Did I make the right call?

[brensr41]

I am in Alaska and we are boarding the Island princess monday. I received a call yesterday from princess saying the over booked there balcony staterooms and they offered us 1000 obc to move to an unobstructed ocean view room. We had a not been assigned a room yet not that really matters. After talking it over with my wife we tool the offer. Thoughts?

 

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[chamima]

Did you ask if the $1000 was refundable if you didn't use it on board?

 

I think it will be hard to spend that much on one cruise unless it's a REALLY long one!

[lor74]

Although a balcony is ideal in Alaska, I would take the $1000 without a moments hesitation.....assuming we are talking about a minimal difference in the price of the room you paid for and the downgrade you received.

[brensr41]

Sorry and yes whatever we don't use we will get back in check or cash. Well that is what the Princess rep told us.

 

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[zacc]

The only people who can actually answer this question is you and your wife. Personally I would never consider an Alaskan cruise without a balcony.

[lor74]

Did you ask if the $1000 was refundable if you didn't use it on board?

 

I think it will be hard to spend that much on one cruise unless it's a REALLY long one!

 

You can withdrawn it via the casino.....use the slot machines.

[canadarocks]

I would definitely take the $1000 OBC! In Alaska it could be too cold to use your balcony much, and we found the best viewing is outside where you can see all around you. Just think of the amazing excursion you might now be able to do!! :cool:

[sept10dsm]

I am in Alaska and we are boarding the Island princess monday. I received a call yesterday from princess saying the over booked there balcony staterooms and they offered us 1000 obc to move to an unobstructed ocean view room. We had a not been assigned a room yet not that really matters. After talking it over with my wife we tool the offer. Thoughts?

 

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Yes, in a heartbeat. Those obstructed cabins are in a nice location. We sailed in one a month ago (we were upgraded from a guarantee inside!) It was near the library and game room as well as internet cafe. Deck 8 to me at least is great. We were midship so even better. With the $$ how can you go wrong. There is an open deck at the back of the ship on deck 8 (and many others above I believe) as well open to all!

 

Sorry misread. We had obstructed! All the better with regular OV!

[Kenswing]

I would take it too.. Then see if I could book a helicopter excursion on one of the glaciers.. :D

[paul929207]

What is the cost difference for the new cabin and old? It should be a lot less than $1000 for you to consider it.

[brensr41]

We booked the balcony at a rate of $799 per person during a sale about a year ago. Leading up to the cruise when I was checking prices OV cabins were going for 949 pp until last week then they spiked up.

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[sept10dsm]

We booked the balcony at a rate of $799 per person during a sale about a year ago. Leading up to the cruise when I was checking prices OV cabins were going for 949 pp until last week then they spiked up.

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So for sure worth it. So you are sailing for 299 pp. I know there were a lot of flash or whatever sales this summer because we booked one but they were for only new bookings (and for us at least) within final pmt date. We paid 629 pp for a 14 day guarantee inside but were upgraded to obs. view and thought that was a deal! I'm surprised they overbooked so considering they were selling at low prices for the most part this summer. But, I think you lucked out! Have a nice cruise aboard the Island Princess. It is a great ship!

[Pam in CA]

I would take it, too. The balcony is nice, particularly for scenic viewing, but if it were me, I'd use some of that $1K to book the Sanctuary where you'll have spectacular views, blankets and someone to bring you hot drinks. FYI, that's what I did last year on the Island Princess through the Panama Canal: booked an oceanview cabin and used the Sanctuary like my balcony. Loved it.

[brensr41]

Thanks Pam I was hoping you would chime in! Great call on the Sanctuary I didn't think of that.

 

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[GweninTX]

You made a GREAT decision. We were told that you HAVE to have a balcony on an Alaska cruise and that is malarkey! We spent more time on the open decks with the great naturalist that gave wonderful talks about what we were seeing and pointing out wildlife. The only time we used our balcony was coming into ports in the morning - beautiful views - but we could have easily gone to deck 7 for the same views! You can purchase another cruise with that money - cash it out in the casino and bank it!

[Coral]

They will give you anything you don't spend back in cash or check, don't worry about that.

 

I would not spend the money on the sanctuary. There are plenty of places on the ship to get great views with out paying for it! On my Alaskan cruises, the sanctuary has been empty! Try going to Deck 7 for lower views. I prefer my pictures this way compared to looking down views. It is also covered viewing in case the weather is not cooperating. Also on Coral and Island Princess, there is free frontal viewing (I think it is Baja and Caribe deck through secret doors - ask room steward on that deck) and aft viewing. The entire aft area is open for viewing as there are no cabins back there.

 

It would be a toss up decision for me to take the offer.

[CI66774]

I would have taken it, too. Good decision!

[kendon]

Alaska is all about the view at all times...even from your stateroom. But considering it will be chilly this time of year to take advantage of the balcony full time, at least you still have a window, so use the OBC to take fabulous excursions! I'm looking forward to another Alaskan cruise. Enjoy!

[Times Prince]

You can withdrawn it via the casino.....use the slot machines.

This is not necessary when you have a refundable onboard credit. You cannot leave the ship at the end of the cruise with a positive balance on your account. The Purser will refund you the balance in cash or to your credit card.

 

We had this happen on a cruise where we had a large refundable OBC - when we went to leave at the end of the cruise, alarms went off when we scanned our ship card to exit. We had to go to the Purser (no lines!) to receive our balance. Receiving cash is quicker, as issuing a credit to your credit card involves some paperwork.

[southpawsdakota]

We have friends who just finished their cruise on the Grand and had booked inside cabins. I had recommended the Sanctuary and she messaged me it was the best money they spent. We just got off the Golden this morning and had a balcony. A recommendation for whale watching, go with Orca Enterprises, Capt. Larry, it was amazing and only 20 people on his boat.

[Julia’s Journey’s]

I would definitely take the $1000 OBC! In Alaska it could be too cold to use your balcony much, and we found the best viewing is outside where you can see all around you. Just think of the amazing excursion you might now be able to do!! :cool:

 

I agree, it could be too cold and it's better to be where you can see both sides of viewing.

Enjoy the $$$ on excursions or a nice gift from Alaska:D:D:D

[trbarton]

How about an upgrade to a mini? Good question to ask Princess.

[DougH]

I've done Alaska 20 times and never had a balcony, and half were in an inside cabin. I'd pocket the savings and maybe splurge on an excursion that you thought was too costly before, maybe a flightseeing or helicopter tour

[donaldsc]

I am not sure. Was it $1000 per person or $1000 total. At $1000 total, I probably would not take it. At $1000 per person, it was a good deal. Even at cold, I like to sit on the balcony on an Alaskan cruise although I usually do not do balconies on many other cruises.

 

DON