GoodReddensRCC
I'm right there with you on RCC lack of full disclosure and take it or leave it attitude. Clearly when talking with RCC on the phone, they are under the influence of attorney's / accountants running the company to protect their position and conserve cash. The liability on their balance sheet for all the FCC is massive and is something they are clearly struggling with. On the flip side, unused FCC that expire will result in a windfall to their financials on paper. (+-Depending upon book reserve balances)
With that said, I have had FCC burning hole in pocket for almost 2 yearns now. I have gone round and round with them on a few items they owe me money on and they refuse to move. I have cruised multiple times with the usual suspects and have status with...... Disney, Princess, and Seabourn. This would have been our first RCC and I have been less than impressed. At this point I am just trying to recoup what I can from my out of pocket while managing my risk of additional losses to them on a booking.
I have my eye on 3 possible options this summer. I will not pull the trigger until the last moment. I am managing the expectations of my family on room type and cruise for the very reason of waiting. No way I will give RCC any more cash until the last minute I book. I really hope I can find a way to use the FCC, but if too risky, I too will walk away. What I really wonder about is the long-term impact to RCC for this type of action. If I do end up "eating" the FCC, there is simply no way I would ever use them again. I hope this doesn't happen.
And finally, while many here are clearly huge fans of RCC and will tend to defend RCC, most are open to ideas, understand the situation, and give good information. Some are travel agents trying to make a buck. I love to cruise and am dying to travel... but It is what it is, so protect your family and your pocketbook. And get everything in writing from RCC. I don't trust RCC as far as I can throw them.
Cheers.
