I had booked a 12 day cruise commencing 30th July 2019 from Amsterdam on the liner Brilliance of the Seas is operated by RCL UK Ltd., a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. through their agents Direct Line Cruises. As per the terms 20% of the amount ($900) was paid at the time of the booking and the balance was to be paid in 15 days. The credit card details were shared with them at the time of booking. On 1st May I received an email from the agents stating that the balance payment had been declined for the full amount and I was to enter new payment information using their secure online form. I provided the details on the very same day. This was duly acknowledged by email on 2nd May and that if there was any problem, they would contact me. On 3rd May I received an email stating that my booking had been cancelled due to non-payment. When I enquired with the agent as to why this had been done, I was informed by email that the mail with my details was received at 9.45 pm EST on 1st May. Since their agency was closed at that time the payment could not be processed. However, they stated that the booking will be restored.On 4th may I received an email stating that the sailing was almost sold out. I was instead offered a junior suite, with an obstructed view, for a cost of $7,775 (instead of the original $4,400). If I did not agree my deposit of $900 would be forfeited.The Cruise line Royal Caribbean through their agents Direct Line Cruises, in collusion with each other, are attempting to extort money from me. They first induced me with a room of my choice and when a deposit was paid to them, they attempted to sell me their unsold inventory of a junior suite with an obstructed view at an additional cost $ 3,375. I have not agreed to the change and they have now forfeited my deposit. This is plain extortion, blackmail and fraud. Travellers beware
