Cancelling Comped Cruise -- Disappointment

[H-B]

Last November I received a "Free Cruise Certificate" for my gambling at a land based casino. It appeared to be a promotion put on by Royal Caribbean. The certificate offered almost 20 cruises to pick from and we picked a cruise set to sail May 9th. I upgraded the cabin and only had to pay for the upgrade $77 and port fees and taxes $92. As COVID-19 would have it, RCL canceled the cruise. I called to see what *options* I would have. The call was quickly answered, the associate was professional and knowledgeable. He told me that I would receive a refund on the port fees and taxes and that I would receive a Future Cruise Credit for 125% of the $77. He also informed me that Royal was not offering any offset or replacement for the cruise certificate. 

 

My family typically takes two cruise a year and for many years we have sailed Carnival and Disney, both have seemed much more family friendly. We have wanted to try Royal Caribbean again and this gave us that opportunity. So much planning goes into a cruise and losing this one puts the family in a mood that I compare to grieving.

 

I understand that COVID-19 has shaken the industry and that RCL is a company that has to watch it's financials to remain in business. But this business decision is one that I won't forget and gives me no reason to consider cruising with Royal again.

Edited March 27, 2020 by H-B

[firefly333]

Carnival does offer more and more and more casino offers. Lots more are cruising on very cheap rates, so lots more platinum, diamond etc at boarding time. It's the opposite of family friendly to me. I was on a elite casino carnival cruise. The smoke was thick, people complained about machines never being open. 

 

If you are looking for gambling cruises, you are correct, carnival offers more. It's one of the reasons I booked rcl this time.

 

.... from the perspective of a almost non gambler.  ... having 300 or 500 gamblers onboard is a reason to avoid the carnival cruise. So many gamblers crusing is making my loyalty perks like early boarding almost worthless. 

 

I guess it depends on if you like gambling cruises. Carnival is becoming known for them. 

 

I am sorry there isnt a new comped cruise on rcl for you to get.  Everyone who got cancelled is disappointed 

[fishernrex]

My comp cancellation experience: 

 

Called CasinoRoyale yesterday to get a refund on two comped cruises.  The rep I had was both pleasant and professional.  I can only imagine how overwhelmed those folks are right now.  I'm sure they are dealing with MANY frustrated and even angry customers, but you wouldn't know it by talking to their rep.   Was I bummed that we will miss a couple of cruises?  Yup....Did they offer me another "free" cruise?  No.  It's all good.  I was offered either 125% FCC or full refund (had upgraded both cabins).   As a note, she did advise it could be up to 30 days before we received a refund on the credit card - No surprise with the volume they are dealing with.   There WILL be more cruises.   Hopefully we will all remember these times and enjoy them that much more.  

 

I understand peoples frustrations at losing their "free" cruises, but again, let's put it all in perspective.   There are thousands of crew members that are losing MUCH more than many of us are.  I applaud the cruise lines for cancelling.  I'm sure it wasn't a desired decision.   What if they opted to "sail at your own risk"?  Then folks who were afraid to sail would simply be out everything.  It sucks, I get it -  but it is what it is.   

[Ourusualbeach]

Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll receive another offer of a free cruise from the casino, they give them away like candy at Halloween. 

[Sunshine3601]

We also lost one of casino comped cruises.  Was supposed to sail today.  Of course I am sad about it.  And we have another comped cruise booked to Ne/canada for may which is almost definite to be cancelled unless they change itinerary to bermuda for end of may.  But even if that one is totally cancelled I am confident that casino royale will be sending out new offers as soon as they start sailing again.  We have bigger things to worry about right now.   Hang in there and stay healthy.

[klfrodo]

I'm curious to know what your expectation was?

[KelSny1011]

Life is not fair 

12 hours ago, H-B said:

Last November I received a "Free Cruise Certificate" for my gambling at a land based casino. It appeared to be a promotion put on by Royal Caribbean. The certificate offered almost 20 cruises to pick from and we picked a cruise set to sail May 9th. I upgraded the cabin and only had to pay for the upgrade $77 and port fees and taxes $92. As COVID-19 would have it, RCL canceled the cruise. I called to see what *options* I would have. The call was quickly answered, the associate was professional and knowledgeable. He told me that I would receive a refund on the port fees and taxes and that I would receive a Future Cruise Credit for 125% of the $77. He also informed me that Royal was not offering any offset or replacement for the cruise certificate. 

 

My family typically takes two cruise a year and for many years we have sailed Carnival and Disney, both have seemed much more family friendly. We have wanted to try Royal Caribbean again and this gave us that opportunity. So much planning goes into a cruise and losing this one puts the family in a mood that I compare to grieving.

 

I understand that COVID-19 has shaken the industry and that RCL is a company that has to watch it's financials to remain in business. But this business decision is one that I won't forget and gives me no reason to consider cruising with Royal again.

There has been plenty of loyal RC'ers who have lost their comps too.  What's hilarious about your complaint is that this was an offer due to your gambling from a land base casino.  Guess who's the first people they are going to risk losing business too?  Yeah..you ..sorry...life just sucks sometimes, and I'm pretty sure they are not crying that you will never give them a shot in the future.  

[Retired LEO]

The casino is now giving away cruises like Halloween candy