OBB - Another dummy date question

[REM10134]

I'm sure this has been discussed and answered on the board, but I didn't find it in my quick search.
How much can you change a 'dummy date' booking and still get the credit for OBB? For example, can I book a 3-nt cruise for 2 then later change it to a 7-nt cruise for 4 and have the benefits of OBB still carry over?
The real question is, should you book a "dummy" cruise as close to the one you think you'll actually take, or do you get the same benefits by just booking any 'placeholder' cruise?

 

[sftnslky]

I'm sure this has been discussed and answered on the board, but I didn't find it in my quick search.
How much can you change a 'dummy date' booking and still get the credit for OBB? For example, can I book a 3-nt cruise for 2 then later change it to a 7-nt cruise for 4 and have the benefits of OBB still carry over?
The real question is, should you book a "dummy" cruise as close to the one you think you'll actually take, or do you get the same benefits by just booking any 'placeholder' cruise?

Not sure if there is an actual amount, but we re-booked on board 3 years ago and various reasons we have had to change the date and the number of persons 4 times...each time DCL is very sweet and helpful. Like I was told last time they would rather have you move/change a reservation then to cancel it all together. Hope this helps.

 

[lbgraves]

At the moment there isn't a limit to how many times you can move a reservation, as long as it is before the PIF date and penalties apply. You will get the OBC that is in place for the cruise you end up transferring to and taking. At the moment, that means that you can book a 3-night and switch to a 7-night as the cruise you take. The OBC would be $200 for the 7-night instead of the $100 for a 3-night.

 

[sdflipside]

I just recently booked a dummy date...3 night for 2 adults. CM said that was cheapest way to go. Paid $85 deposit. You can move it as need be, keeping the discount.

 

[ajh88]

I have a follow up question then...our cruise is in 3 weeks (woo hoo!) and I would love to re-book an Alaskan cruise at that time. However, I'm about 95% certain we won't be able to do it next year, but would be looking at 2015.

Would it even be worthwhile to book the latest dummy date in 2014 then hope the 2015 dates are released before our PIF date so we can change the dates? This is our first time cruising (and obviously our first OBB attempt), so I'm not sure if this idea would work or not. TIA!

 

[lbgraves]

Yes, you can move it out to the furthest date available if the date you reallly want hasn't been released yet. The PIF date for Alaska out of Vancouver is earlier, not the normal 75 days.

 

[su_A_ve]

I just recently booked a dummy date...3 night for 2 adults. CM said that was cheapest way to go. Paid $85 deposit. You can move it as need be, keeping the discount.

Note that I'd the deposit was this low, chances are its for one or two in an inside cabin on a 3 day cruise. When you are ready to move it you'll have to add the rest of your party and then change the date. Additional deposit will then be due...

 

[su_A_ve]

I have a follow up question then...our cruise is in 3 weeks (woo hoo!) and I would love to re-book an Alaskan cruise at that time. However, I'm about 95% certain we won't be able to do it next year, but would be looking at 2015.

Would it even be worthwhile to book the latest dummy date in 2014 then hope the 2015 dates are released before our PIF date so we can change the dates? This is our first time cruising (and obviously our first OBB attempt), so I'm not sure if this idea would work or not. TIA!

You definitely want to set up a dummy day as far as yo can. It'll probably be a 3 day inside cabin in dec 2014. Deposit should be less than $100. Once 2015 dates are announced, you'll move them.

Note if you don't have a TA now, select one and give them the name when you book on board. You'll then get the OBC and 10% from DCL, plus whatever OBC the TA has to offer. Even if this cruise you don't have one, you can add a TA for the next one. Note that now you can only transfer a res within 30 days of booking, and transferring a res does not give you the full OBC...

 

[jelliott04]

Note that now you can only transfer a res within 30 days of booking, and transferring a res does not give you the full OBC...

I was just about to move our OBB to a travel agent. You are saying that if I do move it, then I loose the OBC from DCL?

 

[lbgraves]

I was just about to move our OBB to a travel agent. You are saying that if I do move it, then I loose the OBC from DCL?

No, some TAs just don't give as much OBC for transfers as they do for original bookings because they receive a lower commission from DCL for transfers. You can only transfer a reservation to a TA within 30 days of making the original booking with DCL.

 

[jelliott04]

No, some TAs just don't give as much OBC for transfers as they do for original bookings because they receive a lower commission from DCL for transfers. You can only transfer a reservation to a TA within 30 days of making the original booking with DCL.

ahhhh, thanks. I just email DU and will see how long it takes them to email me back.

Is there a list out there somewhere of what each offers for original bookings and transfers?

 

[lbgraves]

No, you have to find that yourself. Sorry! I have seen posted that DU gives 50% commission. Some TAs don't reduce the OBC. You just have to shop around to find the best deal for you.

 

[ajh88]

You definitely want to set up a dummy day as far as yo can. It'll probably be a 3 day inside cabin in dec 2014. Deposit should be less than $100. Once 2015 dates are announced, you'll move them.

Note if you don't have a TA now, select one and give them the name when you book on board. You'll then get the OBC and 10% from DCL, plus whatever OBC the TA has to offer. Even if this cruise you don't have one, you can add a TA for the next one. Note that now you can only transfer a res within 30 days of booking, and transferring a res does not give you the full OBC...

Thank you!

It didn't even occur to me to book a cruise to a different destination (ie, 3 day Bahamas) to get the furthest date out - I just assumed I would have to book an Alaskan cruise and change the dates!