I know many are upset like you about the Star and I understand that. With that being said, Princess actually did give good will. In the past when these mistakes happened on Princess and other lines, they were just canceled and all money was returned. In this case, Princess chose to give comped inside cabins with a chance to upgrade at a discounted price. Now it may not have included the premier or plus package, but it still was a comped cabin along with the deposit becoming OBC as stated for recognition of the inconvenience. Quite a few gambled and hoped it wouldn't be canceled but most, like me grabbing a cabin, knew it was more than likely a mistake. It was posted on here and on the roll call that they could cancel and refund even though cards were charged. It's what we agree to if mistakes are made. There are posters who are used to getting comped cabins, though probably not the reserve mini suites, but there are also many posters who don't get comped cabins or casino offers and hoped for the best.
It's a cruise that was booked well over a year away on a ship that isn't even built yet. I'm sure over the 2 nights that it was booked that no one purchased their airfare nor paid for non refundable hotels yet. There was already the threat of forfeiting the deposit as it was payable in full and on non-refundable. Posters said it wasn't a lot and they were willing to lose it.
The deposits became refundable and many have already gotten their refunds, though it may have taken a couple of calls or emails and was an inconvenience. It's huge disappointment which is understandable, but they are willing to still give comped cabins, though not the category booked. People were given a choice over a few days to decide what to do.
I'm not a cheerleader as many call positive posters who stick up for Princess and will very readily admit when they screw up and they did. Heck, my flooded cabin a week ago on The Enchanted was not handled well AT ALL and I'm not going to blindly stick up for Princess ever. This booking situation was a massive mistake that may not have been handled in the best manner, but at least they tried to do something by offering comped inside cabins with the deposit becoming OBC with a few days to decide what booked people wanted to do whether it was to keep, upgrade and or get a full refund. The person that has been helping, Jenn Wright, really needs kudos as she has been very quick and responsive and shows the best side of a Princess employee. It's too bad that there aren't more like her.
I truly hope you do get to sail one day on the Star and get the cruise that you really want at a fantastic price. Thank you for posting your original thread because it gave us all the chance, even fleeting to have booked a great deal.