Europeans Guests 2nd class?!

[Caribiccruiser]

Some Cruise Lines incl. RCCL do not allow european passengers to book their cruise through US-based travel agencies !
So we have to pay much more, because the rates here in Europe are higher.
Thats the first thing.
Then RCCL offers special rates + 55, but only in the US or Canada, not for european guests.
And now I read, that RCCL offers a 200 US$ Bonus (onboard account)for our booked category.
Great - but not for european customers !!!
I think, that next cruise will be the last with RCCL.
Bad is, that RCCL do not reflect to my several emails or faxes.

[janfred]

Caribiccruiser,
Can you book online directly with RCCL and create an account? I always just book myself online and make payments etc or I call directly to the Crusie Line and book over the phone are you allowed to do that? I was not aware that they would not honor an onboard credit if you were not a US citizen can that be correct? I never have much luck with email either it takes forever to get a responce too and when I complained I was told that they are limited to just a few manning the mailbox..I say just shut it down instead of making passengers anger and call the TOLLFREE number they always answer that quick.

[Caribiccruiser]

I can book online through RCCL, but for the european rates.
These rates are more expensive than the published US-rates.
My US-based travel agency in Houston ( where I booked twice) is not allowed to accept boookings from me. (forbidden through RCCL)
And RCCL does not give the special + 55 rates to me or the onboard credit, as they do for US/Canadian guests.
To call the TOLLFREE No from Germany is NOT tollfree from Germany. You will be charged for international calling rates !!!!

[Sonny V]

Hi Caribiccruiser - Welcome to Cruise-Chat!

When you book through RCCL's web site you are automatically switched to the European site because of you address information. If you had relation living in the U.S. or Canada and used their address you could get the same rate, but you would have to pay in U.S. or Canadian currency. I think you'll find that it's not only Royal Caribbean that does business this way.

Sonny

[Caribiccruiser]

Hi Sonny,

that is not possible.
I tried to book with my brothers address. (He lives in the USA)
But RCCL check the passport informations and charge then the difference between the US and European rates.

[Sonny V]

I guess the just no way around it then. All the people living in Europe have the same issue if then want to take a cruise. I live in Wisconsin and have to pay about $500 for airfare every time I go on a cruise. I wish I lived in Florida - I'd be able to cruise more often if I did.

Sonny

[jack2007]

If anyone from the UK wants to bring up this point there is a major cruise show in London on March 27th/28th and on saturday in the specialist cruise theatre there is a talk on planning a family cruise and they invite you to ask questions....RCI is represented by Jo Briody.Seems like a good opportunity to ask the question.

[Cruise Fanatic]

Royal Caribbean isn't the only cruise line that has policies like this on International passengers. I think this may be deeper and is beyond the individual cruise line policies.

As for special promotions such as Senior citizen. We also have to deal with many different promotions. For instance, I am going on the Monarch of the Seas in September. They have special "resident" fares. My state isn't included. However; if I lived three hours South in a different state I could save $250.

[Caribiccruiser]

RCCL says that are different markets.
It's true, but not fair.

Thanks for your answers.

[peter l]

Hey Sonny, try living in the NE and flying during break times as thats when we can cruise and I'll give you some really ridiculous prices.

Peterl