Mud_Shark

Sometimes it is the wording that gets the reps confused. rather than asking for the OBC from one account to cover an excursion for another account, I have found far less resistance when I ask to simply purchase two tickets from the one account. Sounds the same, but it has proved to work for me.

My guess is that at some point, a new coffee package will be rolled out, but when will that be and at what price point? I will wait this out and see....

Interesting article, thanks, but also a pre-covid article when cruise lines weren't in the financial crisis they are now. Wonder how many booked in the short while this anomaly was available?

Lol, looked around a bit more - Enchanted cruises in Apr and May 2024 also have this pricing irregularity and are even better deals. But alas, spring break 2024 cruises do not appear to be affected.

I suspect there is some legalize that allows for corrections of obvious fare errors. We shall see. I put a deposit down as well, but do not think this will end up being the great deal that it appears.

Ya - I am seeing this anomaly as well, only for that one particular sailing. Can't really sail then, but will maybe put a hold on it to see what happens, but I strongly suspect they will remedy this and refare any who have booked.

I am going to let the dust settle on this issue and see if what we have heard bears out to be the truth. The website does sound like a new coffee package is coming out, but it may well turn out to be true that you can no longer trade in the mini-bar for it and it will likely cost more than the previous package (it sounds like it will vary in price based upon cruise length, so we will have to compare apples with apples). But I agree that the erosion of loyalty benefits does indeed factor into our loyalty. We are not likely to bolt to another cruise line as likely most in our price range are doing similar things to turn a profit after such staggering loses, but we are considering alternative forms of vacation travel. I am less and less tied to cruising. Interested to see where things fall out.

I certainly hope you are correct. I found that line confusing so I may well be wrong.

It will be based upon journey length (as indicated in the terms. If it is more than $10 per day, I am most certainly out (and probably $7 per day will be iffy. I buy it only for the specialty coffees, as I don't drink regular coffee. And I usually drink one specialty drink per day (ok, on sea days it is sometimes 2). So, I will make the decision based upon the cost. It is also depressing that we are on the doorstep of reaching the elite captain's circle level and was looking forward to the coffee card substitution for the mini-bar, and now it looks like it will disappear just before we can taste it! Under the old system, on a 14 day cruise the package worked well and cost somewhere in the $40 range. Now, if it is say $10 per day, that would be $140 for a 14 day journey, and would be a hard pass for me.

This is most certainly a "New" New grounds coffee package - I am certain it will come with a "New" price! I just hope it is not too much of a surprise that it turns me off from the package.

It seems some may have missed PacnGoNow's post (#48) and the link supplied. There is a "New" New Grounds Coffee package being rolled out in the next few days or weeks. Price has not been released, but it will vary depending upon journey length. And it does say in the details that Mini-bar cannot be subbed for this package (at least that is how I read it). See Exclusion #2 below: New Grounds Coffee Package Terms & Conditions What is Included The package includes the pre-purchase of a specified number of specialty coffees (numbers vary by itinerary) during the voyage of purchase, as well as complimentary brewed coffee and hot chocolate. Guests may redeem the number of specialty coffees purchased in the package in locations where espresso is available. This will include select bar and dining areas and varies by ship and/or itinerary. Selections and service are limited to that venue’s menu offerings and operating hours. Package Details and Qualifications The package may be pre-purchased up to 4 days prior to boarding the vessel. The package is NOT available for pre-purchase within 3 days of sailing. The coffee package is valid only on the voyage for which it is purchased. If the maximum number of coffees pre-purchased are not used during the voyage, the remaining value will NOT be credited or refunded and is NOT transferable for any purpose. Coffee packages cannot be sold or otherwise transferred to any individual. Pre-purchased specialty coffees may be shared, but complimentary brewed coffee, teas and hot chocolate continue to be limited to the purchaser. Exclusions and Limitations Does NOT apply to bottled or ready to drink items such as canned coffee items etc. CANNOT be redeemed when ordering Room Service or for Mini Bar items. Terms and Conditions Princess Cruises may modify, amend or update these terms and conditions of our beverage packages / offers at any time with or without notice to guests. The terms and conditions as published on princess.com on the date of sailing will apply, in addition to the terms and conditions of the passage contract. Not all exclusions or limitations can be foreseen or published here and may exist or be implemented with or without notice. Pricing is subject to change without notice, and for vessels designated in a foreign currency (Australia as an example), packages purchased in advance may vary from onboard pricing due to timing and currency fluctuations. Guests will NOT incur additional charges, nor be issued any credits or refunds for such currency variances. By purchasing a coffee package, you agree to these and all future terms and conditions.

Definitely allowed and possible. Done it and it was a decent walk, but nothing overpowering. And two other couples walked it as well as us (that we saw).

We did this. From pier 21 to pier 2. We walked it with our luggage, only to find out after the fact that there was a shuttle that goes from pier 21 to the parking garage beside pier 2. There was no issue walking if you are able to port all your bags. We pack light so it worked out fine.

Maybe tone it down a bit for a better response, or maybe at least change your online identity. This comes on too strong to likely get the action or correction you are hoping for.

We are booked on the Royal for the Fall crossing this year, more because price was better than any particular ship choice. We prefer the Royal but either would be acceptable. We have never felt like the "floating mall" idea fit any Princess ship. The buffet on Royal class ships far outstrips the equivalent on the Grand. Both have Alfredos pizza (included) and similar dining choices. The Atrium (Piazza) is a little bigger on Royal and we enjoy that aspect. The Grand has a couple outdoor pools and an indoor one, whereas the Royal has fewer pools and all are outdoors, but that does not sound like an important consideration for you. However, only the Grand has a wrap around walkable outside Promenade, so that might be more of a factor to you. You can walk the top sports deck on Royal, but the track is shorter and uncovered, so hot during the direct sun of the afternoon. We would enjoy either, hope you do too. Don

another vote for anything - at least that is what our pvp said.

We sailed 3 times in 2021 and twice in 2022 and got rock bottom pricing (of course because COVID was keeping demand down) - best we have ever seen for deals. Yes, it came with some travel risk, but great pricing for the consumer as the cruise industry was trying to show itself safe and viable to regain consumer confidence. We also made our 2023 cruise reservations right away (3 cruises), and got decent pricing for which we are fully satisfied, (but not in the same bargain classification as the previous ones.) But looking at 2024, the deals are over! The cruise lines are out to recoup losses, and don't appear too motivated to offer cabins at bargain prices. I can understand, but we loved those bargains! Cost of travel is up all over - airlines, hotels, restaurants, admission tickets, ground transport... so options are all costly. Bottom line is, that at this point, I don't really see anything that attracts us for 2024 cruises, so we will not book anything at this point. Not ruling it out, but just not desperate to travel enough to pay the current asking price. We'll watch the state of the economy over the next year and the state of the household finances before making plans.

I prefer the Royal class, but do not travel in mini-suites or suites so have no comment there. The one thing that is a bit of a drawback to the Royal class is that on Lido deck, where everyone likes to look out as we approach and depart ports or do scenic cruising, most of the observation space is covered by glass, making it not a 100% clear view. There are a few spaces where you can see out without a high glass barrier, like over top the sea walk and up on the walking track above, but they can get crowded.

Been there, done that. There was a day when EZ air was a great way to book and hold your reservations without locking them in until 45 days prior. But when a similar thing happened to me, I decided to go back to buying my air upfront from an online 3rd party. That way, last year, when my flights were cancelled several times over the course of a few months, the airline simply moved us over to other acceptable flights at no charge. Worked out fine. Turbulent times for travel industry.

What is elite plus? Is there a tier above elite?

Yes, enough time, and you don't have to pre-pass customs in SEA, as you will do so in Vancouver, so no delay there.

They say - canned - not plastic bottles, and max is supposed to be 12 per person (a case of soda or similar), and it has to be in your carryon or in your hand (so to speak). We brought on 2 12 packs in Nov at Pt Everglades, we just carried them in our hands, and had no problem.

Good review. Thx.

Yes. 2018. Not a problem then. But no fishing from the ship.

The title of the BSE sale says: 2022-2023 Cruise Deals & Special Promotions Check out our collection of cruise deals! Narrow your search by destination, departure port, duration and more, and find the best cruise deal for your next vacation. /images/global/cruise-deals-promotions/overview-snippet-content/lto-best-sale-ever-hub-768.jpg Best Sale Ever Save up to 35%† on your cruise fare and get 7 Princess Perks^! There is no better time to book your dream vacation than during our Best Sale Ever. You'll find some of our best fares as well as 7 Princess Perks with a value of over $950 per guest on a 7-day cruise. Reserve now with only a $100 deposit1! View Deals When I looked at the Europe sailings that I am interested in for 2024, I see that the sale OBC is not included in these, so I thought that at least for Europe sailings they are not included at this point. But now looking at 2024 Alaskan sailings, they do grant the sale OBC, so I am wrong, at least in part. Maybe after the newness of the European listings wears out, they will also be included along the way.