Cruiser BEWARE...

[phoenix_dream]

So basically you are unhappy with Celebrity because you didn’t really look into what you were booking and want them to change their rules just for you because you’re a big spender so should be treated differently than everyone else.  Got it.

[az_tchr]

8 hours ago, yorky said:

I don’t think you can compare a FCC with a lower expiry date which the average cruiser will never get to refundable deposits.

A FCC needs only a booking made within 12 months. The easy solution is to book a cruise say 2 years out with a refundable deposit. That in effect gives you 36 months. If that doesn't work - repeat. With a tiny bit of effort a FCC can be moved forward almost forever.

[Sabbycat]

On 2/20/2020 at 10:02 PM, Puffles311 said:

 

I've done a lot of cruises booked myself in the past. However, with the with nickel and dime culture I think you are right. 

Anytime you are booking a cruise that is a sale and/or includes perks, it will generally be a NRD. I booked one yesterday, and we looking for that clause in the fine print before booking. Cruiselines are doing this more and more these days. (including Az and Oceania too)

[kenevenpar]

I see this a bit different, and maybe the OP is saying this:

 

If I were spending $20,000 on a cruise (which I would not), I would certainly think that they could waive the $100 penalty for a change in cruise/cabin.  Basic business skills would say to just do it quietly and be done with it.

 

We just visited a major hotel chain location, and I booked the wrong room category.  The room I wanted was actually $25 more.  The receptionist looked at it and the fact that I was a frequent traveler (not at the highest level) and said "don't worry about it).  I think I'll continue using that chain, not because I care about the $25, but because it was a nice gesture and I'll remember that.

[kenevenpar]

On 2/21/2020 at 7:53 AM, justcrusn said:

I’m so puzzled here. The OP booked a $19,000 vacation, NONREFUNDABLE With a travel agent  (not celebritycruises) and is upset there is a $100 fee to modify it?
Or presumably $900 to just walk away? 

Seems like a small amount in the big scheme of things and not really a cruiseline complaint.

Just my two cents, but pay the $100 and chalk it up to experience.

I'm pretty sure the OP said they booked it direct with Celebrity.

 

Post #8:

 

I called them yesterday (directly) and booked a cruise, but wanted a specific suite which was not available on the sailing I really wanted. So I booked the following sailing. When I saw it was available tonight, I called to be switched to the new date, and it was an absolute disgrace.  I don't even know what they've done with my original cruise reservation. No email as of yet. And an 40 min wasted phone call.

Edited February 23, 2020 by kenevenpar

[Puffles311]

We were ultimately able to cancel with Celebrity and get a refund because of the 24hr grace period. We now have a travel agent and have decided to try the Regent Splendor for our anniversary.  I have learned a lot from this potentially expensive cancellation policy.

[az_tchr]

On 2/20/2020 at 7:24 PM, Caribbean Chris said:

This non refundable deposit situation is putting a chill on my willingness to book anything with X in the future. A friend decided a few weeks ago to join us on a 2021 cruise, picked up the phone to book direct, and at the end, the reservations agent told her the deposit was non refundable. My friend, a very experienced Cunard cruiser of many decades, simply explained she was not going to book the Sky suite under those terms. The agent came back with a slightly higher price for a refundable version. This appears to be just a not-so-subtle, and apparently negotiable, new tool to raise prices to higher levels one way or the other.

Seems the problem is your TA possibly not making things clear to you. Not X. I would call Celebrity and ask for resolutions. They likely will be able to assist.

[Caribbean Chris]

9 minutes ago, az_tchr said:

Seems the problem is your TA possibly not making things clear to you. Not X. I would call Celebrity and ask for resolutions. They likely will be able to assist.

 

I was talking about a friend. She was booking directly with X. 

 

My TA is crystal clear with info.