CruzeQueen2

38 minutes ago, Lucky TGO said:

Things are a little crazy in Boston right now. I just purchased a car with the all the money from the cruise I had to cancel.

See photo 

Tony

Yikes. Too funny. Humour helps 😄

4 hours ago, MISTER 67 said:

We live in Sebring Florida halfway between Bradenton on the Gulf side and Fort Pierce on the Atlantic. 

So far no cases of the virus in Sebring or Highlands county.

We live on a golf course and are members, it remains open but members are riding in their own golf carts instead of pairing up. No food and beverage in the clubhouse but the pro-shop remains open. No one puts their hand on the flag stick. I carry around a small bottle of Purell in the cart and use it quite often while playing, we don't shake hands after the round with our fellow competitors,  just give each other the V sign.

We made 2 grocery runs this past week standing in a line of about 50 waiting for the Walmart or Publix to open at 7AM, everyone in line stood at least 6 feet apart.

We bought what we needed and were out of the store in 15 minutes.

We have about 600 movies on DVD, never watched so many movies in one week like this past week, I really miss sports on TV especially Golf, Hockey and Baseball. Also miss dining out, we usually have 2 dinners and 1 breakfast a week here in town.

I sort of lost my cool with a fellow golfer on Friday, this guy is sort of a goofball and is 61 years old which makes him a kid at our golf club. He loves playing the slots and gets quite a few free cruises. So on Friday this guy decides to drive over to the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa (90 miles) where there are Covid cases in the area, he had 150 dollars in free slot play and had to use it by 7AM. He left his home at 2:30AM and was back in time for his 8AM tee time but I got on him for taking a chance and possibly leading to infections here in Sebring, he giggled and said he took precautions, what a jerk.

 

My own feeling is that this virus will be around for awhile and I can't imagine that there will be Cruise lines up and running in 30 to 60 days. I hope I'm wrong but I don't expect to cruise until the fall at the earliest.

Thank you for post. I just sent out a terse message to my extended family members. To remind them that we are in the middle of this pandemic, and every individual action counts. I guess I lost my cool a bit, too. What are we/ they thinking? Rocky seas ahead, I guess. I'm booked for a trip in September, but I won't be too surprised if it gets cancelled. Stay healthy!

47 minutes ago, Host CJSKIDS said:

Well thanks to the selfish people here in Miami, marinas and boat ramps are now closed, with the exception of commercial fishermen   More people out of work and something that so many can do to get out and about.

 

https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade-mayor-closes-boat-ramps-marinas-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/

 

 

Sadly, I really don't think everyone fully understands how every individual action from every single person wil make an impact. We can choose to stay isolated to flatten the curve, or carry on as usual...with yet-to- be -seen consequences. Merely hoping the virus goes away ISN'T ENOUGH.

In the meantime, I'm baking and listening to classical music.  I have a balcony in my personal owner's suite here in BC. I plan to stay home until at least the end of  March. Tea and scones at 4:00.  

2 minutes ago, awhcruiser said:

I was laughing at your comment not to tke those chances again!

😊 Still not convinced there is a code that we can crack for how upgrades are awarded. It's fun to think that it is possible...though not totally probable. Chances are slim to none, at best I figure. Keeping that in mind, I select a cabin category and specific cabin location that I know I will like. C'est la vie.  

22 minutes ago, awhcruiser said:

Thanks for the laugh.....Sorry your cabin was so bad.

You laughed? We didn't!  Oh well. We've had plenty of great trips, great cabins over the years. One day...in the meantime, stay healthy!

2 hours ago, awhcruiser said:

Book a guarantee cabin. Possible upgrade that way.

I did that another time...and got my cabin assignment for a Gte oceanview on the night before sailing. P202. Last cabin forward, right by three doors coming out from crew cabins. Doors slamming for wakeup alarm started at 5.00 a.m. So I now am too afraid to  take those  chances again. LOL.Thanks for your input, though 😊

1 hour ago, Cruise Raider said:

 

We've cruise pretty extensively and were never really given upgrades, upsells or move over offers.  Then, I thought to ask how the travel agent I was using forwarded these offers to me.  I was told they don't....they are just too busy.  I really like the perks that come through using this travel agency but not that policy on forwarding cruiseline offers to their clients.   So, I sometimes just book directly through the cruiseline and this seems to be helpful.  I did get one small upgrade through Princess in the past (an inside to obstructed oceanview) and considered it an excellent upgrade.  This was given to me on the day before the cruise.  On other cruises booked direcctly through Princess and received a few upsell offers, one of which was too great to turn down, and more recently, a move over offer.  I'm sure others do get these offers through their TA, I've just had better luck with direct bookings.  

 

With all that aside, if you book a cruise from now until the end of the year, they may offer you an upgrade.  It seems to be happening with a much increased frequency for this year's sailings.  I recently booked a sailing and wanted a balcony and was told they could put me in a mini suite for no extra charge.   So, if you want one of those upgrades, maybe try booking something for this summer.  Who knows ... maybe you will get that elusive upgrade.  

My experience is pretty much the same as yours, Cruise Raider. Lots of cruises under my belt, a few upsells taken, one move over and once, a bona fide complimentary upgrade. Thrilling to say the least! It was booked as a guarantee, however, my preference is  to select my own cabin. I'm just happy to catch my first glimpse of the ship whenever I start a new trip. Not sure when the next trip will be. Staying positive, washing hands and crossing fingers to stay healthy until this pandemic runs its course. 

On 3/18/2020 at 11:07 AM, Cruise Raider said:

It will be in an envelope from BottomLine Technologies.  Mine have always come within a couple weeks after my sailing.  

If you feel like it is running longer than it should be, you can contact Bottomline Technologies at: 

 

RegionUS and Canada

Contact Emailmemberservices@paymode-x.com

Phone Number+1 877.443.6944

Phone HoursMonday - Friday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM ET

 

https://www.bottomline.com/us/products/bottomline-paymode-x

 

I had to contact them once and they are so helpful.  Mine was a case of seeing the envelope scanned into my informed delivery from USPS ... but, I didn't receive it anytime that week, so I knew it was either stuck somewhere at the post office or delivered to the wrong address.  Bottomline assured me that they would send out a new check to me if I still hadn't received it after another week.  Luckily, the PO finally delivered it several days later.  What's nice about this, you won't even have to call Princess as this company is completely separate and cover many other companies and services.  They answer the phone immediately, are professional yet friendly and their follow up was excellent ... so easy to work with! 

Great to know this! Thank you ☺

3 hours ago, ceilidh1 said:

I am in Vancouver, Canada. My city was slow to react and many people are still not taking things seriously. We are not yet in full lockdown  but all public places have been closed - bars, restaurants, community centres, libraries, movie theatres, playgrounds. Schools are currently on spring break but we have been told that they will not reopen afterwards and students will automatically move to next grade and resume in September.

 

Residents are being advised to stay how but also encouraged to go out for walks/air while distancing. The problem with this is that Downtown Vancouver is primarily highrises so everyone is flocking to the seawall or beach for their walks and air and social distancing is next to impossible. I made the decision on Wednesday that my family would stay home, so we have not been out since.

 

I have been laid off from my job in the parks and recreation department of the city - mainly due to the fact that the facilities are all closed down! I am worried about finances but also glad I no longer have to put my health at risk in a front facing public role. I applaud all the essential workers still having to face the risks each day. The Canadian Government has put together an aid package to (hopefully) assist with those of us impacted by the work closures - they have vowed no one will be evicted if they are unable to pay rent, and they are making unemployment benefits available to workers who normally would not be covered. I'm sure this will all take time, but it at least is a ray of hope and one less thing to stress about.

Enjoying the sunshine on the back deck. Been great weather here in the lower mainland area,  just east of the Vancouver port. Our provincial medical officer has advised us to get outside, yes. However, I think Dr Henry's directive is for staying in our own back yards, to be mindfully isolated from others. I'm enjoying my home time, playing the piano a bit and chatting with friends on the phone. Even if it rains tomorrow here on the Wet Coast, there's lots to attend to at home. I might even be inspired to compile a memory book of past cruise pics. Maybe...

20 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

 

The cruise on which I was upgraded has not gone down at all in any category.  The next one actually did go down but, by only a couple hundred dollars and not nearly enough to get me to the next category.  I wasn't upgraded on that sailing but no complaints from me as I was able to take advantage of the price drop.  

Still an element of randomness, most likely. Thank you for the information.

11 hours ago, funcrusier said:

We have received an upgrade from an interior to balcony on the 26 day Sky transatlantic this fall.  We just got off the Star from Hawaii last week so not exactly sure when we were upgraded but know it was while we were on the cruise. 
 

I do believe believe these upgrades may be an indication of where Princess thinks fares may be headed. When I look at current prices for the balcony cabin I received compared to the price I had made the original booking for the interior late last year the difference is not significant.

 

The balcony price does look higher but comes with a $300 OBC per person which makes pricing much closer to original interior booking. If I re-fared the original booking for the interior there would be a $500 savings per person. 
 

Could it be that Princess is trying to maintain the original revenue we booked at versus re-faring to a much lower price.  I believe if we try and re-fare we would loose our upgrade. 

 

 

Bingo! I think what you have described makes sense. Upgrades may be given when the price you paid initially is closer to a higher category. Saves the company from the refare request. I watch prices quite closely, so I may be "controlling" my own destiny a little too closely. With my history of accepting several upsell offers, it would appear that the computer sends that offer to me, before giving out a complimentary upgrade. I always ask the TA or PVP to make my booking with -"would accept an upgrade". Perhaps my file also lists me with "passenger will accept an upsell", instead! Fascinating stuff. 

Thank you for all the stories. I'd like to agree, upgrades don't appear to follow any patterns, so, random at best. The glass is still half full, and especially wonderful on the first day, after muster drill.  Perched on a stool at the Vines bar, meeting fellow cruisers and making friends with the bartenders there, is a great way to start.  Made so many great friends there.

To complete my story I'd like to add that I have also experienced a move over offer, several upsells and a suite upsell on my birthday last year that ended with a zero. 😉 What a blast that was, with my two sisters. No husbands, no flying , no line ups- so very memorable ! Loved every minute, every morsel. With that experience we have now been spoiled with club class, a double balcony, specialty restaurant dining for breakfast, and a wonderful birthday cake to boot. It was Golden, to be sure.

11 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

 

We didn't have EZ air as the cruise port is just a few miles from where we live.  

We did get the upgrade ...

 

So far, from what I can tell but, I welcome comments where this isn't correct:

The cruise where the upgrades were given have all been later this year 

They are sailings that were already booked before this crisis 

They aren't long cruises 

 

My questions are:

Were these only given to passengers that had a recent cancellation?

Does captain's club status have anything to do with this the upgrade?

Or ... are these just computer generated and there is no rhyme or reason? 

 

I think your final answer is how it goes. Random, moSt oF the time.

I am a loyal Princess cruiser.  My cruise bookings are for September and October 2020. I cancelled my cruise for May2020 at the final payment deadline in February.

In this past year, I have been working with a PVP, but previously booked most cruises directly on line. I have never been I able to Crack the code on how upgrades are doled out. One upgrade I received from I C to BC was when I booked with a first timer.

For my last few trips, 2015 - 2019, I have paid for several upsells, including to a sweet suite! That's my experience. I hope this helps us to understand, it's not really personal? LOL 

6 minutes ago, shipndip60 said:

My question is about the FCC that I received from my canceled cruise.  If I book another cruise and use the FCC towards that cruise and still have some credit left over can I convert the credit amount left over into OBC on my cruise ? 

Yes. That sounds right!

3 minutes ago, Adventures ahead said:

I’m also looking for something in common for a clue on how the computer might choose passengers or bookings to upgrade. We haven’t booked EZair yet and haven’t received an upgrade offer either. Anyone else like that?

I'm Canadian like you. No upgrades like the ones mentioned here. LOL 

My upgrade is from OV to OC on a 15 day sailing in October. Not thrilled with the reassignment.I don't usually book as Aft as 717.  Can only guess it's luck o the draw for how these latest upgrades are awarded. Like plying slots? You win some, you lose some. Congratis to those who lucked out so well. The cruise industry has a long way to go before we can all come back new.

5 hours ago, Tedferg said:

I agree, we have OV for Sept 2020 New England and no upgrade. Not begrudging other's upgrades but wonder how the system works.

Me too!

2 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

Because I know that for most typical length cruises, the non-comm fare portion is $25/pp/day and $375 was a multiple of $25.  For long length cruises, the rate drops to $20/pp/day (I'd have to look it up but IIRC that split changes at > 30 nights).  The Pacific has it's own special rate, perhaps due to its size and I only recently discovered that.

Thank you for this information. Nice to know 😊 Never too old to learn something new, every day.

2 hours ago, AF-1 said:

Looking at Sabatini's menu;  why do you think they have different menus on different ships?  I would think Sabatini's would service same menu fleet wise

Sabatini updated their menu on some ships about 2 years ago. Some of the older ships are still using the older menu. Some of the fan favourite are on both. Personally, i would gladly be ordering from either one, today! Unfortunately we will all have to wait ...savour those memories.💖 I know I do!

Thank you for the great photos. It will have to stand for our Princess cruise fix for more than 60 days. Sigh. Can almost taste the food in your pics. Yum!

How interesting is this? As I was asking about your impressive upgrades, I received one as well. However, my mid ship location OW was changed to a very aft oceanview. NOT a deluxe balcony, or even a  balcony. I, myself, have more than 35  Princess cruises under my belt. Huh! I'm not totally thrilled with the relocation. Not ungrateful. But not overwhelmed with the change either! Will contact my wonderful PVP in a few days with an email to let her know.  Will be interesting. Not a big deal. Definitely interesting, though. 

2 hours ago, Nonnie1975 said:

Please remember the Cruise Vacation planners in  your thoughts and prayers if you so believe.  I had to call mine today as I had to change a few things about upcoming cruises in the fall, no not to cancel.  She said they are working long hours and under lots of stress.  They were devastated just like us to hear the news of cancelling cruises for the next 60 days.  SO if you have to call be patient, they are under lots of stress.  Positive remarks, please to let them know we have their backs. Yes, they do read CC.

I sent my PVP a random email this morning to show my appreciation for her work. Just some gratitude 😁 I'm sure they are all  working overtime to help us through thsee unforseen circumstances.  Stay healthy, everyone !

2 hours ago, rsquirrel said:

First time on Princess for us.  I booked direct with Princess if that helps any.

Thank you! Welcome to Princess 😄 Enjoy your upgrade!

2 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

 

We have 27 cruises completed with Princess.  

Thank you for the response.  Enjoy!

To cruise raider and rsquirrel- what is your loyalty designation? Just curious 😕

Enjoy your complimentary upgrade. Always nice to get a surprise 😊

3 hours ago, Waynetor said:

So who is in a gambling mood - if you book a cruise May 11 or shortly after and the virus situation continues to grow, then the program would likely get continued and you could earn extra credits and if no extension you get your cruise. 

Wow! Thinking out of the box. And, you just returned from 59 days on Island! Good luck Wayne! I will cross my fingers and remain hopeful for a fall sailing.😄