Princess Coffee Cards now have expiration dates

[RDC1]

Excuse me . . . BUT . . . we paid for these cards! In the US, there is a law that says prepaid cards like gift cards or gift certificates or punch cards cannot expire. I know these are foreign registered ships but I would be interested to know how this law affects the parent company. And besides that, how many cards with leftover punches are never used up and thrown away? They are not losing any money by honoring these cards. I resent the statement "free coffee for life". That coffee is anything but free!

 

Nope, if you actually read the law.

 

Section 401 (a) (2)(D)(v) contains the following language is the section discussing exclusions "issued in paper form only".

Since the cards are in fact paper punch cards they are excluded from being covered by the law, even if they met all other requirements.

There are other items in the law that would also exclude them, but that is the easiest to reference.

[MGAfhc]

Nope, if you actually read the law.

 

Section 401 (a) (2)(D)(v) contains the following language is the section discussing exclusions "issued in paper form only".

Since the cards are in fact paper punch cards they are excluded from being covered by the law, even if they met all other requirements.

There are other items in the law that would also exclude them, but that is the easiest to reference.

 

That may be the Federal law, but California and Florida have State laws regarding this matter, which apparently may have priority. http://www.travelweekly.com/Mark-Pestronk/New-gift-card-regulations-won-t-apply-to-paper-certificates

[Astro Flyer]

Whatever the actual legality is about this question being debated, it would be unethical for Princess to invalidate coffee cards without an expiration date. No one has posted this happening which Princess should never do.

 

It’s extremely doubtful to me that any class action law firm would file a case over some unused coffee card punches. Or that some government entity would ever investigate this relatively minor claim because they’re busy enough dealing with major issues.

 

Thus even if it’s “illegal”, there probably won’t be any court mandated “justice”.

Edited January 29, 2018 by Astro Flyer

[neverbeenhere]

Can't wait for the section in the passenger contract that addresses this issue. Should add at least 10,000 words to the contract. Caveat emptor

[land lover]

Haven't read posts ...just the last couple....

 

IMHO...since most, I am saying Most not all, of the non used cards and left over punches out there didn't cost the "owner" anything so where is you proof of purchase....if you think Princess should honor them.....

 

 

I am speaking of the elites who have a stash of unused cards......If they suddenly made specialty coffees free of charge to everyone....what would everyone be saying then....;)

 

Cards with exp. will expire those without won't, as simple as that....

 

Figure I wil now l probably handing out my mini bar ...when I have the drink package or giving away coffee cards..or taking a bottle of ship wine home...no worries..... DH only used coffee cards for double espressos which only cost 2.75 and they take 2 punches so cards have never had value to us.....I am a hot choc person...sometimes they punch it sometimes they don't...again 1.50 value...WE would have not purchased them in the first place....just easier to deal with when you have the drink package.

Edited January 29, 2018 by land lover

[floridalover5623]

Wasn't that also when before if there was one punch left on a card you could use that card on future cruises for free coffee? I remember how people bragged how they beat the system getting "free coffee forever" by doing this. Look how that worked out;p

True.

But this is different since people are actually paying for a product. If Princess does put a limitation date on their newer cards, that's fine but at least let me make the decision before receiving one of the new types with an expiration date on it. I can then decide if it's worth taking the chance of using all of what I paid for.

 

I wonder if the cards that will be issued in Feb will have an expiration date sometime in Jan 2019.

[RDC1]

That may be the Federal law, but California and Florida have State laws regarding this matter, which apparently may have priority. http://www.travelweekly.com/Mark-Pestronk/New-gift-card-regulations-won-t-apply-to-paper-certificates

 

 

Again not quite. For example under California Civil code 179.45 - 197.6

 

"If gift cards include anexpiration date printedon the certificate, theydo not fall within thedefinition of giftcertificate and are notsubject to therequirements of CA giftcertificate law. "

 

Another California exception is related to food and coffee can be considered to be food.

 

"An exception to these rules applies to gift cards for food (excluding restaurant meals). Such gift cards may have expiration dates if that fact is printed in 10-point type on the front of the card. Such large type should make it easier to spot. "

 

There are all kinds of other characteristics that keep the coffee cards from being covered under various gift card laws.

 

The Florida law is written far more generally than California law will have to check into that a bit more.

 

Of course you also run into the question if state law or even federal law would apply even if the current laws were to apply. If purchased on the cruise ship then they would not. A little less clear is if the resident of a state logged in and ordered it prior to the cruise could they argue that state law could apply. Hard to claim damages of any significance and hard to get numbers for a class action.

 

Pretty much the bottom line is if they put a expiration date on them, and you choose to buy them with the expiration date printed, then the expiration date would be valid if the cruise chooses to enforce it.

Edited January 30, 2018 by RDC1

[MrMan]

Recently Princess seems to be in a race to the bottom..

 

All the little things in the past that made Princess stand out as a special experience, are slowly drip by drip disappearing. - In the direction the trend is moving where every possible thing is being monetized to get every last possible cent, can you really see that much difference between Princess and NCL ?

 

 

 

 

 

Simply mind boggling that Princess would jeopardize the positive mind set of a repeat multi-thousand dollar customer over making a few extra penny's on left over coffee punches

 

 

 

Sad day...

 

Srpilo

 

 

 

A little over dramatic. In fact Princess, or any other line, would most likely rather fire you as a customer and replace you with a new cruiser who will spend more on coffee cards, drink packages, Princess excursions, casino, and Bingo, rather than the long time passenger with limited onboard spending that is hand wringing over coffee.

 

 

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[moki'smommy]

I thought the hot chocolate was supposed to be a "freebie" with the coffee card. Can someone verify this or correct me, please?

 

As to dates printed on the cards, the only ones I've seen photos of had an expiration date of either 6/30/2018 or 12/31/2018.

[StknCPA]

The expiration date may apply to brewed coffee only, not specialty coffee. Maybe it's a backup in case employees forget to add Cruise info to card. So the card is good for brewed coffee for the one cruise (if marked) but definitely not longer than the expiration date (just in case it's not marked)?

 

This would make it correct for the back of the card to still say it's good for specialty coffees as long as there are punches and would add extra protection for Princess that the card does not become a free (brewed) coffee for life (or more likely more than one cruise) card.

 

Yes, pure speculation--so it fits right in with the thread.

 

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[land lover]

The expiration date may apply to brewed coffee only, not specialty coffee. Maybe it's a backup in case employees forget to add Cruise info to card. So the card is good for brewed coffee for the one cruise (if marked) but definitely not longer than the expiration date (just in case it's not marked)?

 

This would make it correct for the back of the card to still say it's good for specialty coffees as long as there are punches and would add extra protection for Princess that the card does not become a free (brewed) coffee for life (or more likely more than one cruise) card.

 

Yes, pure speculation--so it fits right in with the thread.

 

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Forums mobile app

 

Speculation....LOL......it's the truth for all of us..I don't think I have ever seen them not look at the back of the card when I oder.

Cruise on Emerald...last month we had the drink package and were with a family group & so busy didn't even think about exchanging for coffee cards until the last night..so at 2am...I get 2 coffee cards...both had ship & voyage number on them...was a little disappointed, but would have been more disappointed with an expiration date. DH is the user and only uses the card for specialty.

Edited January 30, 2018 by land lover

[land lover]

I thought the hot chocolate was supposed to be a "freebie" with the coffee card. Can someone verify this or correct me' date=' please?

 

As to dates printed on the cards, the only ones I've seen photos of had an expiration date of either 6/30/2018 or 12/31/2018.[/quote']

 

 

That is debatable ...depends on the barista....if you have a card from another voyage sometimes they punch it, as they view it as a cup of fresh brewed.

[victory2020]

I thought the hot chocolate was supposed to be a "freebie" with the coffee card. Can someone verify this or correct me' date=' please?

 

As to dates printed on the cards, the only ones I've seen photos of had an expiration date of either 6/30/2018 or 12/31/2018.[/quote']

Yes, it is considered a coffee or tea on the voyage it was purchased. For some reason they seem to mindlessly punch it for these items - when I mention it was not supposed to be punched they have given me a replacement card.

[floridalover5623]

I thought the hot chocolate was supposed to be a "freebie" with the coffee card. Can someone verify this or correct me' date=' please?

 

As to dates printed on the cards, the only ones I've seen photos of had an expiration date of either 6/30/2018 or 12/31/2018.[/quote']

Now that date of 6/30/2018 really has me puzzled. :confused:

They only started with the expiration dates in late Dec so the people who got the 6/30/2018 got shortchanged even more so.

I'm beginning to think this so called expiration date isn't what I believed it to be. :confused: They can't possibly think that people would be cruising within 6 months or lose the value of the card?

[land lover]

Let's speculate, how many pax that purchase a card on a voyage, do you think carry it over?

 

From the amount of pax I see treating others and offers I have received on the last couple of days when ordering at the coffee bar, my guess would...not very many. Even when people mention you can use it for your next voyage, the givers don't have interest in keeping it for the future.I have been in line when a card with punches left...is past to 4 or 5 people until it is used up.

[Dbld777]

The coffee card I bought on the Royal in mid December only had the ship's name and voyage number on it. Nothing else about expiration.

 

The majority of unused cards/punches, one poster estimated 25 unused cards, appear to be from Elite benefits(i.e. mini-bar trade in). No poster has clearly stated that a coffee card they purchased on a recent cruise had an expiration date on it. One possibility is that Princess is putting expiration dates on the cards that are handed out as an Elite perk. These are the cards that represent the highest probability for an ongoing, hard to estimate, liability on their balance sheet. This would also make the sale of these cards on ebay a bit harder, which would be a desirable outcome from a financial liability standpoint as well. I'm sure that Princess never intended for those cards, obtained as an Elite perk, to be sold online, for use on a future cruise by a non-Elite passenger. This would be a short term implementation, as many have stated the likelihood that coffee cards will become obsolete once ***** is fully implemented. The punches would then stay, forever valid, with the person that purchased the punches/coffees or the person that received them as a loyalty perk. Just some food for thought. Are you listening Princess????

[peternina]

Now I am angry.

 

Lets look at the basic fact that "regular" Princess coffee is the worst on the 7 seas. Everyone agrees that the concentrated coffee is crap. Years ago Princess agreed and started this coffee card program for folks that like plain old fashioned coffee who would be stupid enough to pay extra. I am one of the stupid ones who really likes Real COFFEE AND WAS WILL WILLING TO PAY for it.

 

I am "elite" but this nonsense is really really bad. Let me bring up something that I have noticed on my last couple of Princess cruises. I THINK that Princess has turned the coffee at the International Cafe to a franchise holder. The food section has not changed but the crew that is working the coffee bar section has been aggressive in enforcing the coffee rules. Think about it, does anyone think that may the issue?

 

Regular coffee drinkers like myself have ALWAYS given a nice gratuity to the wonderful servers at the IC, I hope this change does not effect their livelyhood.

 

The basic fact that the concentrate sucks and Princess knows that it sucks, sucks.

[floridalover5623]

The majority of unused cards/punches, one poster estimated 25 unused cards, appear to be from Elite benefits(i.e. mini-bar trade in). No poster has clearly stated that a coffee card they purchased on a recent cruise had an expiration date on it. One possibility is that Princess is putting expiration dates on the cards that are handed out as an Elite perk. These are the cards that represent the highest probability for an ongoing, hard to estimate, liability on their balance sheet. This would also make the sale of these cards on ebay a bit harder, which would be a desirable outcome from a financial liability standpoint as well. I'm sure that Princess never intended for those cards, obtained as an Elite perk, to be sold online, for use on a future cruise by a non-Elite passenger. This would be a short term implementation, as many have stated the likelihood that coffee cards will become obsolete once ***** is fully implemented. The punches would then stay, forever valid, with the person that purchased the punches/coffees or the person that received them as a loyalty perk. Just some food for thought. Are you listening Princess????

Your scenario is a possibility. I'll have to talk to some of my friends on the ship next month to see what they have to say.

[land lover]

Now I am angry.

 

Lets look at the basic fact that "regular" Princess coffee is the worst on the 7 seas. Everyone agrees that the concentrated coffee is crap. Years ago Princess agreed and started this coffee card program for folks that like plain old fashioned coffee who would be stupid enough to pay extra. I am one of the stupid ones who really likes Real COFFEE AND WAS WILL WILLING TO PAY for it.

 

I am "elite" but this nonsense is really really bad. Let me bring up something that I have noticed on my last couple of Princess cruises. I THINK that Princess has turned the coffee at the International Cafe to a franchise holder. The food section has not changed but the crew that is working the coffee bar section has been aggressive in enforcing the coffee rules. Think about it, does anyone think that may the issue?

 

Regular coffee drinkers like myself have ALWAYS given a nice gratuity to the wonderful servers at the IC, I hope this change does not effect their livelyhood.

 

The basic fact that the concentrate sucks and Princess knows that it sucks, sucks.

 

 

Actually everyone doesn't think it is crap...

my DH drinks it all the time in the MDR and enjoys it. I am not a coffee drinker, it all taste gross to me.

 

We have done quite a few cruises with Princess recently and even though he has the drink package or a coffee card he has yet to get fresh brewed at the IC....... His choice triple expresso......his choice does not even cost enough to justify a punch...but they take 2.....if he is using a card.

 

 

And my observation when I am waiting for DH to get a coffee or I am getting a hot choc......most users of the cards are elite...just sayin....and most others just pay as the go. This is not speculation this is fact from observation.

 

 

As most people have posted on the thread, wait until you get on the ship and purchase your card and make your own decision about the coffee.

Edited January 31, 2018 by land lover

[land lover]

The majority of unused cards/punches, one poster estimated 25 unused cards, appear to be from Elite benefits(i.e. mini-bar trade in). No poster has clearly stated that a coffee card they purchased on a recent cruise had an expiration date on it. One possibility is that Princess is putting expiration dates on the cards that are handed out as an Elite perk. These are the cards that represent the highest probability for an ongoing, hard to estimate, liability on their balance sheet. This would also make the sale of these cards on ebay a bit harder, which would be a desirable outcome from a financial liability standpoint as well. I'm sure that Princess never intended for those cards, obtained as an Elite perk, to be sold online, for use on a future cruise by a non-Elite passenger. This would be a short term implementation, as many have stated the likelihood that coffee cards will become obsolete once ***** is fully implemented. The punches would then stay, forever valid, with the person that purchased the punches/coffees or the person that received them as a loyalty perk. Just some food for thought. Are you listening Princess????

 

At least a few years back CC listen, when people were selling coffee cards on roll calls.....as someone issued more than one complaint;).....anyway with the introduction of sip & sail, 3&4 day cruises, B2Bs and a suite here and there, what are cruisers to do...... suddenly there are thousands of unused "feebee" coffee cards out there.....

 

 

Like i said on another post...if Princess started making specialty coffee free to all...what would everyone do with their coffee cards .....?

 

Gng on a cruise soon with Drink package so will probably hand out some of our mini bar as we have in the past, than accumulate anymore coffee cards, rather have something tangible than something worthless in a few years, expiration date or not.....

Edited January 31, 2018 by land lover

[floridalover5623]

 

 

Like i said on another post...if Princess started making specialty coffee free to all...what would everyone do with their coffee cards .....?

 

Sell them on eBay to people who don't know the difference.

[land lover]

Sell them on eBay to people who don't know the difference.

 

:D;p

Just like people were doing with RCI D & D+ booklets with great perks......and RCI quickly put an end to that...in fact they started making people show their cruise card before making a purchase...and now all perks are on your card...makes sense to me....the future of ***** on princess.

 

For those of us who have been around for awhile, we have seen so many changes everyone adjusts. I just don't see why Princess doesn't make things simple....and have the foresight like so many other lines....

[floridalover5623]

:D;p

Just like people were doing with RCI D & D+ booklets with great perks......and RCI quickly put an end to that...in fact they started making people show their cruise card before making a purchase...and now all perks are on your card...makes sense to me....the future of ***** on princess.

 

For those of us who have been around for awhile, we have seen so many changes everyone adjusts. I just don't see why Princess doesn't make things simple....and have the foresight like so many other lines....

Yes, but the coffee cards are slightly different. They can be purchased/received and then used by anyone without any proof of having been on the particular ship.

I do see an end to any transfer of coffee punches when the ***** takes effect but at the rate it's progressing it'll be years. Even when the ***** is in full swing the old coffee cards will still be able to be used. (at least one more time if they take the card & enteer the remaining punches in the system)

[weedpindle]

I have not read all the posts in this thread. Currently on the

Regal, got 2 coffee cards for a mini bar turn in, NO expiry date

One fellow trivia player bought a coffee card, HAD

aN expiry date, 12-18

[molly2kit]

I am Elite and always get 2 coffee cards by trading mini bar.

 

Regal in Dec 2017 - both the cards had Regal Dec 2017 written on the back in pen. Only used part of one card.

Ruby Jan 20-27 both coffee cards were blank on the back. No expiry on any of the cards. I used up 2 partial cards and the unused marked one from Regal. They punched for regular and special coffee which is fine by me.

 

At the beginning of the cruise they were giving multiple regular coffee and tea to people without punching a card. Last 2 days they were saying only one complimentary beverage per punched beverage ordered.

 

It seems to me that that only thing for sure is that every ship is different, sometimes same ship different day does it differently!