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Are Cruise deals over?



 
 
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  #11  
Old August 12th, 2004, 04:22 PM
Jim
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Are Cruise deals over?

What! Peter, that is horrible! I can't see them being able to enforce
something like this very well. I and most everyone else have been lead to
believe that it is the same policy that CCL has in that it only amounts to
the 'advertised' rates and not what one actually pays.
Jim


"Peter Berlin" wrote in message
hlink.net...
Jeff,
This is accurate. Royal Caribbean has been very specific
about what is permitted and what is not permitted and all
Travel Agencies are specifically prohibited from rebating,
and will be penalized if involved in the practice. Certain
types of gifts are permitted, but not shipboard credits or
rebates (unless issued by the cruise line).

RCI said that if it quacks, it's a duck...and they will know
about it. Traditional gifts such as travel bags and wine
will still be permitted and the norm.

Negotiated group rates will rule the "best deals" column.

There will be some businesses changing their business model.

Peter



Jeff Coudriet wrote:

I think this is inaccurate....I believe in the change in policy was
agents are not allowed to "advertise" rates lower than what they
authorize. I believe agents are still allowed to rebate commission,
etc., they just can't advertise that fact. Not that I'm saying this is
a good policy either, but it's a fine point at the very least.

Jeff



Guido wrote:

LAST BLAST...

It was a HUGE move by the executives at Royal Caribbean and Celebrity,
but
they have mandated that effective 8/16/04 (Monday) they will not allow
ANY
of their product to be discounted and sold below the gross cruise
price that
is available thru the cruise line itself. They have instituted big
penalties
to travel agent offenders if they are caught.

What does this mean for you? It means that if you are planning on
sailing on
Royal Caribbean or Celebrity in either 2004 or 2005, and if you

typically
book thru and on-line agency, membership association, wholesale house,
booking engine, or any other travel agency who discounts their

commission
and "rebates" this in part to you, then you MUST book before midnight

on
8/15/04. This is effective ACROSS THE INDUSTRY , not just for a few
travel
agencies!!




--
Peter Berlin
Peter Berlin's Travel Center http://peterberlin.com
The Great Luxury Cruise http://peterberlin.com/groups/glc2005/
The Great Group Cruise 2005 http://ggc2005.com "We've Got
The Spirit"
Join us on the Millennium and Spirit Bash...Oct. 31 and Dec.
5, 2004



  #12  
Old August 12th, 2004, 04:47 PM
JTK
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Are Cruise deals over?

so I guess this means that I won't be able to shop online anymore for
the lowest price. I'll have to call the agents on the phone to get
their pricing for the cruises I am interested in. The online TAs won't
be able to display their discounted price next to the cruiseline price.
This will change things a bit.

Jim wrote:

What! Peter, that is horrible! I can't see them being able to enforce
something like this very well. I and most everyone else have been lead to
believe that it is the same policy that CCL has in that it only amounts to
the 'advertised' rates and not what one actually pays.
Jim


"Peter Berlin" wrote in message
thlink.net...


Jeff,
This is accurate. Royal Caribbean has been very specific
about what is permitted and what is not permitted and all
Travel Agencies are specifically prohibited from rebating,
and will be penalized if involved in the practice. Certain
types of gifts are permitted, but not shipboard credits or
rebates (unless issued by the cruise line).

RCI said that if it quacks, it's a duck...and they will know
about it. Traditional gifts such as travel bags and wine
will still be permitted and the norm.

Negotiated group rates will rule the "best deals" column.

There will be some businesses changing their business model.

Peter



Jeff Coudriet wrote:



I think this is inaccurate....I believe in the change in policy was
agents are not allowed to "advertise" rates lower than what they
authorize. I believe agents are still allowed to rebate commission,
etc., they just can't advertise that fact. Not that I'm saying this is
a good policy either, but it's a fine point at the very least.

Jeff



Guido wrote:



LAST BLAST...

It was a HUGE move by the executives at Royal Caribbean and Celebrity,
but
they have mandated that effective 8/16/04 (Monday) they will not allow
ANY
of their product to be discounted and sold below the gross cruise
price that
is available thru the cruise line itself. They have instituted big
penalties
to travel agent offenders if they are caught.

What does this mean for you? It means that if you are planning on
sailing on
Royal Caribbean or Celebrity in either 2004 or 2005, and if you


typically


book thru and on-line agency, membership association, wholesale house,
booking engine, or any other travel agency who discounts their


commission


and "rebates" this in part to you, then you MUST book before midnight


on


8/15/04. This is effective ACROSS THE INDUSTRY , not just for a few
travel
agencies!!




--
Peter Berlin
Peter Berlin's Travel Center http://peterberlin.com
The Great Luxury Cruise http://peterberlin.com/groups/glc2005/
The Great Group Cruise 2005 http://ggc2005.com "We've Got
The Spirit"
Join us on the Millennium and Spirit Bash...Oct. 31 and Dec.
5, 2004








  #13  
Old August 12th, 2004, 04:47 PM
JTK
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

so I guess this means that I won't be able to shop online anymore for
the lowest price. I'll have to call the agents on the phone to get
their pricing for the cruises I am interested in. The online TAs won't
be able to display their discounted price next to the cruiseline price.
This will change things a bit.

Jim wrote:

What! Peter, that is horrible! I can't see them being able to enforce
something like this very well. I and most everyone else have been lead to
believe that it is the same policy that CCL has in that it only amounts to
the 'advertised' rates and not what one actually pays.
Jim


"Peter Berlin" wrote in message
thlink.net...


Jeff,
This is accurate. Royal Caribbean has been very specific
about what is permitted and what is not permitted and all
Travel Agencies are specifically prohibited from rebating,
and will be penalized if involved in the practice. Certain
types of gifts are permitted, but not shipboard credits or
rebates (unless issued by the cruise line).

RCI said that if it quacks, it's a duck...and they will know
about it. Traditional gifts such as travel bags and wine
will still be permitted and the norm.

Negotiated group rates will rule the "best deals" column.

There will be some businesses changing their business model.

Peter



Jeff Coudriet wrote:



I think this is inaccurate....I believe in the change in policy was
agents are not allowed to "advertise" rates lower than what they
authorize. I believe agents are still allowed to rebate commission,
etc., they just can't advertise that fact. Not that I'm saying this is
a good policy either, but it's a fine point at the very least.

Jeff



Guido wrote:



LAST BLAST...

It was a HUGE move by the executives at Royal Caribbean and Celebrity,
but
they have mandated that effective 8/16/04 (Monday) they will not allow
ANY
of their product to be discounted and sold below the gross cruise
price that
is available thru the cruise line itself. They have instituted big
penalties
to travel agent offenders if they are caught.

What does this mean for you? It means that if you are planning on
sailing on
Royal Caribbean or Celebrity in either 2004 or 2005, and if you


typically


book thru and on-line agency, membership association, wholesale house,
booking engine, or any other travel agency who discounts their


commission


and "rebates" this in part to you, then you MUST book before midnight


on


8/15/04. This is effective ACROSS THE INDUSTRY , not just for a few
travel
agencies!!




--
Peter Berlin
Peter Berlin's Travel Center http://peterberlin.com
The Great Luxury Cruise http://peterberlin.com/groups/glc2005/
The Great Group Cruise 2005 http://ggc2005.com "We've Got
The Spirit"
Join us on the Millennium and Spirit Bash...Oct. 31 and Dec.
5, 2004








  #14  
Old August 12th, 2004, 04:59 PM
Scotty
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Are Cruise deals over?


"Guido"

LAST BLAST...

It was a HUGE move by the executives at Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, but
they have mandated that effective 8/16/04 (Monday) they will not allow ANY
of their product to be discounted and sold below the gross cruise price

that
is available thru the cruise line itself. They have instituted big

penalties
to travel agent offenders if they are caught.

What does this mean for you? It means that if you are planning on sailing

on
Royal Caribbean or Celebrity in either 2004 or 2005, and if you typically
book thru and on-line agency, membership association, wholesale house,
booking engine, or any other travel agency who discounts their commission
and "rebates" this in part to you, then you MUST book before midnight on
8/15/04. This is effective ACROSS THE INDUSTRY , not just for a few travel
agencies!!


No Chicken Little, the sky is not falling. The agencies are not allowed to
advertise rates below the published rates. Doesn't mean they can't give
them. The genie is out of the bottle and he ain't going back in.

Scott


  #15  
Old August 12th, 2004, 05:30 PM
Jim
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Are Cruise deals over?

Okay, I looked into this and we even have it confirmed and it is being
discussed on our website in the RCI board. Yes it is true that prices are
fixed and agents cannot offer any rebate on their commission or sell the
cruise for less than the advertised price. Seems like there is options
available for group cruises or special pricing for special events but the
agency itself is bound by the rule of all selling at the same price and it
goes beyond just advertising. The cannot even offer a lesser price if you
talk to them on the phone. Seems very stupid on the cruiselines part and
pretty much smacks the free trade concept in the face. Here is what we are
talking about on our message boards;
http://www.cruisemates.com/MBindex/cruiselines.cfm
Jim
Community Staff Leader
Cruisemates Inc.


"Scotty" wrote in message
link.net...

"Guido"

LAST BLAST...

It was a HUGE move by the executives at Royal Caribbean and Celebrity,

but
they have mandated that effective 8/16/04 (Monday) they will not allow

ANY
of their product to be discounted and sold below the gross cruise price

that
is available thru the cruise line itself. They have instituted big

penalties
to travel agent offenders if they are caught.

What does this mean for you? It means that if you are planning on

sailing
on
Royal Caribbean or Celebrity in either 2004 or 2005, and if you

typically
book thru and on-line agency, membership association, wholesale house,
booking engine, or any other travel agency who discounts their

commission
and "rebates" this in part to you, then you MUST book before midnight on
8/15/04. This is effective ACROSS THE INDUSTRY , not just for a few

travel
agencies!!


No Chicken Little, the sky is not falling. The agencies are not allowed to
advertise rates below the published rates. Doesn't mean they can't give
them. The genie is out of the bottle and he ain't going back in.

Scott




  #16  
Old August 12th, 2004, 05:30 PM
Jim
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Okay, I looked into this and we even have it confirmed and it is being
discussed on our website in the RCI board. Yes it is true that prices are
fixed and agents cannot offer any rebate on their commission or sell the
cruise for less than the advertised price. Seems like there is options
available for group cruises or special pricing for special events but the
agency itself is bound by the rule of all selling at the same price and it
goes beyond just advertising. The cannot even offer a lesser price if you
talk to them on the phone. Seems very stupid on the cruiselines part and
pretty much smacks the free trade concept in the face. Here is what we are
talking about on our message boards;
http://www.cruisemates.com/MBindex/cruiselines.cfm
Jim
Community Staff Leader
Cruisemates Inc.


"Scotty" wrote in message
link.net...

"Guido"

LAST BLAST...

It was a HUGE move by the executives at Royal Caribbean and Celebrity,

but
they have mandated that effective 8/16/04 (Monday) they will not allow

ANY
of their product to be discounted and sold below the gross cruise price

that
is available thru the cruise line itself. They have instituted big

penalties
to travel agent offenders if they are caught.

What does this mean for you? It means that if you are planning on

sailing
on
Royal Caribbean or Celebrity in either 2004 or 2005, and if you

typically
book thru and on-line agency, membership association, wholesale house,
booking engine, or any other travel agency who discounts their

commission
and "rebates" this in part to you, then you MUST book before midnight on
8/15/04. This is effective ACROSS THE INDUSTRY , not just for a few

travel
agencies!!


No Chicken Little, the sky is not falling. The agencies are not allowed to
advertise rates below the published rates. Doesn't mean they can't give
them. The genie is out of the bottle and he ain't going back in.

Scott




  #17  
Old August 12th, 2004, 05:40 PM
Mason Barge
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Are Cruise deals over?

On Thu, 12 Aug 2004 13:47:04 GMT, Peter Berlin
wrote:

Jeff,
This is accurate. Royal Caribbean has been very specific
about what is permitted and what is not permitted and all
Travel Agencies are specifically prohibited from rebating,
and will be penalized if involved in the practice. Certain
types of gifts are permitted, but not shipboard credits or
rebates (unless issued by the cruise line).

RCI said that if it quacks, it's a duck...and they will know
about it. Traditional gifts such as travel bags and wine
will still be permitted and the norm.

Negotiated group rates will rule the "best deals" column.

There will be some businesses changing their business model.

Peter


Wow, now THAT is news. Also the single thing most likely to make me
cruise less. And just as I had become a Celebrity cruiser LOL.

I guess the big TA's who can put together groups will get an even
bigger piece of the pie.

Am I correct, Peter, that a TA can put together a group and then sell
cabins retail?


Mason Barge

"If this is coffee, please bring me some tea. If this is tea, please bring me some coffee."
-- Abraham Lincoln
  #18  
Old August 12th, 2004, 05:40 PM
Mason Barge
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

On Thu, 12 Aug 2004 13:47:04 GMT, Peter Berlin
wrote:

Jeff,
This is accurate. Royal Caribbean has been very specific
about what is permitted and what is not permitted and all
Travel Agencies are specifically prohibited from rebating,
and will be penalized if involved in the practice. Certain
types of gifts are permitted, but not shipboard credits or
rebates (unless issued by the cruise line).

RCI said that if it quacks, it's a duck...and they will know
about it. Traditional gifts such as travel bags and wine
will still be permitted and the norm.

Negotiated group rates will rule the "best deals" column.

There will be some businesses changing their business model.

Peter


Wow, now THAT is news. Also the single thing most likely to make me
cruise less. And just as I had become a Celebrity cruiser LOL.

I guess the big TA's who can put together groups will get an even
bigger piece of the pie.

Am I correct, Peter, that a TA can put together a group and then sell
cabins retail?


Mason Barge

"If this is coffee, please bring me some tea. If this is tea, please bring me some coffee."
-- Abraham Lincoln
  #19  
Old August 12th, 2004, 05:58 PM
John & Beverly
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Are Cruise deals over?

If this is true, it sounds like:

1. illegal price fixing

2. lots of lost business and empty ships.

I doubt the cruise lines can afford either.

John
"Jim" wrote in message
...
Okay, I looked into this and we even have it confirmed and it is being
discussed on our website in the RCI board. Yes it is true that prices are
fixed and agents cannot offer any rebate on their commission or sell the
cruise for less than the advertised price. Seems like there is options
available for group cruises or special pricing for special events but the
agency itself is bound by the rule of all selling at the same price and it
goes beyond just advertising. The cannot even offer a lesser price if you
talk to them on the phone. Seems very stupid on the cruiselines part and
pretty much smacks the free trade concept in the face. Here is what we are
talking about on our message boards;
http://www.cruisemates.com/MBindex/cruiselines.cfm
Jim
Community Staff Leader
Cruisemates Inc.


"Scotty" wrote in message
link.net...

"Guido"

LAST BLAST...

It was a HUGE move by the executives at Royal Caribbean and Celebrity,

but
they have mandated that effective 8/16/04 (Monday) they will not allow

ANY
of their product to be discounted and sold below the gross cruise

price
that
is available thru the cruise line itself. They have instituted big

penalties
to travel agent offenders if they are caught.

What does this mean for you? It means that if you are planning on

sailing
on
Royal Caribbean or Celebrity in either 2004 or 2005, and if you

typically
book thru and on-line agency, membership association, wholesale house,
booking engine, or any other travel agency who discounts their

commission
and "rebates" this in part to you, then you MUST book before midnight

on
8/15/04. This is effective ACROSS THE INDUSTRY , not just for a few

travel
agencies!!


No Chicken Little, the sky is not falling. The agencies are not allowed

to
advertise rates below the published rates. Doesn't mean they can't give
them. The genie is out of the bottle and he ain't going back in.

Scott






  #20  
Old August 12th, 2004, 05:59 PM
jcoulter
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Mason Barge wrote in
:


I guess the big TA's who can put together groups will get an even
bigger piece of the pie.

Am I correct, Peter, that a TA can put together a group and then sell
cabins retail?


Mason Barge

"If this is coffee, please bring me some tea. If this is tea, please
bring me some coffee."
-- Abraham Lincoln


One can make a group call it Peter's Huge good Deal Group and then sell it
at the group price, however, the cruise lines reserve the right to restrict
the marketing of group rates. In the past this has not been a problem, they
might want to be a little more selective if they really mean what they say
in regard to pricing.

the practice that I would like to know more about is advance purchase bulk
space for resell. What are the restrictions to be on advertising that kind
of product?

 




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