Price Drop Dilemma

There has been a significant price drop on our upcoming cruise (~25%). Unfortunately, the dreaded "Non-Refundable" clause would now kick in. At risk would be our FCCs. With the kids in school, there is a 25% chance that we would have an issue (snow days, etc) that may cause us to cancel.

I'm hesitant to pull the trigger on this due to the risk. Now I know why casinos use chips for the table games and not real money. Gamblig with real money is much harder.

Any advice from all the veteran cruisers out there? Thanks.

There has been a significant price drop on our upcoming cruise (~25%). Unfortunately, the dreaded "Non-Refundable" clause would now kick in. At risk would be our FCCs. With the kids in school, there is a 25% chance that we would have an issue (snow days, etc) that may cause us to cancel.

 

I'm hesitant to pull the trigger on this due to the risk. Now I know why casinos use chips for the table games and not real money. Gamblig with real money is much harder.

 

Any advice from all the veteran cruisers out there? Thanks.

Rock and a hard place! That's one of the things I don't like about those offers. I like to be able to book and cancel/change so I stay away even if they sound good. How much is the 25% in dollars? That would help me decide. Also, is the new offer with the restrictions? It sounds that way to me but I'm not sure.

This is your holiday, your gamble remember to do what is best for you and your family. A great deal is not a great deal if it causes you considerable stress as you go thru the months leading up to the cruise. No one here can suggest a yes or no you will have to make that decision you are the one who lives with your choice. This I am sure is a difficult decision I wish you peace of mind and great happiness with your decision.

Rock and a hard place! That's one of the things I don't like about those offers. I like to be able to book and cancel/change so I stay away even if they sound good. How much is the 25% in dollars? That would help me decide. Also, is the new offer with the restrictions? It sounds that way to me but I'm not sure.

The new offer is the one with restrictions. My current booking has no restrictions. Practically, with the change in OBC offered, I'd be risking $200 in FCCs to save $375. Not much, but any savings is tempting.

The new offer is the one with restrictions. My current booking has no restrictions. Practically, with the change in OBC offered, I'd be risking $200 in FCCs to save $375. Not much, but any savings is tempting.

Quite honestly, that amount of money to me wouldn't be worth the restrictions. Esp since as you stated you may have to change plans. It wouldn't be worth the stress. Every snow storm and you'll be worried! Much greater loss if you have to cancel. Just keep checking for price reductions that won't cause the restrictions. That's what I would do.

Curses Hoosier Cruiser...I have a headache now trying to figure out what the best route is to go for two cruises now....

Honestly..thanks for the heads up

Curses Hoosier Cruiser...I have a headache now trying to figure out what the best route is to go for two cruises now....

 

Honestly..thanks for the heads up

I should post this to our roll call. I'm still trying to figure out the best route. Probably just wait for another sale.

Would your insurance reimburse for the lost FCC if you cancel???

Would your insurance reimburse for the lost FCC if you cancel???

If it's a covered reason for cancelling, I was thinking like you....the travel insurance should cover it:confused:

Sometimes it helps to talk to the right person at Princess. ;)

If you could get cheap enough insurance, then I think it would probably be worth it. Those non-refundable deposits are tough; we usually avoid them to be safe.

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Thanks Hoosier Cruiser....on my December cruise went from lowest inside to lowest OV for $20 more per cabin and then somehow got $25 more OBC...I'll take it....

Had to call my TA twice...first agent said I couldn't do a re-fare and that I would lose my FCC (referral) if I cancelled the cruise....called Princess to find out all of that was BS...shopped around for the best deal and then called back again to see if they would re-fare it..got an agent that had no problem doing it...lesson confirmed today...if you don't like the answer you get...try again....lol

Now on to the March cruise....my dilemma...4 adults currently in two sideways insides (2 each)...stay put or all of us in a mini-suite?....Where is the upper bed located in the mini?

 

Had to call my TA twice...first agent said I couldn't do a re-fare and that I would lose my FCC (referral) if I cancelled the cruise....called Princess to find out all of that was BS...shopped around for the best deal and then called back again to see if they would re-fare it..got an agent that had no problem doing it...lesson confirmed today...if you don't like the answer you get...try again....lol

 

With a cruise booked with a TA, you were lucky a Princess agent was even willing to talk about your cruise much less make changes to the booking. It violated Princess rules for when you use a TA.

There has been a significant price drop on our upcoming cruise (~25%). Unfortunately, the dreaded "Non-Refundable" clause would now kick in. At risk would be our FCCs. With the kids in school, there is a 25% chance that we would have an issue (snow days, etc) that may cause us to cancel.

 

Based on your location, I assume you will need to fly to the cruise.

What are you doing about plane reservations? Are you waiting until winter is over to book them?

Posters on other threads have said that non-refundable doesn't mean non-transferable. There have been reports that those cancelling non-refundable bookings have been able to transfer their deposits to a new booking.

Thanks Hoosier Cruiser....on my December cruise went from lowest inside to lowest OV for $20 more per cabin and then somehow got $25 more OBC...I'll take it....

 

Had to call my TA twice...first agent said I couldn't do a re-fare and that I would lose my FCC (referral) if I cancelled the cruise....called Princess to find out all of that was BS...shopped around for the best deal and then called back again to see if they would re-fare it..got an agent that had no problem doing it...lesson confirmed today...if you don't like the answer you get...try again....lol

 

Now on to the March cruise....my dilemma...4 adults currently in two sideways insides (2 each)...stay put or all of us in a mini-suite?....Where is the upper bed located in the mini?

You would gain some room and a balcony, but lose a bathroom. That would have me thinking no. You didn't specify if it was 4 adult females, males, couples or family. If it was couples, than a definite no.:eek::):eek:

With a cruise booked with a TA, you were lucky a Princess agent was even willing to talk about your cruise much less make changes to the booking. It violated Princess rules for when you use a TA.

Sorry...Princess did not discuss my booking...I asked Princess if the sale was for new bookings only or were re-fares permitted...and I asked what happens if I have referral credits and the cruise is cancelled...then I shopped around with other TAs and then gave my TA another call and one of their agents re-fared it for me no problem...

The 4 adults are myself, DH, his daughter 21 and a friend of her's (female)

. . . . Now on to the March cruise....my dilemma...4 adults currently in two sideways insides (2 each)...stay put or all of us in a mini-suite?....Where is the upper bed located in the mini?

OMG, stay put!!!! One bathroom for four adults, three of whom are women (not to belabour stereotypes reflective of gender-normative behaviour but still . . . )?! I hate being without a window but even still I'd go for the inside over sharing a bath with three others. (Actually, I'd look into two obstructed view cabins for probably only a little more money, but my basic point still holds re four people to one shower!)

Oh, wait, you asked a question. The upper is located over the sofa bed, which apparently is excruciatingly uncomfortable, as are all sofa beds. So take that into consideration, too.

When I l used one of the older FCC, I had to cancel a no refund cruise and they let me re-book using those credits. Double check with your TA or the Captain Circle desk. Wishing you luck.

Posters on other threads have said that non-refundable doesn't mean non-transferable. There have been reports that those cancelling non-refundable bookings have been able to transfer their deposits to a new booking.

I talked with Princess again last night about this. I was about to make the change and they brought a few things up.

1) This is a non-refundable and non-transferrable promotion. If you need to cancel and rebook to another cruise, you would still lose the deposit.

2) This is on new bookings only, so you would need to cancel and rebook.

The first point is giving me cause for hesitation. At least I have until August 14th to decide.

The deposit required (for March) now is twice what we have made and will now be lost if we have to cancel...so I think we wait to see what else comes up...

For the December cruise the required non refundable deposit was half of the deposit made. While I don't have extra money to throw away, only losing a small deposit would make it easier to swallow...

Thanks again Hooiser Cruiser!!!

Oh...and DH nixed the mini cabin idea....lol

New to Princess , just book a short 4 day in December ( last night actually ) I see this morning a price drop. I only made my initial deposit, final payment due in Oct. will they give me the reduction off my balance or an OBC ? Should I just call? I used a TA last time cruising ( she never gave me anything) so I went on my own. Help please ! Jackie

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New to Princess , just book a short 4 day in December ( last night actually ) I see this morning a price drop. I only made my initial deposit, final payment due in Oct. will they give me the reduction off my balance or an OBC ? Should I just call? I used a TA last time cruising ( she never gave me anything) so I went on my own. Help please ! Jackie

Call today. If the lower price applies to your booking they will lower the amount due at final payment time.

Got it! Also got 25 $ OBC.

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