MaseratiCruiser

Cruise lines and TAs (whether on line or live) don't typically ask for cc info before they give you the details of the booking . . . cabin number or category, pricing, etc. In this case I was asked for billing information before we talked about cruise details and price. I only got that info after I balked at providing billing info.

The cruise details and itinerary is listed on their website for all to see. Don't know what else you want to know. For the special price you get no choice of cabin or category and the pricing is clearly listed. It's a great deal no matter how much you try to reason otherwise.

Sorry to say I'm probably going to cancel this cruise though due to the increased terrorism warnings around this region. I just don't feel like we would be able to enjoy it as much wondering what could happen at any time and constantly being on guard. Grateful that I took out travel insurance one week earlier that has a 30 day terrorism clause.

Well, I went and contacted that TA. The $399 pp cruise wound up pricing out at much more than double that (no air).

 

It still might have been a good deal, but they kept pushing for my cc number as a requirement to get important trip details. Their website was even worse, wanted cc info before providing trip confirmation details. Then there was the BBB rating . . . And a really rotten bunch of on-line complaints.

 

I used to think CC was overly protective in censoring posts mentioning TAs, now I understand why.

 

ETA: A wise man once said, "if something sounds too good to be true, it most likely is."

Sorry to correct you, but what your saying is not completely true. The only other costs are $120pp for gratuities bringing the grand total to a staggering $519 pp!! Still including free bar drinks with meals and guided tours everyday. Without airfare I am still saving around $1,500 pp on a comparable cruise. And as far as paying with a credit card up front goes, that is completely understandable, you are purchasing a "last minute" cruise deal that sails in weeks, not months. Would you expect to pay the balance upon arrival? If you want a bargain sometimes you have pay upfront. I have no problem with that. This is a huge FL agency and these river cruises are just a very small portion of travel which they sell. They put out full page ads every Sunday in the Orlando paper and the Florida Sun. They told me that this is the first year that they have chartered a European River cruise so hopefully more people won't be afraid, skeptical and leery of the price where they can do it again next year. I owned a retail business for years and found that sometimes when I priced a quality item too cheaply it wouldn't sell, but when I raised the price 10-20% more it would miraculous move off the shelf...go figure! ;)

You all can boast about spending thousands but I'm much happier paying only $399pp for my upcoming Emerald 8 day all inclusive Rhine River cruise! Plenty of money saved/pocketed for pre and post cruise hotels and activities. :)

Sorry to burst a lot of price bubbles here but $399 + $120 gratuities, per person, for an 8 day European river cruise on a year old ship, tours & bar drinks included, is what I'm paying. Airfare 20k AA miles each way. Pretty cheap vacation! Have to be ready to go in the next few weeks and I will! I would be glad to share with anyone interested but I don't believe I can advertise travel agencies on this board.

It's kind of like being on a blackjack table and being up a grand. Do you quit and be content by walking away or do you risk what you have won with the hopes of gaining more or quite possibly losing it all back to the house? Learning to be content with what you have is the key to happiness. If you follow these guidelines you wouldn't be in a casino to begin with, so don't take my advise. :D

What's the chance one might get approved for a shareholder credit with a 1-2-3 promotion already in play? If submitted could it wipe out the 1-2-3? I don't want to take a chance of that happening if it might.

Shareholder credit IS useful on repositioning and transatlantic cruises where you otherwise wouldn't be offered a BBB promotion.

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Does anyone know (from a recent cruise) if the booking department onboard their ship was offering BBB for cruises that are not normally allowed this offer on land or online? For example re-positioning, transatlantic, etc.

Can someone please tell me if there is a place to securely store our luggage in the port area when off the ship the day of disembarkment? We want to walk around OSJ but don't wish to drag along our luggage.

Also, is it easy to get a taxi at the end of the day from the port area back to the airport? Any tips in chosing an honest driver?