Refundable vs Nonrefundable Rates

[Kendall James-Vargas]

Who prefers to book refundable cruise rates through RCL? I'm so used to booking refundable rates with lines such as MSC Cruises that booking with RCL can be a challenge. RCL offers refundable rates that are significantly higher than the nonrefundable rates! When I say significant, I'm saying I have been quoted about $1,000 higher per stateroom in some regards. Does everyone book nonrefundable rates in order to afford cruising with RCL?

[FJB]

Since this change a couple of years ago, I now always book non-refundable rates with Celebrity, which is owned by RCCL.  

[Woody14]

I am pretty much always booking non refundable.    really I am only risking my deposit since when it comes to final payment I know I am going.      In the one or 2 times I had to make a sailing change I have been able to move my booking with the payment of $100 change fee so still way ahead of the refundable rate.

[Kendall James-Vargas]

Thanks for the feedback! The fact that there is a minimal "change" fee still bothers me. If I'm paying a non-refundable deposit, I don't think I need to pay for a change fee. This particularly frustrates me when the cruise line can change the itinerary as it pleases. MSC Cruise recently changed one of my itineraries significantly, removing 3 ports of call and 3 sailing days, but I was able to call and change the itinerary around for free. This is a big reason why I have such an affinity to MSC Cruises. 

[Woody14]

I agree that if the cruise company makes changes we should be able to change our cruise for free.   NCL seems to have the worst reputation for this, they like to change things after final payment and give you no recourse.

[3Sisters]

@Woody14 I have noticed the same about NCL! It's the biggest factor that deters me from even giving the line a try. There are other cruise lines that don't constantly skip ports of call for no good reason at all. It's so inconsiderate and scam like that NCL waits until the final payment is paid before it changes itineraries around. If the line changes around the itinerary, you should be able to at least switch your deposit to another itinerary without being charged extra for it. That seems fair.