When did Casino start requiring full payment upfront when reserving an upgraded complimentary cruise ?

[MaritimeR&R]

I will admit it has been a couple of years since I used a complimentary offer from the Casino.  I remember it used to be that you had to pay the deposit and gratuities upfront, but I just finished booking my complimentary prime cruise and was required (with the exception of the gratuities) to pay for the entire upgraded cruise, taxes, fees, etc.  When did this change?

[lovelife]

During the several years we have been Club Royale members we have always been required to pay the upgrade upfront.

[sandebeach]

I think it changed around 2017.  It may have occurred when the VIP casino program changed to a tier-level program. It does make it a little harder when upgrading to suites. I had upgraded to a Star Class suite and had to pay $5,000 upon booking (but sadly that cruise was cancelled). 

[lazydayz]

It has been a while, don't remember when it started. 

[Sunshine3601]

I have been paying upgrade fee, port taxes / fees for at least 3+ years now for cruises booked thru club royale.    I don't remember just giving a partial payment at time of booking

[RFerrington]

I am pretty sure the pay in full up front requirement was implemented as part of the new program.  It has been that way for some time.  I don't mind it at all.  It's just part of the "deal".

[radarcruiser]

I had to pay the taxes and upgrade fee upfront for my “free” cruise that was supposed to sail this month.  When they cancelled I tried to move it to 2021, they told me no and offered a “casino rate” instead of the freebie.  No thanks. Ended up with FCC for the upgrade, but should have opted for a refund. 

[MaritimeR&R]

Thanks for the responses.  I was so used to the old program before the tiers and probably only used dollars off when I had them for recent cruises. Since they started giving out 1099g's I cut back my on board gambling.