Booking a cruise through RCCL - phone or internet

[cctimmom]

What's the difference between booking a cruise through RCCL over the phone vs. the internet?

 

(last time I booked over the phone, but I remember when I would call back to make a change or ask questions it would say there was a differentiation)

[Mewissy]

I always use the phone. I find the people you talk to are very nice and helpful.

[jjb415]

For me, I wouldn't trust booking on the Royal Caribbean site - it isn't the most reliable. Telephone representatives are always very helpful.

[silentbob007]

It's pretty much the same ... just a question of whether you'd like to fill out all of the information online or tell it to someone over the phone. I find online a little easier as I can see exactly what cabin and price I'm booking. Sometimes I've chosen a cabin, put it on hold, then called in with the reservation number to finish up and pay. Really doesn't matter either way.

[wantocruisemore]

Use the phone. I just prefer talking to a live person.

 

Also, when I noticed 2 different price drops I could just call in and immediately got a reduction.

 

But one thing, the phone operator suggested port side so I could take advantage of seeing the land in port. The only time we were actually on the side of the port is when we did disembarkation/embarkation.

[SeaBaby]

I search the RCCL website for the cruise, price and available cabins, and then do the booking by phone. I just prefer speaking to a live person, and I have found them to be very nice and helpful. Even though they are reading a script, it's nice to hear them say 'thanks for being a loyal customer, we appreciate your business'. :)

 

Suzanne

[romnan]

I usually do my bookings thru a TA,but I do extensive research thru the internet first:)

[SevenSeas1492]

We always book thru RC on the phone. I like talking to a human. (They have always been very pleasant and helpful). Last fall we were all set to book a JS and had picked out a cabin using the internet. When I called, the agent suggested a center hump JS which had not even shown up on the internet. Of course, we took it!

[jaminvermont]

Another vote for calling. I find them very helpful and always pleasant. I have the website pulled up so I can see the deck plans and prices.

[jrljel]

Why not use a travel agent instead? You get extensive knowledge of RCI ships, ports, and tips not to mention personalized service. I can't tell you how many times I've called RCI and the person on the other end has never even cruised!

 

Another benefit of booking with a travel agent is that sometimes your booking will be put into an existing group, giving you an extra amenity (like onboard credit) that you might not have received otherwise for NO EXTRA COST to you!

[dmdicato]

We cruise annually. The first two times, we went through a travel agent and encountered problems. Ever since, we've done our searches through the website and then called RCCL directly once we've made our final decision.

[cb at sea]

I use the phone, with the deck plans in front of me. I've found all I've talked with to be most helpful and will answer questions, take payment, book anything you might want....it's just easier for me on the phone.

[NorbertsNiece]

Booked today over the phone with RCCL. Got OBC which was not available online :D

[Desert Cruizers]

Once I research our planned cruise, I select our cabin of choice , then call our TA so i have all the information ready to go to let them know which cruise, Cabin # and dining time. Many times I will see our TA personally so I am there when he calls in to speak with the cruise line Rep so I can answer any questions.

[davidsmum]

Booked over the phone this week and we were able to select a cabin that wasn't showing up online. the rep told me they only list a certain amount online.

the online booking was only showing cabins available on deck 12 or 14, bt there were plenty on deck 8 when we called!

the rep was very helpful, but I also think that we were very prepared too....we knew what we wanted!

[jrljel]

Then you didn't have a very good TA. Great TA's know far more than you would know or get from RCL directly.

[CVU]

I search the RCCL website for the cruise, price and available cabins, and then do the booking by phone. I just prefer speaking to a live person, and I have found them to be very nice and helpful. Even though they are reading a script, it's nice to hear them say 'thanks for being a loyal customer, we appreciate your business'. :)

 

Suzanne

I do the same, get all the info on the web site and then phone in.

 

I don't trust their web site and it is down on the weekends and not working properly due to maintenance.