Military discount and cancellations

[Chim Chiminy]

I have been reading through threads but still not sure what the answer is on this.

We are considering booking the Sept. Panama Canal cruise using the military discount that was just released.
I am still confused on the cancellation. It says everything but deposit refunded between certain dates, but we wouldn't be paying a deposit. It would be paid in full at time of booking.

Our concern is a possible PCS this summer, we are waiting to hear on. It is difficult to be this close to a date and not know. And our daughter would be starting high school.
In order for my husband and I to take the cruise, her grandparents would have to come stay with her.

My understanding was there was a travel insurance we could purchase that would refund the cost of the cruise just in case.

 

[cmesq61]

We are considering the same cruise with the new military discount! kind of cant stay home for that price!! My read of all the fine print is that there would be a penalty for cancellation, so we are buying the trip insurance. Be sure to read the insurance fine print though, because lots of those policies exclude from coverage cancellation reasons that relate to military stuff.

 

[Chim Chiminy]

Yeah, I've been trying to read through all the info on travel insurance but still confused.

I am hoping someone who has been there, done that will share insight.

 

[lbgraves]

The deposit amount is 20% of the cruise fare. That would be the amount subject to cancellation penalties even though you paid it in full at time of booking due to the time before the cruise. If you purchase DCL's insurance you will be able to transfer it to a different cruise if insurance doesn't refund you. There is cancel for any reason insurance you can purchase on your own. When you call and talk to the agent be sure to tell them what the possible reason may be to make sure that it is covered.

 

[neg58]

The deposit amount is 20% of the cruise fare. That would be the amount subject to cancellation penalties even though you paid it in full at time of booking due to the time before the cruise. If you purchase DCL's insurance you will be able to transfer it to a different cruise if insurance doesn't refund you. There is cancel for any reason insurance you can purchase on your own. When you call and talk to the agent be sure to tell them what the possible reason may be to make sure that it is covered.

Are you sure? Usually military and Florida rates have to be PIF when booked, and usually longer cruises are PIF 120 days out, which for a September cruise is coming up soon.

Nancy

 

[lbgraves]

Are you sure? Usually military and Florida rates have to be PIF when booked, and usually longer cruises are PIF 120 days out, which for a September cruise is coming up soon.

Nancy

From what I see the PC repo is 9/14/2013. Isn't that 115 days now? Any bookings made now would require payment in full.

I always thought the reason those rates are released after the PIF date to fill the ship, so that would require them to PIF when they are booked. Many post that they have their existing reservation revised but don't have penalties, which is the only time DCL doesn't make you cancel for a discounted rate...or at least to this point.

 

[cmesq61]

We booked this evening & had to PIF, non-refundable.

 

[Chim Chiminy]

Perhaps the best thing for us would be to hold off and keep fingers crossed that similar discounts are given next year. My husband thinks we should hear on this potential PCS next week some time, but by that time the rate offer will be expired.

 

[boogabuzz]

If you're not comfortable booking even with insurance until you find out next week...even though the website says the rate expires Mon, as long as they haven't "sold out" of the Military discount they will continue it. Check back next Monday...chances are the discount will still be there.

We are ohh sooo tempted to book it. Have a family wedding that we don't want to miss though. Think we'll hold off since all the 14N cruises seem to get the Military discounts. Maybe next year

 

[cmesq61]

We booked last eve and they were sold out of all verandah rooms with the military discount.

 

[MKCQuilt]

USAA offers great travel insurance with military clauses for deployment etc. We are retired AF and have purchased it several times.

 

[cmesq61]

USAA offers great travel insurance with military clauses for deployment etc. We are retired AF and have purchased it several times.

Love USAA!!

 

[Shelley Chiarats]

Love USAA!!

Just want to add a 2nd to the USAA is amazing!!