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Hello Patrick,Sorry about your problem. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean do have "Happy Hour" specials on a regular basis. Usually the promotions are available on Wednesdays only (some larger agencies can get the rates on Tuesdays as well) We (travel agents) never know until a few days ahead of time what ships and sailing dates will be featured in the happy hour specials. One of the restrictions to Happy Hour rates are that they are open to new bookings only so unfortunately your travel agency's hands are tied. I will admit it wasn't a brilliant idea for cru con to send you the e-mail :dizzy but it probably came out of an automated system that just sent it automatically. If they said you would be protected if the rate dropped that is unusual but if they put it in writing you might have a leg to stand on. Travel agencies can pretty much make that promise if the fare drops before you get in to cancellation penalties. We can make that promise because if the rate does drop and the cruise line won't adjust the rate we can just cancel and rebook at the lower rate. After penalties begin the cruise line has the advantage because the penalty to cancel is usually greater than the amount you would save on the lower fare.Fortunately it is my experience that your experience is the exception rather than the rule. I usually see prices increasing closer to the sailing date. The happy hour and other "last minute deals" Are mainly for sailings that have not booked as well as the cruise line had hoped but they are fewer and further between than most people think.Regardless of your bad experience I hope you do have a wonderful cruise.
Hello Patrick,
Sorry about your problem. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean do have "Happy Hour" specials on a regular basis. Usually the promotions are available on Wednesdays only (some larger agencies can get the rates on Tuesdays as well) We (travel agents) never know until a few days ahead of time what ships and sailing dates will be featured in the happy hour specials. One of the restrictions to Happy Hour rates are that they are open to new bookings only so unfortunately your travel agency's hands are tied. I will admit it wasn't a brilliant idea for cru con to send you the e-mail :dizzy but it probably came out of an automated system that just sent it automatically. If they said you would be protected if the rate dropped that is unusual but if they put it in writing you might have a leg to stand on.
Travel agencies can pretty much make that promise if the fare drops before you get in to cancellation penalties. We can make that promise because if the rate does drop and the cruise line won't adjust the rate we can just cancel and rebook at the lower rate. After penalties begin the cruise line has the advantage because the penalty to cancel is usually greater than the amount you would save on the lower fare.
Fortunately it is my experience that your experience is the exception rather than the rule. I usually see prices increasing closer to the sailing date. The happy hour and other "last minute deals" Are mainly for sailings that have not booked as well as the cruise line had hoped but they are fewer and further between than most people think.
Regardless of your bad experience I hope you do have a wonderful cruise.
