Redwing55

I likely will go that path, but I wonder if one adds it after final payment if that also would escape the insurance price increase? I don't have an OBC issue, and I plan on using some gifts cards. So, if I add it, I'd prefer to get it out of the way before we board. And what if they announce a price increase after final payment but before we board. Of course, I'd add it early for sure then.

Not really. Look what Holland offers.. only $100 regardless of length. Apology? For what? They are giving money to a vet.

I guess one can find something amiss in most things.

Uh, it's been a great gainer lately. Since you think it's worthless, I'll be happy to take a transfer of any shares that you'd like to part with. Edited... sorry.. didn't read all the posts.

Looks like a good new use of some upper deck areas. To those that are opposed, I suppose I understand, but then I have to ask what is it that you'd like to see in place of it? I don't see it taking away anything that the Royal class of ships have. It seems it just modifies some upper deck spaces slightly. In fact, I have to think the pickle ball crowd will be all in for some of this.

We've gotten the points or whatever. But it isn't considered travel. We just made a purchase on our AMEX Hilton (trying to spend to get bonus points as a new user) and it qualified. I think it's because it goes in as an AARP and not a gift card purchase. Not sure if it works for every card out there though.

This is a fair topic. I get nervous seeing them though.🤫

I did, but then why would Princess personnel be upset? From what I've seen, this is a nothing burger.

What doesn't make sense to me was the OP's comment about Princess personnel being unhappy about the change. I ask myself what actually changed?

Enjoy.. We did that itinerary last July... same ship.. Lucked out on weather. NO issues with ship. Crew was great and we didn't notice much differences from pre-covid to 2022.

I'm older but for some reason I enjoy reading how Princess deals with the children. So many times one hears to go with RCL, etc due to all the amusements. I suspect Princess just goes old school and does it top shelf. It seems more people focused than attraction focused. And, FWIW, for some of the age groups, likely more mentally stimulating. I do wonder how the teens feel though. Thanks for taking the time sharing your experiences (other poster too!)

I've had long dinners before covid. Since covid, we've been on 2 14+ day cruises. Dinners were done in about an hour or so. We had one long one.. but they lost the order (so we were told as others around us got served.)

Somewhat related. Do they charge the sales tax in Port Everglades if one purchases Princess Plus upon boarding? We have a fare that won't allow us to purchase it ahead of time. If we did, the base cruise fare would be higher. Regardless, question still holds... if one is docked in PE and purchases the Package, is a sales tax added? I suspect not. TIA

Totally agree with your points. I guess the software just can't handle all those numbers and a PIN for those gift cards. So, it's on to the phone I go. It was easy to apply gifts cards to on board account.at guest services. One can also buy on board credits with the gift cards, pre cruise.

Unlimited free minutes? I must have missed that. It was so many minutes IIRC. And inspite of many comments, we've found the current internet much better. And soon it will improve more with starlink.

I don't have a solution, but I feel "cheated" a bit when the perk is something that is already included with some other package. Like WIFI is great, but you essentially lose it if one gets the premium package. So go with some discounts or experience. The early boarding is great as is the tender priority. Still, I'm grateful for most anything since IMO, the more cruises that one takes, the less that they likely purchase on board. The frequent cruise crowd knows the tricks and values on board.

I wonder if the $10 discount is for medallion delivery.. which is included in the package. Maybe they paid for it before the cruise?

We have a "special" fare on a Feb 24 cruise. Out TA told us upfront that if we wanted either upgrade package, that the cabin fare would be increased to a higher based fare. We are still on the fence about getting the package. If we decide to, I suspect we'll try to get it onboard as opposed to ahead of time. As a plus, Travel insurance should be lower since the package won't be part of the Travel insurance rate as it is based upon the dollars paid as part of the cruise. So add ons on the ship won't go against that value. No clue how many dollars saved though. And I hope they don't increase the package by next February AND we can purchase on board for that $60/day rate (Pplus package.)

For me it's tough.. One, the spouse doesn't drink but maybe 1 drink or two all week. On a cruise, rarely. Same goes for me. So there likely is value if one is a drinker. And one that actually drinks multiple ones a day. So, like 3-4 drink... boom I'm ahead. But I can also look at what I'm spending. Our typical cruise tab is rarely in triple digits... yeah, less than $100. So, the question that I keep having trouble answering is do I want to spend "X" dollars on drinks. Simple question, but not sure what I actually want. It's vacation on one hand, but we go almost annually. I suspect a few others have the same dilema. In the end, I think it's a personal decision as to if one wants to drink freely without concern of the bill.. Or does one just not want to spend those discretionary dollars on drinks?

Maybe with this new contract they'll offer a new coffee package soon? One can hope.

That's disappointing. I'd be OK if they would offer an option to extend it if requested. But refunding it after 12 months? Seems short. Selfishly, if they continue with the 1 year, they could add it as a perk for Platinums. Still, I wonder why after all these years and cycles, they determined that this is a good time to modify this program.

Good to know. We just booked late Feb and have a refundable fare...with a GTD cabin.

Why do you say that one has to pick cabin? We've went GTD and rebooked. How is having a cabin or GTD impact rebooking? Curious for future reference.

That would likely work for me. Issue is that my spouse isn't a drinker so that ups those martinis. Plus, on our most recent booking, (we discussed on another thread) it would cost me the $60/day plus a sizeable fare increase. I'm hoping we can maybe get it onboard for only the $60/day. Then again, I'm not a big drinker so I'm weighing if the almost $1100 extra is worth it. (I pulled out the tips and Wifi costs.)

Shhh