Prepayment

[Nevian]

It is some time since I cruised with Seabourn but now booked out of Lisbon April 21 on Sojourn. I went to book a tour and to my surprise system required prepayment. When did things change so radically?

 

This is daft, what is wrong about payment going on room credit? I think I will be working on private arrangements. Has there been much dissent over this change in policy? Does it correspond with the HAL management switch?

[arzz]

Probably the HAL thing as HAL has been doing this of quite a while. They are still very returnable and exchangeable except that the dollars go out in advance.

[Les Picantins]

I also do not care for the prepayment of excursions and wait till I'm on board before booking my excursions. However, if you do book and prepay in advance, you earn sailing days in the new club advantage program, so there is a plus side (even if I don't like it).

[arzz]

If they are important to you I believe you earn sailing days whether you book in advance or on board. That should not be the determining factor for booking early.

[wripro]

Earning sailing days has nothing to do with prebooking excursions. Personally, I just wait until I'm aboard. Rarely is an excursion not available. Also, I think private tours are much better and usually less expensive.

[Nevian]

Thanks all. Less than delighted with arrangement. Will endevour to seek out some private excursions, would appreciate any advice with same in regard to ports visited.

 

These changes catalogued here on CC are concerning as last cruise some years go was most memorable. Will keep open mind and hope for the best. In the end you end up voting with your feet and eventually to the detriment of the supplier, if too much is downgraded. Have noted on the food and wine threads the many criticisms, but willing to give SB a go....this time. Happy to post result in due course.