I just booked a 9nt cruise with my TA today and was told that there is a new RCI deposit policy for Suites which now requires twice the amount as previously needed. We booked a GS and instead of a $500 deposit, I had to pay $1,000. Looks like RCI will be getting the benefit of a lot more interest-free cash flow - I don't sail until Oct, 2011!
It has been like that for a while now. I can actually understand the logic with it, since they do have a small inventory of suites and they want more of a financial commitment for people to book them. Frankly, I will not be surprised if the cruise lines eventually go to different deposit amounts for other categories too.
I just booked a JS and the deposit was the same as a balcony cabin. The difference must be for a GS or higher. I figure the more the down payment is, the less the final payment will be.