Princess Plus refundable prior to sailing?

[ellenh]

I've searched but can't find the answer to this particular Princess Plus question.

 

We booked our October cruise on Enchanted after final payment date at a base (no perks) fare.  We are now given the option to upgrade to Princess Plus before embarkation.  It's a good deal but what happens if (god forbid) we get sick and can't board or just decide before we board that we don't want the package?  Is this refundable directly from Princess or will we have to bundle the expense of the Princess Plus upgrade in with our travel insurance claim?  I can't find any answer either in the FAQ or Terms and Conditions text.

 

Thanks!

Edited September 3, 2022 by ellenh
ship name

[franktown]

Part of insurance claim.  It is considered part of the cruise fare.  For us a great perk.

Edited September 3, 2022 by franktown
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[ReadyToCruise2]

I had wondered about this myself before I ordered it anyway.  Some terms and conditions are buried pretty deep several levels down.  You will probably say "Geez" to yourself when you follow below.  

 

If you are booking a cruise online, when you get to the page where you are selecting Princess Plus (or Princess Standard or Princess Premier) there is a link at the bottom right above the price (what that link says varies based on promotions, but get you to the same point).  Way down in the page that link takes you to, you will find another link "full terms & conditions for Plus Beverage Package".  Once you get to that page, there is another link to "View Plus Beverage Package Terms & Conditions".    In the Terms and Conditions of the Plus Beverage package, last bullet under the Package Details and Qualifications:

 

• The package is NOT refundable or transferable once purchased on board, and for advance purchased packages, NOT refundable or transferable within three days of sailing.

 

It is not clear from all this wording about the cancelations of the other portions of the Princess Plus Package (the Wifi and Crew Appreciation), but I would guess the same might apply.   They would probably say you forfeit the regular value of the Plus Beverage package, which is way more than the total cost of the Princess Plus package. 

 

But it also looks to me if you buy this all onboard separately (the Beverage package on the first day and the wifi package) and pay the crew appreciation the regular onboard way, it would be a lot more expensive.

[skynight]

This is a good question. If Princess considers the upgrade a service package then you probably lose it. If Princess considers the upgrade to now be an upgraded fare then I would think that the entire fare is now subject to the cancellation provision timeline and becomes part of an insurance claim if you need to cancel. You should ask fore a revised invoice from Princess which indicates the total fare paid.

[ReadyToCruise2]

45 minutes ago, skynight said:

This is a good question. If Princess considers the upgrade a service package then you probably lose it. If Princess considers the upgrade to now be an upgraded fare then I would think that the entire fare is now subject to the cancellation provision timeline and becomes part of an insurance claim if you need to cancel. You should ask fore a revised invoice from Princess which indicates the total fare paid.

Good point.  We booked the Princess Plus package at the time of booking the cabin.  In the booking confirmation/invoice, it is just part of the total fare (not separated at all, i.e. no indication of what the added cost was for the plus package over basic standard fare), but with a note indicating that the elements of the Plus package were included. That most likely puts the whole fare (including the Plus Package) subject to the cruise fare cancellation schedule provisions - which are of course much more severe than the 3 days before sailing timeline.  We got a separate email called a "Special Service Order Summary" which also showed we were getting the 3 elements of the Plus package (no cost break-out except what was being applied for the crew appreciation).  Also interesting in the Travel Summary, it breaks out the Plus Package as "Special Services" showing the full/standard cost of each element (total cost way above the price paid for the Plus Package) but doesn't connect those cost values to anything else.

 

So, I think you are right.  That would probably put the Plus Package cancellation cost on the standard cancellation schedule provisions.

 

[eajung66]

I'm also sailing in October and curious how you were approached to upgrade to Princess plus.  I booked the basic package and final payment was due the day we booked.  I selected no upgrade on my cabin so maybe that's not why I'm not being asked?  Just curious, if it's a good price maybe I would consider it...  Thank you! 

[eajung66]

6 hours ago, ellenh said:

I've searched but can't find the answer to this particular Princess Plus question.

 

We booked our October cruise on Enchanted after final payment date at a base (no perks) fare.  We are now given the option to upgrade to Princess Plus before embarkation.  It's a good deal but what happens if (god forbid) we get sick and can't board or just decide before we board that we don't want the package?  Is this refundable directly from Princess or will we have to bundle the expense of the Princess Plus upgrade in with our travel insurance claim?  I can't find any answer either in the FAQ or Terms and Conditions text.

 

Thanks!

I'm also sailing in October and curious how you were approached to upgrade to Princess plus.  I booked the basic package and final payment was due the day we booked.  I selected no upgrade on my cabin so maybe that's not why I'm not being asked?  Just curious, if it's a good price maybe I would consider it...  Thank you! 

[ellenh]

16 hours ago, eajung66 said:

I'm also sailing in October and curious how you were approached to upgrade to Princess plus.  I booked the basic package and final payment was due the day we booked.  I selected no upgrade on my cabin so maybe that's not why I'm not being asked?  Just curious, if it's a good price maybe I would consider it...  Thank you! 

Parts of my Medallion app are not working so I logged in to the desktop version of the Princess website a couple of days ago to see if I could finish my check-in there.  When I hit the "onboard services" tab within the "Manage Your Cruise" section, it brought up a green button that said "add Princess Plus or Princess Premier to your booking".  Hitting the green button brought up a page with the option to "upgrade" to Princess Plus for $50 p/p per day  or Premier for $75 p/p per day.  Even with our Elite discount on wifi this seemed like a no-brainer for tips and drinks so I read the FAQ and terms but couldn't see anything that said whether it was refundable.  The purchase process is similar to, say, buying a shore excursion or specialty dining add-on so I that's why I was confused whether this was a refare or just a refundable add-on.

 

Now that I've gone through the process I can confirm that it is being treated as a refare.  After purchasing, I received a new confirm with the tips/drinks/wifi noted and the additional $700 we paid for the Princess Plus "upgrade" (2 ppl x 7 days x $50/day) was added to our base fare.  The $700 was also immediately charged to our credit card. I don't know if it's relevant but our cruise leaves Oct 8 so we are about 5 weeks out.  

 

Thanks for everyone who took the time to weigh in here.  

[Shelly97060]

On 9/3/2022 at 4:46 PM, eajung66 said:

I'm also sailing in October and curious how you were approached to upgrade to Princess plus.  I booked the basic package and final payment was due the day we booked.  I selected no upgrade on my cabin so maybe that's not why I'm not being asked?  Just curious, if it's a good price maybe I would consider it...  Thank you! 

There is now an option in the Cruise Personalizer to upgrade to Plus or Premier.  Log on to cruise Personalizer and open your upcoming cruise.  Click on onboard services and you will see the option ( if offered).

[disneyochem]

I upgraded two cruises this week to Princess Plus.  One, an April 2023 Mexican Riviera cruise, the added cost of the package was just added to my cruise fare and is due in January.

 

The second cruise is a casino comped to Hawaii.  The cost of the upgrade was due immediately—$800/pp for a 16-day cruise.   Good price since we got a free cabin!

[eajung66]

2 hours ago, Shelly97060 said:

There is now an option in the Cruise Personalizer to upgrade to Plus or Premier.  Log on to cruise Personalizer and open your upcoming cruise.  Click on onboard services and you will see the option ( if offered).

Thank you, I see that now! I've been in there multiple times and this must be a new feature since it's getting closer to the cruise.  I did the math, the upgrade price was the same as what was offered to me before I made final payment so I'm still going to pass. ($378 for 1person)  I won't get my money's worth on the alcohol but I can definitely see where it would be a good value for some... 

Edited September 5, 2022 by eajung66

[Steelers36]

On 9/4/2022 at 12:23 PM, ellenh said:

Parts of my Medallion app are not working so I logged in to the desktop version of the Princess website a couple of days ago to see if I could finish my check-in there.  When I hit the "onboard services" tab within the "Manage Your Cruise" section, it brought up a green button that said "add Princess Plus or Princess Premier to your booking".  Hitting the green button brought up a page with the option to "upgrade" to Princess Plus for $50 p/p per day  or Premier for $75 p/p per day.  Even with our Elite discount on wifi this seemed like a no-brainer for tips and drinks so I read the FAQ and terms but couldn't see anything that said whether it was refundable.  The purchase process is similar to, say, buying a shore excursion or specialty dining add-on so I that's why I was confused whether this was a refare or just a refundable add-on.

 

Now that I've gone through the process I can confirm that it is being treated as a refare.  After purchasing, I received a new confirm with the tips/drinks/wifi noted and the additional $700 we paid for the Princess Plus "upgrade" (2 ppl x 7 days x $50/day) was added to our base fare.  The $700 was also immediately charged to our credit card. I don't know if it's relevant but our cruise leaves Oct 8 so we are about 5 weeks out.  

 

Thanks for everyone who took the time to weigh in here.  

Although the FAQ"s and T&C don't spell it out for this particular upgrade offer, your experience has answered the question.  They are baking it into the cruise fare as if you had originally ordered it.  

 

If a guest is having second thoughts, it can be a good deal to be able to just pay the $50, than re-booking from Standard to Plus if the cruise fares have gone up.  

 

IDK when they will offer this going forward - perhaps it is just for the final 30 days or so after FP Date.

 

ETA:  I see from another post that far out voyages are also offered.  So, looks like a new feature.  They are really pushing this one and yet still say it is capacity controlled.  I just hope PCL isn't changing to party-hard ships.

 

Anyway, it was questionable borderline for us when the upcharge was $40.  At $50, really not worth it to us, unless I just wanted to blow money away.  I'd also be needing to spend more on wine it appears, so I will continue to BYOB.

Edited September 5, 2022 by Steelers36

[eajung66]

31 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Although the FAQ"s and T&C don't spell it out for this particular upgrade offer, your experience has answered the question.  They are baking it into the cruise fare as if you had originally ordered it.  

 

If a guest is having second thoughts, it can be a good deal to be able to just pay the $50, than re-booking from Standard to Plus if the cruise fares have gone up.  

 

IDK when they will offer this going forward - perhaps it is just for the final 30 days or so after FP Date.

 

ETA:  I see from another post that far out voyages are also offered.  So, looks like a new feature.  They are really pushing this one and yet still say it is capacity controlled.  I just hope PCL isn't changing to party-hard ships.

 

Anyway, it was questionable borderline for us when the upcharge was $40.  At $50, really not worth it to us, unless I just wanted to blow money away.  I'd also be needing to spend more on wine it appears, so I will continue to BYOB.

Question for you... how you do the BYOB with wine?  Do you purchase once you get to your embarkation city or actually check in luggage prior to leaving home.  I'm so afraid of a bottle busting in my suitcase and you can't carry it on an airplane so looking for suggestions...  TIA! 

[Shelly97060]

1 hour ago, eajung66 said:

Thank you, I see that now! I've been in there multiple times and this must be a new feature since it's getting closer to the cruise.  

It is a new feature. I think it showed up last week.  I have a cruise booked in 2024 and it is an option for that cruise as well.

 

As you correctly pointed out there is no price break, it seems it is there for anyone who booked Standard or Plus and later wants to add to the higher rate/ package.

[Shelly97060]

15 minutes ago, eajung66 said:

Question for you... how you do the BYOB with wine?  Do you purchase once you get to your embarkation city or actually check in luggage prior to leaving home.  I'm so afraid of a bottle busting in my suitcase and you can't carry it on an airplane so looking for suggestions...  TIA! 

when we fly with wine in our checked bag we put it in a wineskin bag. Never had a bottle break or leak. 
 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033C6FOM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

 

[eajung66]

1 minute ago, Shelly97060 said:

when we fly with wine in our checked bag we put it in a wineskin bag. Never had a bottle break or leak. 
 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033C6FOM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

 

This is perfect, thanks for sharing! Typically we fly in the day before but won't be this time around so no time to be searching for a liquor store.  I'm going to order these right now! 

[JimmyVWine]

59 minutes ago, eajung66 said:

Question for you... how you do the BYOB with wine?  Do you purchase once you get to your embarkation city or actually check in luggage prior to leaving home.  I'm so afraid of a bottle busting in my suitcase and you can't carry it on an airplane so looking for suggestions...  TIA! 

There are also a number of purpose-built cases for checking wine below the plane.  The ones in this website are the same types of cases that media folks use to check video and music equipment.  They are essentially Pelican cases with specifically built foam inserts.  I use the 8 bottle carrier shown in the upper right of the pictures, but I can only use it for domestic travel.  If we sail out of Europe, I can't bring 8 bottles through customs.

https://winecruzer.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwvNaYBhA3EiwACgndglr-p5fYQbcLjg3EPUQFXeqgF3r8kQbYRXxrit5SqyjxroZpqKRCkhoC7BcQAvD_BwE

 

 

[Steelers36]

3 hours ago, eajung66 said:

Question for you... how you do the BYOB with wine?  Do you purchase once you get to your embarkation city or actually check in luggage prior to leaving home.  I'm so afraid of a bottle busting in my suitcase and you can't carry it on an airplane so looking for suggestions...  TIA! 

If I am bringing on wine, I am BRINGING ON WINE.  Not just the two bottles we are allowed, but enough to last the voyage.  I purchase at embarkation port city (which has almost always been Fort Lauderdale and use Total Wines there).  Upcoming is going to be different since we embark in Italy, but somehow I think I won't have too much trouble picking up a mixed case or so.  Corkage fee is $20 beyond the first two bottles.

[Happiest when cruising]

5 hours ago, Shelly97060 said:

It is a new feature. I think it showed up last week.  I have a cruise booked in 2024 and it is an option for that cruise as well.

 

As you correctly pointed out there is no price break, it seems it is there for anyone who booked Standard or Plus and later wants to add to the higher rate/ package.

My notice was on the payment screen, and it does mention in red it could change the price of my cruise…also it would change to CAD dollars, so for 6 nights…we are passing. 750 USD is about 975.00 CAD. 

[caribill]

7 hours ago, eajung66 said:

Question for you... how you do the BYOB with wine?  Do you purchase once you get to your embarkation city or actually check in luggage prior to leaving home.  I'm so afraid of a bottle busting in my suitcase and you can't carry it on an airplane so looking for suggestions... 

 

Within normal carry-on limits, you can carry wine bottles onto an airplane.

 

You just are not allowed to drink any of that wine while on the plane.

[wowzz]

1 hour ago, caribill said:

 

Within normal carry-on limits, you can carry wine bottles onto an airplane.

 

You just are not allowed to drink any of that wine while on the plane.

Well, not in Europe (and most of the rest of the world) you can't,  as you will exceed the 100ml liquid allowance.

You can buy wine airside,  if available,  but you certainly can't take wine through security. 

[caribill]

28 minutes ago, wowzz said:

Well, not in Europe (and most of the rest of the world) you can't,  as you will exceed the 100ml liquid allowance.

You can buy wine airside,  if available,  but you certainly can't take wine through security. 

 

My big mistake. I forgot about the 100ml limits.

 

However, if you purchase in a duty free shop, they will deliver the bottle to you at the gate. (But do not expect to be able carry it on a next flight on the itinerary.)

[wowzz]

9 minutes ago, caribill said:

 

My big mistake. I forgot about the 100ml limits.

 

However, if you purchase in a duty free shop, they will deliver the bottle to you at the gate. (But do not expect to be able carry it on a next flight on the itinerary.)

In Europe you mainly carry your purchases away from the duty free shops yourself.

If you get the bottle placed into a transparent duty free bag, with a security tag, and have the receipt placed in the bag plainly visible, theoretically you will be ok on a connecting flight.

Personally, I have never tried to do so - too many staff out there who interpret the rules differently !

Edited September 6, 2022 by wowzz

[caribill]

8 hours ago, wowzz said:

In Europe you mainly carry your purchases away from the duty free shops yourself.

If you get the bottle placed into a transparent duty free bag, with a security tag, and have the receipt placed in the bag plainly visible, theoretically you will be ok on a connecting flight.

Personally, I have never tried to do so - too many staff out there who interpret the rules differently !

 

OK on a connecting flight if you do not have to pass through security again. I have seen many reports of people who have had their duty-free perfumes confiscated going through security at the next airport.

[eajung66]

17 hours ago, caribill said:

 

Within normal carry-on limits, you can carry wine bottles onto an airplane.

 

You just are not allowed to drink any of that wine while on the plane.

Thank you, did not realize that! I guess I've always had my liquid taken during the security screening process. (IE. Water or Soda bottles so I just assumed Wine would fall into this too).