A LoyaltyLobby reader sent us a comment about a Celebrity 50% off Black Friday shore excursion deal that is priced higher, even with the discount, than previously.
Have a mishap, a loyalty story, or something else travel-related to share? Please send it to us at john@loyaltylobby.com for a possible feature.
Here’s the reader’s comment:
I wanted to bring to your attention what I believe is a scam being perpetrated by Celebrity Cruises.
If this were a retail store in the US, I know it would be illegal. However, since they are selling excursions outside the US, I am unsure.
My wife and I are booked on the Millennium departing from Benoa, Bali.
I booked 3 shore excursions through Celebrity a few months ago at an advertised 35% discount. I often book through outside providers when I feel that the return is scheduled well before the ship’s departure time. Since then, I’ve been bombarded with emails offering shore excursions at various discounts.
Last week, Celebrity started promoting Black Friday deals with 50% discounts. When I checked two of the excursions I booked, the net cost was significantly higher than what I had already paid. One half-day excursion was $20.00 pp more.
To me, the practice seems misleading at a minimum, and if it isn’t, it should be illegal.
They are obviously using dynamic pricing to cheat their passengers into thinking they are getting a great deal.
I think it is a fraudulent misrepresentation. Your thoughts?
I know that retailers in the EU must display the lowest price charged in the previous 30 days when offering various discounts.
It is not clear to me under what jurisdiction these cruise lines operate when it comes to their advertising, discount, and disclosure practices.
But it doesn’t surprise me that prices promoted as a “Black Friday” sale are not the lowest offered throughout the year.
Conclusion
It is about the time in November when many of the travel businesses are launching their various Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Cyber Sale offers.
Some of the sales are real, while many are not, as these companies believe that consumers think that the prices during these promotions are great (not always the case).
I usually only buy or book when I actually need something, but I may move the purchase up if there is a good enough sale or price, or if there are bonus points offers.
Companies shouldn’t advertise fictional 50% off deals because, at the end of the day, consumers aren’t idiots, and these just infuriate them.