Author Topic: Trip deposit  (Read 6709 times)

fb132

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Trip deposit
« on: October 12, 2014, 11:28:12 AM »
I need a mustachian advice,
earlier this year (before learning about Mr Money Mustache), I went on a cruise trip. I paid a 250$ deposit for my next cruise, but I have to book it before 2018. Now that I am totally into the Money Mustache way of life, going on a trip seems less important to me. I mean I like traveling, but I prefer being FI before going on vacation. In 2018, I won't be FI, well I don't think so, should I simply lose my 250$ deposit or still book a cruise that year even if I am not FI? By the way, I do not have debts, but I don't have a net worth high enough in which I won't even need to think about money anymore.

My gut feeling knows the answer, but I am waiting for mustachians here to confirm what I probably know.

oldladystache

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2014, 11:31:48 AM »
Can you transfer the deposit to someone else?

fb132

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2014, 11:33:02 AM »
Can you transfer the deposit to someone else?
It is possible, but I don't know anyone personnally who wants to go on my cruise company. Infact, people I know prefer resorts to cruises.

renaite

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #3 on: October 12, 2014, 12:24:41 PM »
What cruise line did you book through? I know Princess refunds your deposit if you don't use it. Are you certain it's not refundable?


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fb132

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #4 on: October 12, 2014, 12:28:54 PM »
Only refundable within 30 days purchase. Its with NCL.

geekette

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #5 on: October 12, 2014, 10:06:38 PM »
I wouldn't throw it away - but I love cruising.  Terms & Conditions here.

It does look like it's transferrable at no charge.  If you really don't want to cruise again in the next few years, you might be able to find someone on cruisecritic.com to take it over for you.  After all, it cost you $250, but it's worth $350 with the $100 on board credit they give you.

Peach Stubble

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #6 on: October 12, 2014, 10:11:22 PM »
Sell it to someone for a reasonable price on both ends to make sure you can sell it...say $175 on a widely used cruising forum where there is a high likelihood that someone is going to use Norwegian Cruise Lines.

...And if you can't sell it...sent it to me ;), perhaps they have a dock in Galveston and I could find a way to take a short cruise vacation while here for $250 off! ;) ;)

Catbert

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #7 on: October 13, 2014, 10:53:53 AM »
I assume you like cruising (??)  Do you live close to a port?  If so, $250 can go a long way towards paying for a short-ish cruise with an inside cabin.  If you have to travel to a port and pay for airfare or parking, hotel etc. that adds to the overall to cost tremendously.

Not sure about your overall situation so I can't give strong vote to keep or sell.

fb132

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #8 on: October 13, 2014, 11:21:09 AM »
I live in Canada, so I have to take a flight most of the time. Yes I do like cruising, but I prefer cruising when I have a huge pile of cash in my accounts...at this moment, I am not in that situation. I am no good with math, but I predict ill hit my 100K$ mark in 2 years, but even at 100K$, I still wouldn't justify a 3000$-5000$ trip. The first 100K$ is truly a b*tch, I can't wait to surpass it, I heard it becomes easier afterwards.
« Last Edit: October 13, 2014, 11:24:19 AM by fb132 »

dragoncar

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #9 on: October 13, 2014, 05:01:46 PM »
I wouldn't throw it away - but I love cruising.  Terms & Conditions here.

It does look like it's transferrable at no charge.  If you really don't want to cruise again in the next few years, you might be able to find someone on cruisecritic.com to take it over for you.  After all, it cost you $250, but it's worth $350 with the $100 on board credit they give you.

Man, that's a racket!  It's not a "deposit" it's a "rewards deposit"... sounds like a shady way to take a real deposit.  What was the advantage to making this deposit?  Did you get it at a discount or lock in some other discount?

I'd first start by calling and asking if they'll give you a refund.  Maybe explain that you thought it was refundable.  Try to escalate the call if necessary.  I'm sure somewhere in their customer service department has the authority to reverse the charge.


geekette

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #10 on: October 13, 2014, 06:05:08 PM »
Why is it a racket?  You put down a deposit for an unspecified cruise, and they give you an extra $100 to spend onboard.

The only problem is if you change your mind.

dragoncar

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #11 on: October 13, 2014, 06:56:58 PM »
Why is it a racket?  You put down a deposit for an unspecified cruise, and they give you an extra $100 to spend onboard.

The only problem is if you change your mind.

It's a racket because there are probably a significant number of people who do this and then don't use it -- due to finances, timing, etc.

Remember, they wouldn't offer this unless it made them money in the long run

chasesfish

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #12 on: October 13, 2014, 08:04:13 PM »
You can pull of a trip on NCL pretty cheaply if you go the right time of the year.  Where in Canada?  Can you do a one-way repositioning cruise then get a plane ticket home cheap on rewards points?

fb132

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #13 on: October 14, 2014, 04:45:09 AM »
You can pull of a trip on NCL pretty cheaply if you go the right time of the year.  Where in Canada?  Can you do a one-way repositioning cruise then get a plane ticket home cheap on rewards points?
Nope, I only have a credit card (cash-back rewards). i try to stay away from credit cards. But in the end, if I can't find someone, I might as well accept a 250$ loss, it is better to lose 250$ than spend 3000$ min. while I am trying to acheive FI, right?

geekette

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #14 on: October 14, 2014, 10:39:52 AM »
So tempting...

I'm not a fan of NCL, but wow.  A week in a balcony cabin for <$500pp sure sounds good right about now.

Your money, your choice, but I'd sure attempt to sell it before tossing it in the trash.

fb132

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #15 on: October 14, 2014, 12:18:01 PM »
So tempting...

I'm not a fan of NCL, but wow.  A week in a balcony cabin for <$500pp sure sounds good right about now.

Your money, your choice, but I'd sure attempt to sell it before tossing it in the trash.
I have 2 years to find someone, so I still have time.

geekette

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #16 on: October 14, 2014, 02:17:10 PM »
You've got 4 years.  Plus, unless it says you have to sail by 2018, you can book at least a year ahead.

Sid Hoffman

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #17 on: October 14, 2014, 02:51:04 PM »
It's a racket because there are probably a significant number of people who do this and then don't use it -- due to finances, timing, etc.

Remember, they wouldn't offer this unless it made them money in the long run

Ticket prices are not where cruises make their money.  In fact for the cheap inside rooms booked at discounted rates and with cash-back offers like this, they are actually losing money.  Where they make back money is on alcohol sales (most cruise lines do not cover alcohol, aside from at formal dinners, for example) the on-board casinos and duty-free shops, and the shore excursions.  Especially the shore excursions.

You can easily end up spending $300/day on shore excursions that probably cost the cruise line $100.  I've done two cruises in the last 7 years and I've also been to 3 resorts including a company-paid JW Marriott trip.  In general, I prefer a cruise over a resort because I like the idea of having my relax time but also seeing new places every day.  Cruising provides exactly that.  You can sit back and chill with friends and family in the meal lounge with a beautiful water/port view, but still be somewhere new every day.

Seņora Savings

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Re: Trip deposit
« Reply #18 on: October 15, 2014, 07:50:34 AM »
I live in Canada, so I have to take a flight most of the time. Yes I do like cruising, but I prefer cruising when I have a huge pile of cash in my accounts...at this moment, I am not in that situation. I am no good with math, but I predict ill hit my 100K$ mark in 2 years, but even at 100K$, I still wouldn't justify a 3000$-5000$ trip. The first 100K$ is truly a b*tch, I can't wait to surpass it, I heard it becomes easier afterwards.

Can you justify spending $2750-$4750 on a trip?  If not, don't use it. This is a sunk cost.  Would you sign up for a cruise if a $250 off + $100 credit offer showed up on your doorstep?  Look for a way to get money back, but don't flush $4000 down the toilet because you don't want to waste $250.


 

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