So . . How do we "know" they're holding back rooms

[KVH]

Was just glancing at a few sailings. What struck me was that (a) the only thing left were Inside cabins and (b) they were only available in Aft. I think I was methodical enough that it wasn't just chance. So either several new sailings are selling out not even halfway through the third day or the company is blocking room availability (until tomorrow?).

Any thoughts on how you can really determine if that's true? Not like we can do much about it but it would make me modify certain behaviors and plans for my future cruising.

 

[otten]

I don’t actually think it’s that surprising that sailings are selling out fast. A lot of people have FCC they need to use and I think most (all?) FCC expires by spring 2022 so this is currently the last release that people can use their FCC on.

 

[ZerasPride]

I feel the same way. When I went to book a cabin this morning I checked every Fantasy sailing in January 2022 and the only rooms that showed were port side connecting cabins. We wanted starboard side non-connecting.

I read someone’s post that mentioned once you book your cabin to get on chat and ask for your presence. That is what I did and got the exact cabin I wanted! Even though it did not appear to be available. Strange. But I’m happy!

 

[vegs1]

I feel the same way. When I went to book a cabin this morning I checked every Fantasy sailing in January 2022 and the only rooms that showed were port side connecting cabins. We wanted starboard side non-connecting.

I read someone’s post that mentioned once you book your cabin to get on chat and ask for your presence. That is what I did and got the exact cabin I wanted! Even though it did not appear to be available. Strange. But I’m happy!

That is exactly what I did. I booked and then chatted and they booked the cabins I wanted.

I do wonder if they are keeping occupancy low at this point because of the unknowns of the pandemic. It’s easier to hold back and book later than to have to cancel some people off.

 

[ZerasPride]

So true. I’m just glad I read about that trick. These cruises are too expensive to “settle” for a cabin you don’t want.

 

[coloradocutie]

I feel the same way. When I went to book a cabin this morning I checked every Fantasy sailing in January 2022 and the only rooms that showed were port side connecting cabins. We wanted starboard side non-connecting.

I read someone’s post that mentioned once you book your cabin to get on chat and ask for your presence. That is what I did and got the exact cabin I wanted! Even though it did not appear to be available. Strange. But I’m happy!

What do you mean to "ask for your presence?" do you mean preference?
Thanks!
Glad you got the room you wanted

 

[lilsonicfan]

I feel the same way. When I went to book a cabin this morning I checked every Fantasy sailing in January 2022 and the only rooms that showed were port side connecting cabins. We wanted starboard side non-connecting.

In my recollection, they always show port side rooms first, and if you see 8 rooms, that's an indication that there are more that just don't show up for online booking.

 

[ZerasPride]

Yes I meant preference. Typing on my iPhone. Sorry about that.

As far as showing port side rooms first - that is good to know. I have only been on one DCL cruise and that was some years ago. When you book online with Royal Caribbean I feel like you do not have these limits. I am just glad I was able to chat and get the side of the ship I wanted.

 

[Geomom]

Yes I meant preference. Typing on my iPhone. Sorry about that.

As far as showing port side rooms first - that is good to know. I have only been on one DCL cruise and that was some years ago. When you book online with Royal Caribbean I feel like you do not have these limits. I am just glad I was able to chat and get the side of the ship I wanted.

The website starts with the lowest numbered rooms in each category, which is why port rooms show up first.

 

[BartmanLA]

DCL might be holding back and blocking off staterooms in anticipation of a mandated Reduced Capacity sailings once they resume operations, it's easier to block them off now, and then release them for sale if the reduction is lifted or they increase the amount they're allowing on the ship, much easier to do it now than deal with having to cancel guests reservations and (Metaphorically) kick them off the ship.

 

[AquaDame]

DCL might be holding back and blocking off staterooms in anticipation of a mandated Reduced Capacity sailings once they resume operations, it's easier to block them off now, and then release them for sale if the reduction is lifted or they increase the amount they're allowing on the ship, much easier to do it now than deal with having to cancel guests reservations and (Metaphorically) kick them off the ship.

I'm not in the business but I've seen several different TA companies insisting they are not holding rooms back. I feel like Hawaii sold out in about the same time it did with the last release, and it should have been much faster if there are reduced staterooms. Unless they put out a statement or ships start sailing half full I don't think there really is a way for us to know.