Sanctuary prices shocked!!

[Colo Cruiser]

New Sanctuary sticky at the top of the page.

[Mulege]

Celebrity doesn't charge for their sanctuary area. First come first served.

[Loonbeam]

Celebrity doesn't have a sanctuary area like Princess at least that I know of. They have the Aqua class/concierge cabins instead as a premium offering with Private dining options (I don't think Aqua Class has a private sun deck). Princess does not offer concierge cabins except on the Royal and Regal (available to suite level guests only)

 

 

Both lines offer a no-charge first come, first serve adult pool area. That is NOT the sanctuary, which is a separate area, akin to a day concierge service.

 

Princess (and cruise critic) really need to do a better job of segmenting the two.

 

 

 

Celebrity doesn't charge for their sanctuary area. First come first served.

Edited March 12, 2014 by Loonbeam

[Josy86]

Effective February 21st, Princess doubled their Sanctuary fee...on all ships.

 

I booked my March 2014 trip back aboard the Royal back in August 2013, the rate was then $20 for a full day and $10 for a half day. Just called Princess to challenge the increase and they out-right lied! The Princess rep told me the increase was only on the Royal Princess, being a new ship and all... After speaking to a supervisor, was told "Princess reserves the right to change prices as necessary", and received confirmation the increase is fleet wide.

 

Can't help but feeling that I was "baited and switched" here...a 100% price increase really isn't a fluctuation.

 

I can't book my one, annual trip with a company that reserves the right to increase prices by 100%...especially after my payment is non-refundable.

 

My vacation is just that, mine and I will make sure I have a fun time! But this is my 6th and last cruise with a company that no longer has my trust.

[Zoolou]

Effective February 21st, Princess doubled their Sanctuary fee...on all ships.

 

I booked my March 2014 trip back aboard the Royal back in August 2013, the rate was then $20 for a full day and $10 for a half day. Just called Princess to challenge the increase and they out-right lied! The Princess rep told me the increase was only on the Royal Princess, being a new ship and all... After speaking to a supervisor, was told "Princess reserves the right to change prices as necessary", and received confirmation the increase is fleet wide.

 

Can't help but feeling that I was "baited and switched" here...a 100% price increase really isn't a fluctuation.

 

I can't book my one, annual trip with a company that reserves the right to increase prices by 100%...especially after my payment is non-refundable.

 

My vacation is just that, mine and I will make sure I have a fun time! But this is my 6th and last cruise with a company that no longer has my trust.

 

 

Kinda feel the same as you do...been with Princess all 3 cruises and wanted to remain loyal but even after our last cruise (which was still great) but felt it was sub-standard to the other ones we took.....i dont quite know what princess doing even cruises in Feb 2015 are so much more than RCI or Celebrity.....

[SeymourKopath]

I'm all for the price increase! In fact, I think Princess should raise the price even more. That way they'll bring in lots more revenue. That way they will be better able to afford to continue to offer free cruises as they did this past fall and winter with 100% future cruise credit rebates on certain getaway cruises. Now that's my idea of socialism at its best. Take from those who can afford an overpriced Sanctuary. Give free cruises to the little people.

[Loonbeam]

Since its an optional charge, it has nothing to do with your fare or refunds. It's the same thing as them changing drink prices, or the UST, or Chef's Table, or Sabatinis or the items in the gift shop. They could make beers $15 on Superbowl Sunday if they wanted,just like any other resort or cruise line.

 

The only things they can't hike are room rates, excursion prices (once booked), etc. Basically, once you have committed to buy they should honor the price.

 

Effective February 21st, Princess doubled their Sanctuary fee...on all ships.

 

I booked my March 2014 trip back aboard the Royal back in August 2013, the rate was then $20 for a full day and $10 for a half day. Just called Princess to challenge the increase and they out-right lied! The Princess rep told me the increase was only on the Royal Princess, being a new ship and all... After speaking to a supervisor, was told "Princess reserves the right to change prices as necessary", and received confirmation the increase is fleet wide.

 

Can't help but feeling that I was "baited and switched" here...a 100% price increase really isn't a fluctuation.

 

I can't book my one, annual trip with a company that reserves the right to increase prices by 100%...especially after my payment is non-refundable.

 

My vacation is just that, mine and I will make sure I have a fun time! But this is my 6th and last cruise with a company that no longer has my trust.

[Josy86]

This is not good news for me if they have decided to raise the price to $40 pp, per day on all ships. I will be on the Emerald in 10-days and I guess I will just have to wait until then to find out what the price is. I've been reading recent reviews, and watching the threads, but no recent reviews (That I found) mentioned the Sanctuary. $800 for the two us is just too much.:(

 

Here is the link to the announcement:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=5777&et_cid=1357414&et_rid=95726511

 

This is per person for one lounge chair.

[Colo Cruiser]

Here is the link to the announcement:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=5777&et_cid=1357414&et_rid=95726511

 

This is per person for one lounge chair.

 

There is a new sticky notice at the top of the main page....

[sandiego1]

We did the Sanctuary for our Feb Panama Canal cruise on the Island. We loved it and thought, while expensive, it was worth it. The loungers were SO much more comfortable than those at the Lido or Lotus pool. My husband and I were so uncomfortable watching a MUTS movie one night. Those cushions are horrible! I was able to nap several times in the comfy lounger at the Sanctuary.

 

I also liked having the same lounger (in the shade) every day w/o having to wake up at dawn to find one. Plus I could leave it to have a meal and know it was there waiting for me w/o having to be a "chair hog."

 

It was also a nice quiet place to relax. No MUTS noise, no humidity like at the Lotus pool, gorgeous view off the back of the boat and they brought us ice water constantly, plus a very nice tea service in the afternoon. The small private pool is only for the Sanctuary guests.

 

If you book for the entire cruise, it was $30pp for every day EXCEPT the Panama Canal day. That day was $60pp (again discounted for booking w/ entire cruise) and they threw in a few trinkets (drink, photo, glass, etc.). That day was overpriced, but we figured, what's an extra $60 for the 2 of us on top of what we paid for the cruise! I don't know what the cost was for only booking the Panama Canal day.

 

If you only book for a single day, it is $40pp or $20 for a half day. I believe the half day times were 8 to 12 and 1 to 5.

 

The other thing I should mention is that there is no difference in cost between booking 2 loungers and booking a cabana. We opted to book 2 loungers under the overhang instead of a cabana. It was very hot in the cabana. We liked having a good breeze which are blocked by the cabana curtains. Plus we got more shade than a cabana, regardless of the direction of the sun.

 

All 4 of the cabanas were booked for the entire cruise, plus about half of the rest of the loungers. There were more people on Panama Canal day. It never felt crowded.

Edited March 12, 2014 by sandiego1

[DoriJ]

I'm just on the island princess a bit shocked to see the sanctuary at $40 per day. I checked with the steward and the price is correct. When did that happen!

 

Jackie.

 

 

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These add-ons are getting ridiculous!:(

[UpcountryTravelers]

I was on the Royal lady month and the cost was $40 per day per person and $240 for the week.

 

That's WAY less than when they first started offering the Sanctuary.

[Carla3]

This is from princess website. $20 1/2 day $40 full and $30 if you book full cruise for seas days only. http://www.princess.com/learn/onboard/activities/daytime_activities/day_sanctuary/

 

 

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[Pam in CA]

These add-ons are getting ridiculous!:(

The thing with add-ons is that they are a choice and if one chooses to not book the Sanctuary, there are plenty of nearby alternatives. Here are loungers near the Sapphire Sanctuary:

[chamima]

This is from princess website. $20 1/2 day $40 full and $30 if you book full cruise for seas days only. http://www.princess.com/learn/onboard/activities/daytime_activities/day_sanctuary/

 

 

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It's cruise days , not sea days. BIG difference!

On the Royal recently they were trying to say the whole cruise price per day didn't apply for that ship. It was $40/day no matter if for the whole cruise (which meant x 7) or for the day.

We've decided that, even though it's a splurge, we love it and will book less expensive cabins in the future to justify getting the Sanctuary.

 

 

"The Sanctuary Fees

Half-day Lounge Rental - $20 per day

Full-day Lounge Rental - $40 per day

Whole-Cruise Rental - (Cruise Days) x $30"

[mellon1]

This is from princess website. $20 1/2 day $40 full and $30 if you book full cruise for seas days only. http://www.princess.com/learn/onboard/activities/daytime_activities/day_sanctuary/

 

 

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Carla is correct. We were on the Emerald for 30 days and our last leg which ended on 2/17, we were told that anyone doing another B2B that prices were increasing to $20 half and $40 full. I paid $135 for 10 days and that was going to $270. The website now says $30 per day per person times number of days.

 

They did this because they said people were complaining they could not get in and were mad. People wait very early in the am to get a seat and often find they are sold out.

 

When we left, there were only 2 couples doing B2B again and they both were paying the new rate.

 

This is a corporate decision we were told, as they control all pricing. I am not happy about the increase and we are doing 30 days again, I think I will bring my own cushion!

[Cruise Junky]

I love how Princess solved their completely flawed reservation system with just doubling the prices.:rolleyes:

[gelo7]

I think that I will pass.

[caribill]

 

"The Sanctuary Fees

Half-day Lounge Rental - $20 per day

Full-day Lounge Rental - $40 per day

Whole-Cruise Rental - (Cruise Days) x $30"

 

However, on a 7 day cruise you really only get to use the Sanctuary for 6 days.

 

You cannot use it disembarkation morning.

 

And although you might be able to use it some on embarkation day afternoon, the time you are there will have constant interruptions by passengers exploring the area and you must leave to go to muster.

 

So, on a seven day cruise if you book it for the individual six full days it will cost 6*40 = $240. If you book it for the entire 7 day cruise it will be 7*30 = $210, a savings of $30.

[Loonbeam]

They did only charge us for 8 days on our 10 day PC Partial (canal day was separate). We did not have use on Embarkation day.

 

However, on a 7 day cruise you really only get to use the Sanctuary for 6 days.

 

You cannot use it disembarkation morning.

 

And although you might be able to use it some on embarkation day afternoon, the time you are there will have constant interruptions by passengers exploring the area and you must leave to go to muster.

 

So, on a seven day cruise if you book it for the individual six full days it will cost 6*40 = $240. If you book it for the entire 7 day cruise it will be 7*30 = $210, a savings of $30.

[sandiego1]

for my 15 day cruise on the Island, they charged us for 14 days at $30pp and 1 day at $60pp for the Panama Canal day. We had to pay for embarkation day.

 

We did use it for a few hours that afternoon. Watched part of the sail away from there.

 

I wish that we could book it in advance like an excursion, instead of waiting until you get on the ship. HAL does it this way for their retreat area. I might choose a lower class of cabin if I knew that I had a guaranteed spot in the Sanctuary. Because you had to wait until you are on board to book it, I can't risk it and try to save $ on a cheaper cabin.

Edited March 13, 2014 by sandiego1

[bellebaby]

I think that I will pass.

 

We will pass too. We booked for the entire cruise on our last two Princess sailings. There's no way we'll pay $30 pp per day.

 

More money in our pockets. Less revenue from our cabin for Princess.

 

B

[caribill]

I wish that we could book it in advance like an excursion, instead of waiting until you get on the ship.

 

With about 50 lounges available, even if all could be booked in advance with none kept for booking by the day on the ship, most people trying to book the Sanctuary will be disappointed as the available slots may all get booked before most people even book the cruise.

[Cruise Junky]

With about 50 lounges available, even if all could be booked in advance with none kept for booking by the day on the ship, most people trying to book the Sanctuary will be disappointed as the available slots may all get booked before most people even book the cruise.

 

But at least that gives everyone an equal shot. Don't let people book for the entire cruise only by the day and those 50 spots can now be x 7 or x 10 etc.

[mellon1]

We will pass too. We booked for the entire cruise on our last two Princess sailings. There's no way we'll pay $30 pp per day.

 

More money in our pockets. Less revenue from our cabin for Princess.

 

B

 

We agree, but friends were on the Royal just last week and people were lined up on embarkation day to get in the Sanctuary and were willing to pay the price.

 

Just curious, how many people are willing to pay the extra?