My experience with Sprit!
I went to their web site and entered my Certificate number as required. They had me choose three requested dates from several dates offered and the only port offered was Port Canaveral, FL which was all right with me. While waiting for them to get back to me I went to several travel sites on line and found that the only line with a ship leaving Port Canaveral on the dates I had chosen was Royal Caribbean and the ship Freedom of the Seas. This was all right with me as well.
When they sent the email telling me they were ready to book my “Free Seven Night Cruise” I called and after 30 min. on hold was told that the only cruises they would offer were a Norwegian lines ship Sun leaving Port Canaveral on a date other than any I had requested and a Carnival ship, the Valor, leaving from Miami, FL on a date other than any I had been offered or had selected.
Playing along, I stated that I wanted to upgrade to a balcony cabin and they came back with my cost being $1,248.92 for the Norwegian Sun and $1,211.44 for the Carnival Valor. I told them I would think about it and get back to them.
I went to the travel web sites and found that the least expensive inside cabin on the Norwegian Sun was $439.00/person or $878.00/couple. The least expensive rate for a balcony cabin was $699.00/person or $1,398.00/couple. Subtracting $878.00 (the cost of the Free cabin) from $1,398.00 (the cost of the upgraded balcony cabin) you get $520.00. Add to this the tax which I knew I would have to pay of $228.92 and you get a total cost to me of $748.92. I see a difference in cost to me of $500.00. In other words, I can book the trip myself with a balcony cabin for $1,106.92. Therefore, my “Free 7 night Cruise” cost me $142.00 more to book through Sprit than I can book on my own.
The Carnival Valor cruise was even worse. The cheapest inside cabin was $329.00/person or $658.00/couple. The cheapest balcony cabin was $529.00/person or $1,058.00/couple. Subtracting $658.00 (the cost of the cheapest inside cabin) from $1,058.00 (the cost of the cheapest balcony cabin) you get $400.00. Add to that the tax and port charges of $193.44 and you get what should be my cost of $593.44. I can’t imagine where they came up with my cost being $1,211.00. That is a $618.00 difference. I could book the same cruise myself for $1291.44 on my own.
Therefore I have to ask, what part are they paying for these cruises?
I had them send my $100.00 deposit back and I will book a cruise sailing when, to where and from what port I want without their assistance.
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