Post booking rebate

Old Nov 16th, 2005, 09:27 AM
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Post booking rebate

I called CUNARD to make a slight change on my booking and was informed that I would be receiving a rebate of a quite significant amount. Apparently, there was a promotion for my cabin category and it was being retroactively applied to my account (I had booked directly with CUNARD back in May). Haven't actually seen the money yet, but was told it'd be credited soon. New to cruising, so I'm wondering if this is a common occurrence.
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Old Nov 16th, 2005, 07:04 PM
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Yes, keep checking and they should credit your credit card. I just called the travel agent and our cruise has gone down $100. You should be able to ask for a new invoice from the cruiseline or be able to check it online. Depending on when you go. Ours weill be credited to our credit card.
hope this helps
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Old Nov 17th, 2005, 09:37 AM
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Consider yourself lucky someone found the price change Did you have a ta book this or on your own? Cunard has a section on their web page that lists rebates and such. Since you are new to cruising, it is best to check around several websites for pricing before you book, prices vary with hundreds of dollars difference.

A few websites to check for pricing: www.bestpricecruises.com, cruises-n-more.com, and www.cruisecompete.com. It can be time consuming but it is also good to call the online broker direct sometimes as the big agencies also do group sailings with additional travel credit.

Cunard discounts to online travel agents so never pay brochure rate. If you are still in your cancellation period I would try pricing through cruises-n-more for your sailing. Hope this helps.
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Old Nov 17th, 2005, 12:59 PM
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To Travlinwifey,

I did book directly through CUNARD, but not before researching various on-line websites. The difference in price was a few hundred dollars, but not enough to make me by-pass the company. I really wanted to deal directly with the company. I wanted to be certain of not just the category of cabin but the actual, particular cabin. As I'm traveling with two other adults, the size of the room was important and the CUNARD rep was able to book us one of the largest cabins in M1. I've "heard" some complaints about CUNARD's customer service from various travel forums, but I've had nothing but positive experiences. I've never had to wait and they've been very responsive. So looking forward to the cruise and spending all that rebate at the spa, casino, bar, etc.!
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Old Nov 17th, 2005, 02:57 PM
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Yes, I understand. Just something to consider, travel agents have the same access to cabins as the cruise company, plus if you use a ta there is a go-between if problems do arise. In any event, looks like you have a great vacation planned! We had booked the QM2 last may but had to cancel and book another ship due to my spouse's vacation schedule. Please post back with your thoughts on Cunard. At that time the QM2 was offering free airfare to London, a great deal. Sounds like you nave a nice refund in store, more $$ for the extras! Have a great trip
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Old Nov 18th, 2005, 05:48 AM
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In looking for our cruise for February, we went to the Carnival website...Best Inside rate was $599.00,Oceanview $759, and Balcony $859.00..We looked around some more on the other websites.Then emailed my TA.He came back with $440,$600, and $700 same categories.I agree that having a TA as a go-between is good especially in this instance since there are several of us going and most are novices.Plus, he puts a bottle of wine in each cabin...
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Old Nov 18th, 2005, 06:57 AM
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Yes, and the Carnival corp owns Cunard, as well as Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, P&O, and Costa Cruises The Carnival Corp and NCL discount to travel agents, RCCL does not.
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Old Nov 18th, 2005, 07:10 AM
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TW....According to my TA, he gets discounts on all cruise lines.In fact in researcing this cruise, we did in fact look at RCCL.Internet rate was $859,the TA's rate was $720...He explains that because his agency is part of a huge consortium, they get huge discounts, AND increased commissions.The cruise line may in fact not share that info with anyone but the agency/consortium themselves.but they do in fact discount.
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Old Nov 18th, 2005, 07:43 AM
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That's pretty good, RCCL was coming down pretty hard on TA's that discount, if you look on websites pricing now you will not see any RCCL discounts over RCCL direct. If we decide to do a RCI cruise in the future you'll be hearing from me BeachBoi we've been avoiding RCI because of the discounting dispute
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Old Nov 18th, 2005, 10:41 AM
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TW...Not being a TRUE "Insider" I guess I dont get the "discounting" that you make reference to.What I meant was that when my TA calls RCCL, thats what they offer him as a rate.It's not something he/his agency comes up with.Do you mean that there are some TA's who offer a discount off a RCCL cruise fare lower than what RCCL has offered them? Now that it would seem to me would be "cheating".Or worse ....
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Old Nov 18th, 2005, 11:02 AM
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RCL/CEL prohibit "rebating" amd will come down hard on TAs that do so or attempt to cover up doing so. However, key (large) accounts do get preferred rates and pricing exclusives on some sailings. In addition, individual bookings can be pulled into a group that will also provide additional per cabin savings in some cases plus amenities and tour conductor credits. Also, TAs considered membership clubs (Costco, Triple AAA) are not governed by the same discount policies as other TAs.
This is a big complaint for other TAs.
I recommend that if pricing is within a few dollars you choose the TA that you feel will provide the best service and has the most experience.

Good cruising!
www.360CruiseGuy.com
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Old Nov 18th, 2005, 11:19 AM
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360...Thanks for the explanation..But do you mean I can go into a AAA office and book a cruise?? I thought they were just maps and insurance and pick up service.And if they are a real TA, what sets them "apart" from another "agent"?
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Old Nov 18th, 2005, 12:27 PM
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Beach Boi

You can purchase cruises from AAA, the web site is: www.aaa.com and look for cruises under the Travel column. The only thing that makes them different are in the eyes of the cruise lines they are considered a "membership" organization and often obtain lower rates from some, not all of the cruise lines. Many TAs have protested this and that may change, but the large membership clubs (Costco, AAA) have tremendous clout because of their large membership base.

www.360CruiseGuy.com
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