Thread: Do cruise lines "deal"?

I've noticed that on my upcoming cruise there are some nice cabins in a category above ours that are still not sold. Since the cruise is in 3 weeks, I would presume it's doubtful that they will sell them. So my question is this, can a travel agent make an offer on these unsold cabins below the asking price? Just a thought.

No, but sometimes the cruise lines will contact an agent and offer them a special upgrade for their clients at a reduced cost. This does happen on a regular basis with Holland America and Princess.

And sometimes you can talk to them at the pier when checking in or at the Purser's Desk after getting onboard and get an upgrade for a reduced rate.

But as for an agent making them a deal, I've never heard of it.

Pete

No, travel agents cannot make an offer on the unsold cabins below the asking price. Pete has given you some possibilities the lines may employ and what you may try on embarkation.

Thanks fellas! Appreciate the info.

A good question

Last year Cunard offers me an upgrade for £50, from an inside to a balacony cabin. I paid for the upgrade, but mum did not get the offer. However, she got an upgrade to a balcony cabin (lower grade then mine) for free.

Hanna, you will have to hope for a visit from the upgrade fairy

Stephen, I'm doubtful of an upgrade as we haven't sailed on Princess except once. But in the back of mind I'm thinking ask at the pier or at the pursers desk.
What's money for anyway?

Another thought occurred to me as I was typing this. If we did ask and receive a decent offer on the higher category, does our TA get the commission on it?

Originally Posted by hanna

Stephen, I'm doubtful of an upgrade as we haven't sailed on Princess except once. But in the back of mind I'm thinking ask at the pier or at the pursers desk.
What's money for anyway?

Another thought occurred to me as I was typing this. If we did ask and receive a decent offer on the higher category, does our TA get the commission on it?

A good question.

I guess there is no harm in asking all they can do is say no.

Originally Posted by hanna

Stephen, I'm doubtful of an upgrade as we haven't sailed on Princess except once. But in the back of mind I'm thinking ask at the pier or at the pursers desk.
What's money for anyway?

Another thought occurred to me as I was typing this. If we did ask and receive a decent offer on the higher category, does our TA get the commission on it?

If they make you an offer through your agent before departure, the answer is yes.

If you purchase an upgrade at the pier or on the ship, the answer is no.

As I mentioned, Princess is pretty good about offering upgrades if there's alot of space available.

Pete

Pete, the upgrades offered are to particular agents, past cruisers, or have you figured that out?

Actually, I haven't figured out any pattern. I've had past guests with many Princess cruises get offered and I've had first-time cruisers get offered. Sometimes there are alot of cabins available, while other times they're aren't.

While it's possible that Cruise Planners gets some preferential treatment since we're among their top sellers (we're I Excel Gold & I'm a certified expert Commodore level) I'm not sure if that really makes a difference or not. Perhaps I'll ask my Princess sales manager and see what they say about it.

Pete