Princess casino policy

[bumorgan]

I just booked my first free cruise. When the confirmation came it showed that I owe several thousand dollars . I called back the casino department and they said that is normal. They haven’t updated there computer to show its free. Is this true??

[mina]

Yes.  The casino dept is run by carnival Corp and will make their final payment to Princess about 15 days out from sailing even though you paid any upgrades, etc in full upfront.  Do not attempt to add Princess airfare yourself to your booking.  That results in your booking “breaking” and getting cancelled in the system. It has happened to multiple people.  Instead, you need to call the casino department with what flights you want and they will reserve the flights and add them to your booking.  They will want full payment for the flights when you book them even if they are flexible air.  So, for us, unless the airfare is a screaming deal, we book our own air separately.   Essentially, the casino department has to do something in the system to “protect” your booking so it does not cancel anytime a monetary type change is made.  You can add excursions and do onboard purchases, but not change cabins, add airfare, or other things that could impact the core booking price.  

[negn]

Not a problem.   Casino will pay the due amount when close to sailing

[azbirdmom]

Over a year ago I learned the hard way that bookings for a "free" cabin can cancel when you add EZAir even though you've paid for everything you're supposed to - even the air.  I was able to get it all restored.  Now when you book they usually tell you to call them to add air or to make major changes to your booking as they have to protect it afterwards.  They also should have told you to ignore any notices about balances due.  At least that's what happened for the last two that I've booked.  You should be fine if you're just receiving balance due notices, but if you get a cancellation notice, call them immediately.

[bumorgan]

Thanks guys, now I can sleep nights 👍

[Sprocket]

Just keep an eye on your booking around final payment date, my first casino cruise was cancelled with no notice for non payment by the casino department.  Caught it right away and even though mine are all “protected” now I don’t want any surprises.