Purchasing Internet Package

[Syracusefan44]

I have always used the free internet minutes on past cruises but with the recent Captain Circle changes I need to purchase an internet package. I have not been able to find any information on how to purchase it for our upcoming cruise to Alaska. Hoping for some information.

[Steelers36]

32 minutes ago, Syracusefan44 said:

I have always used the free internet minutes on past cruises but with the recent Captain Circle changes I need to purchase an internet package. I have not been able to find any information on how to purchase it for our upcoming cruise to Alaska. Hoping for some information.

I believe it will be eventually loaded to MC App for pre-ordering, but also keep eye on Cruise Personalizer as one of the pre-cruise packages to order.  Meanwhile, I have read at least one post where a customer called in to Princess and was able to pre-order @ $10/day.  The 50% off comes back as a non-ref OBC.  We don't know whether Princess is going to continue to offer "whole cruise" package pricing as they have done in the past.  At $10/day, internet gets quite expensive for longer voyages compared to previous pricing.

[Syracusefan44]

44 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

I believe it will be eventually loaded to MC App for pre-ordering, but also keep eye on Cruise Personalizer as one of the pre-cruise packages to order.  Meanwhile, I have read at least one post where a customer called in to Princess and was able to pre-order @ $10/day.  The 50% off comes back as a non-ref OBC.  We don't know whether Princess is going to continue to offer "whole cruise" package pricing as they have done in the past.  At $10/day, internet gets quite expensive for longer voyages compared to previous pricing.

Thank you for the information.  I will keep checking the app and website. 

[voljeep]

pre 'rona - I believe I remember that you could purchase individual days - but it was something like 

$ 19.99 per day  - which equates to the then price of 50% off of $ 9.99 per day if the entire cruise was purchased pre-cruise or the first day

 

maybe now the individual days would be $ 10.00 per day with no OBC of 50%

 

maybe, maybe, maybe - until someone reports what ACTUALLY happens on board - not speculation, not what an APP has, not a WEBSITE - this is strictly about purchasing a single day within a cruise

 

maybe

[nini]

You may want to consider (assuming it is available), booking/ adding on the Princess Plus (or whatever they are currently calling it). It adds $40.00 per day to your cruise fare. For example, for me alone:

$14.50  Gratuities

$ 5.00  Espresso Drink in the AM (includes 18% gratuity)

$12.00 Evening Wine (includes 18% gratuity)

$10.00 WiFi

$41.00   Grad Total per day

 

It is easy to get to that amount and not be concerned if you want another drink or fresh squeezed Lemonade, etc.

[Ombud]

I called my PVP and bought it at $9.99 day × 7 days from bonus gift card with $35 back as non-refundable OBC onboard. On the savers plan:

14.50 crew incentive

 4.99 internet

0.00 trade minibar for 30 lattes (I'm a BIG coffee drinker 

0.00 carryon 1 wine bottle (5 glasses, I'm a lightweight)

19.49 per day

[nini]

3 minutes ago, Ombud said:

I called my PVP and bought it at $9.99 day × 7 days from bonus gift card with $35 back as non-refundable OBC onboard. On the savers plan:

14.50 crew incentive

 4.99 internet

0.00 trade minibar for 30 lattes (I'm a BIG coffee drinker 

0.00 carryon 1 wine bottle (5 glasses, I'm a lightweight)

19.49 per day

Cool! My bring on two bottles of wine would not work out for me............

[Ombud]

Yeah I even have coffee with my meals and will run out. 30 lattes isn't enough for 7 days. That's just 3 a day + cocoa on the balcony before turning in. If they stop my trading the minibar for 2 coffee programs then I'll need to buy that.

Edited July 16, 2021 by Ombud

[Steelers36]

20 minutes ago, Ombud said:

I called my PVP and bought it at $9.99 day × 7 days from bonus gift card with $35 back as non-refundable OBC onboard. On the savers plan:

14.50 crew incentive

 4.99 internet

0.00 trade minibar for 30 lattes (I'm a BIG coffee drinker 

0.00 carryon 1 wine bottle (5 glasses, I'm a lightweight)

19.49 per day

Did you happen to ask the PVP what the cost would have been had you pre-ordered the 4-device package?  Thanks (I am close to posting more info on the MedallionNet pricing, but waiting to verify a couple of numbers that I think were mixed up).

[Ombud]

3 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Did you happen to ask the PVP what the cost would have been had you pre-ordered the 4-device package?  Thanks (I am close to posting more info on the MedallionNet pricing, but waiting to verify a couple of numbers that I think were mixed up).

She always rounds it up but did send me verification that it is $19.99 with 1/2 back as OBC. Supposedly (according to Customer Service) the single device plan is 50% more onboard. $14.99 onboard with 50% off. So even in 9/22 when I have 1150 OBC, I'm still pre-buying

[Steelers36]

3 minutes ago, Ombud said:

She always rounds it up but did send me verification that it is $19.99 with 1/2 back as OBC. Supposedly (according to Customer Service) the single device plan is 50% more onboard. $14.99 onboard with 50% off. So even in 9/22 when I have 1150 OBC, I'm still pre-buying

Okay, this aligns with numbers I got earlier this afternoon except either my source or my mind mixed up two numbers.  Pre-cruise:  1-device = $10 & 4-device = $20.  On-board:  1-device = $15 and 4-device = $25.

 

180 degree change in strategy for Elite/Platinum guests from pre-Covid to now.  Pre-Covid you wanted to wait to book internet on board to get the best net price after discount.  Now that we get the discount pre-cruise, it is obviously better to order in advance.

 

It will come to the MC App soon, but only way now is your way.  I will post more details later.

 

[Ombud]

I didn't discuss the price for the 4 device option onboard bc I only have 300 OBC on the cruise with the 2 kids and 1 is 7 (so we might not be able to go anyway). 

 

But yeah, it's different.  Better for me to buy before

[Astro Flyer]

9 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

At $10/day, internet gets quite expensive for longer voyages compared to previous pricing.

It’s definitely more expensive on longer cruises even after receiving 50% back in a NR OBC.

 

On a 28-day cruise I traded in my 500 minutes for an true 25% discount to only pay $112.50 onboard.

 

Now a 28-day cruise would cost me $280 pre-cruise with an onboard NR OBC of $140 which I’m required to spend onboard or to lose it because it’s a Captain’s Circle.

 

And yet Princess touts their 50% discount which results in me paying 24% more with their 50% discount with their new pricing scheme and having to spend the $140 discount or to lose it. Guess that must be the new math that I’ve read about? 🤔

[Steelers36]

I have most of the Medallion Net internet pricing story.  And I think it is mostly - if not all - good news.

 

The plan is to add internet ordering to the MC App, but they aren't ready for prime-time on that.  With upcoming 2021 summer voyages, they will be ready to assist people on board.  (Sorry, I did not specifically ask if they will be getting the PRE-cruise pricing on board since they could not order ahead, but if I was in that situation, I would certainly be pitching my case).  That said, I have read a couple of posts where guests were able to phone in and order the internet for upcoming cruises leaving soon - similar to you can phone in and order other pre-cruise items like casino credits, OBC, etc. 

 

(I dispense with the 99-cent business).

 

PRE-CRUISE

1 -device           = $10/day

4-device            = $20/day

 

ON-BOARD

1-device            = $15/day

4-device            = $25/day

 

YES, they will have "voyage-length" pricing, but that price list is not yet known/available.  Seems like there will be some changes from what we had before.  Perhaps falling in-between the above.  Those of us who qualify for the 50% discount can also get it off the voyage price.  So, obviously we will eventually want to know those prices to understand whether to order pre-cruise basis or wait.  I would venture - based on pre-Covid situation - that the $10/day will be beat the voyage-length pricing at least until you get into the "longer" cruises.

 

If pre-ordering, the 50% discount is an on-board non-ref OBC.

Doesn't seem to be clear if ordering on-board will we pay net price or also get non-ref OBC.

 

Since we now get the discount when ordering internet pre-cruise (didn't work that way before), this is obviously the best way to go.  It's a no-brainer for Elites & Platinum to order ahead.  Maybe you want to see the package pricing for longer voyages, I know I am curious.  For example, @Astro Flyer, your 28-night might turn out to have a more attractive full-voyage package rate (< $280/pp) and you can still get 50% off that.  (I do realize we need to know those prices to make the best financial choice).

 

I got this right from a Princess exec, so I hope they were informed correctly (and ought to know in any case).  The above fits in with reports and rumors here on CC.  Has anyone pre-ordered internet over the phone for 4-devices?  What were you charged?  I know 1-device has been $10/day per CC postings.

 

If/when I get package pricing, I will share.  Or maybe those on first voyages will inform us here.

[RRFan]

15 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

I have most of the Medallion Net internet pricing story.  And I think it is mostly - if not all - good news.

 

The plan is to add internet ordering to the MC App, but they aren't ready for prime-time on that.  With upcoming 2021 summer voyages, they will be ready to assist people on board.  (Sorry, I did not specifically ask if they will be getting the PRE-cruise pricing on board since they could not order ahead, but if I was in that situation, I would certainly be pitching my case).  That said, I have read a couple of posts where guests were able to phone in and order the internet for upcoming cruises leaving soon - similar to you can phone in and order other pre-cruise items like casino credits, OBC, etc. 

 

(I dispense with the 99-cent business).

 

PRE-CRUISE

1 -device           = $10/day

4-device            = $20/day

 

ON-BOARD

1-device            = $15/day

4-device            = $25/day

 

YES, they will have "voyage-length" pricing, but that price list is not yet known/available.  Seems like there will be some changes from what we had before.  Perhaps falling in-between the above.  Those of us who qualify for the 50% discount can also get it off the voyage price.  So, obviously we will eventually want to know those prices to understand whether to order pre-cruise basis or wait.  I would venture - based on pre-Covid situation - that the $10/day will be beat the voyage-length pricing at least until you get into the "longer" cruises.

 

If pre-ordering, the 50% discount is an on-board non-ref OBC.

Doesn't seem to be clear if ordering on-board will we pay net price or also get non-ref OBC.

 

Since we now get the discount when ordering internet pre-cruise (didn't work that way before), this is obviously the best way to go.  It's a no-brainer for Elites & Platinum to order ahead.  Maybe you want to see the package pricing for longer voyages, I know I am curious.  For example, @Astro Flyer, your 28-night might turn out to have a more attractive full-voyage package rate (< $280/pp) and you can still get 50% off that.  (I do realize we need to know those prices to make the best financial choice).

 

I got this right from a Princess exec, so I hope they were informed correctly (and ought to know in any case).  The above fits in with reports and rumors here on CC.  Has anyone pre-ordered internet over the phone for 4-devices?  What were you charged?  I know 1-device has been $10/day per CC postings.

 

If/when I get package pricing, I will share.  Or maybe those on first voyages will inform us here.

Forgive me if this has already been asked, but can we purchase the WiFi pkg using OBC already posted to our acct?  So they would just charge our OBC acct with 50% of the total (using Elite benefit)?  — or charge our OBC the full amt and then give us back the 50%. 

[Steelers36]

3 minutes ago, RRFan said:

Forgive me if this has already been asked, but can we purchase the WiFi pkg using OBC already posted to our acct?  So they would just charge our OBC acct with 50% of the total (using Elite benefit)?  — or charge our OBC the full amt and then give us back the 50%. 

No, OBC has only been allowed to pay for pre-cruise excursion bookings and not for on-board amenities like drink packages, spa services, and internet.  You pay for it up-front on a credit card.  If you purchase internet on-board, then it is charged to your stateroom account and any OBC can be used to offset that charge like any other charge.  Note that you will be paying more for internet if you wait until on board.

 

As an Elite, you will want to pre-order internet to get the best price and then you will receive the 50% rebate on board as OBC.  

[Ombud]

Oops. Delete. Wrong thread (2 open windows)

Edited July 17, 2021 by Ombud

[Steelers36]

On 7/16/2021 at 10:27 PM, Steelers36 said:

I have most of the Medallion Net internet pricing story.  And I think it is mostly - if not all - good news.

 

The plan is to add internet ordering to the MC App, but they aren't ready for prime-time on that.  With upcoming 2021 summer voyages, they will be ready to assist people on board.  (Sorry, I did not specifically ask if they will be getting the PRE-cruise pricing on board since they could not order ahead, but if I was in that situation, I would certainly be pitching my case).  That said, I have read a couple of posts where guests were able to phone in and order the internet for upcoming cruises leaving soon - similar to you can phone in and order other pre-cruise items like casino credits, OBC, etc. 

 

(I dispense with the 99-cent business).

 

PRE-CRUISE

1 -device           = $10/day

4-device            = $20/day

 

ON-BOARD

1-device            = $15/day

4-device            = $25/day

 

YES, they will have "voyage-length" pricing, but that price list is not yet known/available.  Seems like there will be some changes from what we had before.  Perhaps falling in-between the above.  Those of us who qualify for the 50% discount can also get it off the voyage price.  So, obviously we will eventually want to know those prices to understand whether to order pre-cruise basis or wait.  I would venture - based on pre-Covid situation - that the $10/day will be beat the voyage-length pricing at least until you get into the "longer" cruises.

 

If pre-ordering, the 50% discount is an on-board non-ref OBC.

Doesn't seem to be clear if ordering on-board will we pay net price or also get non-ref OBC.

 

Since we now get the discount when ordering internet pre-cruise (didn't work that way before), this is obviously the best way to go.  It's a no-brainer for Elites & Platinum to order ahead.  Maybe you want to see the package pricing for longer voyages, I know I am curious.  For example, @Astro Flyer, your 28-night might turn out to have a more attractive full-voyage package rate (< $280/pp) and you can still get 50% off that.  (I do realize we need to know those prices to make the best financial choice).

 

I got this right from a Princess exec, so I hope they were informed correctly (and ought to know in any case).  The above fits in with reports and rumors here on CC.  Has anyone pre-ordered internet over the phone for 4-devices?  What were you charged?  I know 1-device has been $10/day per CC postings.

 

If/when I get package pricing, I will share.  Or maybe those on first voyages will inform us here.

 

I have some MedallionNet pricing updates.

 

First, the per-day prices above are still correct. 

 

I had been informed that they would be coming with voyage-length package pricing like we had before.  That has been clarified and is NOT in the works for right now.  So, it means the internet gets quite expensive for long voyages compared to what it was pre-Covid.  The max price was $150 for 30 days and now it is $300.  Knock off 50% and see where that lands you.  😉

 

Of course, nothing precludes a change in the future, so if we want to see this again - especially for long voyages, then use those feedback appraisal forms or let Princess know what you think.

 

Individual single-day purchases can be done on-board at $20/day.

 

Finally, this about the billing aspect:

 

• MedallionNet discount for Elite and Platinum guests: If purchasing pre-cruise, the discount will be applied as a refundable OBC once you arrive onboard. Once the MedallionClass App is updated to be able to buy MedallionNet in that environment, the discount will be applied directly. 
• Just to be clear, if wait to book on-board (and why would you if at all possible to get it ahead of time), you will be charged the net cost - no OBC involved.
• This means purchasing pre-cruise or on-board is treated the same as far as the discount goes since it is like cash.

 

[pompeii]

1 hour ago, Steelers36 said:

 

 

Finally, this about the billing aspect:

 

• MedallionNet discount for Elite and Platinum guests: If purchasing pre-cruise, the discount will be applied as a refundable OBC once you arrive onboard. Once the MedallionClass App is updated to be able to buy MedallionNet in that environment, the discount will be applied directly. 
• Just to be clear, if wait to book on-board (and why would you if at all possible to get it ahead of time), you will be charged the net cost - no OBC involved.
• This means purchasing pre-cruise or on-board is treated the same as far as the discount goes since it is like cash.

 

Thanks for the clarification. I had been told in a FB group the same thing regarding the obc being refundable and only the net amount being charged  if you wait to purchase onboard. I’m glad to see it verified. Hopefully the voyage-length packages, once they come out, will be reasonable. 

[Astro Flyer]

3 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

• MedallionNet discount for Elite and Platinum guests: If purchasing pre-cruise, the discount will be applied as a refundable OBC once you arrive onboard. Once the MedallionClass App is updated to be able to buy MedallionNet in that environment, the discount will be applied directly. 
• Just to be clear, if wait to book on-board (and why would you if at all possible to get it ahead of time), you will be charged the net cost - no OBC involved.
• This means purchasing pre-cruise or on-board is treated the same as far as the discount goes since it is like cash.

That‘s different than what a CS manager told me 3 weeks ago that the 50% discount was non-refundable OBC…although 3 weeks is an eternity for how often Princess changes things. 

 

Until the app is updated…using the 50% P&E discount we can either purchase it in advance for $10/day & receive a refundable $5/day OBC or we can purchase it onboard for $5/day…correct?

 

Who is your source?

 

Edited July 22, 2021 by Astro Flyer

[cr8tiv1]

1 hour ago, Astro Flyer said:

That‘s different than what a CS manager told me 3 weeks ago that the 50% discount was non-refundable OBC…although 3 weeks is an eternity for how often Princess changes things. 

 

Until the app is updated…using the 50% P&E discount we can either purchase it in advance for $10/day & receive a refundable $5/day OBC or we can purchase it onboard for $5/day…correct?

 

Who is your source?

 

 

I was told the same as Steelers36 by a Princess Customer Relations agent.  That the OBC would be refundable.

 

Not ready to pre-pay for internet for next year's cruise longer cruise.  

[Ombud]

I will know 8/15/21 unless someone on 7/25/21 posts it Sunday. I had been told it was nonrefundable OBC when I bought like @Astro Flyer

Edited July 23, 2021 by Ombud

[caribill]

9 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

 

 

 

Finally, this about the billing aspect:

 

• This means purchasing pre-cruise or on-board is treated the same as far as the discount goes since it is like cash.

 

 

I assume that purchasing all days pre-cruise is at the $10/day price before 50% off to make it $5 a day, but purchasing all days once on board will be at the higher onboard rate of$15/day before 50% off to make it $7.50/day. Correct?

 

Thus, better to purchase pre-cruise.

[Steelers36]

9 hours ago, pompeii said:

Thanks for the clarification. I had been told in a FB group the same thing regarding the obc being refundable and only the net amount being charged  if you wait to purchase onboard. I’m glad to see it verified. Hopefully the voyage-length packages, once they come out, will be reasonable. 

@pompeii, there is no plan at this time to offer voyage-length packages, so I wouldn't count on them returning.  Of course, customers can always lobby for changes.

 

7 hours ago, Astro Flyer said:

That‘s different than what a CS manager told me 3 weeks ago that the 50% discount was non-refundable OBC…although 3 weeks is an eternity for how often Princess changes things. 

 

Until the app is updated…using the 50% P&E discount we can either purchase it in advance for $10/day & receive a refundable $5/day OBC or we can purchase it onboard for $5/day…correct?

 

Who is your source?

 

 

6 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

I was told the same as Steelers36 by a Princess Customer Relations agent.  That the OBC would be refundable.

 

Not ready to pre-pay for internet for next year's cruise longer cruise.  

 

5 hours ago, Ombud said:

I will know 8/15/21 unless someone on 7/25/21 posts it Sunday. I had been told it was nonrefundable OBC when I bought like @Astro Flyer

 

Originally, the word was Non-Ref OBC.  Then, a policy change.  I do not have the date/time the change was made, nor the reason, but might have been customer feedback.  I think it was the right decision. 

 

Since the plan is to be offering internet ordering via the MC App, and the intent is to apply the eligible discount at that time and charge a net price, the now refundable OBC makes sense.  Of course, it also would make sense just to charge the net cost.  Perhaps it's an accounting thing - no idea.  It also levels the playing field since on-board ordering results in a cash discount and a net charge to your folio.

 

All I care about is how to get the discount and what is the best time to book the internet understanding their pricing scheme.

 

Astro - You have it right for purchasing pre-cruise.  If you were to wait until on-board, then the price is $15, less 50%.  And yes things have been changing at Princess - often in less than a 3-week window.  You asked for source.  High up and connected to other execs and checking with the right areas to verify things.

Edited July 23, 2021 by Steelers36

[Steelers36]

1 hour ago, caribill said:

 

I assume that purchasing all days pre-cruise is at the $10/day price before 50% off to make it $5 a day, but purchasing all days once on board will be at the higher onboard rate of$15/day before 50% off to make it $7.50/day. Correct?

 

Thus, better to purchase pre-cruise.

Yes, you have it correct.