why the xtra cash?

[clb617]

I am new to this board and also getting ready to take our first Disney Cruise. We booked through AAA initially for a 4 night cruise on the Wonder (cat.6) for June 02, but due to unforseen circumstances we had to reschedule. We changed our cruise date on the 30th day before we were supposed to sail, we were charged $25/person ($100) plus $520. I understand what the $100 was for but when I asked my ta what the other $520 was for she said she thought it was for a cat. 5 stateroom. However, when we got our documents we still were booked for a cat. 6 room. At that point she said she really didn't know what the extra $520 was for, but that we would probably get an upgrade at the ship?

Does that (an upgrade at the ship) sound right to any of you vetern cruisers?

BTW, I did call dcl direct but since we had booked through a ta they couldn't answer any questions?

Any explanations would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[kidzmom3]

If I were you, I would demand an answer from the TA and I would never pay for something that "may" happen. If the TA cannot give a reason for the additional price then the cruise should cost the same, minus the change fee. It may be time to be a little assertive. 520$ is a lot of money, but perhaps the rates are higher for your new dates. The TA should have the answers, and if he/she doesn't demand the manager of AAA travel and get some. Good luck to you!

 

[mmouse37]

I agree with kidzmom3. Get on your TA for answers. The only thing I can think of is that your new sail date is more money, or the only categories they have left are Cat 5's and that's what they had to assign you. Maybe they did not change your documents, but your TA should be able to find out from DCL what CAT you are booked in.

MJ

 

[gottaluvdisney]

Prices do vary between sailings. DCL has different 'Early Booking Savings' for each cruise. So as the sailing gets to be filling up, they may raise the price. So changing your saildate, you are not guaranteed to receive the same price.

This has NOTHING to do with complimentary upgrades. DCL usually only upgrades due to capacity issues as they need the space.

 

[prymsu]

something smells, I think. If the TA can not give you a very good explanation, then i would almost think about canceling through them, and rebooking through someone else. Ask your TA if they are willing to give up their comission if they are not willing to get to the bottom of the $520 charge. You can not count on an upgrade, unless you pay at the port. I would be tempted to call disney directly to see if they can tell you about this huge extra charge. Maybe do that before you call your TA...

 

[paulmc80]

Oh yes, DCL definitely changes the pricing depending on availablility on a specific sail date.

I don't know, but I sure would want an explanation though so that I would know exactly what I'm paying for. The TA should have gotten that explanation from DCL in my opinion. But, maybe I'm just getting grumpier in my old age .... but in a polite sort of way I hope.

 

[Michelle]

Welcome to the cruise board, clb617!

As others have said, what no doubt happened is that when your rebooked for your new dates the price changed because your new sailing date is in a different early booking savings "tier" and the price is higher. Any time you change a sailing date you are subject to the pricing in effect at the time you make the change.

Your TA SHOULD have known that, however, and should have explained it to you. DCL would tell her when she made the change about the pricing difference. I would call her and have her verify that that is what happened.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Also, for what it's worth... Category 5 and Category 6 rooms are identical in configuration... the Category 5's are higher up on the ship. So don't feel like you're losing anything with a Category 6 as opposed to a 5.

 

[prymsu]

I just find it a little hard to believe that a TA would say they have no idea about the price difference, and then lead you to believe that you would probably get an upgrade at the port. I guess this is based on a past experience I had with a TA once...

 

[clb617]

Thank you all for your insights I will get back in touch with my TA tomorrow and try to get a better answer from her.