Best bonus you've got booking with a TA

[cs]

Okay, if OBC was so against the rules, why are TAs being so blatent about it? Do a google search for Royal Caribbean Bonus and you will see there's no hiding the fact that they're giving OBC.

[ozzy1210]

That's a bit extreme. I don't think that an agency is going to go out of business because they offer incentives. If they couldn't afford to do it, I'm sure they wouldn't.

 

Once again, I'm sorry to the people who can't afford to compete. But you can't be mad at your customers for wanting a good deal. I am one who does shop around. I don't pay the highest prices and I do look for a good deal. Shame on me for that? Hey, if you pay full price for everything and never take a perk, then that's great for you!

 

But they will go out of business when the cruise line whose rules they're breaking decides not to do business with them anymore. Has little to do with being able to "afford" to compete.

[Alexru12]

Yes, you are greedy. Is not having someone work on your behalf for a small commission worth anything? Maybe ask her for a feww scooter--gas prices are out of control.

 

 

listen up bucky

i am not asking her to do anything

i booked a cruise with her, paid her for it, asked for nothing, mentioned that we go on several cruises a year and had one booked in januarythru celebrity. i planned it over a year ago, picked out our two cabins have paid the deposit, insurance, gratuities, etc. ain't nothin left to do but accept the final payment. i asked if there was a benefit or incentive to switching a $8000.00 booking over to her. hey a bottle of wine goes a long way things are tough all over, you want my two or three cruise vacations a year, you give to get, i don't care if its a freakin 10 dollar casino chip!:cool:

[ozzy1210]

Okay, if OBC was so against the rules, why are TAs being so blatent about it? Do a google search for Royal Caribbean Bonus and you will see there's no hiding the fact that they're giving OBC.

 

Many of the reputable ones are not so "blatent" as you put it.

 

Noone is arguing the credits aren't out there. This thread is about the ignorance of the consumer and how they equate a professional service down to dollars and freebies.

 

See how far your OBC gets you next time your stranded at the airport about to miss your ship due to mechanical delays of the aircraft. My clients will be the ones rushing past you to get to their new flight.

 

And I guarantee, I'll be the one getting the gifts when they return :D

[Bobblsc]

Gee whiz Bob, do you need help doing the math?!?

 

My abilities in both mathematics and accounting are very good, thank you.

 

You are either just having fun with your outlandish claim, or it is just B. S.

 

That's all, folks.

 

Bob :rolleyes:

[Ivanova]

What is different if my TA buys me a 25.00 obc or a 30.00 bottle of wine? Both are a gift?

I thought rebating is like the companies that are giving out huge credits- or cash back after your cruise. She pays for my credit with from her own money before we even sail so how could she be rebating what she isn't even collected yet?

 

And a $25 OBC might slide with a cruise line ... but a $1,550 OBC like someone previously posted getting (I think on a suite) is all or nearly all of the commission. Cruise lines would frown on it, and may (or may not) take action.

 

As yes I do shop around, but price isn't the only deciding factor. I pay more for my CPA (versus H&R Block or many other CPAs) because of his background and education. I'll pay more for a lawyer and not decide on price alone. I paid 6% commission on the last two houses I sold, because I got a lot more service (and the house sold a lot faster) than if I'd negotiated a 3% commission from my agent. I'll pay more for furniture (or even a pair of shoes) that will last longer than if I go to the local discound store where it sells for a lot less, and falls apart in months instead of decades.

 

It's about the value of the services you receive.

 

Now if you truly are the rare client that never needs anything, does your own booking, and then is looking to transfer it, like I said before that would be worth discussing ... haven't had one of those clients yet (yes, I have had clients book & transfer, but they've all been high maintenance in the end).

 

Another thing with TAs, some will give clients a booking credit on a future booking if someone they refer books with the TA (usually there are requirements, like they have to book a 7 night vacation, or hit a certain price minimum, etc.). It might be as little as $25, but those credits can add up....

[CASkippr]

My abilities in both mathematics and accounting are very good, thank you.

 

You are either just having fun with your outlandish claim, or it is just B. S.

 

That's all, folks.

 

Bob :rolleyes:

 

No B.S. Bob. Just the facts.

[mencik]

Okay, if OBC was so against the rules, why are TAs being so blatent about it? Do a google search for Royal Caribbean Bonus and you will see there's no hiding the fact that they're giving OBC.

 

I did exactly that search. Almost all of what I saw was for specific sailings. In those cases, they likely have groups blocked. The TAs use their amenity points to provide for onboard credits. That is perfectly legal in the eyes of RCCL.

 

Other bonus offers were tied to time-share or vacation club offers.

 

On the first 3 pages of that web search results, I did not find any TA offering OBC accross the board on every sailing.

[lvtotrvl1]

As of August 20, 2004

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean appreciates the praise and support from our travel agent partners on the Rebate Policy. To ensure a full understanding and compliance with the Rebate Policy, the following procedures are to be adhered to when marketing, advertising and selling Celebrity cruises or Royal Caribbean cruises or cruisetours.

 

No agencies can advertise, market or sell below our published or contracted pricing programs. Any rebating or incentive programs that can be converted to cash or currency, (e.g., a $50 USD credit card certificate), are not permitted. Any incentives that are used to promote either of our brands, such as a department store or Home Depot gift card, must be pre-approved by either a Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean International Sales Director. Agencies in violation of these policies will be subject to a reduction in the co-op support provided by the cruise lines and other effects such as a reduction in the base commission paid on all future cruises booked by that agency. The marketing, advertising and selling mediums shall include, but not be limited to, TV, radio, phone, newspaper, catalogs, direct mail, call centers, and all online vehicles such as search engines, websites, e-mail, pop-ups, and banners.

[honeydog714]

Many of the reputable ones are not so "blatent" as you put it.

 

Noone is arguing the credits aren't out there. This thread is about the ignorance of the consumer and how they equate a professional service down to dollars and freebies.

 

See how far your OBC gets you next time your stranded at the airport about to miss your ship due to mechanical delays of the aircraft. My clients will be the ones rushing past you to get to their new flight.

 

And I guarantee, I'll be the one getting the gifts when they return :D

Your clients buy you gifts? Is that like reverse rebating LOL? Holy cow I am learning a lot, so my loyalty and thank you's to my TA are not enough I need to send her gifts now? Oh man all this is making my head spin I think I need a vacation

[cs]

I did exactly that search. Almost all of what I saw was for specific sailings. In those cases, they likely have groups blocked. The TAs use their amenity points to provide for onboard credits. That is perfectly legal in the eyes of RCCL.

 

Other bonus offers were tied to time-share or vacation club offers.

 

On the first 3 pages of that web search results, I did not find any TA offering OBC accross the board on every sailing.

 

Okay, fair enough. So they may be providing deals based on groups blocked and it may be perfectly legal. Great! Because one of those TAs has been known to offer awesome deals, and I have booked my last 2 cruises with them!

 

Okay, no guilty feelings here. I book with a TA that's able to do a deal (legally).

 

So back to my original question (lol)...

[honeydog714]

As of August 20, 2004

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean appreciates the praise and support from our travel agent partners on the Rebate Policy. To ensure a full understanding and compliance with the Rebate Policy, the following procedures are to be adhered to when marketing, advertising and selling Celebrity cruises or Royal Caribbean cruises or cruisetours.

 

No agencies can advertise, market or sell below our published or contracted pricing programs. Any rebating or incentive programs that can be converted to cash or currency, (e.g., a $50 USD credit card certificate), are not permitted. Any incentives that are used to promote either of our brands, such as a department store or Home Depot gift card, must be pre-approved by either a Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean International Sales Director. Agencies in violation of these policies will be subject to a reduction in the co-op support provided by the cruise lines and other effects such as a reduction in the base commission paid on all future cruises booked by that agency. The marketing, advertising and selling mediums shall include, but not be limited to, TV, radio, phone, newspaper, catalogs, direct mail, call centers, and all online vehicles such as search engines, websites, e-mail, pop-ups, and banners.

So I still don't get it where does it say my TA can't give me a royal caribbean credit,or bottle of wine, that is not cash or a credit card certificate it is money that goes directly to royal caribbean? This is all very interesting.

[CASkippr]

And a $25 OBC might slide with a cruise line ... but a $1,550 OBC like someone previously posted getting (I think on a suite) is all or nearly all of the commission. Cruise lines would frown on it, and may (or may not) take action.

 

As yes I do shop around, but price isn't the only deciding factor. I pay more for my CPA (versus H&R Block or many other CPAs) because of his background and education. I'll pay more for a lawyer and not decide on price alone. I paid 6% commission on the last two houses I sold, because I got a lot more service (and the house sold a lot faster) than if I'd negotiated a 3% commission from my agent. I'll pay more for furniture (or even a pair of shoes) that will last longer than if I go to the local discound store where it sells for a lot less, and falls apart in months instead of decades.

 

It's about the value of the services you receive.

 

Now if you truly are the rare client that never needs anything, does your own booking, and then is looking to transfer it, like I said before that would be worth discussing ... haven't had one of those clients yet (yes, I have had clients book & transfer, but they've all been high maintenance in the end).

 

Another thing with TAs, some will give clients a booking credit on a future booking if someone they refer books with the TA (usually there are requirements, like they have to book a 7 night vacation, or hit a certain price minimum, etc.). It might be as little as $25, but those credits can add up....

 

Let's say OBC *IS* considered 'breaking the rules'. If so, then it shouldn't matter what the dollar amount is...it is still breaking the rules.

 

As for the dollar amount of my OBC, I'm sure it is all relative to what I am paying. Someone in a JS received a $500 OBC. Another poster received $200 OBC plus gratuities. I'm in an OS on a 10 night cruise so I'm sure I'm not really getting anything more than anyone else who has posted here.

[mencik]

So I still don't get it where does it say my TA can't give me a royal caribbean credit,or bottle of wine, that is not cash or a credit card certificate it is money that goes directly to royal caribbean? This is all very interesting.

 

A Royal Caribbean credit is a cash equivalent. It doesn't matter if that money ends up back in RCCL's hands. Effectively, the TA has given you cash to spend. It is no different than a gift card to Home Depot. The OBC you can only spend onboard. The gift card you can only spend at the store. Its a cash equivalent either way.

 

On the other hand, a bottle of wine is not, as the customer supposedly doesn't know the value of said bottle of wine. Thus, the credit is not legal (except as noted above when it is part of a group amenity), while a bottle of wine or some other tangible, non-cash-equivalent gift is legal.

[honeydog714]

ok, then what you are saying is if I didn't spend the credit (like that would happen) that I could take it home with me,how come the slip says the shipboard credit is non refundable?

 

So then what about the deals that I see with prepaid tips (my TA does not do that by the way) isn't that in a sense the same as cash since it is money a person does not have to spend? Wow it sure is confusing.

[betcat]

I have bee on 6 cruises and never get any perks. I don't want or need the perks. If I get one it would be frosting on the cake. What I always get is the best price. I don't look around for the best price. I tell her that I am ready for a cruise at this time and she calls me in a week or a month or 2 when she sees a deal I can't pass up. Right now I have a cruise booked with her and she just called up and ask if I wanted to cruise on a 1 nighter to my cruise port for a 29.00$ inside or 39.00$ outside or 49.00$ bal or 79.00$ suite. Again its a deal I cant pass up. It gets me to my 5 day cruise 1 day before it goes out. There was also a 28.00 port charge and tax. Still cheaper then the hotel I will stay in that night Also my 5 nighter was 510.00 for a outside for 2 people total. (cruise,port charges and tax.) Let face it nobody gets something for nothing, you still pay for it in the long run.

[Autumnrose]

ok, then what you are saying is if I didn't spend the credit (like that would happen) that I could take it home with me,how come the slip says the shipboard credit is non refundable?

 

 

Yes you can take that home with you. Simply go to the casino and get the cash with your Seapass card.

[CTCcruiserr]

I guess I am jealous - the poster that is getting $1550 back on an OS makes my 650 -750 back on the three OS's I have booked next year small by comparison. Bottom line is I do all the research - call online TA with date, and suite# I want - he has my credit card on file so he makes one call to RCCL - his commission is 12% or about $1000 on each of my bookings - he offers obc based on his commision and rebates about 65% of his commission. But I use him for numerous booking so he still earns over $1000 on my annual bookings. Some TA's posting here talk about additional services like taking care of missing luggage, stuck at airports, etc. Folks, you are the exceptions - most TA's do nothjing additional or resolve problems once a cruise begins - the one I used previously is off every weekend (when most ships sail) so I would be out of luck until Monday. Those of you that offer exceptional services wll retain your clients - those that don't will lose them to online agents that offer better deals.

[Ivanova]

ok, then what you are saying is if I didn't spend the credit (like that would happen) that I could take it home with me,how come the slip says the shipboard credit is non refundable?

 

Not all OBC is refundable. If it is an OBC tied to a group booking it is nonrefundable (money given to you by the cruiseline to spend onboard). If it's OBC that you called and prepurchased then any unused money is fully refundable. If your TA calls and buys the OBC it is also refundable (just like you calling and prepurchasing).

[CASkippr]

I guess I am jealous - the poster that is getting $1550 back on an OS makes my 650 -750 back on the three OS's I have booked next year small by comparison. Bottom line is I do all the research - call online TA with date, and suite# I want - he has my credit card on file so he makes one call to RCCL - his commission is 12% or about $1000 on each of my bookings - he offers obc based on his commision and rebates about 65% of his commission. But I use him for numerous booking so he still earns over $1000 on my annual bookings. Some TA's posting here talk about additional services like taking care of missing luggage, stuck at airports, etc. Folks, you are the exceptions - most TA's do nothjing additional or resolve problems once a cruise begins - the one I used previously is off every weekend (when most ships sail) so I would be out of luck until Monday. Those of you that offer exceptional services wll retain your clients - those that don't will lose them to online agents that offer better deals.

 

CTCcruiserr - We just returned from a 7 night Caribbean cruise in an OS and the OBC was a total of $650 for the four of us. The upcoming cruise is a 10 night Med and costing more than double what the 7 night Caribbean cost. We did a 12 night Baltic cruise two years ago in an OS and I think the OBC was close to $1600 as well.

[Alexru12]

:cool: now how about if you book another cruise while onboard? does not royal caribbean and celebrity both "give" you an onboard credit for the cruise you are booking? you can than switch that over to your ta.

i myself, live less than 100 miles from any of the four major Florida ports, there for i do not have to book air or hotel, all i need is my cruise ticket , a tank of gas, and i am good to go, so i do not consider myself to be high maintenence. because of this convience, i can cruise several times a year,

but there is a lil thing called reciprocity, when you are good to mama, mama is good to you!:cool:

[Ivanova]

....but there is a lil thing called reciprocity, when you are good to mama, mama is good to you.

 

Okay, I'm curious, what other professions do people expect reciprocity from?

[jfrenaye]

Your clients buy you gifts? Is that like reverse rebating LOL? Holy cow I am learning a lot, so my loyalty and thank you's to my TA are not enough I need to send her gifts now? Oh man all this is making my head spin I think I need a vacation

I think this may be an important point. Yes clients do buy agents gifts. If someone goes above and beyond one time, sure. If they maybe provide outstanding service all year (in a corporate environment) then sure. Like tipping the mailman at Christmas.

[Alexru12]

Okay, I'm curious, what other professions do people expect reciprocity from?

 

Reciprocity is done constantly and especially in the service industry

restaraunts always give the tour guides/ opraters/ drivers free meals for bringing the tours thru

loan officers in banks are expected to give better rates to preferred ( read repeat) clients

the local florist gives the custumer who orders every month a better boquet than the guy who only orders at valentines.

you get a better seat at a table, and quicker, at a restaraunt you visit often.

deeper discount at the jeweler when you are known to buy often, also free cleaning and repairs and free appraising

the local pizza guy may deliver your pizza ahead of the guy who ordered 10 minutes ahead of you because you call in every week

it goes on and on and on

in the service industry you have to give something to get something

especially when everything a custumer wants is just a mouse click away:cool:

[Ivanova]

Reciprocity is done constantly and especially in the service industry

restaraunts always give the tour guides/ opraters/ drivers free meals for bringing the tours thru

loan officers in banks are expected to give better rates to preferred ( read repeat) clients

the local florist gives the custumer who orders every month a better boquet than the guy who only orders at valentines.

you get a better seat at a table, and quicker, at a restaraunt you visit often.

deeper discount at the jeweler when you are known to buy often, also free cleaning and repairs and free appraising

the local pizza guy may deliver your pizza ahead of the guy who ordered 10 minutes ahead of you because you call in every week

it goes on and on and on

in the service industry you have to give something to get something

especially when everything a custumer wants is just a mouse click away:cool:

 

These are all perfect examples of businesses rewarding clients for REPEAT or REFERRAL business ... not first time clients coming in and saying what are you giving away?