Is 125% really fair? Not a pot-stirring post, btw.

[mmackeymouse]

This is not a complaint post. This is not an entitlement post. Just want to put that out there from the jump.

It's more a logic post.

Theoretically, doesn't 125% put people who bought early, opening day, opening week actually at a disadvantage over those people who waited and booked 9 months into things? The people who booked later would actually be getting more of a credit vis a vis the 25% extra bonus. Those that got in at the low prices get less. Plus, they won't be able to get opening day prices for any cruise they move to (unless they wait until the next round of cruises come out/2022)

Now that I think about it, I wonder if that's why we have not heard anything on August and beyond cruises yet. They want to wait for Fall 2021 to be released so that the people with a 125% credit can't use it on opening day prices?

 

[luv2cruisedisney]

I'm in the camp that thinks they didn't have to do anything. I'll take my 25% and say " Thank You very much"

 

[Karin1984]

I think it's fair, as they make up for the price difference (maybe not in every case, but for the majority, probably). They could also have said 'hey, there is an increase in demand, we raise the prices and take it or leave it'. They didn't have to do it. There is no reason why any company in this crisis would have to give more than what the customer has bought. The company is in as much trouble as the customer. Some people will be lucky, some people won't. You will disappoint some customers whatever you do in a situation like this.

 

[TRTRguy]

But the people who booked early still theoretically had that money in their pocket still. Also they in theory could hold onto their 125% FCC until the next round of openings.

 

[lorimay]

I booked opening day and took the 25% with a thank you.........
**They didn't have to do more than just a refund**

 

[mmackeymouse]

So, again, I know they didn't have to do anything. That wasn't my point.

My point was just.....aren't some people getting a better deal than others? And technically, those people who booked early, during platinum, gold, silver.....their most loyal customers in theory receive less.

I know they didn't have to do anything. But, since they ARE making a generous deal for people, wouldn't there be a way to structure or prorate it so that those who book early and those who don't are on an equal playing field going forward.

 

[lklgoodman]

I don't think I understand your logic for it not being fair. If someone gets more that booked 9 months later, it's because the cost has gone up so they had to pay more. It would be like someone who booked an inside room saying it's not fair that a verandah room got more. Everyone is getting the same 125% based on what they paid. Unfair would be giving different percentages back based on your cabin, when you booked, or what your CC level is. Those who booked later may get a better deal with the extra 25% if they book a later cruise than those who booked on opening day. I think what DCL is doing is fair. Btw, I don't have a cruise booked that is being affected.

 

[CamColt]

Interesting point! My first thought, was how I feel about my situation with NCL, 125% is great. We also got 125 % on prepaid excursions so all together I managed to book the same cruise for 53 weeks later, but went from a regular balcony room to a penthouse suite with large balcony. Very fair IMO!

However after reading your post, I do see the point you are making. Yes, some people are making out better than others, I agree, but I think the way to go is not to compare yourself to others. If you aren't losing anything and probably coming out ahead in the end, be happy.

 

[Hegemon]

We moved our cruise from summer 2020 to summer 2021 and I'm quite happy with the 125%. It was generous enough to allow us to move into a nearly-identical stateroom on the same itinerary the next year, and still have some left over for dining and excursions. My biggest gripe is with the fact that I'm now a "late" booker. I was originally a first-day booking and made my onboard reservations at midnight the first moment that I could. We lost our main dining slot and are now on the second seating. I was able to secure EVERYTHING that I wanted or our original cruise, now I'm concerned that I might lose out on something important to us when our booking window reopens.

 

[mmackeymouse]

I don't think I understand your logic for it not being fair. If someone gets more that booked 9 months later, it's because the cost has gone up so they had to pay more. It would be like someone who booked an inside room saying it's not fair that a verandah room got more. Everyone is getting the same 125% based on what they paid. Unfair would be giving different percentages back based on your cabin, when you booked, or what your CC level is. Those who booked later may get a better deal with the extra 25% if they book a later cruise than those who booked on opening day. I think what DCL is doing is fair. Btw, I don't have a cruise booked that is being affected.

I guess what I am trying to say is.....I'm just gonna break down the numbers. Let's say a platinum member gets a 3 night cruise for September 2020 on day 1 for 2000 dollars (I am picking random amount that will be easy to do the math on in my pea brain, lol) Going forward, I get 2,500, essentially $500 extra. Now John Doe booked in February. For the same room, same category, he paid 3000 dollars. He gets a credit of 3750...so $750 extra. So, a loyal guest who booked on Day 1 gets lesser than someone who booked 6 months ahead of time.

Interesting point! My first thought, was how I feel about my situation with NCL, 125% is great. We also got 125 % on prepaid excursions so all together I managed to book the same cruise for 53 weeks later, but went from a regular balcony room to a penthouse suite with large balcony. Very fair IMO!

However after reading your post, I do see the point you are making. Yes, some people are making out better than others, I agree, but I think the way to go is not to compare yourself to others. If you aren't losing anything and probably coming out ahead in the end, be happy.

I think the issue for me is....DCL isn't giving us August/September travelers any information at all. It's starting to become a point of frustration and anger, myself included at times. And we may miss out on the opening day/week pricing, because they are just delaying the inevitable.

If I know I am getting the best deal possible, then I am perfectly happy/fine getting what I'm getting. But, if I have to pay $500+ extra because I couldn't buy at opening prices...it kind of negates the offer. We're paying extra for the cruise, because cruise prices have gone up. And listen, Disney can't help that. (Well they can, but they can't help the position they and we all are in)

It's like....do you ever go to a store who always marks their prices down 50% all the time. Then, they send you a free gift card, like $50. And yes, it's generous. But...if you walk into the store, and the prices aren't marked down to what they are normally priced at...it starts to feel less generous.

 

[DIS_MIKE]

With the exception of being super slow with their cancellations, I think they've done a pretty decent job. I'm in the same boat as those who say they didn't have to do anything. We should all be grateful we have that option to get our money back...unlike Delta airlines.

I have no insurance (not like it would've mattered in this case) so they've done myself and many others a huge favor. I really thought the "up to 24 hours" cancellation policy was a smooth move as well. Moreover, how about those who were able to get a pretty decent upgrade with that 125% and perhaps even changing that 4-night into a 7 night, etc.

It would be great if they offered a different incentive or discount for those who have had their cruises cancelled more than once. I am on the brink of having my August cruise cancelled at this point and I feel it has a 20% chance of going at this point. This will be the second one for me which is really unfortunate.

I am currently contemplating whether I should just re-book a similiar cruise for next year and hopefully get the same stateroom type (we want that extended verandah) or get the refund. I mentioned in another thread that perhaps I should go to Aulani vs a cruise but who knows when Aulani will start receiving guests again.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I guess what I am trying to say is.....I'm just gonna break down the numbers. Let's say a platinum member gets a 3 night cruise for September 2020 on day 1 for 2000 dollars (I am picking random amount that will be easy to do the math on in my pea brain, lol) Going forward, I get 2,500, essentially $500 extra. Now John Doe booked in February. For the same room, same category, he paid 3000 dollars. He gets a credit of 3750...so $750 extra. So, a loyal guest who booked on Day 1 gets lesser than someone who booked 6 months ahead of time.

Yes, just going by the numbers, the later booking will get a "better" deal. But how else could it be done?

 

[dtrain]

I was happy with 125%.

 

[Chemist]

Remember... Disney isn't doing this to be "fair" or to be "nice". They are doing it as an incentive so not have to refund your money.

 

[mmackeymouse]

With the exception of being super slow with their cancellations, I think they've done a pretty decent job. I'm in the same boat as those who say they didn't have to do anything. We should all be grateful we have that option to get our money back...unlike Delta airlines.

I think initially, DCL was great. On point. No complaints.

But, going 3 weeks between communication with your guests is just not acceptable to me. Now, sure...they are sort of at the behest of the CDC. But, they could put something out there. Even if it's not dates...just something.

You mentioned the exception of being slow. I will add a second exception. The cruise experience. I am certain that at this point, even if they don't know 100% what will and will not be available on the cruise, some decisions have been made. They may have some ideas that they are leaning toward.

Looking at the WDW side of things, look at all the "leaks" that have been coming out for weeks that prepared people for what MIGHT be coming down the line as far as the parks/resort experience goes.

Why can't DCL similarly put out these kinds of leaks? It's not a guarantee, it's not a for sure thing. It's just a "This is something we are looking at" and it gives people SOMETHING to think about and consider.

Yes, just going by the numbers, the later booking will get a "better" deal. But how else could it be done?

That was sort of the point of the thread...just sort of a brainstorming session on that.

 

[KVH]

See, this thinking is a real problem. "I perceive that someone is getting something that others aren't - even if it doesn't impact me". For whatever reason, this seems to be an issue constantly with people and their Disney interactions. People end up unhappy that somehow, someone else was getting something they weren't. Even if there was no way the disgruntled person could have taken advantage of whatever benefit the other received.

I have no answer for this. Some of us are just happy with what we have in our lives, I guess. Others, not so much.

 

[mmackeymouse]

So you're saying that fair would be if DCL offered us a 125% FCC towards opening day prices of the cruise we select? I haven't crunched the numbers, but is there a significant difference between what that pricing would be compared to the extra 25% offsetting current booking rates?

No what I am saying is....if DCL is waiting on rolling out cancellations so that these people CAN'T use it on Fall 2021 releases, that's kind of a stinky thing to do. If that's what they are doing.

 

[DCLCruiseFan09]

Although it makes sense where you are coming from, its not really realistic.

If you really want to keep your early booking discount why don't you hold off on booking a new cruise until they release the next set of dates.

Remember... Disney isn't doing this to be "fair" or to be "nice". They are doing it as an incentive so not have to refund your money.

This narrative is getting so old and tired. If you really hate giving Disney "Your Money" then don't sail with DCL. I have heard not one complaint on here of getting push back from DCL regarding getting a refund if it is requested. They know a lot of people are still chomping at the bit to travel and adding the extra 25% incentive is beneficial to a lot of people.

Also: They just extended the amount of time to use the 25% from 15 months to the end of '21 adding for more flexibility.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I guess what I am trying to say is.....I'm just gonna break down the numbers. Let's say a platinum member gets a 3 night cruise for September 2020 on day 1 for 2000 dollars (I am picking random amount that will be easy to do the math on in my pea brain, lol) Going forward, I get 2,500, essentially $500 extra. Now John Doe booked in February. For the same room, same category, he paid 3000 dollars. He gets a credit of 3750...so $750 extra. So, a loyal guest who booked on Day 1 gets lesser than someone who booked 6 months ahead of time.

Again.... as the CM said to me as I was rebooking.... "Disney isn't a casino". You put in $2000, why do you think you should get $3000 worth of credit? This also isn't a stock market. It is a business. You get what you put into it plus a portion extra. I don't see what's unfair.

For me, the only problem I had was that when I was rebooking, I wanted the same cruise the next year, which had been selling for 9 months already. That meant the chance the price had increased and it meant the rooms I booked on opening day (on the cancelled cruise) were not available for the new cruise, nor were any "better" rooms or the first seating that I had previously had. So, if anything, I would have rather had more time (which has now been given) to book so that I could have more choices.

For people who were on specialty cruises, like Hawaii or Greek islands, or even double dips, I think it's much harder. Even if those sailings had a similar sailing next year, would you be able to get on it, given they likely sold out on day 1. I don't know the answer, but those are the only things I see as "unfair", if anything is.

None of this is ideal. We all wanted to be on our cruises and having a great time making memories (except for the few who booked for the sake of gaining the extra 25% discount). But that's life. I think DCL has done as much as it could to make things right for people, given that they are a business that is hemorrhaging money at the same time. If anything else, I'd say they should be cancelling sailings with more notice and I think they should be opening the next sailings, since they've only given people up until March 31, 2022 to rebook. It's hard to rebook when there is no sailing announced or available.

 

[ajo]

Fair is in the eye of the beholder. The policies have changed since this all started (carry forward OBB beyond 24 months, more than 15 months to rebook) so everyone has not been treated exactly the same. It seems likely more things will change as we go forward.

Have some people come out way ahead? Sure. Have some people come out less ahead? I guess. It’s up to you to decide how you feel about it.