Booking advice

[dlopiccolo]

Is anyone willing to share secrets on getting the best deal while booking? I am planning to call my cruise consultant who contacted me when I signed up on the NCL website. I think the price that is being offered is fair and I am willing to pay it BUT I'm also the type of gal who will never pay full price if there is a coupon to be found. That being said, those of you who cruise often is there any negotiations to be made while booking a NCL cruise? Would it be out of place to ask for OBC to help me become an NCL customer? In reality I have been price & feature shopping between all the cruises & lines and even a plane trip out to Disneyland. A 5 day Carribean NCL is starting to win out. I'm leaning towards booking a mini suite because there are no balcony's that fit 4 people on the cruise I am considering & having 2 small boys in the room, I like the idea of extra space and a tub. This fits under the "it never hurts to ask" but I am curious if NCL ever delivers on the asking...above and beyond the published sale price. Thanks for any advice!

[njhorseman]

No, you can't negotiate the price, or an onboard credit when booking directly with the cruise line. Also NCL just instituted a rule prohibiting travel agents from charging less than the current NCL official price. (Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity all have similar rules.) However, some travel agents will offer amenities such as an onboard credit for booking with them.

[NMLady]

I don't book directly with NCL since you cannot negotiate with them.

 

If you use a travel agent instead, then google discount cruises, find the best offer for the cruise you are interested in and ask your travel agent if they can/will match that offer.

 

If not, depending on if the site is a trustworthy site, you might book directly with the online site.

 

That is what I do. Usually my travel agent has matched or bettered any deals online.

[jsmith1195]

We book with our NCL PCC. Sometimes it's the same price, sometimes we pay a little more, but it's worth it to us to be able to contact the line directly should we have any issues.

[patseacruiser]

NCL will not negotiate with you.

[janice4559]

Read some of the horror stories on these boards about travel agents and then ask yourself if a $100 obc is worth the risk. I don't think it is. This is your families annual vacation and why take chances when you can book direct, always have the option to call and make any changes you want without having to hope you can get ahold of a TA. Your choice.

[AF2010]

My boyfriend And I personally book with NCL. I think it's about personal preference on who to book with it. Sometimes the prices are the same sometimes they aren't. I just booked a cruise with NCL and so far my pcc has been nothing but helpful.

[*Luv2Cruz*]

My last two cruises and my next have all been with CC Groups and the prices, amenities, and people have all been great!;):cool: See the links below if you'd like to join us!;):D

[Starrgazer50]

Is anyone willing to share secrets on getting the best deal while booking? I am planning to call my cruise consultant who contacted me when I signed up on the NCL website. I think the price that is being offered is fair and I am willing to pay it BUT I'm also the type of gal who will never pay full price if there is a coupon to be found. That being said, those of you who cruise often is there any negotiations to be made while booking a NCL cruise? Would it be out of place to ask for OBC to help me become an NCL customer? In reality I have been price & feature shopping between all the cruises & lines and even a plane trip out to Disneyland. A 5 day Carribean NCL is starting to win out. I'm leaning towards booking a mini suite because there are no balcony's that fit 4 people on the cruise I am considering & having 2 small boys in the room, I like the idea of extra space and a tub. This fits under the "it never hurts to ask" but I am curious if NCL ever delivers on the asking...above and beyond the published sale price. Thanks for any advice!

 

NCL is participating with Tropicana OJ in its Juicy Rewards Program. Juicyrewards.tropicana.com are giving NCL OBC when you purchase Tropicana Orange Juice and get 9 point. Thats equivelent to 3 OJ purchases.

I believe for balcony or higher is a $100.00 OBC. I printed mine out and mailed it in. You have to already have booked your cruise.

Go online and check it out. Hope that helps.

[Det4]

I found the best prices over the years on the on line cruise agencies.

Also, try Cruise Compete. IOf you use Cruise Compete, be very specific on your needs.

 

Det 4

[SuiteRose]

Actually, just keep checking different prices and book during a special for upgrade or OBC... that's what I do... when I know I am going to book a cruise, I start checking the NCL web page for the best deals and then when I find what I am looking for I call my PCC.. there are other discounts available as well AARP and Union members which you may be able to take advantage of.

[McDebbie]

I agree to know all your available discounts such as military, union, AARP and then get quotes from a few places. Just going on line to one of the cruise sites or even NCL will not give you the best price. Have you signed up for the NCL emails? Also watch for the Kids sail free promotions, I have seen them the past two years but can't recall which months.

[bluefintuna]

We have never had a problem with online agencies and they offer more perks than the cruiseline direct. Maybe you don't care about $100 obc, but we do. As far as a pcc: we have always been able to have any questions answered right away. We also study the deck plans for the best cabins.

[STARFISH*4]

CCers its AGAINST the RULES here to name AGENCIES:(