrusn said:

Celebrity's new pricing policy has happened, like it or not. They often come out with new ones and then variations on the newest theme are added. DH and I have sailed many different lines, but have enjoyed X to the point that for many years, when we've decided our next vacation will be a cruise, we book on X without shopping other lines. This new pricing structure has given us a reason to shop again. Many of the posts I read here have indicated that many long time X cruisers feel similarly. X is taking a calculated risk that those that shop will return and that new cruisers will find the X brand and replace the ones who leave. Personally, I think that when you give people who are loyal a reason to shop around you are giving up business that may never return. X has clearly made a choice here. Loyal customers will make their own. No amount of posts here will matter. Ships sailing full or not so full and profit margins will be the determining factor of the success or lack thereof of the new pricing strategy. X is one business among many who offer cruise vacations fighting for a market share.

All it really means to me is unless the itinerary is really unique and not offered frequently,(like my upcoming Hawaii itinerary), I will simply wait to book after final payment.  I'm not loyal to any one brand and I enjoy switching around, so that isn' a problem for me.

[hcat]

50 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

 

I rest my case. As long as Celebrity sees such posts, they won't change their policy.

Topic asked for our thoughts. Those are mine...others differ. 

 

Btw...2 perks need not be alcohol....can  request OBC and grats...