How could you NOT book a future cruise or open booking while aboard?

[srphnx]

We are BIG proponents of booking while aboard, the credits are basically found money($100-$300), you can use your TA or anyother you see fit including Princess, there is no restrictions on travel date, ship or itineary if you take an open. The deposit ($100 to $200) is less than a 2 hour trip to the spa.
OH, and it makes it SO much easier to get off on Debarkation day if you have that piece of paper in your pocket, the "coming back" magic ticket.

Who is with me here on what I think is a win-win-sail situation?

Who doesn't do it and why?

Life is at it's best when your address floats
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 12/04
Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[verwirrt]

Steve,

I have read some of your other posts on this subject and you have convinced me. Thought about doing this on our last cruise but didn't. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Have stated your case to DH and we will definately be booking on board this time. Good advice.

Sharon

[sue d. miller]

Steve is totally right. There is no way to lose. Cheap to book, You get credit for doing it, you don't have to pick a cruise, 4 yrs. to use it, totally refundable , AND NO PCD!!!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[srphnx]

Remember only YOU can prevent PCD!


(post cruise depression) for those of you not in the know.

Life is at it's best when your address floats
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 12/04
Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[sue d. miller]

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

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[marco]

Hmmmm.....perhaps things have changed, but in the past, it was NOT refundable, and some 800 and internet cruise only places would NOT accept it. Some of these places offer prices that are still lower than other agents who would accept the prepaid credit. And (don't shoot me) because of itinerary/price/timing etc etc, Princess is NOT always our 1st choice.

[demisod]

What if you want to try another line next time?

[CruiseFever]

I have no idea why someone would NOT want to do this.

There were two stand out facets of our first Princess cruise on the Golden that completely sold me on the line. One was the whole Captains Circle repeaters concept, especially getting our membership cards, passport and pins while on our first Princess cruise. That was classy.

The second, which I engaged in shortly thereafter, was the whole Future Cruise desk concept. You simply can't lose on the deal, all you can do is gain. Dollars and cents wise it's a no brainer.

Emotionally I think it was in no small way responsible for me having the lightest case of PCD ever, more like a little tickle in my throat as opposed to the knock down drag out disease that had befallen me on every single cruise previous.

I simply did not have PCD.

I realized very quickly during our first voyage that Princess represented exactly what I am looking for in service, food, ambiance and value but had to go out of my way to get elsewhere. The way they handle the Captains Circle and Future Cruise desk is a real winner.

Good post

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05
Carnival Valor 10/30/05

[roe2ship]

That is one of my concerns that travel agents won't accept taking the booking. It seems that the best prices are usually those agents who have group space and are only willing to accept new reservations......does that make sense?

Caribbean Princess 7/03/04
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;7;3;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[sue d. miller]

Marco, Could you expain further. It could be helpfull to others, besides me. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Refundable is a very important word for me. My little family is uncertain, so that was my first question on board. I was told if I have not transfered my bookin, or have not picked a cruise in the 4 year period, before the end date, I could cancel the open booking and get a $200 refund to the credit card I booked with. If I do not have the same CC, I could give them another, and they would refund to another. Why a Ta would not accept it is strange. They aren't paying the credit given by Princess, and any credit a particular TA offers is on top of that, It is only a transfer of booking. and no shooting here!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif We all make the best choice for each of us at a certain time!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[CruiseFever]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>What if you want to try another line next time? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Then try one. That future cruise credit is good for 4 years and completely refundable as opposed to starting a booking from scratch back ashore and having to pay full depost and probably not getting the cabin credit

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05
Carnival Valor 10/30/05

[CruiseFever]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> perhaps things have changed <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I suppose things must have, because now it IS completely refundable. And, to me, with four years to use it in surely there will be a good possibility that Princess might offer something I would like.

Just the possibility is reason enough for me to do it

Does that make sense?

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05
Carnival Valor 10/30/05

[CruiseFever]

Maybe a good TA could help us out with an opinion on the notion that a TA might not want to accept a booking. I can't see why not but then I'm kinda new to this.

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05
Carnival Valor 10/30/05

[dewla]

I know that my internet travel agent that I have used for the last three years for our cruises has ALWAYYS been WAY WAY cheaper than the cruise line directly.
So even with the $200-300 credit it might STILL cost me more.....
Of course if it is COMPLETELY refundable than you can book it and always cancel if your personal TA has a better deal!

Laura

[crazy4themouse]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Who doesn't do it and why?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, while I certainly think rebooking onboard is the smartest thing to do, I'm sure I'm not the only one who can't afford the deposit on a future cruise while I'm still on the current one. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

-gina-

Grand Princess, here we come!! 3/12/05
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2005;3;12;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Disney Magic: 2/02, 2/03, 2/04

[srphnx]

My TA is ultra high volume, does offer group space, TOOK BOTH of my open future booking numbers and was glad to do so.

There is no down side to the TA, they get paid EXACTLY as they would on anyother booking, in fact the future cruise dude looked at the TA who booked the cruise I was on at the time of booking the futues and quoted THAT TA'S usual price not the higher one from PRINCESS.

All you do is this, book the open or the cruise, give the number they give to you to the TA of your choice and when the booking is confirmed with Princess the TA uses that number to reference your booking, use the deposit to hold and secure your on board credits which in my case were spelled out on my invoice which is always comforting.

Life is at it's best when your address floats
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 12/04
Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[mii]

Booking on board for future cruise is the best thing since sliced bread. LOL


Marilyn

[PeabodyNVL]

Dewla - You can book through your regular TA. All an open booking is is a deposit waiting for a "real" booking to be made. If you have a TA at the time you book the open booking, you can designate whether you want the booking to be assigned to the TA or to Princess.

Since my TA tends to have the best prices (and certainly exceptional service), we've had the booking assigned to her. If on the off-chance we had a falling out with her before we compelted this open booking, you can get the booking reassigned.

When you have an open booking, you are not agreeing to a set price, or a price set by Princess. You get your TA's price PLUS the onboard credits. You can't lose.

Pea

5/9 Golden Princess &nbsp;http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=191970&cdt=2004;5;9;23;0;00&timezone=GMT-0400
http://escati.linkopp.net/logos/time98.gif

[Pam in CA]

The future cruise deposit should be fully-refundable. It's your deposit on a cruise whether you've designated a specific cruise or not. You have the right to a full refund up until full payment date.

As for the booking, it's a Princess booking and I can't imagine a TA not accepting a booking. Once they accept the booking, you get THEIR rate. Maybe it's more complicated than I'm aware of but even if a TA has a group, the booking counts towards the group.

When I was on the Regal recently, I booked a guarantee on the Royal Princess 4/21/05 Manaus > Rome. It was assigned while I was onboard to the TA who booked my Regal cruise. She already had a group going on that cruise and had pretty good prices. Once I got home, I contacted another TA who generally has better prices and transferred the booking to her. I wouldn't have done it if the difference weren't substantial because I try to respect TAs and all the hard work they do.

Song of Norway & Song of America, 1986-88; Royal Princess 2/99; Sun Princess 1/00; Ocean Princess 12/00; Royal Princess 4/01; Grand Princess 12/23/01; Sea Princess 2/9/02; Explorer of the Seas 12/21/02; Coral Princess 8/9/03; Nordic Empress 12/27/03; Regal Princess (4/20/04)

-- Caribbean Princess (12/26/04) -- Roll Call (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=4763056957&m=9323078957)
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0099FF&cdt=2004;12;26;12;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800
-- Royal Princess (4/21/05) -- Roll Call (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=4763056957&m=999100981&r=999100981#999100981)
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0099FF&cdt=2005;04;21;12;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800

[sue d. miller]

Gina, you are right. Many people cannot afford it. If it helps, the way we do it, We book a year in advance, we put a little in the bank, and as soon as we have $200 in there, that is earmarked for the deposit. The rest of the savings is for spending. The $200 is first. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[roe2ship]

I think the real benefit here is the shipboard credit and thats it. Princess runs a sale almost once a month on reduced deposits of $100.00 per person. In fact, it was offered to me for my upcoming cruise.

Caribbean Princess 7/03/04
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;7;3;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[marco]

Sue D:

Don't know for sure why, but last year we went on the Dawn, friends wanted to come along. They had made an on-board deposit on a previous sailing. They called my agent, arranged for the booking, told them they had the onboard prepaid credit and were told "can't use it on this". They did not pursue it, and as it was not my $$$$, I did not, either. They booked through a different agent and used it and when all was said and done, they ended up paying $25 more pp out of pocket USING the prepaid deposit for same category cabin as we did not having it. In other words their price was a total of $225 more than ours.

[sue d. miller]

Good grief!! I would have checked other TA's. The TA it is transfered to has no losses involved with taking booking. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[srphnx]

Marco you friends situation is more about market than process, the booking is good and the deposit is available to any TA, that being said they are all independant and can opt to discount their percentage/commission as they see fit, perhaps the rates were not attractive to one TA. Timing can also be a factor as rates for a category can move alot and fast, so if you booked at different times that could explain it.

As to having enough $ to book, remember you CAN book an open with one name on it for $100 only. When you then later add the second person to the actual cruise booking, you add another $100 for that person. It needn't be $200 minimum.

Roe, the real dollar benefit is the credit, however there is value to the emotional comfort of having one in the works. Also those low deposit sales don't come on every ship, every sailing and every cabin as these open bookings do.

Life is at it's best when your address floats
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 12/04
Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[sue d. miller]

Steve, you are way too smart!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[srphnx]

Ah shucks maam, been called stupid by some but now smart by others.. guess it all evens out. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Life is at it's best when your address floats
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 12/04
Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[SchoolBob]

We also just got off of the Caribbean Princess on May 15th. I booked a future cruise onboard with just the deposit, and an open booking. I agree, that this seems to be a very good deal. I wasn't going to do it if I had to pay brochure prices through Princess, but once I found out that I could use my old TA, I was convinced. Plus, you have 4 years to use it. You can't lose.

5/8 Caribbean Princess
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=191970&cdt=2004;5;8;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[Ice Queen]

I am the ultimate skeptic and a firm believer in the "if it sounds too good..." so I spent a long time talking to the Princess cruise consultant on the Golden last week. I came away convinced that booking on board is a no-lose proposition. Here is what I was told:
* 4 years to pick a cruise
* 100% refundable and the final payment date
* It is applicable on any price/deal you can find (not limited to brochure/early booking discounts), even a last minute special
* On board credits vary depending on the length (not price) of the cruise booked. Most people will get $50-$100 pp credit which is a better return on my money than anything I get from my bank for 4 yrs interest.
* You are given two "invitations" to give to others who travel with you so they can get the same deal. You must travel with them tho.
* Not applicable to 3rd or 4th in cabin
* Not transferable
* Booking can be transferred to any travel agent. I don't understand why any would refuse. It's basically found money for them.

They got my $100 on the spot.

[NightOne]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by srphnx:
Who is with me here on what I think is a win-win-sail situation?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm a big a skeptic as they come and you are absolutely right that it is a win-win deal.

Only wish I would have gotten 2 of them since I already booked one with the one we had.

http://www.chicagohouserabbits.com/images/hopping-bunny.gif

Time until Sailing
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2005;04;10;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[sue d. miller]

You can make it happen next time!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[geoherb]

We're definitely sold on the benefits. I wish I had known about the onboard booking credits sooner. We did not book another cruise on our first Princess cruise but did on our second. The best part for us was that when we switched from an inside cabin to an obstructed view, Princess doubled our credit. We ended up paying less to move to a better cabin.

[gopher's girl]

I did not because they promoted it but didn't really explain how it worked. If they would have said $100 deposit, 4 years to sail... I would have been all over that.

Next time for sure!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dawn Princess 04/11/2004 ~ Southern Caribbean

Caribbean Princess 08/14/2004 ~ Eastern Caribbean

[Mega Al]

Is the on-board credit for the current cruise, or for the future cruise? Thanks.

[jerseygirl3]

The onboard credit is for the future cruise.

BTW, does anybody know if you can do more than one open booking while you are onboard. In other words, can I put down a deposit for myself and my husband for two open bookings?

caribbeanqueen3@comcast.net

[sue d. miller]

You can put a deposit on as many open bookings as you like. You can do it one of two ways. You can put the booking in one name, and put $100 deposit for each booking. Each time to use one, you pay another $100 deposit for the other person. Or you can put two names on the open booking for $200 each booking and that is all you pay till final payment. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[spongerob]

There really isn't a downside to open bookings. In fact, it's almost silly not to have an open booking on hand, just in case something comes along that you want to grab but don't have the cash on hand to put down a big deposit. Call me crazy, but I see no need to allow someone to hang onto a sizable chunk of my money for an extended period of time.

The only people who might not benefit would be those who book short-notice through consolidators, and have to pay the whole shot all at once anyway.

Completed:
Sea Princess, Royal Princess, Grand Princess (3X), Caribbean Princess, Golden Princess
Coming up:
Tahitian Princess Oct 14/04
Caribbean Princess redux 6/25/05

[JerryinBWB]

Just saw this thread; have not been checking for a few weeks. My wife and I have been on about 9 or 10 cruises; have often used the open booking, have never booked the next cruise thru Princess, but always thru a TA or on-line cruise consolidator; and in one case used it for a last minute, super cheap cruise. Another way to look at this is - - whenever you book the best, cheapest cruise you can possibly find (assuming it is a Princess cruise) you have $200 already paid toward the cost. If you decide you can never cruise Princess again, they give you your money back. It truly is a Win/Win situation. From the Princess point of view, they are happy for you to do it because it enhances the chances that you will cruise again with them. BTW, you can get your best deal which may include a lot of on-board credit and you still get the on-board credit that Princess gives you based on type of cabin chosen. Go for it is my advice.

[crazy4themouse]

You can put down just a $100 deposit and add someone else later?? That changes everything... on Disney, it's $250 per person, and if I was ever able to only put my name on it and add my son later, they sure never mentioned that. The difference between $100 and $500 is pretty sizable for me -- I think I can save up $100 more in the next 10 months. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Thanks for the info!!

-gina-

Grand Princess, here we come!! 3/12/05
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2005;3;12;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Disney Magic: 2/02, 2/03, 2/04

[jerseygirl3]

Crazy, what's really nice is the $100 deposit can be used for any length cruise. We just booked a 10 day Celebrity cruise, and the deposit was $450 pp. It was tough having to shell out $900 at once. That's why the deal with Princess is such a good one.

We have had an open booking with Princess since last year. We decided to go on the Royal Hounds Group Sailing on the Caribbean Princess scheduled for 9/17/05, and when I called the TA handling the group, she had no problem using my open booking deposit. That way I didn't have to come up with any money now for this booking, and in addition to the $100/cabin shipboard credit the group is getting, we are also getting the add'l $100/cabin shipboard credit for the open booking. It worked out great!

caribbeanqueen3@comcast.net

[srphnx]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by NightOne:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by srphnx:
Who is with me here on what I think is a win-win-sail situation?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm a big a skeptic as they come and you are absolutely right that it is a win-win deal.

Only wish I would have gotten 2 of them since I already booked one with the one we had.
I did get 2, used them both within a week of getting off Diamond, wish I had taken 3.. this time I am prepared. You normally put $250 down for 2 people, or $500, so I am opening up 5 opens. 5 @ $100 and then I can plot my way to Elite. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

http://www.chicagohouserabbits.com/images/hopping-bunny.gif

Time until Sailing
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2005;04;10;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500 <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Life is at it's best when your address floats
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 12/04
Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[Pam in CA]

Crazy... yes, you can add someone later. I did a future booking on the Royal next year as a single in a cabin (going with a group of friends) and anyone else can be added to the booking.

Song of Norway & Song of America, 1986-88; Royal Princess 2/99; Sun Princess 1/00; Ocean Princess 12/00; Royal Princess 4/01; Grand Princess 12/23/01; Sea Princess 2/9/02; Explorer of the Seas 12/21/02; Coral Princess 8/9/03; Nordic Empress 12/27/03; Regal Princess (4/20/04)

-- Caribbean Princess (12/26/04) -- Roll Call (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=4763056957&m=9323078957)
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0099FF&cdt=2004;12;26;12;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800
-- Royal Princess (4/21/05) -- Roll Call (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=4763056957&m=999100981&r=999100981#999100981)
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0099FF&cdt=2005;04;21;12;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800

[NightOne]

Not only do you lock in the onboard credits, you could still get more from the TA. We had $100 per cabin coming for booking outside, but when the TA booked it, she bumped us to $150 per cabin onboard credit. Not only is that 75% of what I put down to get the open booking, but it covers the tips on a 7 night (for both) and the 1st 2 fruity drinks.

Not too shabby.

http://www.chicagohouserabbits.com/images/hopping-bunny.gif

Time until Sailing
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2005;04;10;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[Andee]

Since Princess changed from non-refundable to refundable in the past, I worry that they might change back again.

We like lots of different vacations, not just cruising, and although this October's cruise will be our 5th in 8 years, they've been on 4 different cruise lines, and I don't see another cruise on our travel agenda over the next four years.

[Jim & Louise]

HI,

I think I've read on other posts on this board that people from outside the US cannot use this in the same way?

Does anyone know if this is the case?

Thanks,
Jim

[srphnx]

Not yet Jim, I will ask once aboard on Saturday, we have an Aussie on our November sailing maybe you two know each other.... JOKE.

I do know there are some TA restrictions for you out of towners but will ask and report back, feel free to email me if you wish to remind me. Add @aol.com to this screen name,

Steve

Life is at it's best when your address floats
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 12/04
Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[sue d. miller]

I promise I won't email you. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[srphnx]

Seems best Sue, me sitting here all alone having tried on my tux to be sure it fits, best not to start what is unwise to finish.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sue d. miller:
I promise I won't email you. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24







<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Life is at it's best when your address floats
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 12/04
Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[sue d. miller]

ROFLMAO!!!!!! YOu are too cute. YOu just made my nite!!!!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I am really going to miss you next week!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[srphnx]

Ditto cutie,

I will be posting, look for something along the lines of "Diamond the second time thru."

I have budgeted a few $$ to use the cyber cafe, and I hear our exchange rate is good versus the Alaskan Dollar so maybe even in port.

I will miss talking about cruising with you all, but for a pretty good reason.

Life is at it's best when your address floats
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 12/04
Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[sue d. miller]

Send a picture of you and your better half on formal nite!! I'll save it in my favorites!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[srphnx]

Send it where?...To the open board, what kind of ruckus would that cause on future cruises?

"See that guy, if you don't get to lobster night ahead of him, you will go hungry".

Life is at it's best when your address floats
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 12/04
Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[sue d. miller]

Yes right here in front of God and everyone!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifWe love you no matter. If you saw me full of wrinkles, would you not like me anymore!!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[sue d. miller]

Ok so you wouldn't. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif You can email it to me. My email is in my profile. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[J18ktleo]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifHey, everyone! What an education! My husband jokes that I'm always reading this board but I learn so much! I had no idea what this meant! When we were on the Grand in January, I thought it was to actually book future cruises and knowing that my agent beats all deals I never even went to look! Now.......the question is.....we're sailing on the CP in Sept and just booked the Diamond for January...is there any way we can do the open booking on the CP and then get the credits for the DP??? I'm thinking probably not since we already have a cabin reserved but it never hurts to ask???Any advice would be greatly appreciated http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Cunard Princess 1983; Royal Princess 1985; Dawn Princess 1990; Carnival Fantasy 1993; Epirotiki Odysseus 1995; Carnival Ecstasy 1998; Sun Princess 12/1999; Renaissance 12/2000; Carnival Ecstasy 8/2001; Carnival Spirit 12/2001; Grandeur of the Seas 6/2002; Celebrity Infinity 8/29/2002; Carnival Triumph 6/14/03; Grand Princess 1/11/04; Caribbean Princess 9/4/04

[sue d. miller]

I am taking a guess. I don't think so either. If you would like credits for both, Cancel the cruise for the Diamond before the Caribbean, and book the open booking,for the Diamond then you will have credit for the Damond anf transfer the booking to the original Ta. It will cost you $200 onboard, You will get your original $500 deposit back [save for final payment] and you will have free cabin credits to spend on the cruise. Tell your TA that is what you are doing. If she [or he[ cancels your first booking, say friday, and puts your cabin on hold, and you do your open booking on board right away. You could email your TA while on the ship with the booking # and you wouldn't lose your cabin. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[HeartofTexas]

Can someone explain the previous comment stating does not apply to a 3rd or 4th in cabin?

We have two children we want to take on a cruise and as I read through this was getting overly excited about putting $400 down and getting an onboard credit of $50 to $100 for each person. Upwards of $400!!??? Wow - correct me where I'm wrong.

[sue d. miller]

OK. The 3rd and 4th they were refering to was the referral program. If you refer two new people to book a cruise, you get credit. It does not apply to 3rd and 4th in your cabin. they must have their own cabin. Now, if the children you are taking are in the same cabin with you, you only deposit $200 and you still get the cabin credits. If your children are over 21, you can book two cabins, $400 for both, and all 4 get cabin credits. And use the referral program for the second cabin.

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[jody]

I admit it, I didn't do an open booking on my first Princess cruise. I wanted to (as there is really no downside and no risk), but my s/o said he was sure we wouldn't cruise again in the next few years even though we had a great time on Princess. A few months later, the cruise prices dropped to rock bottom due to Sept 11 and we booked a cruise just 11 months after the first one. You can be sure I NOW always do a future booking on every cruise I take! It's great to book a cruise and know that the deposit is small and it's already paid for.


Yes, it's true that you don't have to specify who is going with you on your future booking. I always do it in my name and have taken my s/o and also a friend a different time. You can add the second person's name when you actually do the real booking.

Do it! There's nothing to lose and shipboard credits to gain! I've yet to have to cancel because my future booking was expired. Another cruise always comes up in plenty of time. :-)

NEXT UP: Tahitian Princess October 2004 (Tahiti)
Golden Princess May 2003 (Mediterranean)
Golden Princess January 2002 (Eastern Caribbean)
Sea Princess March 2001 (Western Caribbean)
Carnival Inspiration March 1997 (Southern Caribbean)

[srphnx]

Today is Friday, I can tell you we will have at least two more by Sunday. These being genuine Alaskan open bookings. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Life is at it's best when your address floats
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 12/04
Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[debs4ou]

Thanks guys for all of this wonderful information. I have been on 4 cruises,all on carnival but have never done this. If our cruise June 5 on CP is great.....I will do the booking early. :0) Thanks again for your input.

[Aquarian]

Beat me over the head with a wet Princess Patter. We were just on the Caribbean Princess and fully intended to take advantage of this. Would you believe we were having so much fun that we forgot to stop by and book a future cruise? I'm kicking myself, especially after reading this! You can be sure I will book an open booking on my next Princess cruise.

[srphnx]

We try to be the first on board... first to make reservations for PC dining and the FIRST to make another bookings.

[Zoey1]

We are BIG proponents of booking while aboard, the credits are basically found money($100-$300), you can use your TA or anyother you see fit including Princess, there is no restrictions on travel date, ship or itineary if you take an open. The deposit ($100 to $200) is less than a 2 hour trip to the spa.
OH, and it makes it SO much easier to get off on Debarkation day if you have that piece of paper in your pocket, the "coming back" magic ticket.

Who is with me here on what I think is a win-win-sail situation?

Who doesn't do it and why?

[

I so agree with you. Can't imagine why anyone would NOT do it. Truly is a win/win situation!
Wendy

[elliair]

It depends on what kind of experience I had on the cruise that determines whether I will book again on board. My last cruise on the Carnivorous Pride, gave me an experience to NEVER sail their cruise line again. I hold grudges for a very long time.

This will be our first cruise on Princess. We have sailed 3 times on RCL, 5 times on the Carnival Elation and 1 time on the Carnival Pride. Our TA recommended Princess as they reserve the right as to how many children will be on board. We shall see. And, we got a good deal and a balcony--our first time to experience a cruise with a balcony. Yippeee.:D

[srphnx]

I have a fat bet that you will be booking a future cruise on that first Princess cruise.It depends on what kind of experience I had on the cruise that determines whether I will book again on board. My last cruise on the Carnivorous Pride, gave me an experience to NEVER sail their cruise line again. I hold grudges for a very long time.

This will be our first cruise on Princess. We have sailed 3 times on RCL, 5 times on the Carnival Elation and 1 time on the Carnival Pride. Our TA recommended Princess as they reserve the right as to how many children will be on board. We shall see. And, we got a good deal and a balcony--our first time to experience a cruise with a balcony. Yippeee.:D

[elliair]

srphnx (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/member.php?u=34558) http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/statusicon/user_online.gif vbmenu_register("postmenu_1792161", true); : In about 15 minutes, a young man is coming to look at my truck to buy. If he buys it, I will be booking a Princess cruise tomorrow. Wish me luck.:) Ooopps he's here, gotta go!

[srphnx]

Sell that truck!!

[elliair]

YIPPPEEEE! WooooooooHoooo! Got a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit and the rest will be paid on Friday! Princess in October here I come!

[sue d. miller]

Congratulations!! I am so happy for you!!! :D

[srphnx]

Diamond,Diamond, Diamond.YIPPPEEEE! WooooooooHoooo! Got a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit and the rest will be paid on Friday! Princess in October here I come!

[llmoyer123]

does this even work with the big online agencies like cruise**ick and buy***ises?

[srphnx]

You can transfer an open or even specific booking to ANY TA, the TA for some DUMB reason might not want it, but that can't be much of a worry.

[edYYZ]

Err we didn't go for an open booking... because we didn't know of the benefits! :(

[srphnx]

Bad, bad cruiser!!!... Don't you read the posts here that aren't debates about formal night? :) Err we didn't go for an open booking... because we didn't know of the benefits! :(

[edYYZ]

Bad, bad cruiser!!!... Don't you read the posts here that aren't debates about formal night? :)
LOL they exist?? :) Actually I found this board after our cruise.. unfortunately!

[jerseygirl3]

Is it true that if my husband and I were to do two open bookings and just put down one name for each of them (in essence, securing two open bookings but putting out only $200 total), when we added the second person to each booking we'd still only have to come up with an add'l $100? They wouldn't make us put down the regular $250 per person deposit for the second person when we added them on later?