not dropping prices-right!!!

[John&LaLa]

Yesterday we booked B2B cruises on Freedom for October after seeing a post here on CC earlier this week that there was great senior prices being offered for these cruises. We and our two friends got Cat. L inside cabins for each cruise for just over $500USD per person including taxes, port fees and pre-paid gratuities so the total all in price is about $1000 for each couple in their own cabin for each cruise. Granted there was also a C&A discount included in our pricing. Final payment date was earlier this week for the first cruise and the beginning of next week for the second one which is typical of when we book our cruises.

Since RCI announced they weren't going to discount their cruise close to the sailing we were about to book a 10 night southern Caribbean cruise on the Royal Princess for the same time frame. We had received a good stand by deal for that cruise and we thought it would be nice to try out the newest and largest class of Princess ships.

Even though we have D+ status on RCI we've never been on any class of ship larger than Voyager so this will be an new experience for us and we preferred the four extra nights and ports Freedom gives us.

So much for RCI not discounting close to the sailing.

IMO they are hoping because of this announcement to book up their sailing early so discounting won't be necessary. We've decided to look at other vacation options if necessary.

I can't see RCI sailing with empty cabins for long as you don't have gratuities paid, ship and port expenses covered and onboard sales if there aren't passengers onboard.

 

It's really just back to what it was at beginning of bogoho. Laura booked solo on 10/11 and 10/18 back in May of 2014 for $977 and $1077 tips included. Cat N with $94 OBC. We're you able to secure same cabin for both legs :what:

 

BTW, what C&A discount did you get? I thought that was only for balconies

[robtulipe]

It's really just back to what it was at beginning of bogoho. Laura booked solo on 10/11 and 10/18 back in May of 2014 for $977 and $1077 tips included. Cat N with $94 OBC. We're you able to secure same cabin for both legs :what:

 

BTW, what C&A discount did you get? I thought that was only for balconies

 

If Laura is sailing solo she paid taxes, fees and port charges for one and got only one gratuities of $91 covered while what we paid includes all of these expenses for two passengers. That adds an extra expense of $106 taxes, fees and port charges for the eastern Caribbean cruise and $127 for the western one. Also we paid an extra $91 for gratuities one so a fairer comparison would be that each couple paid $800 or we covered an extra $200 in expenses at the $1000 each.

No we weren't able to get the same cabins as we got the last two Cat. L cabins showing available on the Oct.25th cruise. There was a lot better availability for the Oct.18th cruise but the two cabins we had for the next one weren't available. Our friends are moving just across the hall on deck 9 and we're going up one deck from 9 to 10. I will be watching for availability of Cat. L cabins on both cruises to see if we can change to the same cabin for both. That's one of the disadvantages of booking late. We've stayed on the same ship for subsequent cruises four times previously and never have ad the same cabin so we are quite adept at switching cabins onboard cruise ships.

Not only does the C&A offer balcony discount, they also sometimes offer Exclusive Rates for certain cruises. These replaced the old Saving Certificate that use to be offered. See

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cas/specialOffers.do

 

So John, you aren't on the Oct.18th Freedom cruise as Laura is sailing solo?

I saw you have been on the roll call for that cruise but have only read the last few pages so far.

Edited August 8, 2015 by robtulipe

[John&LaLa]

If Laura is sailing solo she paid taxes, fees and port charges for one and got only one gratuities of $91 covered while what we paid includes all of these expenses for two passengers. That adds an extra expense of $106 taxes, fees and port charges for the eastern Caribbean cruise and $127 for the western one. Also we paid an extra $91 for gratuities one so a fairer comparison would be that each couple paid $800 or we covered an extra $200 in expenses at the $1000 each.

No we weren't able to get the same cabins as we got the last two Cat. L cabins showing available on the Oct.25th cruise. There was a lot better availability for the Oct.18th cruise but the two cabins we had for the next one weren't available. Our friends are moving just across the hall on deck 9 and we're going up one deck from 9 to 10. I will be watching for availability of Cat. L cabins on both cruises to see if we can change to the same cabin for both. That's one of the disadvantages of booking late. We've stayed on the same ship for subsequent cruises four times previously and never have ad the same cabin so we are quite adept at switching cabins onboard cruise ships.

Not only does the C&A offer balcony discount, they also sometimes offer Exclusive Rates for certain cruises. These replaced the old Saving Certificate that use to be offered. See

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cas/specialOffers.do

 

So John, you aren't on the Oct.18th Freedom cruise as Laura is sailing solo?

I saw you have been on the roll call for that cruise but have only read the last few pages so far.

 

Laura doesn't post. I don't sail again until November. We did book her a fairly last minute September cruise and it was closer to $1300. That is above our comfort zone for solo, but she did it to get out of going to DC for a meeting. ;)

[Paulette3028]

So Fain made his announcement that cruisers should not expect last minute price drops....he never said, that they would never do it again -- nor what exactly their reduced price strategy would be. I also would not expect him to do that.

 

We book our cruises when we see a good price (from our POV) for a cruise date and itinerary we want to go on. For the first time ever we booked a cruise over 600 days prior to sail date....simply because the price was too good to pass up.

 

If we book a cruise very close to sail date, we often have less flexibility of cabin choice and the cabin we choose is important to us.

 

I neither expect the cruise line to sail without a ship being at max capacity, nor to I expect them maintain a price, just because they said that 'cruisers should not expect to see last minute price drops'.

 

What I wish they would have, is simplified pricing and run sales that are therefore more easily identified as sales.

[karena1]

all I can say is unlike in the past, there are a TON of cabins still available on our 8/28 Enchantment sailing

 

We all know the balconies usually sell out fast. When I looked the other day, there were still over 20 balconies still available as well as many OV and many inside still available.

 

I honestly have not seen this many cabins still available this close to cruise date in a long time, especially on Enchantment.

 

So that says something.

[John&LaLa]

all I can say is unlike in the past, there are a TON of cabins still available on our 8/28 Enchantment sailing

 

We all know the balconies usually sell out fast. When I looked the other day, there were still over 20 balconies still available as well as many OV and many inside still available.

 

I honestly have not seen this many cabins still available this close to cruise date in a long time, especially on Enchantment.

 

So that says something.

 

I guess we'll see pretty soon. Luckily for me I can book on the 27th. Viva cocoa beach.

[FLCruisin'Mom]

I know this is a pricing discussion, but I must ask since our ETOS in Oct still has a ton of cabins- is it better or worse to be a full ship or an empty one?

 

The threads about chair hogs and no tables at the Windjammer on Day 1 have this newbie scared! 😀

[John&LaLa]

I know this is a pricing discussion' date=' but I must ask since our ETOS in Oct still has a ton of cabins- is it better or worse to be a full ship or an empty one?

 

The threads about chair hogs and no tables at the Windjammer on Day 1 have this newbie scared! 😀[/quote']

 

I'm not sure that having 10% less people will be all that noticeable

[Paulette3028]

I know this is a pricing discussion' date=' but I must ask since our ETOS in Oct still has a ton of cabins- is it better or worse to be a full ship or an empty one?

 

The threads about chair hogs and no tables at the Windjammer on Day 1 have this newbie scared! 😀[/quote']

 

Let's pretend that that 40 cabins are not booked, perhaps that would mean 120 less cruisers....on a ship with a max capacity of 2730 (example Enchantment), that is less that 5% of capacity....you will not notice the difference anywhere.

 

There will always be times where the WJ (for instance) is more crowded or any other place on the ship. You will never sail on an 'empty ship'.

[karena1]

I guess we'll see pretty soon. Luckily for me I can book on the 27th. Viva cocoa beach.

 

So can we, we live in Fort Myers. But this cruise is way more than I originally paid for it. No matter how much they do or don't drop prices, it is not going to go as low as I paid for it when the original BOGOHO first came out.

[FLCruisin'Mom]

Let's pretend that that 40 cabins are not booked, perhaps that would mean 120 less cruisers....on a ship with a max capacity of 2730 (example Enchantment), that is less that 5% of capacity....you will not notice the difference anywhere.

 

There will always be times where the WJ (for instance) is more crowded or any other place on the ship. You will never sail on an 'empty ship'.

 

They were talking about 200+ staterooms being open on the Aug 24th cruise, so I was estimating 400+ people (based on double occupancy and 2200 as max. So, somewhere 20-25% vacancy which I bet would impact things on a sea day.

 

My cruise, based on the price, is not a popular sail date which hopefully works in my family of 4's favor. I'm a little nervous about cruising with my littles and I think it would be easier if the ship wasn't at max capacity.

 

Im gonna try to do my best to work the pool,Windjammer and other dining to be "off-peak". Crowds get much more crowded to me when my kid is verging on a meltdown!

[Paulette3028]

They were talking about 200+ staterooms being open on the Aug 24th cruise' date=' so I was estimating 400+ people (based on double occupancy and 2200 as max. So, somewhere 20-25% vacancy which I bet would impact things on a sea day.

 

My cruise, based on the price, is not a popular sail date which hopefully works in my family of 4's favor. I'm a little nervous about cruising with my littles and I think it would be easier if the ship wasn't at max capacity.

 

Im gonna try to do my best to work the pool,Windjammer and other dining to be "off-peak". Crowds get much more crowded to me when my kid is verging on a meltdown![/quote']

 

Well, the max capacity of Enchantment is 2730.....and I fully expect that their won't be 200 staterooms empty when it sails on August 24....most ships sail almost full.

[Starry Eyes]

They were talking about 200+ staterooms being open on the Aug 24th cruise' date=' so I was estimating 400+ people (based on double occupancy and 2200 as max. So, somewhere 20-25% vacancy which I bet would impact things on a sea day.

 

My cruise, based on the price, is not a popular sail date which hopefully works in my family of 4's favor. I'm a little nervous about cruising with my littles and I think it would be easier if the ship wasn't at max capacity.

 

Im gonna try to do my best to work the pool,Windjammer and other dining to be "off-peak". Crowds get much more crowded to me when my kid is verging on a meltdown![/quote']I can understand your nerves, and I am not trying to make them worse. But it is better to be realistic about cabin occupancy. Here's a few points about all those cabins...

 

First issue: just because one can now select from 200+ staterooms ones not mean there are really 200+ unsold cabins. Many people might have "guarantee" bookings that are awaiting cabin assignments. Sometimes a whole lot of cabins disappear close to sailing date, presumably when apt of gty are assigned.

Second issue:if there really many cabins available, the cruise line will try to sell more cabins in the coming days. If they do not want to cut their own published rates, they could offer the cabins to a travel agency at a discount. Or offer residency or senior or interline special rates. So more cabins may fill.

 

Third,if cabins are still available,they could offer them as promos to travel agents themselves. Or to high rollers in the casino.

 

So, expect all or almost all cabins to be occupied somehow. As it may not be peak family travel season, the ship is less likely to be way over double occupancy. If so,that is your second best hope for less crowding. Your best hope is that plan to go at off peak times as much as possible. Have a wonderful cruise.

[molly361]

So can we, we live in Fort Myers. But this cruise is way more than I originally paid for it. No matter how much they do or don't drop prices, it is not going to go as low as I paid for it when the original BOGOHO first came out.

 

The weekend you are sailing was Labor Day last year so there is no comparison. Not that it will happen again this year but last year the 3 day cruise the weekend before 8/28 went for: Inside 129 OV 179 and the weekend after Inside 129 and OV 139 (

Edited August 9, 2015 by molly361

[LisaAtlCruiser]

Question - how can you tell how many staterooms are still available? I have heard references that imply someone knows the trick - but I have yet to figure it out. I sure would like to keep an eye on a cruise I am thinking about booking in December. I am not holding out for last minute pricing - just holding out to see if I have to use any of my remaining PTO for sick days.

[BecciBoo]

Gone are the days of th $149 Majesty cruises.

 

We once did a B2B on her for $320 pp.

 

I don't think their current policy will stand, they can't go out with 148 cabins vacant!

[karena1]

Gone are the days of th $149 Majesty cruises.

 

We once did a B2B on her for $320 pp.

 

I don't think their current policy will stand, they can't go out with 148 cabins vacant!

 

I agree with you, we used to get some killer deals on Majesty. Don't expect see them this low again either. Our Oct 9th on Majesty is at a fantastic price for a SOV, but again I got it when the BOGOHO first came out and you could get some super deals.

 

But they are going to have to do something if they want to fill the cabins.

 

I just counted, right now there are at least 130 cabins still open for our Aug 28th Enchantment cruise. Of those 27 are D1 balconies still open. I cannot remember the last time I saw this many balconies on Enchantment still open this close to cruise date.

 

We cruised the weekend before labor day last year also and the ship was full. We were on Enchantment last year also.

Edited August 9, 2015 by karena1

[teecee60]

Gone are the days of th $149 Majesty cruises.

 

I don't think their current policy will stand, they can't go out with 148 cabins vacant!

 

 

 

I agree with you, we used to get some killer deals on Majesty. Don't expect see them this low again either.

 

But they are going to have to do something if they want to fill the cabins.

 

I just counted, right now there are at least 130 cabins still open for our Aug 28th cruise. I cannot remember the last time I saw this many balconies still open this close to cruise date.

 

 

A few years ago, 4 night Bahama cruises on NCL Sky went as low as $98pp in an effort to fill the ship.

 

The cruise lines are "hapless victims" of their own stunning success. I doubt anyone on Titanic, Normandie or even "The Love Boat" would have guessed there would or could be 20 MILLION cruise ship passengers per year. (and growing)

 

If you think the problem is bad NOW...

 

What are the cruise lines going do when there are SIX MORE ships carrying Oasis/Allure sized crowds? :eek:

 

Those cabins will need to be filled EVERY *W*E*E*K* for the companies to be profitable... and THAT is a tall order.

 

http://en.mercopress.com/2015/08/03/two-new-180.000gt-vessels-for-costa-cruises-powered-by-liquefied-natural-gas

Edited August 9, 2015 by teecee60

[orville99]

I agree with you, we used to get some killer deals on Majesty. Don't expect see them this low again either. Our Oct 9th on Majesty is at a fantastic price for a SOV, but again I got it when the BOGOHO first came out and you could get some super deals.

 

But they are going to have to do something if they want to fill the cabins.

 

I just counted, right now there are at least 130 cabins still open for our Aug 28th Enchantment cruise. Of those 27 are D1 balconies still open. I cannot remember the last time I saw this many balconies on Enchantment still open this close to cruise date.

 

We cruised the weekend before labor day last year also and the ship was full. We were on Enchantment last year also.

 

As of two minutes ago on RCL's website, there are no balconies left on the 8/24 EN cruise, and only one JS left. And the last remaining JS is still selling at full price. On the 8/28 sailing there are no JS left, and the D1's are selling at full price. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for any price drops. We had the same scenario on our 7/24 cruise (PV cabin), and they were sending emails to OV passengers offering to upsell to a D1 at 50% off. They never publically made any price changes on their website - just re-sold the now open OV cabins at full price.

Edited August 9, 2015 by orville99

[teecee60]

As of two minutes ago on RCL's website, there are no balconies left on the 8/24 EN cruise, and only one JS left.

 

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for any price drops.

 

We had the same scenario, they were sending emails to OV passengers offering to upsell to a D1 at 50% off.

 

They never publically made any price changes on their website - just re-sold the now open OV cabins at full price.

 

This practice is used by almost all cruise lines due to their excess supply of cabins.

 

The inexperienced people who paid FAR too much for inside and ocean views get offered *F*A*N*T*A*S*T*I*C* DEALS upgrading to balconies, (sometimes the upgrades are even FREE) so THEY are happy. :rolleyes:

 

The now empty Insides and OVs are being offered for $310pp and $329pp, so any last minute takers THERE are happy as well. ;)

 

The cruise lines are happy because THEY have filled far more cabins than they would have. :cool:

 

There are now WELL OVER 100 inside and OVs available at those more reasonable rates.

Edited August 9, 2015 by teecee60

[robtulipe]

Question - how can you tell how many staterooms are still available? I have heard references that imply someone knows the trick - but I have yet to figure it out. I sure would like to keep an eye on a cruise I am thinking about booking in December. I am not holding out for last minute pricing - just holding out to see if I have to use any of my remaining PTO for sick days.

 

You can look at RCI's UK website as they show all or most cabins that are available and not the max 15 that the North American site shows. Change country at bottom left of RCI home page to United Kingdom and do a mock booking for this information.

Also many of the major online cruise agencies show all if not most cabin availability. Guidelines on CC state one can't mention the name of cruise agencies so just check out a few online.

Edited August 9, 2015 by robtulipe

[molly361]

The now empty Insides and OVs are being offered for $310pp and $329pp, so any last minute takers THERE are happy as well. ;)

 

There are now WELL OVER 100 inside and OVs available at those more reasonable rates.

 

I don't call those prices reasonable for a 3/4 night Bahama cruise the end of August/September, but that might be just me:rolleyes:

Edited August 9, 2015 by molly361

[Paulette3028]

When the marketing VP pretty much sent the 'upgrade fairy' on a hiatus, by instituting an 'upsell' offer to cruisers for a fee, they then were freeing up the cabin that those cruisers had, which in many cases were less expensive cabins to begin with -- it created two things....a new revenue opportunity with the upsell and a way to keep the price of the lower cabin category available for last minute cruisers and the line still makes money....and probably from both sides.

 

Does the line want to sail with as many filled cabins as possible? Sure, but how they get there may be different than in years past when they offered deep discounts at the last minute.

[orville99]

I don't call those prices reasonable for a 3/4 night Bahama cruise the end of August/September, but that might be just me:rolleyes:

 

 

They're not. But then this poster selectively edited my post to eliminate the pertinent info. The OV that's now selling at $329pp is priced exactly the same as the OV I would have given up if I bit on RCL's email upsell pitch. For clarity, while RCL may very well be doing some last minute discounting, it appears that their strategy is to do it behind the curtain through an upsell/resell shell game rather than publishing any late day discounts. That way they can continue to spout their no more discounting last minute to fill cabins mantra to wall street.

[Paulette3028]

They're not. But then this poster selectively edited my post to eliminate the pertinent info. The OV that's now selling at $329pp is priced exactly the same as the OV I would have given up if I bit on RCL's email upsell pitch. For clarity, while RCL may very well be doing some last minute discounting, it appears that their strategy is to do it behind the curtain through an upsell/resell shell game rather than publishing any late day discounts. That way they can continue to spout their no more discounting last minute to fill cabins mantra to wall street.

 

The VP of Marketing who came up with the upsell strategy is being applauded by other Royal executives....it has made the upgrade fairy into the upsell delivery man (delivering a few more dollars to Royal) and keeping Fain at his word.

 

I book a cruise at the price I believe I want to pay. If I don't get what I perceive as a good rate, I don't book. It will take a very good offer for me to take them up on an upsell deal on any of our cruises.