tdcackler Posted December 27, 2018 Report Share Posted December 27, 2018 OK, we are turning into crazy people who have multiple cruises planned at the same time! We received a very nice Christmas gift to "use on our trip in February" - but it's already paid off or budgeted for. So, we decided we'd like to look at using it for our next cruise! We're researching now, but are still confused on RC's NextSail program. From what I see, it's not a super great deal considering it's a non-refundable cruise deposit and the deals are just what we get on land. We have a great TA from MEI that I trust to get us the best deal. We plan to cruise again the next two January's (a shorter one in 2020 and then a longer one in 2021). Are we just as far ahead to book as we can with our TA or should we plan to visit the NextCruise desk when we sail in February? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KJ1231 Posted December 27, 2018 Report Share Posted December 27, 2018 I asked the same thing a couple days ago and posted the latest "NextCruise" information. You get on board credit/discounts that may not be the same as the current deal on the website. Still looking for an answer to "Kids Sail For Less" and what that means since I'm assuming less is not free. We sail Saturday and I am looking at a 7 day cruise on 1/4/2020 and Europe the summer of 2020. Will follow up with the deals offered onboard this weekend. Here is the info for NextCruise through 1/31/19: http://www.royalonboardsales.com/#seeoffer Flyer: http://www.royalonboardsales.com/content/assets/2015/05/18065762_NextCruise_JanuaryOffer_Flyer.pdf Highlights: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdcackler Posted December 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 27, 2018 Just now, KJ1231 said: I asked the same thing a couple days ago and posted the latest "NextCruise" information. Thanks. I have heard rumors that "Kids Sail Less" is the next "sale" for RC that will start sometime after the first of the year. From what I researched, it seems that NextCruise is "whatever the current sale is" plus "a tiny onboard credit" plus a non-refundable, yet reduced, deposit. I'm not sure that it is worth taking time out of our vacation to book a trip I can do one day when I am slacking off at work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KJ1231 Posted December 27, 2018 Report Share Posted December 27, 2018 I see MEI has the same deal on their website now. @michelle - any more details on "kids sail for less"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted December 27, 2018 Report Share Posted December 27, 2018 3 hours ago, KJ1231 said: any more details on "kids sail for less"? Kids Sail For Less = 30% off third and fourth guests Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdcackler Posted December 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 27, 2018 2 hours ago, Matt said: Kids Sail For Less = 30% off third and fourth guests Which is basically 30% off each guest, or the promotion they've run the past couple of weeks. Matt, do you have any additional information on the NextCruise program in general that I missed above? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted December 28, 2018 Report Share Posted December 28, 2018 14 hours ago, tdcackler said: Matt, do you have any additional information on the NextCruise program in general that I missed above? The earlier posts hit the high notes. My general advice is if you're on a cruise and have the inspiration to book a cruise, NextCruise will get you some bonus onboard credit that you would otherwise not get. But do not wait weeks or months to book onboard. All too often I see price change between when you decide to book and when you are actually onboard, negating any bonus onboard credit benefits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdcackler Posted December 28, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2018 2 hours ago, Matt said: But do not wait weeks or months to book onboard. All too often I see price change between when you decide to book and when you are actually onboard, negating any bonus onboard credit benefits. Thanks, Matt. That was my gut feeling - looks like it's time to email my MEI Agent. Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KJ1231 Posted December 30, 2018 Report Share Posted December 30, 2018 We’re in Brilliance now. Went to NextCruise today and got a price $300 more for 9 of us in 3 cabins. I guess that gets offset by the $100 OBC for the cabin.... I’ll work with Michelle instead.... tdcackler 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whenismynextcruise Posted December 30, 2018 Report Share Posted December 30, 2018 Besides the ease of booking while on board and the reduced deposit, is anyone finding any real benefit to using nextcruise now? While on a Thanksgiving trip I booked a Bermuda trip and a repeat of the Thanksgiving trip for 2019. Price was pretty much the same and I got $50 OBC for each. Other than the fact that the trips are "on the books" I really saw no significant upside to it. Seems like it might be time to follow the leads of @Matt and @KJ1231 and many others here to switch (finally!) over to using MEI for booking. At least someone other than the cruise line will get the benfit of the sale. Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdcackler Posted December 30, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2018 3 hours ago, whenismynextcruise said: Seems like it might be time to follow the leads of @Matt and @KJ1231 and many others here to switch (finally!) over to using MEI for booking. At least someone other than the cruise line will get the benfit of the sale. I have been VERY happy with my agent over at MEI. Kathy G takes very good care of us and those we refer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted December 30, 2018 Report Share Posted December 30, 2018 You can ask for refundable rates from Next but time and again I'm disappointed with Next. If you see a good price you like book it through an agency now before sailing. If you luck out and see a good price from Next while on board that's great, you can transfer it to an agency after booking. While on board you can access the Royal website for free. Research before going to Next. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cez Posted January 3, 2019 Report Share Posted January 3, 2019 @twangster Could you reprice or reduce deposit on your current booking (refundable and over 90 days window) with NextCruise ? Or could they cancel my current booking and book again the same sailing ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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