Changing to an VGT before Final payment date??

[Cmbar]

Our current situation is as follows and I would love some advice!!

Our Cruise is 12-1-17 out of San Juan. We booked a 09B cabin using a Booked on board Credit of 10% off and $100 OBC. All booked months ago. We have deposit down and PIF date isn't until Sept 17th. HOWEVER, on this sailing they have added various discounts (Military, Canadian, Fla) AND they have released IGT, OGT and VGT. IF we choose to book the VGT we would be paying only about $60 more for a Verandah category. I know the room is not guaranteed but the Verandah category is guaranteed correct?
So my question is this. The "restrictions" read that an existing reservation can't be changed to this.

But I haven't paid in full so can't I simply cancel my Reservation with the booking code from the placeholder credit? and book a new one under this new fare. This is probably unusual as they don't usually put out VGT fare until after PIF date. But this cruise is definitely lacking in filling up since it out of San Juan I guess.

Anyone ever been able to cancel their existing (again only a deposit on it right now as I usually don't pay in full until PIf date) and book a OGT, IGT or VGT? Technically we are moving up in category on the reservation so maybe that's a loophole?

One caveat. We are DVC members and my greatest fear is that to entice filling up this ship they put out a DVC rate which has happened to us before where we were able to get bumped to a Verandah for less money. They usually allow the DVC members to adjust their bookings when they give these special rates out (they did previously). BUT if I switch to a VGT now do I take a risk of screwing myself out of that chance?

Any advice would be appreciated! Anyone done this?

 

[cruiser21]

Yes, it would be a verandah. Why couldn't you cancel and rebook? You're not in the penalty period. You would have to make a new reservation, but they will transfer your deposit money over to the new reservation. I cant help you on DVC, but I'm pretty sure you cannot change from a VGT to any other promotion.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

I don't think you can use your placeholder discount towards a VGT rate but otherwise if you are before the final payment you can cancel and book It. We did it a couple of times, ended up with a good upgrade each time....
Once we got a 5a and once 4a and when booking VGT. We are a party of 3, the 4a was a big surprise. Of course you have to be ok with any verandah but yes a verandah is guaranteed.

Oh and if you book VGT no changes allowed of any kind. So if the DVC rate comes out... can't change to it.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

One more thing... I shall now go and check out this sailing

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Our current situation is as follows and I would love some advice!!

Our Cruise is 12-1-17 out of San Juan. We booked a 09B cabin using a Booked on board Credit of 10% off and $100 OBC. All booked months ago. We have deposit down and PIF date isn't until Sept 17th. HOWEVER, on this sailing they have added various discounts (Military, Canadian, Fla) AND they have released IGT, OGT and VGT. IF we choose to book the VGT we would be paying only about $60 more for a Verandah category. I know the room is not guaranteed but the Verandah category is guaranteed correct?
So my question is this. The "restrictions" read that an existing reservation can't be changed to this.

But I haven't paid in full so can't I simply cancel my Reservation with the booking code from the placeholder credit? and book a new one under this new fare. This is probably unusual as they don't usually put out VGT fare until after PIF date. But this cruise is definitely lacking in filling up since it out of San Juan I guess.

Anyone ever been able to cancel their existing (again only a deposit on it right now as I usually don't pay in full until PIf date) and book a OGT, IGT or VGT? Technically we are moving up in category on the reservation so maybe that's a loophole?

One caveat. We are DVC members and my greatest fear is that to entice filling up this ship they put out a DVC rate which has happened to us before where we were able to get bumped to a Verandah for less money. They usually allow the DVC members to adjust their bookings when they give these special rates out (they did previously). BUT if I switch to a VGT now do I take a risk of screwing myself out of that chance?

Any advice would be appreciated! Anyone done this?

As noted, the onboard booking perks cannot be applied to the last minute *GT bookings. You can cancel the existing reservation, and retain the perks for another cruise, if you wish (as long as you take that cruise before the 24 month window closes. But the VGT is only applicable to new bookings only. You can't transfer an already existing reservation to it.

If you opt for it, yes, you are guaranteed a verandah, but it could be any verandah category onboard. Be sure you will be happy with whatever veranda DCL opts to put you in.

 

[Cmbar]

One more thing... I shall now go and check out this sailing

LOL Thanks for the response and Yes, by all means come on board with us!

 

[Cmbar]

As noted, the onboard booking perks cannot be applied to the last minute *GT bookings. You can cancel the existing reservation, and retain the perks for another cruise, if you wish (as long as you take that cruise before the 24 month window closes. But the VGT is only applicable to new bookings only. You can't transfer an already existing reservation to it.

If you opt for it, yes, you are guaranteed a verandah, but it could be any verandah category onboard. Be sure you will be happy with whatever veranda DCL opts to put you in.

Thank you! I am most worried because we have others traveling with us. We are all linked and if we all upgrade to a VGT then we may or may not be near each other. BUT my bigger worry is that my sister would get an awesome Veranda and I would get a crummy one!! I'm so petty!! LOL Thanks for the advice!!

 

[cruiser21]

Thank you! I am most worried because we have others traveling with us. We are all linked and if we all upgrade to a VGT then we may or may not be near each other. BUT my bigger worry is that my sister would get an awesome Veranda and I would get a crummy one!! I'm so petty!! LOL Thanks for the advice!!

I would keep your placeholder for another reservation unless you need to put it towards the new reservation. No worries though you can always book a new one onboard. I have done this many times, but it's always been moving to an earlier cruise. I've never been lucky enough to get a GT before PIF date,