My cruise has increased by £200 per person … how would you like me to pay you?

What if I told you I bought a new car 6 months ago and this month they have dropped it in price by £500 and included a DVD player in a new deal. Of course I went back immediately and said I want the new deal and they had the audacity to say no!

Would you have done the same?

Okay I have to say that didn’t really happen and I am still driving my clapped out Mazda but it is food for thought as lots of my days recently are filled with my passengers wanting the new deals that the cruise lines have brought out- instead of the one they have booked on!

I love my job but honestly and truthfully sometimes it is really frustrating.

The reason being is that for the past few years some cruise lines have allowed passengers to change their deals if the price dropped or change to a new promotion if it was better than the one they booked. But if you were to notice a drop in price for the flights you’d recently booked would the airline give you the difference back? Surely not. So why is cruising any different?

Whilst this is great for you the passenger for us as a travel agent it is a nightmare as we have to cancel and rebook the cruise as if starting a new booking which takes time. Of course we do not complain as it is our job and as I said, I love my job.

However, times are changing as large companies like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are now stopping this and any promotions they bring out are for new deals only so if you have booked a cruise and a new deal comes out with a drinks package I am afraid the cruise lines stance is cancel, lose your deposit, and re book! Would this change affect the way that you book your cruise?

While everyone loves a bargain and if you spot a lower price it’s worth is as a customer to cancel and rebook. But let me ask you a question! If the cruise line were to increase the price of your cruise would you call up and ask to pay the higher price?

What are your views on the fluctuating prices and deals?