Change cabin category later-- keep original booking rate?

[ldo]

Hi, years ago, one could change cabin category later (IN to OV, OV to Balcony, etc.) and keep the "old" rate that the new category was at the time of the original booking? Sort of an "inflation protection." Is this still done on DCL? And, does it matter if I book with at TA? We are thinking of booking OV, but might want to swap to balcony later if budget allows. Thanks, Elaine

 

[lanejudy]

Unfortunately, no, that went away. If you change stateroom category you'll be charged the prevailing rate of the new category at the time of the change.

 

[SL6827]

Wow, that was even a thing?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Wow, that was even a thing?

Yes, it was.

 

[Dug720]

Wow, that was even a thing?

Yep. I believe it led to a lot of inside rooms (and some OV as well) that ended up being very discounted to fill them after people who booked low to lock in a rate with a lower deposit upgraded at or close to final payment.

That's one thing the lines that have a flat per-room deposit don't have to deal with as much - Disney's way (the % of cruise fare) can lead to booking low for a lower deposit and then upgrading. Taking away the lock-in of fares would likely have an impact on that since by the time someone who booked low went to upgrade the new cabin might be much higher priced. Now I think people are more likely to book what they want to start with.

 

[SL6827]

Yep. I believe it led to a lot of inside rooms (and some OV as well) that ended up being very discounted to fill them after people who booked low to lock in a rate with a lower deposit upgraded at or close to final payment.

That's one thing the lines that have a flat per-room deposit don't have to deal with as much - Disney's way (the % of cruise fare) can lead to booking low for a lower deposit and then upgrading. Taking away the lock-in of fares would likely have an impact on that since by the time someone who booked low went to upgrade the new cabin might be much higher priced. Now I think people are more likely to book what they want to start with.

So very interesting, thanks for sharing.