What are your experiences with a Gty. cabin??Good or Bad!!

[landbc]

I have a BC Gty. on my upcoming CP cruise in Oct. It will be my first balcony and it is my first Gty. cabin. I upgraded yesterday from a JJ inside to my BC Gty. for a great price but not knowing where my room is going to be is a little scary. All thoughts are appreciated!!!

Lee

Century 05/03
RCCL Explorer 5/23/04
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Caribbean Princess 10/23/2004
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[mringenoldus]

We have always had great luck with the GTY. I'm not sure if it's because I like the mystery of where I will be assigned or the terrific upgrades we've gotten. One time we went from the absolute lowest catagory on the ship to a balcony cabin. (Of course, I'm the same person who gets a great kick out of clicking on the Hotwire button and finding out which hotel they give me!)

CCL Holiday 2000
CCL Elation 2001
CCL Pride 2002
CCL Ecstacy 2003
RCL AOS 2003
Sun Princess May 14 2004!!

[cruzenmama]

We also booked a gty on the CP. I agree with mringenoldus, I love the mystery of not knowing where we will be. We, in fact, have never booked a specific cabin. Always a gty and have never been disappointed.



Jeanne-Marie

Caribbean Princess 10/16/2004
Triumph 4/26/2003
Triumph 4/13/2002
Sensation 96-01
Destiny 97
Costa Victoria 99
Horizon 95
Noordam 89
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[landbc]

Thanks for the response!

Century 05/03
RCCL Explorer 5/23/04
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Caribbean Princess 10/23/2004
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[KAJOKG]

I wish I loved the mystery too. It drives me nuts not knowing where my cabin will be. I just booked an AD gty on the Coral because I want a minisuite and it's the only way I could do it unless I wanted to book all the way forward. We did it once before on the Island and it turned out great, but I went crazy wondering where we would end up!! I think that guarantees are terrific when booking a lower category. It's only a win win situation in that instance.

KB

NCL NORWAY - 2000
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2001
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2002
HAL NOORDAM - 2002
HAL VOLENDAM - 2003
ISLAND PRINCESS - NOV. 2003
HAL VOLENDAM - JAN. 2004
CORAL PRINCESS - OCT. 2004

[waltd]

I would guess that the only thing you might have to worry about with a guarantee is what type of beds you will wind up with. Is it possible to get a cabin that has only twins and will not convert to a larger bed. If that's not a problem then you should be ok.

[landbc]

Waltd-That would be a huge problem! I checked Princess's deck layout and it it looks like all cabins in Cat. BC and higher can have the option of a queen sized bed in them. I hope I am correct in my research.

Lee

Century 05/03
RCCL Explorer 5/23/04
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Caribbean Princess 10/23/2004
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[Target]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I just booked an AD gty on the Coral because I want a minisuite and it's the only way I could do it unless I wanted to book all the way forward. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

We have done the same thing KAJOKG! We are booked on the Island Princess in July for Northbound Alaska. We were in a balcony and were offered the upgrade to an AD minisuite for no additional cost (way back in September). I just paid off my balance, so I am hoping a room will be assigned soon. They say it may not be assigned until boarding...I think I will absolutely loose my mind by then!! Did you notice there are only 8 rooms in the AD category? Maybe we will get boosted up another level....? Good luck to you!

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[geoherb]

When I checked out the deck plans for the Caribbean Princess, it looks like Princess has solved the problem of a few balcony cabins that had beds that could not be made into one. On the Grand-class ships, there are a few balcony cabins that have an asterisk to denote that the beds can't be made together.

We've had guarantees four times on Princess. On our first cruise, with a BC guarantee, we ended up in a BB cabin. On the second, we had a K guarantee and ended up in an II cabin. On the third and fourth cruises, we booked guarantee cabins but ended up switching to specific cabins when prices dropped.

[rona]

Lee.....if you dont mind me asking what kind of increase did you pay for the balcony gty?? We have a JJ right now and would love to try a balcony gty if it is a reasonable increase. My husband has been extreme ill and was hospitalized the majority of the past year - this would be a fabulous surprise for him. Thanks for your info.

10/23/04 CARIBBEAN PRINCESS CRUISE
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[landbc]

rona- I paid 210$(770$ total a person plus we have a 100$ room credit) a person more to go from an inside JJ to a BC Gty. balcony.

Lee

Century 05/03
RCCL Explorer 5/23/04
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Caribbean Princess 10/23/2004
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[mcgluro]

As a follow-up question related to this topic - After booking a Gty. have you ever been upgraded after your stateroom has been assigned?

We booked a Gty. on the 9/18 sailing of the Caribbean Princess and we've been assigned a stateroom already. I was wondering if that's because our category has sold out and they assigned all the rooms. I'm considering upgrading to a Caribe balcony but wondered if I should wait a while with hopes of receiving an upgrade.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you and happy sailing to all.

[rona]

Lee thank you sooo much - I will contact my ta and see if we can do something similar!!

10/23/04 CARIBBEAN PRINCESS CRUISE
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[landbc]

Your very welcome rona!! Good luck, I hope it all works out for you!!

Lee

Century 05/03
RCCL Explorer 5/23/04
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Caribbean Princess 10/23/2004
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[shellyc]

We booked a GTY AD on the Diamond Princess for a June cruise. We booked in December 2003 and were assigned an AA cabin within 2 weeks of booking. I am excited and pleased. I know the AA's are exposed balconies, but being midship with a mini-suite is what I wanted in the first place. Yippee.

Milton & Michele - NJ

[Target]

Just checked with my TA. All of the suites on my cruise are booked. July 24th northbound Alaska on Island Princess. No price reduction for me.... http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif but at least I was given a free upgrade to an AD guarantee from a balcony!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif All is right with the world.....

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[landbc]

Looks like, from other posting on this subject,Princess assigns cabins faster than the other cruise lines do.

Century 05/03
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Caribbean Princess 10/23/2004
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[KAJOKG]

Target -- In my opinion you don't want to be bumped up to a higher category. We had A503 and it was terrific. All AD minis are on Aloha and Baja and are the end of midship bumpout sections...either fore and aft of those sections. In a higher cat will be the Dolphin deck and those balconies are uncovered. That's why we went with the AD guarantee. Cabin was assigned a week before we sailed. We loved the Island and we look forward to sailing on her sister ship Coral in October. These ships are very, very long so midship is the best place to be. You will enjoy the Princess.

KB

NCL NORWAY - 2000
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2001
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2002
HAL NOORDAM - 2002
HAL VOLENDAM - 2003
ISLAND PRINCESS - NOV. 2003
HAL VOLENDAM - JAN. 2004
CORAL PRINCESS - OCT. 2004

[jeffandangie]

We did a BD GTY and the cruise is 27 days away with no cabin assignment. We booked months ago. The cruise appears full because you can't purchase anything below a suite. I realize we are "guaranteed" but I would also like to know all is well and there is actually a cabin with our name on it.

When should I be concerned?

- Jeff and Angie

Golden Princess - So. Caribbean, 10th Anniversary 5/16/2004<BRhttp://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;5;16;23;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[Target]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Target -- In my opinion you don't want to be bumped up to a higher category. We had A503 and it was terrific. All AD minis are on Aloha and Baja and are the end of midship bumpout sections...either fore and aft of those sections. In a higher cat will be the Dolphin deck and those balconies are uncovered. That's why we went with the AD guarantee. Cabin was assigned a week before we sailed. We loved the Island and we look forward to sailing on her sister ship Coral in October. These ships are very, very long so midship is the best place to be. You will enjoy the Princess.

KB
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks! I would prefer the bump out, but with eight cabins...I made our reservation back in August, but I just paid final balance last week. According to my TA, all of the suites are booked, so I am not sure where we are in that list....are the balconies bigger on the corners or smaller? They sound great!! Tell me more!!
Laura

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[KAJOKG]

TARGET -- I think the minisuites on Aloha and Baja are on the bumpout section. The balconies are not really big, but are more than adequate. We had a very large table which took up too much room. I should have asked the cabin steward to replace it. Cabin is great!
JEFFANDANGIE: We didn't get our guar. assignment until a week before we sailed. Some I know didn't get assigned until the checked in at the pier. I know, it's awful. I hate not knowing.

KB

NCL NORWAY - 2000
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2001
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2002
HAL NOORDAM - 2002
HAL VOLENDAM - 2003
ISLAND PRINCESS - NOV. 2003
HAL VOLENDAM - JAN. 2004
CORAL PRINCESS - OCT. 2004

[AmyinGA]

We booked a mini suite qty on the Grand-Eastern Caribbean. We ended up with an AB. We were thrilled, but we didn't find out our cabin # until 6 days before the cruise. I got addicted to the personalizer and I was checking it everyday.

[daWoods]

Three cruises, three guarantees. Each cruise were assigned something higher than the guarantee. Happy with all of them. The key is to book a guarantee in the category acceptable to you. Don't book an outside guarantee if you won't be satisfied with anything less than a balcony.

Island Princess Feb. 2004
Grand Princess Feb. 2002
Norwegian Sky Feb. 2001

[JannyO]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Target:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I just booked an AD gty on the Coral because I want a minisuite and it's the only way I could do it unless I wanted to book all the way forward. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

We have done the same thing KAJOKG! We are booked on the Island Princess in July for Northbound Alaska. We were in a balcony and

Were offered the upgrade to an AD minisuite for no additional cost (way back in September). I just paid off my balance, so I am hoping a room will be assigned soon. They say it may not be assigned until boarding...I think I will absolutely loose my mind by then!! Did you notice there are only 8 rooms in the AD category? Maybe we will get boosted up another level....? Good luck to you!



Hi there!
We paid off in full 2 weeks ago for Island- Sept 11 Southbound with AD Suite. Princess sent a fax to the TA and they upgraded us to a AB Minu AND gave us our room number.
One never knows........
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00FF00&prgb=FF0000&cdt=2004;07;23;12;00;00&timezone=EST-0200 <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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9/11 Alaska Southbound Island Princess

[KAJOKG]

JannyO -- Was the upgrade to AB on the Dolphin Deck? That's what I don't want to happen. Were you give the choice of refusal?

KB

NCL NORWAY - 2000
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2001
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2002
HAL NOORDAM - 2002
HAL VOLENDAM - 2003
ISLAND PRINCESS - NOV. 2003
HAL VOLENDAM - JAN. 2004
CORAL PRINCESS - OCT. 2004

[mpk]

Sorry for the newbie question, but how are upgrades offered? To they phone you and mail you, etc.

I'm using a travel agent. Does it affect upgrade chances if you use a travel agent instead of booking with Princess directly? I hope not...

[KAJOKG]

mpk -- You're probably in good hands with a TA. Be sure to check with them every now and then and let them know that you're interested in an upgrade. Some people get lucky. I've never gotten an upgrade, but I usually book a specific cabin at the outset. When you book a gaurantee it will be in a certain category, and it's gauranteed that your cabin will be that category or better. Often the cruise line will upgrade a booked cabin so they can sell the lower category originally booked. Have I thoroughly confused you?? Hope not!

KB

NCL NORWAY - 2000
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2001
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2002
HAL NOORDAM - 2002
HAL VOLENDAM - 2003
ISLAND PRINCESS - NOV. 2003
HAL VOLENDAM - JAN. 2004
CORAL PRINCESS - OCT. 2004

[mertensmk]

If we have an II guarantee and have been assigned L249 but it's still a guarantee and we've made final payment does this mean that we won't be upgraded again? We orginally booked on the baja inside hoping for an upgrade to an outstide cabin but were moved to the lido for an II guarantee. Should I call my TA to see if there are any oceanviews or balconies available?

[Debatl]

To McGluro--We returned a week ago from the Grand Princess. It was spring break, and the ship was totally sold out. We had 3 cabins booked--1 Cat.BF guarantee, and 2 Cat. M guarantee cabins. About a week before sailing, we received a BE cabin assignment for the balcony. 72 hours before sailing, we received cabin assignments for the Cat. M cabins. The assignments were for 2 inside cabins on the Aloha deck. On Friday night before the Sunday sailing, I had a call directly from Princess saying they had upgraded the two inside cabins to obstructed view cabins. Of course, DH and I were on Emerald deck, and the two obstructed view cabins were a couple of doors down from us. I truly think they did all they could not to have two rooms of 18 year olds on a floor with no parental supervision--which worked out fine from all points of view--they had a window, and we could check on them easier (and hear when they came in at night!!)

Debbie

[mcgluro]

Debbie - Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I hope you enjoyed the Grand. We've sailed on her for the last four years and we're really looking forward to sailing on the Caribbean Princess. I have a feeling that I'd better reserve exactly what I want now as it seems this ship is filling up fast.

I should try your plan of booking several rooms. I'm taking some adults with me that could us some supervision too!

Happy cruising!

[landbc]

Thanks for all the responses!!

Century 05/03
RCCL Explorer 5/23/04
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Caribbean Princess 10/23/2004
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[skarletohara]

We booked a BB guarantee for the Golden in
December and received our assignment 10 days before sailing and received a CAt. VS which
is a full suite (Vista Suite) It was fabulous!

It was only our second time sailing with Princess

Carnival Holiday 6/92
RCCL Monarch of the Seas 6/94
Celebrity Infinity 6/28/01
Star Princess 2/08/03
Golden Princess 12/06/03

[JannyO]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by KAJOKG:
JannyO -- Was the upgrade to AB on the Dolphin Deck? That's what I don't want to happen. Were you give the choice of refusal?

KB

NCL NORWAY - 2000
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2001
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2002
HAL NOORDAM - 2002
HAL VOLENDAM - 2003
ISLAND PRINCESS - NOV. 2003
HAL VOLENDAM - JAN. 2004
CORAL PRINCESS - OCT. 2004<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Hi again KB!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Our upgrade is on the Caribe deck. From the thoughts of all these fine Princess people-it seems that this is a pretty good deck.
I'm a first timer, so all I want is to do is totally go off my diet and get out of the desert heat! I'm up for anything!!
JO

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff0000&cdt=2004;09;11;21;30;00&timezone=GMT-1000
9/11 Alaska Southbound Island Princess

[landbc]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Century 05/03
RCCL Explorer 5/23/04
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Caribbean Princess 10/23/2004
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[todd-r]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by skarletohara:
We booked a BB guarantee for the Golden in
December and received our assignment 10 days before sailing and received a CAt. VS which
is a full suite (Vista Suite) It was fabulous!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
skarletohara,
How far in advance did you book?

Up next - Pacific NorthWest Coastal!

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Navigator of the Seas - 01/05
Dawn Princess - 10/04
Grand Princess - 11/04 (Cancelled)
Grand Princess - 10/04 (Cancelled)
Island Princess - 05/04
Grand Princess - 10/03
Norway - 10/03 (Cancelled)
Wind Surf - Transatlantic 4/02

[skarletohara]

Hi Todd-R,
We booked that particular cruise Sept 10th
for a sailing on Dec. 6th, so about 3 months.
Also, we had been on a Princess cruise (our only one) seven months previous to that one.
Maybe because it was our second booking within that calendar year???
Who knows.
Also booked a window-cabin guarantee on a Celebrity ship a couple years back and received
a balcony in the highest category too. On that
one we booked 5 months out.

Carnival Holiday 6/92
RCCL Monarch of the Seas 6/94
Celebrity Infinity 6/28/01
Star Princess 2/08/03
Golden Princess 12/06/03

[pfibilly]

I booked a Gty BC on the TP for 6/26. Anyone out there had any experience getting upgraded to a mini-suite from there?

Carnival Carnivale January 1978
Carnival Jubilee December 1998
Golden Princess May 2003
Tahitian Princess June 2004

[KAJOKG]

JannyO -- Caribe deck is good. I hear the balconies on that deck are larger than others. Lucky you!

KB

NCL NORWAY - 2000
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2001
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2002
HAL NOORDAM - 2002
HAL VOLENDAM - 2003
ISLAND PRINCESS - NOV. 2003
HAL VOLENDAM - JAN. 2004
CORAL PRINCESS - OCT. 2004

[roohound]

Having just received an upgrade, I'm confused. When we booked our upcoming Alaska cruise, we booked room D410 an AB cat.

Yesterday I got a voice mail from my TA saying Princess had upgraded us to a PS since we were in a guarantee category.

Um, I dind't know you could be in a guarantee and still be assigned a room LOL THe only thing I can think of is we were asked when we made the original booking with Princess if we would accept an upgrade if one came available and we said yes..so maybe by saying that that made our booking technically a guarantee?