Royal Caribbean has just thrown a new wrinkle into a popular discount program with a new fee that bears a certain resemblance to airlines charging for seat selection.
The cruise line offers a Guarantee stateroom plan which allows customers to be guaranteed a cabin of at least the level they select, at a discounted price, with the chance of a free upgrade in the end. In return, the customer accepts conditions that include payment in full and cancelation restrictions. The line assigns the cabin late in the game, often days before sailing.
Now, for $30 extra, with what RC is calling Early Assign, a cabin assignment is made within 24 hours, although a later upgrade or change is possible. But, the other restrictions remain.
