cruise best price guarantee

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Price Drop on a Cruise? Here’s How to Get Your Money Back

If there is a drop in the price of your cruise, can you get your money back?

When you’re excited for the cruise you just booked, there’s hardly a worse feeling than checking back later and seeing that the price has dropped… after you’ve already paid.

In fact, we see this sort of thing happen across many industries — from airline tickets that get cheaper after you’ve bought to discounts on cable or cell phone plans for new customers while you’re stuck paying a higher price. It can be infuriating to know that you’re paying more than someone else who is getting the exact same service.

The good news? While you might be stuck paying more with other companies, we’ve found that many times ( although not always ) you can get cruise lines to match their new lower prices after you book . You can sometimes get the difference refunded to your credit card, or the refund might be in the form of onboard credit. Either way, you stand a good chance at getting something back.

Now as you might expect there are tips you can use to increase your chances of getting a refund on the amount you paid. Here’s what we suggest to get the best outcome…

The First Thing to Do: Check Cruise Prices Within Two Days After You Book

When it comes to getting a refund, there is an advantage to seeing a price drop right after you book. Many cruise lines have price guarantees in place as a way to give passengers confidence to book. If you book and then find a lower advertised fare within 48 hours, you can submit a claim and receive the lower price or the difference in onboard credit.

The specifics will vary by cruise line. For instance, Carnival offers 110% of the difference as onboard credit. Celebrity offers the ability to move to the lower price. 

These sorts of offers apply to several lines, including Royal Caribbean , Celebrity , and Carnival . 

For all of these situations the websites say that you’ll need to file a form (available at the links above). If you’d rather call an agent, that may speed up the process without having to worry about forms.

The bottom line: If you book a cruise, it pays to check back within two days to see if the fare has dropped. If it has, check to see if your specific cruise line has a best-price guarantee. 

Even if they don’t, it’ still worth a call to see if they can adjust the price.

Know That Different Fares Offer Different Options for Adjustments

Believe it or not, there are often several types of fares offered by the cruise lines, even for the same type of room. For example, Carnival has different fares like Early Saver, Super Saver, and Pack & Go rates . Different fare types usually have different fine print — especially when it comes to price protection.

In this case, the Early Saver rate from Carnival offers price protection. If you find a lower price (even after the initial 48 hours), then you can get the difference back as onboard credit or a free upgrade. This rate is only available for those booking early — usually a minimum of 2-3 months in advance of sailing. Other rates like the Super Saver and Pack & Go aren’t available for the price protection.

This isn’t to single out Carnival. Other cruise lines also have different fare options across rooms. But before you book, it’s a good idea to read through the terms of that fare and see if it offers any sort of protection should the cruise fare drop.

Typically, the lowest bare-bones fares will offer the least flexibility to get a refund of a price difference.

Early Bookings & Slow Paying Offer the Most Flexibility for Getting Money Back

The rule of thumb is that the earlier you book, the more flexibility you will have in getting a reduced fare. That’s because of deposit dates. Most cruise lines require full payment of your fare within 60-90 days of the departure. But book earlier than that and all you need to pay is a deposit.

With only your deposit at risk, it’s less of a financial burden for you to cancel your cruise and rebook at a lower rate. So if you put down a $200 deposit, but then see your cruise for $400 less a couple of weeks after booking, you might lose the deposit as a cancellation charge but gain $400 from the lower fare to come out ahead.

That’s why even though there may be a charge for cancelling, it could be worth it. Waiting and booking later leads to higher cancellation penalties, making it less likely to be worth the change in fare.

In addition, it’s a good idea to pay your cruise slowly if possible. Just like only paying a deposit instead of a full fare, paying a little bit at a time gives you more flexibility in getting a refund if the price drops since you don’t have as much money at stake.

See Price Drop? Call the Cruise Line (And Be Polite)

As you can see above, if the price is lowered within 48 hours of your booking, you can fill out a form to get your refund. But what if it’s past the 48-hour mark? We highly suggest giving the cruise line a call — even if it’s after any sort of price match deadline or even if you have a fare that is supposed to not have any price protection.

We’ve found that you can sometimes get an agent who is helpful and that can pull strings to help you out to get a refund of the price difference or onboard credit. This certainly isn’t always the case, but it never hurts to ask.

For example, we’ve personally had a great experience with Norwegian Cruise Lines, who refunded us a $40 price drop. And all it took was a phone call. Other times we’ve received onboard credit from cruise lines when the cost of the cruise gets marked down. However, it doesn’t always work.

Remember, the cruise lines want to have happy passengers that are excited to cruise with them time and again. Making exceptions for small amounts of money can go a long way in keeping guests happy.

The important thing to remember is to be polite to the agent and realize that just because the price dropped doesn’t mean you are always eligible for the difference to be refunded.

More on Saving on a Cruise:

• The Best Time to Book a Cruise (Save Money, Better Cabins)
• 30+ Tips to Save Money On a Cruise
• Everything About Buying Discount Cruise Gift Cards via AARP

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We booked a cruise on Royal Caribbean and put down a deposit. About 2 months later, I noticed a $400 price drop. I called them and they credited me the money (dropped my bill). The agent told me that if I see it drop again before I make my final payment, just call and they will lower my bill again. If it is after the final payment, they will give me cruise credit. I highly recommend Royal Caribbean!

Booked Norwegian cruise 2/8/23 price £4256 today price£256 cheaper rang cruisenation (part of hays travel)said they would not match price drop making their own rules up to suit themselves These travel companies just do whatever they like they are a law to themselves I’m disgusted

We booked (and paid for) a NCL cruise for this November through Priceline a month ago (6/26/23) and today we discovered it went down about $260 pp! We just got off the phone with Priceline’s Cruise Dept and our rep was able to speak with NCL directly to find out our options.

After reading all the comments here, we weren’t sure we’d have any options. But, to NCL’s credit, they gave us the choice to upgrade our interior cabin to an Oceanview stateroom for free OR we could receive a FCC for the total fare difference.

It was a no-brainer for us— we upgraded to an OV without hesitation! Plus, we asked about a free Wifi and $50 shore excursion credit (as offered in NCL’s current promotion) and they honored that as well! Total win today! : )

Norwegian Cruise Line which also owns Oceania is the hardest line to make a change with to get a deal after you are under deposit. They don’t budge and don’t care. Their excursions and daily service fees even cost more than other cruise lines. So unless you really want a certain itinerary, go book with another cruise line.

I booked an NCL cruise yesterday and paid in full since it’s 70+ days from sail date. Half a day later, the price of the cruise dropped by over $500 (ie, over 10% of cruise total). I called NCL immediately but they won’t work with me since I bought the cruise via Amex. I called Amex and they said the cancellation penalty is greater than the drop in price, but they would submit a request for waiving the penalty. I wonder if I would have better luck if I had booked directly with NCL. I’ve sailed NCL half a dozen times totaling over 3 months, and I’m about to book another cruise. If I don’t get a refund, onboard credit or future credit, I would be reluctant book with NCL again.

I had a cruise booked with Norwegian where the price went down a few hundred after final payment, and they told me that they could not do anything unless it was the same EXACT “type” of sale. I had booked under a rare 40% off sale apparently, which never happened again, I guess. BUT another option to get value out of the money that you already spent is to upgrade your cabin type. I went from a Balcony to a Club Balcony Suite, which was originally priced out of my budget, but that price also went down a lot! Yay! It did cost me $100 more, but I was very happy with the upgrade at a price that was in my budget!

My cruise went down $300 and ncl would only give me that for future cruise. One thing I have learn in planning for this cruise, never, ever book early. Everything I booked went down in price as I got closer. But I listen to all I was told and read. Stupid

It seems that Norwegian tells everyone something different. We booked a cruise and had to make final payment 120 days out. The price dropped significantly in recent weeks ( We cruise in September)I have called 3 different times and heard 3 different things. One agent said there was nothing she could do. Another agent said we would get onboard credit and the last agent said they would give us the credit AFTER we cruise. This is my first (and probably my last) cruise with Norwegian. I don’t think they really care about their customers. I NEVER had such a run around on Carnival or RCC. I booked directly with Norwegian and highly recommend using a TA instead. This has not been a great experience.

My Norwegian price dropped less than $100 so I thought I would call them and get that small $ difference as on-board credit (it was a small amount but still something!) They wouldn’t do anything to credit or give me that amount in onboard credit because I was less a week from sailing. They did not care that I was polite or happy to take on-board credit for such a small amount. I likely would have spend a lot more money on-board just to use my small on-board credit so it ended up being NCL’s loss.

Update: This is NOT published on the NCL.com website but phone rep told me: Prices change daily for their cruises. For cruises booked 120days in advance, they will credit as many times as you call them to request a price adjustment. Anything between 90-14days before your departure date, they will do a one-time courtesy adjustment if your appeal is approved. So, it is worth is to monitor your NCL cruise constantly so see if there are price drops.

We are booked on an Oceania cruise. We paid a $2000 deposit 10 months ago and now see available cabin prices have dropped by 45%!!!!!!! They say they don’t have availablity in our class if we cancel and want to rebook at a the new low price but we have photographed their website today showing they do have a cabin available. What can we do next. The agent is polite but says the website has an error so not her fault. Thanks Ni k

Ouch, that’s no fun. They won’t work to give you the new price because they say it is an error?

If the new cabin is available on the website, you could book it and then cancel your first reservation to ensure you have the room. But not sure of the cancellation policy, so it might not be worth it.

My Norwegian cruise dropped by over 900 (and I’m already paying 2x as a solo traveler.)

They are being difficult because I said can I get a credit toward an upgraded category and they said no.

Not a good experience at all.

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Best Price Guarantee

If you find a lower identical cruise fare** on princess.com within 72 hours of booking, we’ll match the difference, how does best price guarantee work.

• Book your next voyage and if you find a lower fare on your Princess cruise within 72 hours with the same identical details, simply fill out the eForm .
• The identical fare must consist of the same ship as the Original Booking, the same sail dates, the same stateroom category, the same number of guests and the same cruise fare type.
• When you submit the eForm, we will verify and once confirmed, we’ll match the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What is the offer? A: The 72-Hour Best Price Guarantee allows a guest that has booked a Princess cruise and finds a lower, public fare for an identical booking on Princess.com , to submit the guarantee form (within 72 hours of the original booking) to receive a stateroom category upgrade to a higher stateroom, an Onboard Credit (“OBC”) with a value of 110% of the difference between what the guest actually paid for the original booking and the located fare, or some other make good as agreed to by Princess Cruise Lines. OBC is not valid for any cruise other than the booking that was submitted for review.
• Q: What is “public/publicly available” fare and “identical” fare/booking”? A: A publicly available fare is a fare that is available to any member of the general public, that does not require a special qualifications or additional eligibility to obtain the fare, is available on Princess.com, and that does not include unpublished, negotiated fares with corporations, travel agencies, groups, associations or other fares that are specifically agreed upon by PCL and for a specified and limited group. For example, publicly available does not include a military discount or a casino offer for specific guests. To be an ‘identical’ fare, the cheaper, located fare must consist of the identical details as the original booking including but not limited to, posted within 72-hours of purchase, on the same ship as the original booking, the same sail dates, the same stateroom category, and the same number of guests and the same cruise only fare or Plus/Premier bundled fare.
• Q: Would Princess auto-approve any claims under this guarantee? A: Princess may approve a guarantee claim without extensive research if the difference (between the original booking fare and the located fare) is less than $50 USD per booking, if all required information (including the advertised rate and location) has been provided by the guest through the guarantee form.
• Q: Who is eligible? A: At this time, this guarantee is only available to residents of US and Canada.
• Q: How do guests submit a claim? A: If a guest finds an identical booking, on a publicly available fare on Princess.com that they believe is less expensive than their original booking, they can submit a Guarantee form by visiting https://www.princess.com/plan/best-price-guarantee. Claims will only be considered if submitted through this webform and must be submitted within 72 hours of their original booking. If PCL is able to verify and process the submitted guarantee claim, PCL will (i) upgrade the guest to a higher stateroom category, (ii) give the guest an On Board Credit (“OBC”) with a value of 110% of the difference between what the guest actually paid for the original booking and the located fare, or (iii) some other make good as agreed to by the parties.
• Q: What competitor/partner sites are eligible for a fare comparison? A: None, only fares located on Princess.com will be eligible for the fare comparison. A determination as to whether the price located is identical to the original booking will be at PCL’s sole discretion.
• Q: Is the 72-hours flexible? A: No, greater than 72-hours from the booking window is not a valid or comparable fare.

Best Price Guarantee Terms and Conditions

See our terms and conditions for Best Price Guarantee

What's a cruise cabin guarantee — and will it save you money?

If you're new to cruise vacations, you may wonder about cruise fares that are labeled "cruise cabin guarantee." What does that mean, and can booking a guarantee cabin save you money or help convince the upgrade fairy to visit you? Let's find out.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Cruise cabin types and categories

Let's start with the basics. When you look at cruise fares, you'll see that they can vary widely for the same itinerary. The price differential is due to the cabin type you select. An inside cabin with no windows will generally be much cheaper than a similar cabin with a balcony or one of the ship's top suites.

Related: The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship

On a cruise ship deck plan and cruise fare rate list, categories are usually denoted by short alphanumeric sequences, like 1A. Each type of cabin can have multiple categories within it.

For example, aboard Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Celebration, you can pick a balcony cabin in categories 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F and 8G — and that's excluding three different extended-balcony categories. What's the difference? Location on the ship. Each category aligns with aft, midship or forward locations on specific decks.

Cruise fares within the same cabin type but for different categories vary in price. For example, when pricing out a cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection, you can choose from six balcony cabin categories: guarantee, partial view, standard, prime, deluxe and sunset veranda. The starting prices range from $463 to $730 per person, though each room is 246 square feet.

The difference? Cheaper cabins have obstructed views, while more expensive rooms are on higher decks or have larger balconies.

Booking a 'guarantee' cabin

When you decide to go on a cruise, you not only decide which category of cabin to book, but you also pick the exact cabin on the ship that you want. If you prefer a balcony cabin, you book that category and pick an available cabin number from the deck plan. If you'd like an inside room, you book that cabin category and then pick the one that best suits you.

But many major cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line , let you book what's called a "cruise cabin guarantee." Even luxury line Seabourn sells guarantee cabin fares. You choose the cabin type you want, such as a balcony cabin, but you don't pick a specific category or a room number.

Related: The ultimate guide to choosing a cabin on a cruise ship

These cabins are referred to as cruise cabin guarantees because you are guaranteed by the cruise line to get at least the type of cabin you booked, but you have no control over which room.

The guarantee rooms are often available in addition to the regular pick-your-cabin-number options. However, sometimes cruise lines use guarantee bookings as a type of waitlist when ships or cabin types are sold out or nearly full to hold your space until a room opens up.

What are the benefits of booking a guarantee room?

Travelers book guarantee fares because the pricing is often — but not always — advantageous. On some cruise lines, guarantees are usually the cheapest fare option in the room type you've selected. On other lines, there's no price difference between the lowest category in your room type and the guarantee. The only "savings" you'll net is if you're upgraded to the next cabin category.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

You see, there's a secondary benefit of booking a guarantee cabin beyond the cost savings: If the cruise line sells out of your cabin type, it will move you up to the next available category.

If you were going to pick the cheapest inside cabin anyway and don't care about its location, why not book the guarantee? You might be bumped up to a better category within that cabin type if all the cheapest ones are booked and paid for. That could mean a slightly larger room or a better location on the ship.

And, if all rooms in the cabin type you selected sell out, you might be moved from your original cabin type to a higher one. Just be realistic. You won't get the ship's top suite if you booked an inside cabin, but you might get a room with a window.

Worst-case scenario: You get exactly what you booked — the cheapest room within a given cabin type on that ship. Hopefully, you got it at a discount.

Are there any downsides to booking a guarantee?

Yes. The perfect cruise ship cabin is in the eye of the beholder, and every traveler has different criteria to define perfection. Not all cabins — even within the same type and category — are created equal.

Some cabins can be noisy if they're near the anchor or the tender platform or under the pool deck or nightclub, for instance. The balconies of some cabins may get sooty if they are in the path of the fallout from the cruise ship funnel. Some rooms in odd locations might have unusual layouts or bed arrangements.

If you are super picky about any aspect of your cruise cabin, don't book a guarantee; instead, pick exactly the cabin type, category and room location you want. Every cruise ship has a deck plan that you can study, and you can pick your exact cabin number during the booking process.

Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you definitely should avoid

The guarantee gamble might not be a good idea for families or friends traveling together who need specific bed arrangements. If your family requires a specific family-friendly cabin , book that and don't mess with a guarantee to save a few bucks.

In addition, sometimes these affordable rooms are not eligible for lucrative booking perks. For example, rooms in Norwegian Cruise Line's best-fare Sail Away category (what it calls cruise cabin guarantee rooms) are not eligible for its Free at Sea fare inclusions. You cannot book the cheapest rooms in any category and still get included drinks, dining, shore excursions and Wi-Fi.

One last thing to note when you book a guarantee cabin: You usually won't know your cabin number until one to three weeks before embarkation. If you can't take that kind of suspense, don't book a guarantee cabin!

Bottom line

Booking a cruise cabin guarantee is like playing a game of chance. You might win big with a low fare or a nicer cabin than you booked. Or you might lose out with the noisy, small or awkward cabin no one else wants. If a cruise ship is oversold, a guarantee room is often the only option for possibly getting on board. Only you can decide if you'd rather take the risk on a bargain or pay more to get exactly the cruise room you want.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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What is the Royal Caribbean Best Price Guarantee Program?

Spot a better price on your booked cruise?

Our Best Price Guarantee lets you take advantage of a better price within 48 hours from the time you booked— just give us a call . You’ll receive the difference as a non-refundable onboard credit inside final payment or rate adjustment outside final payment.

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Best Price Guarantee

THE BEST SHORE EXCURSIONS. THE BEST PRICES. GUARANTEED.

Like most Carnival guests, you're planning some fun ashore during your upcoming cruise...and like everyone, you want that shore excursion at the best price. Booking yours through Carnival is not only easier and more reliable, but will make your wallet happy too.

Here's how it works:

• Purchase one of our amazing Carnival Shore Excursions! If you find that shore excursion elsewhere for a lower price, submit your claim online.
• Within five (5) business days, you will be notified if your claim meets the Best Price Guarantee’s criteria.
• If your claim is accepted, you will receive 110% of the difference in price to enjoy in the form of an onboard credit.
• The following restriction applies: Carnival’s Best Price Guarantee only applies to shore excursions that are advertised with pricing and publicly available.
• Prices available only by using a coupon or other promotion not offered to the general public are ineligible.

Booked your shore excursion through Carnival and think you've found a lower price?

In order to be eligible to receive the Best Price Guarantee, you must (1) reserve the applicable shore excursion(s) prior to the commencement of your cruise; and (2) complete and submit an online Shore Excursion Best Price Guarantee claim form at least seven (7) days prior to the commencement of your cruise. Failure to meet any of the following conditions will result in your claim form being rejected. Carnival Cruise Line will review your claim within five (5) business days. Lower rate must be publicly advertised and available to the general public at the time your claim is filed, as determined by Carnival Cruise Line personnel. Rates offered on membership program websites, corporate discounts or rates; group, charter, rewards program, incentive, meeting, convention, consolidator or interline prices; prices obtained via auction or similar process; or prices available only by using a coupon or other promotion not offered to the general public are ineligible. International bookings do not qualify for the Best Price Guarantee. The Best Price Guarantee is available only for exact shore excursion matches, for example, duration of the shore excursion, transportation fees, and the exact same dates of the shore excursion as booked through Carnival Cruise Line. The Best Price Guarantee is not available for shore excursions booked through any third-party where excursion details are unknown until after purchase. If your claim meets these requirements, Carnival Cruise Line will issue a non-refundable onboard credit worth 110% of the price difference. An email confirming the outcome of the request will be sent to you. If you cancel your excursion, your onboard credit will also be cancelled. The onboard credit is nonrefundable, non-transferable, and has no cash value. The onboard credit must be used during the applicable cruise. Any unused portion of the onboard credit will be forfeited. Carnival Cruise Line reserves the right in its sole discretion to modify or discontinue the Shore Excursion Best Price Guarantee or to restrict its availability to any person, at any time, for any or no reason, and without prior notice or liability to you. The terms that are in effect at the time of your booking will determine your eligibility under the Shore Excursion Best Price Guarantee. No change in the Shore Excursion Best Price Guarantee will affect any coupon that has already been issued to you. The failure by Carnival Cruise Line to enforce any provision of these Terms & Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

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Best price guarantee

✔️ we guarantee to beat every cruise line’s direct deals, if one of our vacation consultants fails to beat your best quote, please ask to speak to our sales manager ., call us at 1 (800) 498 7245 for the best cruise prices in the industry., you’re about to get the best price on your cruise..

Ok, just about every cruise retailer’s website claims to have the best deals. But, we   guarantee to beat   every cruise line’s direct deals and 99.99% of our competitor’s deals. Our legal department says we have to cover ourselves with the .01% in the unlikely event that our competitor has blocked group space on a particular sailing and we have not.

If one of our vacation consultants fails to beat your best quote, please ask to speak to the sales manager.

Sincerely, Cruise Travel Outlet team

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Best Price Guarantee - What Does That Mean Exactly?

By Doubt It , April 19, 2022 in Oceania Cruises

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Greetings everyone:

Hope everyone did not OD on chocolate over Easter!

Your assistance would be appreciated. 

Q - What does the Best Price Guarantee mean regarding an existing booking - ie if there are promotions etc?

My Aug 27 sailing on Insignia is included in the current O promotion of all 3 - so does this apply to your a) current booked price, or b) to get the 3,  do you have to re-book at the higher price, which is $900 pp higher than the booked price.

Being rather unfamiliar with 0 - I would appreciate you darn experts to enlighten me!

Many thanks! 

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I do not know  but hopefully you would get the new deal

Have you asked your TA or O?

In the past  our TA usually gets us the new pricing  if that should happen on one of our bookings 

I asked the TA after I posted here.

The TA responded seconds ago saying I would have to pay the higher price, like $900 higher, to get the current promotion. That does not work obviously.

This seems ridiculous. I might as well just do the Cruise only fare and pay my own way, this is no advantage at all, especially in Cdn $ as you well know.

I guess being a booked guest means nothing. 

5 minutes ago, Doubt It said: Hi LHT28.   I asked the TA after I posted here.   The TA responded seconds ago saying I would have to pay the higher price, like $900 higher, to get the current promotion. That does not work obviously.   This seems ridiculous. I might as well just do the Cruise only fare and pay my own way, this is no advantage at all, especially in Cdn $ as you well know.   I guess being a booked guest means nothing. 

Did you  have the O life perk on your current booking?

I would pass on that deal also

 We usually do Cruise only anyway  as we do not drink much or do ship's tour

Things change over time, but a few years ago a South American cruise we were booked on had all three perks added and the price went down $1000. $500 each. I guess they really needed to sell more bookings on it. We got the price reduction and all 3 perks. That was then, this is now. Who knows what would happen now? But, this type of thing is what some of us mean when we talk about the advantage of having a connected, knowledgeable TA. 

Of 9 upcoming O cruises, only 1 was eligible for this promotion, all three of the O life perks. Our TA took care of changing our booking. The new booking includes an increase of $100 per person, but the drinks package, shore excursions and onboard credit seem to make it worthwhile. We hope. 🙂

Blessings on everyone:

We have the cruise only fare with the airfare allowance listed - LTH28, we do not drink much nor buy anything aboard and often organize our own tours, so it seems not worth paying for - but if it is for No Cost, well that changes things. 

ORV - you are totally correct, we have a very connected TA indeed, oh yes, and he indicated to get the 3 perks, we still have to pay $900 more based on the current fare for our A1 category.

Seems a bit more unsettling than it needs to be.

16 minutes ago, Doubt It said: Blessings on everyone:   We have the cruise only fare with the airfare allowance listed - LTH28, we do not drink much nor buy anything aboard and often organize our own tours, so it seems not worth paying for - but if it is for No Cost, well that changes things.     

I agree  would not pay that much to get perks you probably will not get benefit from

Enjoy the cruise

Traditionally, the best price guarantee was for those that either booked a cruise, or a Future Cruise Certificate on board.

The total price of a cruise is a package deal. Published cruise list price, OLife package, Air was all part of the package price. Therefore, all of that goes into calculating best price guarantee. Each offer is a different snapshot, and all of the portions must be included in the calculations.   

Not to beat a dead horse, but when I see a new tempting offer, for a current booked cruise for which I have the guarantee, I ask my TA to work the deal and get back to me. Sometimes I win, sometimes it’s an easy pass.

Thanks you to every dear person posting.

Your knowledge is amazing and for that I give much thanks.

Will do the "easy pass", as it does not work for me.

Blessings to each of you and may you and your families remain well and thriving!

4 hours ago, Doubt It said: Hi LHT28.   I asked the TA after I posted here.   The TA responded seconds ago saying I would have to pay the higher price, like $900 higher, to get the current promotion. That does not work obviously.   This seems ridiculous. I might as well just do the Cruise only fare and pay my own way, this is no advantage at all, especially in Cdn $ as you well know.   I guess being a booked guest means nothing. 

it was $1000 pp higher for us to get the promotion.  No way.

MisterBill99

Their website is very light on details of what the policy means, unless they hid it from Google and me  Odd, given that it's the first thing on the top of their website. The only place I found it was in a PDF file on their site  Oceania-Cruises-Travelers-Assurance-Program-FAQ.pdf (oceaniacruises.com)

Specifically, they say "Additionally, consumers and travel advisors can book with confidence knowing that up to the day of sailing, should there be another applicable Oceania Cruises public promotion that offers a better value through amenities or price, they may take advantage of that promotional offer and/or price"

Given that they say "amenities or price" one might be able to take that to mean that if either is better you can get it independent of the other. Obviously, it seems that Oceania reps are not interpreting it this way.

Thank you very much for the information dear folks.

MisterBill99- I could not find the link you kindly provided.

I will provide same to my TA and see what happens.

Kindness and good wishes to all.

9 hours ago, MisterBill99 said: Their website is very light on details of what the policy means, unless they hid it from Google and me  Odd, given that it's the first thing on the top of their website. The only place I found it was in a PDF file on their site  Oceania-Cruises-Travelers-Assurance-Program-FAQ.pdf (oceaniacruises.com)   Specifically, they say "Additionally, consumers and travel advisors can book with confidence knowing that up to the day of sailing, should there be another applicable Oceania Cruises public promotion that offers a better value through amenities or price, they may take advantage of that promotional offer and/or price"   Given that they say "amenities or price" one might be able to take that to mean that if either is better you can get it independent of the other. Obviously, it seems that Oceania reps are not interpreting it this way.    

From what I have read on this forum, booked passengers can only get the lower and better price if there is still availability in their state room category. That is a very different kettle of fish.

10 hours ago, MisterBill99 said: Their website is very light on details of what the policy means, unless they hid it from Google and me  Odd, given that it's the first thing on the top of their website. The only place I found it was in a PDF file on their site  Oceania-Cruises-Travelers-Assurance-Program-FAQ.pdf (oceaniacruises.com)    

The dates in that PDF file  have passed  except for the Sail By  date

There are several of these policies out there  it just depends when you booked  your cruise  if one covered those dates 

2 hours ago, PhD-iva said: From what I have read on this forum, booked passengers can only get the lower and better price if there is still availability in their state room category. That is a very different kettle of fish.

Yes, because they're obviously comparing price+perks to see if you qualify. But the policy in that PDF that I posted doesn't say that. So where are the official terms documented? You can't have a published policy and tell people that they don't qualify based on some terms that they're making up or differ from what is published. At some point this becomes a legal issue.

And they still advertise the policy at the very top of their website, but there's no link to the policy. So do they think they can just make customers feel comfortable booking without actually honoring the policy?

I'm surprised that, regardless of any poor wording by O, that folks approach  new sales as a mix and match opportunity. I look at my original booking as one sale (early booking, etc), and any new one as a different sale (i.e new higher pricing...no early booking discount...but enhanced amenities, or alternatively a price reduction).  I ask my TA to price out the new options to see if there would be a benefit to me or not.  I would never expect a company to allow cherry picking of the sales.  To me it's either/or.  

welshfamily

We booked just over 14 days ago when OLIfe ultimate first started. Price drop of over £500 occurred and our TA could not get the new price for us. I think this is a UK issue. We would have upgrade PH cabins and could have got a better price but are all waitlists. 

Win some lose some. I usually stop looking after booking as ignorance is bliss.

4 hours ago, 1985rz1 said: I'm surprised that, regardless of any poor wording by O, that folks approach  new sales as a mix and match opportunity.

If they're going to say " promotional offer and/or price" in their policy, then it seems like they have to honor it.

And OLife is priced separately on the invoice.

1 hour ago, MisterBill99 said:   And OLife is priced separately on the invoice.

Interesting.  OLife has never been priced separately in any of our invoices.  Our cruise has always been inclusive, with only a credit for the air.

53 minutes ago, 1985rz1 said: Interesting.  OLife has never been priced separately in any of our invoices.  Our cruise has always been inclusive, with only a credit for the air.

You can book your cruise without OLife or/and without air. If you choose to book without OLife, then you see the credit for OLife as well. 

10 minutes ago, osandomir said: You can book your cruise without OLife or/and without air. If you choose to book without OLife, then you see the credit for OLife as well. 

That could be, as we usually take OLife shorex (because we can almost double our OLife  investment if we choose wisely) and never take their air.  I assumed tgat if one takes neither OLife or air, the fare would be identified as cruise only, with no reference to credits.

On 4/19/2022 at 3:45 PM, Doubt It said: Greetings everyone:   Hope everyone did not OD on chocolate over Easter!   Your assistance would be appreciated.    Q - What does the Best Price Guarantee mean regarding an existing booking - ie if there are promotions etc?   My Aug 27 sailing on Insignia is included in the current O promotion of all 3 - so does this apply to your a) current booked price, or b) to get the 3,  do you have to re-book at the higher price, which is $900 pp higher than the booked price.   Being rather unfamiliar with 0 - I would appreciate you darn experts to enlighten me!   Many thanks!     

I am on the same sailing as a single. The fare increase (an A3) was only $200 so it was a no brainer to take the Ultimate package. Between the beverage package and the shore excursions, I netted over $800 in savings.

One side note is that the O agent at first said my onboard cruise credits would be cut in half since I was a single. I objected and noted that Olife benefits are per stateroom. I insisted he check with the revenue department. And, sure enough he was wrong and I got the full Olife credit. I wonder how many other dingle cruisers he has told wrong information; and the passengers didn’t know any better.

One side note is that the O agent at first said my onboard cruise credits would be cut in half since I was a single. I objected and noted that Olife benefits are per stateroom. I insisted he check with the revenue department. And, sure enough he was wrong and I got the full Olife credit. I wonder how many other single cruisers he has told wrong information; and the passengers didn’t know any better.

8 minutes ago, 1985rz1 said:  I assumed tgat if one takes neither OLife or air, the fare would be identified as cruise only, with no reference to credits.

Not really - I guess it will depend on who you book with and how your invoice is created. Most likely it will still be the full fare with two separate credits for OLife and air.

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• Norwegian Cruise Line's Flexible Price Adjustment Policy for Unbeatable Deals

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is renowned for providing exceptional cruise experiences to travelers around the world. To ensure that guests can secure the best deals possible, NCL offers a Flexible Price Adjustment Policy for Unbeatable Deals, allowing passengers to take advantage of price drops even after booking their cruise. This policy provides peace of mind and ensures that guests can enjoy their vacation without worrying about missing out on better prices.

Under NCL’s Flexible Price Adjustment Policy, if a guest discovers that the price of their cruise has dropped after they have made a booking, they can request an adjustment to the lower price. This policy is applicable to all cruises booked directly with NCL, ensuring that guests receive the best value for their money.

To make the process seamless, NCL allows guests to submit a price adjustment request up to 48 hours prior to their cruise departure. It is important to note that the price adjustment will be based on the lower prevailing rates at the time of the request. Additionally, the policy only applies to publicly advertised rates and does not include group rates, promotional rates, or special offers.

Here is a helpful table summarizing the key points to know about Norwegian Cruise Line’s Flexible Price Adjustment Policy for Unbeatable Deals:

| Policy Highlights | | — | | Request Timeframe | Up to 48 hours prior to cruise departure | | Eligible Bookings | Cruises booked directly with NCL | | Applicable Rates | Publicly advertised rates only | | Exclusions | Group rates, promotional rates, special offers | | Adjustment Basis | Lower prevailing rates at the time of the request |

For more detailed information and to submit a price adjustment request, guests can visit NCL’s official website and navigate to the Price Adjustment page [1]. It is always recommended to review the terms and conditions of the policy to ensure eligibility and understand any limitations that may apply.

By offering the Flexible Price Adjustment Policy for Unbeatable Deals, Norwegian Cruise Line demonstrates its commitment to providing exceptional value and customer satisfaction. This policy allows guests to confidently book their cruises, knowing that they can take advantage of any price drops that may occur. Whether planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an adventure-filled journey, NCL’s Flexible Price Adjustment Policy ensures that guests can enjoy unbeatable deals on their dream cruise.

[1] https://www.ncl.

Does Norwegian do price adjustments?

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a Flexible Price Adjustment Policy for Unbeatable Deals, allowing guests to secure the best possible price for their cruise. If the price of a cruise drops after booking, guests can request an adjustment to the lower price. The policy applies to all new bookings made within a certain time frame and offers the flexibility to reprice the cruise up to 48 hours prior to the sail date. By taking advantage of this policy, guests can ensure that they receive the best value for their cruise experience. For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Flexible Price Adjustment Policy, please visit their official website.

Can I get a refund if my cruise price drops?

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a Flexible Price Adjustment Policy for Unbeatable Deals that allows guests to receive a refund if the price of their cruise drops. This policy ensures that customers always get the best value for their money. If the price of your cruise goes down after you have booked, you can simply contact Norwegian Cruise Line’s customer service team and they will adjust the price accordingly. This policy applies to new bookings as well as existing reservations, giving you peace of mind knowing that you won’t miss out on any savings. To learn more about Norwegian Cruise Line’s Flexible Price Adjustment Policy, you can visit their official website at [insert correct link].

Do cruises get cheaper as they get closer?

Cruise enthusiasts often wonder if prices for Norwegian Cruise Line’s unbeatable deals get cheaper as the departure date approaches. Fortunately, Norwegian Cruise Line has a Flexible Price Adjustment Policy that allows passengers to take advantage of any new promotions or discounts that may become available even after they have booked their cruise. This means that if the price of a cruise drops, passengers can request an adjustment and receive the difference in the form of onboard credit. Norwegian Cruise Line understands the importance of providing the best value for their customers and strives to ensure that everyone can enjoy their dream vacation without worrying about missing out on better deals. So, while it’s not guaranteed that prices will always decrease closer to the departure date, the Flexible Price Adjustment Policy gives passengers peace of mind knowing that they won’t miss out on any unbeatable deals. For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Flexible Price Adjustment Policy, please visit their official website.

What day do cruise prices drop?

Norwegian Cruise Line offers an unbeatable flexible price adjustment policy that allows travelers to take advantage of the best deals. While specific days for cruise price drops may vary, Norwegian Cruise Line provides the opportunity to adjust the price of your cruise if the fare drops after you have booked. This policy ensures that you always get the best value for your money. By monitoring the prices and keeping an eye on promotions and discounts, you can potentially secure significant savings on your dream cruise vacation. For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Flexible Price Adjustment Policy, you can visit their official website at [https://www.ncl.com/flexible-pricing-adjustment-policy].

Ncl price adjustment policy

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Flexible Price Adjustment Policy for Unbeatable Deals allows customers to book their cruise with confidence, knowing that if the price drops after they make their reservation, they can take advantage of the lower rate. This policy ensures that travelers always get the best value for their money. If the price of their selected cruise goes down, customers can contact Norwegian Cruise Line and request an adjustment. The cruise line will then review the request and, if eligible, provide the price difference in the form of an onboard credit. This policy applies to new bookings made directly through Norwegian Cruise Line and offers customers peace of mind and flexibility. For more information on this policy and its terms and conditions, please visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s official website.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Flexible Price Adjustment Policy for Unbeatable Deals is a game-changer in the cruise industry. This policy allows customers to secure the best possible price for their dream cruise while providing them with peace of mind knowing that if the price drops, they can take advantage of the lower rate. With this policy, Norwegian Cruise Line ensures that customers always receive the best value for their money.

One of the key benefits of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Flexible Price Adjustment Policy is that it allows customers to book their cruise early without the fear of missing out on a better deal. By securing their booking at the current price, customers can relax knowing that if the price drops, they can simply request an adjustment and receive the difference in onboard credit. This credit can then be used for various onboard amenities such as dining, spa treatments, or even shore excursions.

To take advantage of this policy, customers need to monitor the prices of their booked cruise regularly. Norwegian Cruise Line’s website provides an easy-to-use price adjustment form that customers can fill out and submit online. Once the request is received, the dedicated team at Norwegian Cruise Line will review the price adjustment and apply any eligible discounts.

To ensure transparency and fairness, Norwegian Cruise Line has set specific guidelines for the price adjustment policy. The price drop must be for the same sailing, ship, stateroom category, and occupancy level. Additionally, the request must be submitted at least 48 hours before the cruise departure. It’s worth noting that the policy only applies to new bookings and does not cover promotional fares, group bookings, or chartered sailings.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Flexible Price Adjustment Policy is a testament to their commitment to customer satisfaction. By offering this unbeatable deal, they demonstrate their dedication to providing the best value possible to their customers. It also serves as an incentive for customers to book early, knowing that they can always take advantage of any future price reductions.

For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Flexible Price Adjustment Policy for Unbeatable Deals, you can visit their official website. The website provides detailed information on eligibility criteria, how to submit a price adjustment request, and FAQs to address any queries or concerns you may have. You can also contact Norwegian Cruise Line’s customer service for personalized assistance.

In conclusion, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Flexible Price Adjustment Policy for Unbeatable Deals is a fantastic opportunity for cruise enthusiasts to secure the best possible price for their dream vacation. With the assurance that they can request a price adjustment if the rate drops, customers can book their cruise with confidence. This policy not only provides unbeatable deals but also showcases Norwegian Cruise Line’s dedication to customer satisfaction. So, why wait? Book your next cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line and enjoy the benefits of their Flexible Price Adjustment Policy.

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Media Decision US

17 Secrets to Scoring Cheap Cruise Tickets and Deals

Posted: March 25, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

Cruises are a fantastic and luxurious way to travel. These extravagant floating resorts have every amenity under the sun and take you between some of the most sought-after destinations on the planet!

However, they’re not cheap. According to US News , while many factors impact price, a seven-night cruise in the Western Mediterranean in June can set you back over $3,200 per person. And that’s only the base cost. Prices can skyrocket further when you add more perks and amenities.

Thankfully, if you know what you’re doing, there are many ways to save money on cruise tickets! While there’s no guarantee they’ll work every time, these 17 tips should help you score the best possible deal…

1. Cruise In the Off-Season

This rule applies to any type of travel, but it’s particularly true for cruises. Ticket prices skyrocket in peak season. So, if you’re looking for a bargain, don’t go when school’s out.

If you have the luxury of waiting until shoulder season, you can enjoy the same trip for a fraction of the cost and still experience enviable weather.

2. Skip Christmas and Summer

This tip leads on from the last. Two specific times of year to avoid cruises are summer break and Christmas/New Year’s. The latter tends to be the most expensive time of year, but summer isn’t far behind.

Conversely, the periods right after these holidays can be the cheapest. It’s like a wave: Prices peak and then fall. Talking of fall, October is a great time to land cheap cruise tickets.

3. Don’t Wait Until Last Minute

Logic would say the best time to land cheap cruise tickets is right before the ship departs. Surely the cruise line would drop its prices to fill up empty cabins rather than earn nothing from them?

Unfortunately, while you can sometimes find discounts before sailing, it’s not guaranteed to deliver the best possible price. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to book early. Furthermore, waiting too long means you’re less likely to get the room you want.

4. Older Ships Are Cheaper

Newer ships offer the latest and greatest on-board amenities and entertainment. But they also charge premium prices.

The opposite is true for older cruise ships. While they’ll still be comfortable, they don’t have all the bells and whistles. However, that has a silver lining. It makes them less appealing to customers, which translates to lower prices.

5. Set Up a Fare Tracker

Tracking cruise fares is one of the best ways to save money on tickets. It helps in two ways. First, tracking prices over the year will reveal the cheapest time to book. Second, you can track prices for the cruises you’ve already booked!

If you get an alert saying the fare dropped, you can then contact the cruise liner and ask them to match it. They may give you money back, upgrade your cabin, or offer on-board credit. Cruisewatch.com and Cruiseline.com are two sites where you can track prices.

6. Pick Less Popular Rooms

Like any product, the twin forces of supply and demand dictate the price of cruise tickets. Anything with a limited supply that people want costs more. The result? Being content with slightly less ideal circumstances can save you money!

That’s why opting for less popular rooms makes sense. Rooms on lower decks tend to be cheaper. For obvious reasons, the same is true for rooms without windows.

7. Wait for Wave Season

Remember how post-holiday periods can be great for discount cruises? The so-called wave season is the name given to the months from January through March. Industry-wide sales and promotions make it a great time to book.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find equivalent deals at other points in the year. Cruise lines run regular sales, so it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled at all times for the right bargain.

8. Be Flexible With Locations

Ultimately, being flexible with your travel plans is the best way to get the best cruise deals. We’ve seen that with things like trip timings and the type of cabin you book already. But it also applies to location .

As you’d expect, certain destinations are more sought-after than others, making them more expensive. If you’re less bothered about where you go, you have the freedom to shop around and find locations with the cheapest cruises.

9. Be Flexible with Ports

Another area where flexibility helps is your point of departure. Let’s say you’re in Florida. You’ll have several ports in reach, such as Miami, Port Canaveral, and Port Everglades. It makes sense to look for the one with the cheapest prices.

The same is true wherever you are. The closest, most convenient port might not be the best value for money. You may land a better deal if you’re willing to depart from further afield.

10. Shorten Your Trip

The thought of going away for less time is unlikely to appeal! But it’s undoubtedly an effective way to save money on a cruise.

Longer cruises are always more expensive. So, if price is paramount, keep shorter ones in mind. You’ll find some killer deals, which might mean you can afford to go to the place you wanted, on the ship you wanted, and in your first-choice cabin.

11. Price Hunt

This one goes without saying, but if you’re hunting for the cheapest possible cruise, checking prices on multiple websites makes sense.

You may be surprised at how similar they are, but it’s always worth looking into. Some third-party sites offer things like on-board credits as an incentive to book through them.

12. Book Far in Advance

Booking your cruise as soon as tickets become available is another way to get a deal, especially if you plan on going during peak times.

Unlike waiting until the last minute, this helps you secure a place and get the room(s) you want. Moreover, prices usually increase as the ship fills up, meaning you can find relative bargains by buying super early.

13. Book Through a Travel Agent

Booking through a travel agent might sound old-fashioned nowadays! But it a) is convenient and b) can make financial sense.

The relationships the agents have built with the cruise companies can get you better rates than the DIY route. They can also help if something goes wrong by acting as a liaison to the cruise liner.

14. Book a Repositioning Cruise

Cruise ships have to sail between destinations in readiness for the coming season. This is called a repositioning cruise , and you can book tickets for them at discounted prices. They’re often less crowded, too.

The downside from a travel perspective is there may be fewer stops along the way. However, if you want the experience of a cruise and are searching for a bargain, it’s another excellent option.

15. Be Smart with On-Board Spending

Let’s fast-forward and imagine that you’re now on the cruise. Being smart with your spending on board will help you offset the cost of the ticket. A few ways to save money include sticking to the free drinks instead of buying soda, avoiding the bar as much as possible, and steering clear of the fancy restaurants.

Likewise, check the rules first, but some cruise companies let you bring non-perishable food and drinks aboard. Stocking up at the store beforehand could be a financial lifeline on the cruise itself.  

16. Look for Free Extras

As part of your pre-cruise price hunting, search for cruises with incentives, like all-inclusive offers. For instance, can you get a package with drinks and internet access thrown in? Or can you get free food and entertainment as part of the room rate?

Even if you pay extra when booking, it may still be cheaper than buying the base fare now and then everything else when you’re on board.

17. Join Cruise Loyalty Programs

People who go on regular cruises and use the same cruise line should look into available loyalty programs. Of course, the more points you accrue, the more valuable perks you’ll receive! Yet even entry-level tiers can grant you access to exclusive offers.

As you progress up the ladder, you can expect everything from complimentary food and drinks to on-board discounts. At the very top tiers, you can even get free cruises.

MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS COMING UP:

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What’s the best cruise for adults available this year? Here are 16 adult only cruises from around the world to consider for 2024.

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