Chef’s Table/UDP discount warning

[Jill]

So I purchased Chef’s Table last February for this week’s cruise on Wonder through the cruise planner. We go tonight. Bought UDP last August. 
 

The only way to get the $49.99 price is to book once onboard. 
 

They are refusing to give me the difference in OBC. I went round and round at Guest Services this morning as well as speaking to someone higher up. I asked that person to have Food and Beverage Manager to contact me. I also pled  my case to Diamond Concierge. They won’t budge. 

[Ampurp85]

Thanks for this........but I always thought it had to be purchased on board and then discounted unless you are in star class.

[Jill]

4 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

Thanks for this........but I always thought it had to be purchased on board and then discounted unless you are in star class.

Well it would be nice if they told you you had to book once onboard. Izumi isn’t done this way. I also was going off what I was told in another post to book then go to guest services once onboard to get the credit back as OBC.  It really should be in the description. It’s just not very clear. It’s only $100 but still. Most of the time Chefs Table is sold out before you get onboard 

[Rackham]

21 minutes ago, Jill said:

Well it would be nice if they told you you had to book once onboard. Izumi isn’t done this way. I also was going off what I was told in another post to book then go to guest services once onboard to get the credit back as OBC.  It really should be in the description. It’s just not very clear. It’s only $100 but still. Most of the time Chefs Table is sold out before you get onboard 

Izumi is only allowed due to how they're currently handling it. If Royal is now not allowing the switchover on the Chef's Table, it's probably a mater of time before Izumi is treated the same.

[WAAAYTOOO]

Frankly, I’m not surprised that Royal is policing this “hack”.  It really defeats the spirit of the “full price “ vs “discounted package price”.  I have read of many people using this hack but I think Royal has caught on and it’s only a matter of time until they shut it down.  That time might be now.

[Jill]

On 5/9/2023 at 7:14 PM, WAAAYTOOO said:

Frankly, I’m not surprised that Royal is policing this “hack”.  It really defeats the spirit of the “full price “ vs “discounted package price”.  I have read of many people using this hack but I think Royal has caught on and it’s only a matter of time until they shut it down.  That time might be now.

My issue is they offer Chef’s Table at a discount ($49.99) for UDP purchasers but you can’t get that price until you book onboard. Many times it’s sold out before you board. 
 

That’s what I was trying to avoid. I booked it at full price ($89.99) through the cruise planner to insure a seat. They wouldn’t honor the UDP price of $49.99 and credit me back the difference. 
 

 

[CruiseGus]

49 minutes ago, Jill said:

My issue is they offer Chef’s Table at a discount ($49.99) for UDP purchasers but you can’t get that price until you book onboard. Many times it’s sold out before you board. 
 

That’s what I was trying to avoid. I booked it at full price ($89.99) through the cruise planner to insure a seat. They wouldn’t honor the UDP price of $49.99 and credit me back the difference. 
 

 

As long as your 48 hours out you should just be able to cancel your cruise planner purchase.  Would think that would open a slot at Chefs Table, unless they are running a wait list, you should be able to book it with your UDP

[Jill]

1 hour ago, CruiseGus said:

As long as your 48 hours out you should just be able to cancel your cruise planner purchase.  Would think that would open a slot at Chefs Table, unless they are running a wait list, you should be able to book it with your UDP

I didn’t go to Guest Services until the morning of the dinner. I would’ve cancelled immediately once onboard then turned around and booked it but I was under the impression I could just get the difference in OBC 

[Xaa]

Bummer @Jill. 

I understand why they want to close that loophole.  Anyone trying to book and get a refund in order to secure a spot for their UDP, which is reserve after boarding only, should take note of the strictness on the 48 hour cancelation rule to avoid what Jill experienced.

I hate that you had to pay extra, but when trying to use a loophole, we shouldn't be shocked if we're held to the full rule set.

 

[DisneyGay]

I have a question relating to Chef’s Table that I’m hoping someone can help answer. My cruise on Brilliance, to Alaska, leaves June 4th. My family made a reservation and we are to report for duty at 6:30pm. We have 4 kids we plan to enroll to the kids club, but it says the evening shift starts at 7pm. Does anyone know how we would manage this? Perhaps one of the parents has to get up and leave the dinner? Or would there be an employee to escort them to the kids club? 

[Babsy47]

Im a grandparent.  I am also the one who leaves dinner at about 6:50 to deliver grandchildren to kids club for the 7:00 pm opening.  We have not figured out a work around. 

[Babsy47]

The UDP offers discounted prices but the corollary inconvenience of booking on board.