Wow, I don't see the economy as a "convenient" answer. Have friends in the travel business & they sure are suffering so I can understand that Olivia would too. As for the overhead, I think that if they cut by 50%, it's maybe because the demand for their services has dropped by that much or somewhere around there? In that case it would make perfect sense to me.

What has this got to do with the lawsuit? We have no idea whether the "settlement" was pursued by Olivia or the people that instigated the case. So, I wouldn't be putting out comments about things we don't know.

If Olivia wants community support beyond the high end fees charged for trips, then the community deserves accountability.  I love the vacations as much as anyone but just because we all love to go on lesbian cruises, doesn't mean we should blindly donate to Olivia.  We deserve to know much more before we do.  Is Olivia in financial difficulty?  If so, why?  "The economy" is a convenient answer right now....but where are their financial statements and business plans?  What kind of extravagant overhead did they have if they could suddenly cut it by 50%?  How much equity has the owners taken out of the company over the years?  Did this have anything to do with the recent lawsuit settlement?  Why did Olivia settle if the accusations were false? 

I have asked Jeri to clarify........

It was my understanding on the Barbados cruise in January, that Olivia is going to stop offering 2 fers, period. Jill did not say there were exceptions.

My interpretation of that excerpt from the Best Price Guarantee is that the "on board" or "at resort" discounts aren't 2 fers, they are a discount on the price of the trip.

Where's Jeri? Can you clarify please.......  

 

It was my understanding while in Ixtapa this past January, that they would still raffle off 2 for 1s and have special booking discounts while vacationing on a cruise or at a resort.  This just won't be happening in emails to the general public.  Now I could be wrong, but as it says in the last part of Olivia's Best Price Guarantee ~

 

Please note that during select Olivia trips, travelers may be eligible for onboard or “at resort” discounts. These are special offers for our vacationing guests and are not considered a price reduction in any specific cabin or room category.

 

So, as Judy always says “you have to be there to win!”

hmmmm, that's interesting.  It was my understanding that 2fers were covered under the special offers section and not bound by the "best price"

Hello,

Unfortunately, it is true, at least in regard to the cruises starting this Fall.  I called Olivia and asked them about this specifically since I am starting to plan my travel and wanted to see if I could hold out any hope for a 2-for-1.

I don't think it affects the resorts (which don't show the "Best Price Guarantee" logo),  but it does affect the cruises in the future.  They couldn't very well upgrade everyone who booked at the regular price if they offered some number of 2-for's on the cruises. 

Happy Trails,

 Barb     

I also was not offended.  I recognize that these are difficult times for everyone.  I could not afford to become a charter member but I took a little from my savings for my next trip and sent it in. I would rather downgrade my room than not have the "Olivia nation" to vacation with!

And Barb, I don't think that the "best price Guarantee" is going to replace the 2fer's.  I think that is a strategy designed to convince women to book early with confidence.  if you read the guarantee, it excludes special offers.

It is interesting to see a request for capital from Olivia; I do hope they will remain solvent during these tough financial times.  I wonder how many women will be able to drop a grand for Olivia ... especially without being investors.  I wish Olivia success, that is for sure. 

I was personally sorry to hear about the "Best Price Guarantee" since it means the 2-for-1 offers will no longer show up in my mailbox for cruises!  

Olivia has always been at the top of our price range, so looks like we'll be glad we traveled with Olivia when we were able to do so.  Also, there is a huge amount of competition for travel dollars right now and I'm getting so many offers for discounts for all kinds of cruises, free air fare, etc. that it is tough to look beyond the great pricing advantages going on right now.

Nothing beats an Olivia vacation for giving us a wonderful sense of community, great entertainment, etc., that's for sure.  Unfortunately, with the pricing so high, we may still not be able to take advantage of being "beautiful together."

Best wishes to all Olivians,  Barb

We were not at all bothered by the "Membership Drive" letter we received.  Correct! - Olivia is not a charity or a not-for-profit organization.  Many big business corporations (that are not a charity or not-for-profit organization) grow to their size using different ways to raise capital to finance their expansion.  Olivia is a business and is in need of finances to stay afloat.

I believe the letter is asking for people to become "Charter Members".  It is asking for you to join as a member.  Not a "Stocks or buying Shares Investment" but a way of asking the community - in away - give back to / support Olivia at a time when Olivia needs a little help financially.  I for one would prefer not to see Olivia go under!

Olivia has done so much throughout the years to build what we know today as the women’s / lesbian community.  Think back – and you’ll find that Olivia is in some way attached to everything that grew to what we have today!

If you are bothered by this letter - just say no!  And call Olivia and tell them you would no longer like to receive solicitations from them!

Anyone else bothered by the "capital campaign" solicitation letter received this week?  Last I checked, Olivia is not a charity or not-for-profit organization. Usually when a for-profit company asks for investments of capital, the investor gets an equity stake, a return on investment and accountability from the company.  I don't think a luggage tag, sweatshirt and only one year of other elitist on-board perks quite compares.  Anyone else bothered about this?