Just returned from a week on Navigator and attended a presentation by cruise consultant on next years itineraries - the first part dealt with fare changes. I didn't pay that much attention, but it sounded like early bookers get a variable early booking discount 0-40% or subsequent promotions but not both. Is this correct? Fare complications are beginning to sound like the airlines!

Re on board booking discount: We booked 3 weeks on PG for next year some time ago - established at the time of booking that we would get 5% discount while on Navigator. Cruise consultant had to check with HQ, but discount was allowed.

hrprof: are you implying that they wouldn't honor an online discount already booked. That doesn't sound very nice. (Or much like RSSC.) I find it depressing that RSSC is "price-positioning" itself ala the mega-lines. (meaning: it's going to be more difficult to get discounts.)

No, I am not implying that there was any attempt to avoid an already booked arrangement. When I made the reservation for the PG some months ago, I said that I would wait to book while on the Navigator in order to get the on-board booking discount of 5% if that were necessary, even though it seems silly. After some discussion, they committed to allowing a retroactive on-board discount while on Navigator. When this was discussed with the Cruise consultant, she said she would have to check - there was no problem.

My experience with RSSC customer service has been excellent - one of the main reasons we keep returning.

That having been said, I don't think that I understand the 2005 changes - probably more my problem than theirs!