JerrySueW

I refare as often as possible! Just did it for the Enchanted 10-day Caribbean on 1/9/22. Our cabin category had been sold out but I check just about every day and it popped back up last week at a lower fare and additional OBC. And it's not greedy to be careful with your money! It's wise. 😊 

We book the Plus package even though neither of us drinks alcohol. I'm a coffee snob and can't stand the free stuff, so the specialty coffees alone make it worth it to me. We also enjoy soft drinks and hubby likes  hot chocolate. The unlimited internet is also a great benefit for us.

1 hour ago, Ombud said:

My lovely (?) app thinks I'm going on 9 cruises this year. I'm on 2 of them 

 

 

I have the same problem. I can't see any way to delete the cancelled cruises that are still showing. Also, a newer cruise I just booked doesn't show but when I tried to add it, the app said it was already part of my journey. Ugh.

I remember reading that the break even capacity was around 50%. I would imagine that depends on the size of the ship and other variables, but they don't need a full ship to make money and at this point they are probably anxious to get some cash flowing.

1 hour ago, suers515 said:

 

You can definitely join us.  It is a large group, in-laws are going to and bringing their own friends.  Not sure how big these swag bags will be.  Cost is an issue and not going nuts. lol.  I don't want to pack an additional bag just to get them to the ship.

You sound like a fun group! Enjoy your cruise. We are actually scheduled for Antarctica in January 2022. Had a Panama Canal cruise scheduled for next month -- hope to reschedule that one for later in the year.

If I sign up for this cruise, can I be your friend? Let me know so I can bring an extra suitcase for all the swag! 😁

We booked a mini-suite for the January 4, 2022 Antarctica and Cape Horn cruise. The price has dropped three times for a total of $600 per person since January 28th. Is this happening on other itineraries and room categories? It certainly has me guessing about the reasons and the likelihood that the cruise will actually take place. Since we have some FCC from other cancelled cruises, it makes us feel like we're getting a bargain (ha ha!). 

11 hours ago, Jandaville said:

Finally received something from Princess after 115 days. It was not what we expected (A$37K) but a start (A$11K). It was paid by cheque drawn on an Australian bank by Carnival Australia on 2 July and not credited to our bank account as originally advised.

 

The amount refunded is the amount expected if Princess withhold a 75% cancellation fee at the time that our incompetent Princess cruise holiday planner cancelled the booking (13 March). We did ask for the cancellation on 9 March as the 75% cancellation fee kicked in on 10 March and he assured us that it was being backdated. On 31 March we did fill out the online form to request a full cash refund (Option 2) on our cruise holiday planner's instructions after Princess formally cancelled our cruise and that was automatically acknowledged. In a call to Princess last week it was acknowledged that we asked for the full cash refund.

 

So not sure where we stand but definitely don't want any FCCs. We are both in our 70s and whilst we would like to cruise again we want to see how the cruise industry reacts in the future and would like the time to consider future travel plans.

 

So we will continue to be patient but it looks like we are in the land of Princess frustration for a while longer, but maybe resolution next week - ever hopeful

We cancelled an April cruise on March 11 - the day before Princess cancelled. At that time, the cancellation fee (50%) was applied to a future cruise per a Princess offer. We subsequently requested Option 2 and when the refund was finally processed (June 18), it did not include the 50% which had been previously applied as FCC. (The 25% FCC for Option 2 had already been added to our account.) So, TA called and was told that Princess would correct the error and we should receive the refund in 7-14 days because "they are all caught up on the refunds." Coming up on day 14 this week. You might want to call and see if they same thing happened on your account.

2 hours ago, Coral said:

The only thing is those who cancel and can get cash back - those in 50% or 25% penalty may want to call sooner.

Exactly. We go from 50% penalty to 75% on March 14 for a 3-week cruise, so would prefer to cancel earlier and get the larger refund. It would be helpful to be able to indicate the desire to cancel now and have it processed at a later date.

We are in a similar situation - scheduled for a 21-day Mediterranean cruise and have until the 14th to cancel at 75% penalty. My only input into your decision is the fact that Princess did take care of people who cancelled cruises in Asia that were subsequently scratched. I would hope they would do the same in the future should more cruises be cancelled, and hopefully, apply the same grace to any change in cancellation policy. Best wishes to you and your family!

Here is a link to a website that will calculate the time needed to navigate between ports. https://sea-distances.org/ My understanding is that the Crown's top speed is about 18 knots. You can plug in the stops on your itinerary and compare the times to the Crown's schedule. I did this for our upcoming Mediterranean cruise on her. I'm sure there are plenty of variables that could affect the actual sailing time, but it might help you to know whether it will be tight or not. Good luck!

The Barcelona transfer is $29.

If you book the Coral, do yourselves a favor and grab The Sanctuary for Glacier Bay day. We just happened on it while touring the ship after boarding (our first cruise ever) and got the last 4 spots. It was our favorite day of the trip. The cost was a little extra but well worth it. Beautiful views and a great day of pampering!

1 hour ago, ngrund said:

the fine print says cruises booked from 11/something to 3/2020 does anyone know if that really matters? I booked back in July and don't want to pass up saving $100, but I have other credit cards with higher cash back % and/or I would use discounted gift cards

I was able to use it on a cruise booked several months ago. I don't think they really look at that.

18 hours ago, TW6cruiser said:

Thanks for the comments. We signed up for the GOA-150 one (clearly says lunch on your own).  I wish Princess would be clearer on some of their excursion descriptions. With the new format, some of the info is not all listed.  

After you click the green "View Details" button for the excursion, the next page has three tabs across the top. If you click "Excursion Details" it gives you very specific info on travel times, etc. All 3 of the Milan excursions I looked at mentioned free time for lunch and shopping or lunch on your own. I wasn't planning on an excursion to Milan, but after reading this thread I am reconsidering!

Thanks for all the helpful information! I'm sure I'll be able to come up with a good solution.

Our travel agent gifted us with a Birthday Celebration package for my husband whose birthday is on the 2nd day of our upcoming cruise. The package includes a shave, $25 casino credit and a bucket of beer. We don't drink alcohol and we're not big gamblers, so I'd like to exchange the package for something more suitable. I'd prefer not to ask the TA to make the switch. Any advice on making this happen before we board the ship? I'm thinking it might be difficult to connect with the right person to handle this on the first day of the cruise. Thanks for your help!

Our first Princess cruise was on the Coral to Alaska last August. We just happened to find The Sanctuary on our tour of the ship after boarding. We managed to snag the last spots for the day in Glacier Bay. What a fantastic experience! Highly recommend it!! Enjoy your cruise.