| Title: | CRUISE TRAVEL |
| Moderator: | XANADU::FAMULARO |
| Created: | Thu Aug 04 1988 |
| Last Modified: | Thu Dec 12 1996 |
| Last Successful Update: | Wed Jan 01 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 562 |
| Total number of notes: | 2834 |
Has anyone bought a cruise from an agent (such as Up N' Go Travel in
Worcester) that specializes in unsold or cancelled cabins? From what I
understand, about 1-6 weeks before departure the cruise line sells
whatever space they still have available through these agents at a 20 -
60% discount. I spoke with the woman at Up N' Go and was told that
although there are no guarantees as to what will be available at any
specific time, there is usually a good selection and if you are
flexible there is a good possiblity that you can get what you want.
There is also no guarantee as to how big the discount will be until the
availability is annouced and the cruise line sets the rates. We are
getting married in July but not taking our honeymoon until sometime in
September so the exact date is flexible. She said that if we don't need
a specific date, that there should be a good selection of availablity
to choose from and that they would know what would be available around
the end of July - beginning of August. I also understand that the
flights, accommodations etc are the SAME as those at full price.
I'm not sure how comfortable I am with waiting until the last minute to
book something like this but for any trips that I've taken in the past,
departure and return dates were not flexible so I've never booked this
way before, however, if there is a real advantage here I would consider
taking a chance. I would like to hear from anyone who has made
reservations this way. Was it really worth it? Are there any drawbacks
other than the one's I've mentioned? Is this particular agent
reputable? Are there any other agents in the area that sell
reservations this way?
Thanks for any help you can give.
Jackie
| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 374.1 | It's worth a shot | BRAT::WHALEN | Wed Jun 10 1992 15:26 | 16 | |
Jackie
I've been on 2 cruises, but I've never done any of the "last minute"
deals, although I've heard from a few people that waiting til the
last minute can mean significant cost savings. If you can be
flexible with the dates, I say go for it. If you find what they
offer isn't that great of deal, you always have the option of
going to another agency and see what you can find. Call around.
I found Thomas Cook Travel Agency (in Nashua, NH) had the best
deals (seemed to me that the smaller agencies didn't get as good
of a break from the cruiselines).
Let me know what you find. I'm always looking for an inexpensive
cruise!
Linda
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| 374.2 | book last minute, as for upgrade | VMSSG::KILLORAN | Wed Jun 10 1992 17:49 | 20 | |
Jackie,
When we planned our cruise we booked 5 weeks in advance. My
husband had 3 different travel agents working at the same
time to see who could get us the best deal. We were looking
at RCCL, NCL, and a couple others. There were significant
differences in their prices. We booked at a lower category and
asked for an upgrade. The day we arrived at the ship were
found out that we had been upgraded 3 categories to an over
sized inside cabin. If you receive an upgrade, you receive it
at the same price as the lower category cabin.
It is really worth it to shop around.
Good luck, let us know how you make out.
Jeanne
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| 374.3 | Don't plan on Upgrades | SOLVIT::POULIN | Thu Jun 11 1992 16:17 | 9 | |
I booked my cruise in FEB, for a May 8th departure on RCCL Nordic
Empress 3 nite cruise. Everyone at our table paid about the same price
and we all shopped around. Two of the couples planned their trip 10
months in advance. The ship was FULL so there were no upgrades.
If you are flexible and don't mind what type of room you may
end up with, then go for the deal, but don't bank on an upgrade because
the ship may be full.
Happy Sailing...
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| 374.4 | be _FLEXIBLE_! | ADTSHR::ADTSHR::SUTTON | Percussion..strings..winds..words | Thu Jun 25 1992 12:44 | 9 |
Laurie and I booked our cruise in March, sailed at the end of May.
Due to some last-minute weirdness with our schedule, we volunteered
to change ships and were upgraded to a top-of-the-line cabin.
Be flexible, don't be afraid to ask questions! I'll be filing a
full trip report when I can finish it off.
- John
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