I called my travel agent again last week to see if our cruise had gone done. Much to my surprise we received another 184.80 refund. This is for 2 adults and 2 chilren. You cannot go on a vacation much cheaper than 1736.00 (cruise only)including hotel, food and entertainment. I think cruising has just become my preferred vacation.
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FIRST CRUISE-Jan. 20, 2007 Rhapsody of the Seas-RCCL
Wow!!!!I was told that the cheapest time to go is the week I'm going (Dec.9-18), and you got a better deal than me... We are also 2 adults and 2 children. What week are you going and on which ship, if you don't mind me asking? I am always looking for a great deal.
Hello. Keep an eye on your airfares too. Twice I have caught that my airfares dropped. About 2 years ago, our Miami flights dropped a couple hundred. And just 2 weeks ago, I noticed my Mazatlan flight dropped $128. Both times was with America West/US Airways, and I called them and asked for a voucher for the price difference. Both times I got a air travel voucher mailed to me, in the amount of the airfare differences. The only hassle is you have to go to the airport terminal to use them towards a flight. To me it is worth the gas and time. I am still waiting on my Mazatlan voucher, should arrive anyday. I am curious to see if it is more user-friendly to use, or if you still have to go to the terminal. Hope this helps. Mazatlan here I come, Dec. 3rd Lil' Lori
I did not know that about airfare. The price did drop for us- $108 X 4 people. I thought I was just stuck. Plus I booked through Orbitz, so maybe they wouldn't honor that...
Hum... I don't know what Orbitz would say. I always book directly on the airlines/cruise websites. It is definately worth a try. At least you will know what there policy is for future reference. I have learned, it never hurts to ask. I have been pleasantly surprised at times. I also got a $720 credit card refund from RCCL on are Freedom cruise we took this past summer. I did book it directly from them. I called and politely asked for a refund/shipboard credit, and I got a very easy credit card refund. Good luck! Lil' Lori
We leave out of Galveston on 01/21, 7 night Western Caribbean on Rhapsody of The Seas. It is our first cruise and we are so excited, especially since we just got about 5 inches of snow yesterday.
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FIRST CRUISE-Jan. 20, 2007 Rhapsody of the Seas-RCCL
i guess you have to watch for rate reductions when you book through the cruise line...i book through travel agencies that are running incredible sales that will never be matched by the cruise line. Empress of the seas for 11 days cost $1210 for the both of us and we get a $100 casino credit, the cruise lines official prices never got close to this price even though we booked it 5 months ago.....our 7 day on carnival triumph was only $1222 for both of us in a balcony room!! with $75 shipboard credit it, was the best price offered for that cruise too...so just book a bargain to start with and you dont have to check for reductions...and as far as airfare goes the cruise line is allways more expensive than booking on your own, nice to know they offer vouchers price reductions but i can usually get frequent flier flights with a little notice or book for hundreds less with an air search, i use www.itn.net its search engine has been duplicated by other sites and will find you much better prices.
In most cases the cruise lines air is more expensive. But not all cases. It depends on how far in advance you book the cruise, where you are flying from, and time of year you are cruising. For instance, if you are booking a cruise now for spring break time, it may be beneficial to check the cruise line air. Most good rates on the airlines have been already taken months ago for spring break time. Again, it will depend on the area you are flying from. Also, keep in mind the cruise line airfare includes you airport to pier roundtrip transfers. The cruise lines often have air inclusive specials too. It pays to check it both ways, through the cruise line and on your own. The biggest downfall to the cruise lines air is not knowing your airline or schedule until you get your documents. On the other hand, if there are flight delays with a cruise line booked air, they will be tracking your flights and get you rebooked.
I checked with Orbitz, and they only honor a price reduction if it happens before midnight the same day you made the reservation. Now I'll know to book directly through the airline is the price is similar- that way there is no third party to deal with.
Thanks for the information!
Mazatlan here I come, Dec. 3rd 
Lil' Lori
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