Podcast Cruise 4.0 - 12/08/2012

[DisneyKevin]

Is the difference because Dreams got us “discounted” group space or because the DCL price has gone up since the prices were first announced a couple months ago?

Yes.

 

[Justin Jett]

Is the $308 difference because Dreams got us “discounted” group space or because the DCL price has gone up since the prices were first announced a couple months ago?

Again, as I said above "As the ship sells out, the price will go higher. However, the groups department will give a discount that is less than the regular price of the stateroom. "

Rates for group space on a cruise ship are lower than regular prices on individual bookings. Group discounts may not be the only discount offered by the cruise line. There couild be deeper discounts available, but group space will be discounted in accordance with the cruise line's policy.

Most of the time, discounts cannot be combined. If you are offered a choice of discounts (i.e. Onboard booking or Group pricing) than it is a good idea to compare and figure out what is the best deal for your situation.

 

[mainegal]

Yes.

Very short, consice answer, Kevin.

So, yes.

Yes, PCC is a lower price than if a person booked the same cruise and was not in a group.

Yes, DCL has increased prices.

In my case, I believe I got a deeper discount using onboard booking.

I thought I would get a full answer from a Dreams agent, John or Kevin.
Skip, you seem to have a thorough understanding of this matter. Have you become a travel agent? Is it your it your new field of study?

 

[BriarRosie]

Actually, the question is not answered.
Is the group rate pricing "special", discounted as compared to an individual booking the same category on the same cruise?

Current 11A price for the December 8, 2012 cruise

DCL - $2497.40
PCC - $2189.40

Is the difference because Dreams got us “discounted” group space or because the DCL price has gone up since the prices were first announced a couple months ago?

I think it's a combination of both, Lyn. Group space will "lock" in pricing as long as there are available cabins to book in the group block. And yes, the prices do go up as categories sell out.

My friends went through this with the Hawaii sailing. One friend booked it as a solo and it sold out within a day or so after she booked. Then a week later or so, another friend wanted to be added to the cabin, but she had to wait until the "sold out" cabins were added back to inventory when people forfeited on the deposits. She had to pay a higher price for her share of the cabin because of that.

Very short, consice answer, Kevin.

So, yes.

Yes, PCC is a lower price than if a person booked the same cruise and was not in a group.

Yes, DCL has increased prices.

In my case, I believe I got a deeper discount using onboard booking.

I thought I would get a full answer from a Dreams agent, John or Kevin.
Skip, you seem to have a thorough understanding of this matter. Have you become a travel agent? Is it your it your new field of study?

Lyn, are you trying to come across as a smart ***? Seriously, dial it back a notch. Considering what Kevin and John are going through with Kevin's mom right now, I'd think you'd have been a little more sensitive and cut them a bit of slack for not getting answers to every question ASAP.

 

[mainegal]

Thanks, Lori. Your answer truly made sense to me.

And, no, I was just curious. I was not being a smart ***. I am truly sorry it was coming across that way.

I think I understand. And what I still am not completely clear about, I am dropping.

Good health, hugs and pixie dust to all.

 

[Justin Jett]

Thanks, Lori. Your answer truly made sense to me.

Please explain what in all the detailed answers that I gave you did not make sense to you, so I can explain things better next time.

 

[mainegal]

Please explain what in all the detailed answers that I gave you did not make sense to you, so I can explain things better next time.

I think it was the Hawaii example that helped.
The piece I am still uncertain about it the amount of discount we get by being part of a group, but I am dropping it.

You will be a good travel agent, Skip.
Pursue the passion!

 

[DisneyKevin]

The piece I am still uncertain about it the amount of discount we get by being part of a group, but I am dropping it.

You didnt get a group discount.

You got a discount for re-booking while on board and it's usually better.....as John has already explained.

DCL will not allow you to get two discounts.

 

[jcb]

You didnt get a group discount.

You got a discount for re-booking while on board and it's usually better.....as John has already explained.

DCL will not allow you to get two discounts.

As we were getting on the bus after PCC 2.0, we were talking to John when Kevin came up (he was freezing cold:<< Kevin) and wanted the keys to the car from John). He asked us whether we rebooked while on the ship, and, when we said we had, he simply said, "I win."

This has little to do with the question here (other than illustrate how important rebooking on the cruise is, I guess). I just wanted to tell the story.

 

[mainegal]

You didnt get a group discount.

You got a discount for re-booking while on board and it's usually better.....as John has already explained.

DCL will not allow you to get two discounts.

Yup! Tracey H. explained that my onboard booking discount was better than the group space price.

And I thank you and John for that conversation at Cookies on Castaway Cay for convincing me to re-book on the cruise. It was a very pleasant conversation. I remember being told that if I didn't book while onboard, I would lose the opportunity for the 10% discount and that I would regret it forever. Or, something like that.

(Kevin, thinking of you and your Mom. I hope scanning the boards is a welcome distraction. I know your mind is full of concern and your heart must be heavy and full of love. Keep your priorities in order and know we appreciate you reminding us to do the same.)

 

[DisneyKevin]

As we were getting on the bus after PCC 2.0, we were talking to John when Kevin came up (he was freezing cold:<< Kevin) and wanted the keys to the car from John). He asked us whether we rebooked while on the ship, and, when we said we had, he simply said, "I win."

This has little to do with the question here (other than illustrate how important rebooking on the cruise is, I guess). I just wanted to tell the story.

This made me smile out loud.

I was so cold that morning.

Doesn't that seem like a very long time ago?

We need to go on anther cruise.....in warmer weather

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I just wanted to pop in here and mention that Dreams Unlimited currently has two options to help anyone curious about pricing for Podcast Cruise 4.0:

No Obligation Quote
https://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/cruise/podcast-cruise-pricing-4.cfm

If you already booked a "dummy date" and want to move it to PCC 4.0, you can email Tracey H. at TraceyH@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com.

This information was in the first post in this thread, and I thought it might be helpful to those who have questions.

 

[jcb]

This made me smile out loud.

I was so cold that morning.

Doesn't that seem like a very long time ago?

We need to go on anther cruise.....in warmer weather

Yes, we do. . . . but for now, I'll settle for warm weather this December 10.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Ya know...PCC 3.0 is going to be nice and warm.

....and full of DISer educators!

 

[WebmasterMike]

As we were getting on the bus after PCC 2.0, we were talking to John when Kevin came up (he was freezing cold:<< Kevin) and wanted the keys to the car from John). He asked us whether we rebooked while on the ship, and, when we said we had, he simply said, "I win."

This has little to do with the question here (other than illustrate how important rebooking on the cruise is, I guess). I just wanted to tell the story.

I seem to remember this moment.

 

[mainegal]

I am predicting warm(er) temperatures for December 2012. I think going to Mexico will help.
As long as I am wishing for an early Christmas present, I might as well wish for something I can share with fellow cruisers.

 

[Justin Jett]

You will be a good travel agent, Skip.
Pursue the passion!

Thanks mainegal.

My travel agent days have already come and gone. I got very good referrals and reviews back in my travel agent days. When I caught wind of the Theme Park Management program at the Rosen School, I left the travel business to go to school and also return to Wet'n Wild after 16 years.

Given that John and Kevin have a lot on their plate at this time, I took it upon myself to step up and answer your question, drawing on 8 years of experience with various groups departments of major cruise lines. I was trying to help both you and Kevin.

I do admit that my explanation was generic and business-like. My reason for doing it that was that I did not want to step on any proverbiel toes.

As far as figuring the exact percentage....I have Dyscalculia, so I'm the wrong guy to crunch the numbers. That said, I can tell you that percentages vary from cruise line to cruise line, based on their groups formula.

At the end of the day, if you have already booked your stateroom at the deepest discount offered to you, does percentage really matter at that point?

 

[Cherinva]

As we were getting on the bus after PCC 2.0, we were talking to John when Kevin came up (he was freezing cold:<< Kevin) and wanted the keys to the car from John). He asked us whether we rebooked while on the ship, and, when we said we had, he simply said, "I win."

This has little to do with the question here (other than illustrate how important rebooking on the cruise is, I guess). I just wanted to tell the story.

Ah yes...this reminds me of being tag teamed at cookies.....Kevin on one side of me, and my DD on the other.....each of them giving me reasons why I needed to rebook on board.....after leaving the ship, we had a lost piece of luggage, and while at MCO, John called me to see if I had gotten my luggage back (which I did), and Kevin asked John to ask me if I did rebook, and I said ask Kevin if I rebooked...he laughed and said yes she did.....he likes to win !!!!!

 

[DisneyKevin]

As we were getting on the bus after PCC 2.0, we were talking to John when Kevin came up (he was freezing cold:<< Kevin) and wanted the keys to the car from John). He asked us whether we rebooked while on the ship, and, when we said we had, he simply said, "I win."

This has little to do with the question here (other than illustrate how important rebooking on the cruise is, I guess). I just wanted to tell the story.

Ah yes...this reminds me of being tag teamed at cookies.....Kevin on one side of me, and my DD on the other.....each of them giving me reasons why I needed to rebook on board.....after leaving the ship, we had a lost piece of luggage, and while at MCO, John called me to see if I had gotten my luggage back (which I did), and Kevin asked John to ask me if I did rebook, and I said ask Kevin if I rebooked...he laughed and said yes she did.....he likes to win !!!!!

Just so that everyone understands (and doesnt think I've lost my marbles)....we always try to get as many folks to rebook while on board as possible.

DCL offers some terrific perks for rebooking on board that can not be found anywhere else and if you disembark the ship without rebooking....you lose them. There is no way to secure them once you get off the ship.

That being said......you can change your mind once you get home and have your full deposit returned without penalty.

This is the reason for my badgering people about rebooking.

It's usually the best deal around and it's only available while on board.

 

[Cherinva]

Just so that everyone understands (and doesnt think I've lost my marbles)....we always try to get as many folks to rebook while on board as possible.

DCL offers some terrific perks for rebooking on board that can not be found anywhere else and if you disembark the ship without rebooking....you lose them. There is no way to secure them once you get off the ship.

That being said......you can change your mind once you get home and have your full deposit returned without penalty.

This is the reason for my badgering people about rebooking.

It's usually the best deal around and it's only available while on board.

Kevin....I didn't take it as badgering....in fact, I'm so glad that you did get this point across to me.....I just like having a fun story to tell...it's all good