Those who reserve cabanas, excursions and on-board experiences.

[dreamer17555]

I wish DCL would go to that - charging you up front. Would eliminate most "just in case" bookings of cabanas, mixology, brunch, etc. Plus, would make the bill at the end of the cruise less, as you get to spread out the costs.

Refunds are messy and it would also lock out some families from things like Royal Tea Party or BBB or excursions that they are saving for... Plus why would I want DCL to hold my money for longer than necessary?

You can always add onboard credit now so you come home with a lower bill if you want things prepaid for you.

 

[Pixarfans]

IMO this is an it is what it is situation. Benefit of more cruises.
There is plenty to do even if you don’t get “that “activity or “that” excursion. Personally I can’t plan that far ahead and get what I can at midnight on the day I can book. Then about 2 weeks out I cancel what don’t want.

 

[OKW Lover]

I wish DCL would go to that - charging you up front. Would eliminate most "just in case" bookings of cabanas, mixology, brunch, etc. Plus, would make the bill at the end of the cruise less, as you get to spread out the costs.

That would only work to eliminate those just in case bookings if there was a cancelation penalty.

 

[justafigment27]

I wish DCL would go to that - charging you up front. Would eliminate most "just in case" bookings of cabanas, mixology, brunch, etc. Plus, would make the bill at the end of the cruise less, as you get to spread out the costs.

I agree! I sailed on Royal and Celebrity last year for the first time and this is how is how they operate. As soon as you book anything with an added fee - excursions, specialty dining, etc. - it goes in your shopping cart and it’s not yours until you pay the bill. You can cancel anything online with no penalty with 3 days notice. At first I was a little surprised, but it was really nice to have everything paid in advance.

I think the act of having to pay would stop a lot of “just in case” bookings. I mean, there is no incentive not to book now - if you think there is even a possibility that you might want to do something, you just sign up with zero financial commitment. But if you thought there was no chance that you’d actually use a cabana or eat brunch at Palo, are you really going to pay for it in advance and then request a refund later? Probably not for most people …

 

[Mommb]

Refunds are messy and it would also lock out some families from things like Royal Tea Party or BBB or excursions that they are saving for... Plus why would I want DCL to hold my money for longer than necessary?

You can always add onboard credit now so you come home with a lower bill if you want things prepaid for you.

This is exactly my thinking. If you want to pay in advance under the current system, you can, either by adding onboard credit or by putting money in a dedicated savings account. If you want to save up for the cruise by, for example, purchasing gift cards every few weeks during the time between booking activities and taking the cruise, you can do that too.

I think the act of having to pay would stop a lot of “just in case” bookings. I mean, there is no incentive not to book now - if you think there is even a possibility that you might want to do something, you just sign up with zero financial commitment. But if you thought there was no chance that you’d actually use a cabana or eat brunch at Palo, are you really going to pay for it in advance and then request a refund later? Probably not for most people …

Requiring payment in advance may stop some people from booking some activities, but that will only make more spots available in the earlier booking periods. It may also cause people to think "I'm not sure I want to do this tasting, but since I've already paid for it, I'll keep it." When cancellations are made later, it frees up spots for people who couldn't book as Concierge, Pearl, or Platinum.

 

[cougar87]

When do people start dropping cabanas, specialty dining, and drink tastings? 1-2 weeks before cruise? Do people drop on embarkation day? Who puts you on a waitlist for a Cabana once on board?

 

[RedHead0186]

When do people start dropping cabanas, specialty dining, and drink tastings? 1-2 weeks before cruise? Do people drop on embarkation day? Who puts you on a waitlist for a Cabana once on board?

Drink tastings, etc. are dropped anytime up to the cruise, though anecdotally I've seen an uptick in cancellations about 1-2 weeks out. Onboard activities must be cancelled at least 24 hours before, though, and the ability to book closes about three days out, so not much dropping happens on embarkation day itself. If you are not concierge then I imagine Guest Services would put you on a waitlist for a cabana once onboard.