What Exactly Are "Dummy Reservations?"

[nannylori]

I've seen references to "dummy reservations" when people are talking about the future cruises they book while on a current cruise.
Does that mean they are making a reservation just to get an idea of price,to give themselves time to research other prices?? That's just a guess on my part. I'm always concerned about cancellation fees-is that an issue when pre-booking on board?
Thanks for all your help!!

 

[sissy_ib]

I've seen references to "dummy reservations" when people are talking about the future cruises they book while on a current cruise.
Does that mean they are making a reservation just to get an idea of price,to give themselves time to research other prices?? That's just a guess on my part. I'm always concerned about cancellation fees-is that an issue when pre-booking on board?
Thanks for all your help!!

Say you are cruising next week and you know you want to cruise again in 2014. Well, 2014 itineraries have not been released yet. So while on-board you book a cruise in 2013 to secure the 10% discount and OBC offered on-board. Then latter you move the cruise to the date you really want once it has been released. I booked on-board and while waiting to talk to the future sales desk a woman was talking about a dummy date because they would want to cruise again in 2017! You just keep moving the date until you really want to travel.

 

[mickey2000]

Onboard dummy making a reservation

 

[kcashner]

Above is correct. Essentially it is a reservation booked on board (to get the discount and OBC) for a date that you have no intention of cruising--you plan to move to a "real" date later.
There are no fees to cancel or move a date as long as you have not entered the "penalty period."

 

[Momma2Jax]

Wow! Thanks so much, OP for asking, and those of you who answered, because I was dead wrong in my thinking

 

[_Crush_]

Above is correct. Essentially it is a reservation booked on board (to get the discount and OBC) for a date that you have no intention of cruising--you plan to move to a "real" date later.
There are no fees to cancel or move a date as long as you have not entered the "penalty period."

Do you lose the deposit if you cancel? I'm still confused about the cancellation policy, because I was thinking you always lose the deposit if you cancel. Hopefully not!

 

[sissy_ib]

Do you lose the deposit if you cancel? I'm still confused about the cancellation policy, because I was thinking you always lose the deposit if you cancel. Hopefully not!

On some cruises, such as a maiden voyage, the deposit is not refundable. In general you can get your deposit back. Looking at the paperwork for my next cruise 75 or more days out I get a full refund if I cancel. Different cruises have different rules and you can look them up on DCL. They will explain it all to you before you book. (I would type it all out but it is complicated and will just add confusion.)

 

[kcashner]

If you cancel before the penalty date (normally 74 days before embarkation) you lose nothing. You can cancel or change a reservation up to that date and get all your money back. On long or European cruises, the date may be 120 days, so you do need to be aware!

NO PENALTY at all until the penalty date. This date is clearly indicated on every invoice from DCL.

 

[samily]

Keep in mind though that suite deposits are nonrefundable. Im not sure on the policy for concierge staterooms. Also, if you are booking through a travel agent, make sure they do not charge an agency cancellation fee.