sweetpee_1993
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2008
***UPDATE***
So! Emailed with my TA/friend. Texted with the 3rd friend. I called Royal to discuss everything. TA/friend had a point. What if someone doesn't drink for religious reasons? That's a thing. That's exactly what I explained to the agent on the phone. The gentleman I spoke with was so kind. Put me on hold a few moments while he checked it out with someone. Was able to book the deluxe + 1 device VOOM for 2 of the 3 in our room.
Also worth noting, looks like the price has dropped with the implementation of this "test". Last week deluxe + VOOM was $488 for just me. I just paid $433.68 per person (x2 of us).
In the end I was able to circumvent this "test" and avoid paying for a 3rd deluxe package for someone who won't use it. Slight inconvenience for the bit of money shifting among us since I paid for both the deluxe packages while I had someone on the phone overriding the requirement. I could NOT book just 1 or 2 deluxe packages online. When I added the package to my cart it forced me to add for all 3 which appeared as a $1300+ line item.
I totally understand cruise lines adjusting policies and maximizing profits. That's business. What I *DO* think is craptastic is when they apply the new policies to existing bookings. People do choose one cruise line over another because the current policies fit their needs & budget better. To implement a policy change that negatively impacts existing bookings financially isn't cool. Want to change the policy? No problem. Implement it on new bookings so those people can book with full knowledge of what they're buying.
So! Emailed with my TA/friend. Texted with the 3rd friend. I called Royal to discuss everything. TA/friend had a point. What if someone doesn't drink for religious reasons? That's a thing. That's exactly what I explained to the agent on the phone. The gentleman I spoke with was so kind. Put me on hold a few moments while he checked it out with someone. Was able to book the deluxe + 1 device VOOM for 2 of the 3 in our room.
Also worth noting, looks like the price has dropped with the implementation of this "test". Last week deluxe + VOOM was $488 for just me. I just paid $433.68 per person (x2 of us).
In the end I was able to circumvent this "test" and avoid paying for a 3rd deluxe package for someone who won't use it. Slight inconvenience for the bit of money shifting among us since I paid for both the deluxe packages while I had someone on the phone overriding the requirement. I could NOT book just 1 or 2 deluxe packages online. When I added the package to my cart it forced me to add for all 3 which appeared as a $1300+ line item.
I totally understand cruise lines adjusting policies and maximizing profits. That's business. What I *DO* think is craptastic is when they apply the new policies to existing bookings. People do choose one cruise line over another because the current policies fit their needs & budget better. To implement a policy change that negatively impacts existing bookings financially isn't cool. Want to change the policy? No problem. Implement it on new bookings so those people can book with full knowledge of what they're buying.