Website Cabin Availability

[Shanti]

Does DCL hold back available cabins from booking availability online? I've looked at cabins for several cruises recently that are over a year away, and in many categories (the category types that contain lots of cabins), there is one contiguous block of available cabins shown as available, and that block is always on the port side. Everything else is greyed out. I prefer starboard, so this is annoying. Anyone know how/why this occurs? I find it hard to believe that this pattern is due to actual bookings, as I see the same pattern when looking at cruise after cruise. Do they try to sell the port cabins first? Will the starboard side later become available?

 

[Geomom]

They only show 8 available rooms/category at a time. If you prefer starboard you'll have to either have your TA check for you or ask DCL--both 'should' see ALL the availability. I agree it is annoying though.

 

[Sytrace]

Does DCL hold back available cabins from booking availability online? I've looked at cabins for several cruises recently that are over a year away, and in many categories (the category types that contain lots of cabins), there is one contiguous block of available cabins shown as available, and that block is always on the port side. Everything else is greyed out. I prefer starboard, so this is annoying. Anyone know how/why this occurs? I find it hard to believe that this pattern is due to actual bookings, as I see the same pattern when looking at cruise after cruise. Do they try to sell the port cabins first? Will the starboard side later become available?

They only show a set number of cabins that are available but if you have a specific one you want, you can call and ask if it is available. If it is a special rate booking then they will only show cabins that are available in that category for the special rate...for example they might be category 5 B and all they have open in that category for the special rate is port side.
We prefer Starboard side as well and a particular cabin on Deck 10 all the way forward. BUT when we want those special rates, we take what they have to offer and choose something as close to where we like to be as possible but on a lower deck.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Yeah, they do. Call them or get your TA to call. If you have a 1, 2, 3 preference you will probably get something you want. I found exactly what you did on opening day. I was looking for connecting rooms, but only 1 of the 2 would show up and always the same room (on that deck) no matter which sailing. But the rooms are available.

 

[Sytrace]

Also, do NOT put a cabin in your cart if you are going to want to use a placeholder or you want your TA to get it. It has a set amount of time to fall out of the cart and back into inventory. So, while you are on hold with the rep and have that cabin chosen or your TA is on with DCL ready to use the placeholder, they will have to wait until the cabin is out of the cart again...it might take 20 minutes or so for that to happen.

 

[Racer X]

So question: What is the process for using a Placeholder? Do you have to call first? Or can you book a new reservation online, then call and transfer the placeholder to it?

 

[FigmentSpark]

Your placeholder is a reservation. You call and they apply it to the sailing you want. If you've transferred the placeholder to a TA (within 30 of originally booking it), you call them to apply it. Think of it like you have a cruise booked and now you want to change to this other cruise.

 

[Racer X]

Gotcha thanks.