Changes to Princess Plus, room service fees, Alfredo's and others. Fee changes. Etc

[cruising.mark.uk]

3 minutes ago, whitecap said:

 what is "marginal" to you may not be to others.  

Fortunately, as I said at post 1363, anyone for whom a charge of $5 or $15 is not marginal can avoid those charges completely.  Whether they pay those charges or not is entirely their choice.

[JGmf]

1 minute ago, whitecap said:

I truly respect your opinion but please remember, what is "marginal" to you may not be to others.  And also please remember that these changes/add fees, are just another change being made by Princess in what appears to be them trying to mimic other cruise lines.  I personally have been loyal to Princess because of their demonstrated loyalty to me, as a passenger.  My opinion is that the loyalty street has quickly become a one way road and it makes me sad.

 

The respect in mutual.  I hope we can all enjoy our cruises, we're all lucky that we can be doing this kind of thing.

 

[whitecap]

1 minute ago, cruising.mark.uk said:

Fortunately, as I said at post 1363, anyone for whom a charge of $5 or $15 is not marginal can avoid those charges completely.  Whether they pay those charges or not is entirely their choice.

You are so right!!  Pizza is available elsewhere; seafood is served every night in the buffet; specialty sandwiches at the IC.  There are so many options to avoid the extra charges.  

[whitecap]

4 minutes ago, JGmf said:

 

The respect in mutual.  I hope we can all enjoy our cruises, we're all lucky that we can be doing this kind of thing.

 

And because we are so fortunate to be able to cruise is why we, no matter which side of the isle you are on, are so passionate about this and other topics.

[cruising.mark.uk]

2 minutes ago, whitecap said:

You are so right!!  Pizza is available elsewhere; seafood is served every night in the buffet; specialty sandwiches at the IC.  There are so many options to avoid the extra charges.  

So, after only 1300 comments, have we reached the conclusion that rather than being the end of human civilization as we know it, these changes aren't actually very consequential?

[whitecap]

Just now, cruising.mark.uk said:

So, after only 1300 comments, have we reached the conclusion that rather than being the end of human civilization as we know it, these changes aren't actually very consequential?

These changes may not be "consequential" to some but are to others however, the big picture is all the changes that have taken place, as minor or major as they may be, each alone might not be consequential but together, may be the proverbial straw.  

[kathy49]

1 hour ago, JG&Lcruisingnewbies said:

That is good communication.

I booked via A TA. I’ve not received any info from TA or Princess regarding the new package arrangements. At least not yet, and I’ve less than 3 weeks until travel 😬 

not much I can do about it. I feel for the staff on board more

can you  just see "guest relations" desk??? The confusion as they roll out ship by ship. Top brass at Princess has missed the mark in "adding value" to their product. With all the competition out there and some looking elsewhere if business drops they will just put sales on and end up in the same financial mess they are obviously in.

[kathy49]

2 hours ago, whitecap said:

Princessfan20;  I hadn't given it much thought until a post, several pages ago, alluded to the strong possibility that some on this thread who are glorifying the new changes and charges, just might be Travel Agents.  So, if true, why would they do that?  Could pushing these packages result in hight commissions?  

Yes you got it right. I am shocked that more don't put this together. Many agents push or even just add the packages in....the commission the agency gets depends on total $$$ sold and packages sure do count...probably some override bonus too for selling xxx number of premium packages etc. Ask your agent...they can't deny it. And from the TA point of view  cruise lines have slashed commissions over the years and encourage with promos direct bookings and take them right on the ship....thus cutting out the TA for most. And what agent has the time to go thru and do a detailed cost analysis for their customers of the   various options and what would be cost effective for them? Can't make any money doing that and TAs are not non profit organizations.

[kathy49]

1 hour ago, JG&Lcruisingnewbies said:

That is good communication.

I booked via A TA. I’ve not received any info from TA or Princess regarding the new package arrangements. At least not yet, and I’ve less than 3 weeks until travel 😬 

not much I can do about it. I feel for the staff on board more

TA;s have been aware of this for some days now and I would consider finding another one for your next booking....have you verified that your ship is due to roll out prior to your sailing date?

[cimarron42]

Still a lot of confusion despite reading all 56 pages and reading all the Princess info. 
I’m on Sky on 19th August, so the first cruise with these changes for this ship. 
I only booked about 7 weeks ago so paid the higher price for Plus (£50). 
 

My main account screen shows the package as purchased (red). But the bit I’ve highlighted in green at the bottom states to check the ‘travel summary’ to show exactly what is included. When I check that there is no mention of casual dining, OceanNow or room service. 
 

Complete madness for these changes to be implemented so quickly. 

[kathy49]

33 minutes ago, JGmf said:

 

The respect in mutual.  I hope we can all enjoy our cruises, we're all lucky that we can be doing this kind of thing.

 

I think one thing is totally missing from any discussion of cruises these days....some people speak of some of the basic inclusions like they are "free".....cruises are not the cheap vacation they once were...at least not on many of the lines. There is NOTHING free on a cruise ....you are paying for everything and now little by little   those "free" things are going away.  From many reports unless you go premium or plus you will have many fewer options without paying what $40 to eat in a speciality restaurant with the hopes of getting a better meal?  

[kywildcatfanone]

33 minutes ago, cruising.mark.uk said:

So, after only 1300 comments, have we reached the conclusion that rather than being the end of human civilization as we know it, these changes aren't actually very consequential?

I wouldn't say that based upon the fact that these change now seems to be happening at an accelerated rate.  Benefits to loyal passengers being removed and regular increases in price and changes to packages.

If it were only one, then maybe, but this is obviously a pattern.  Each change might be inconsequential viewed individually,  but not so much as a whole.  

Depends on how you view them.

Edited July 30, 2023 by kywildcatfanone

[kathy49]

22 minutes ago, whitecap said:

These changes may not be "consequential" to some but are to others however, the big picture is all the changes that have taken place, as minor or major as they may be, each alone might not be consequential but together, may be the proverbial straw.  

agree I think most are responding who have have many changes since booking. Have to take this in the context of the last couple of years and all the changes. I look for a thread on here as to experiences with the transition and first sailing on a ship under new plans. It will be interesting.

[Steelers36]

59 minutes ago, EDVM96 said:

1.4k replies and 66.1k views on a "Can I eat pizza for free at Alfredo's" thread?
Something is wrong. 


 

Looks like CC Admin or M*oderator made a mistake when attempting to merge this thread with the main one on the new changes and got the pizza title in place of the original title.  Hopefully, they will fix it.

 

Alerting @Host CJSKIDS.

Edited July 30, 2023 by Steelers36

[EDVM96]

2 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Looks like CC Admin or M*oderator made a mistake when attempting to merge this thread with the main one on the new changes and got the pizza title in place of the original title.  Hopefully, they will fix it.

 

Alerting @Host CJSKIDS.

Ah, got it. 😄

[kywildcatfanone]

7 minutes ago, kathy49 said:

$40 to eat in a speciality restaurant with the hopes of getting a better meal?

This is us.  We used to eat at CG when it was $29 on formal nights.  Not anymore. Everyone has their own breaking point on all the Individual changes.  Not to mention the decline in food quality.

[whitecap]

3 minutes ago, kywildcatfanone said:

I wouldn't say that based upon the fact that these change now seems to be happening at an accelerated rate.  Benefits to loyal passengers being removed and regular increases in price and changes to packages.

If it were only one, then maybe, but this is obviously a pattern.  Each change might be inconsequential viewed individually,  but not so much as a while.  

Depends on how you view them.

Not too long ago, DW and I both being Elite, got 250 minutes each of internet for a 14 day cruise as a benefit for being loyal.  500 minutes was clearly enough for us to check email and keep up with family.  Now however, those minutes are gone replaced with a cost of $105 for a 14 day cruise and this change was advertised as something special for Elite because it was half priced.  Um, half of no charge is, that's right No Charge whereas $105 is a major increase.  

[JG&Lcruisingnewbies]

12 minutes ago, kathy49 said:

TA;s have been aware of this for some days now and I would consider finding another one for your next booking....have you verified that your ship is due to roll out prior to your sailing date?

I’m sad about this with my TA. But I’ve Used the same TA since I started Cruising & this is the only time I’ve felt like they should have informed me and haven’t so I’ll stick with them for the moment.

 

yes it appears that my Sailing on the 19th August is the first one on Sky Princess with the changes. I can see the chaos & upset towards the poor staff at guest services & at Alfredo’s already

[kywildcatfanone]

5 minutes ago, whitecap said:

Not too long ago, DW and I both being Elite, got 250 minutes each of internet for a 14 day cruise as a benefit for being loyal.  500 minutes was clearly enough for us to check email and keep up with family.  Now however, those minutes are gone replaced with a cost of $105 for a 14 day cruise and this change was advertised as something special for Elite because it was half priced.  Um, half of no charge is, that's right No Charge whereas $105 is a major increase.  

Yep.  Also could trade minibar for coffee. Now you can't and that same coffee would cost an Elite cruiser $75 per person.  Not something I consider inconsequential to me and my loyalty.  Loyalty in today's world with Princess is single sided.

Edited July 30, 2023 by kywildcatfanone

[kathy49]

3 minutes ago, kywildcatfanone said:

This is us.  We used to eat at CG when it was $29 on formal nights.  Not anymore. Everyone has their own breaking point on all the Individual changes.  Not to mention the decline in food quality.

I would say look at other cruise lines where they are known for having higher quality cuisine on a consistent basis in all venues? To me that would be Celebrity or HAL.

[rosevew]

Princess hasn't notified their direct booking passengers yet but then they've still not notified us yet about changes to Military and Shareholders benefits.

Although I have a plus package, according to the app, I don't and according to the cruise personaliser, it doesn't include the latest changes.

 

[cr8tiv1]

I am checking in daily, but not reading the 5-10pages added each day.  Sorry for not “following” every post.

 

If Princess is going to increase revenue, how about charging a fee to smoke in the casino?  aka Sheldon Cooper.

[Steelers36]

4 minutes ago, whitecap said:

Not too long ago, DW and I both being Elite, got 250 minutes each of internet for a 14 day cruise as a benefit for being loyal.  500 minutes was clearly enough for us to check email and keep up with family.  Now however, those minutes are gone replaced with a cost of $105 for a 14 day cruise and this change was advertised as something special for Elite because it was half priced.  Um, half of no charge is, that's right No Charge whereas $105 is a major increase.  

I can relate to some of your issues, but to still be complaining about the old minutes internet in 2023 is kind of like complaining about not having bulky laptops anymore.  Those minutes were problematic for many guests and PCL due to internet issues that consumed minutes, etc.  Anyway, it's not coming back.

[kathy49]

4 minutes ago, JG&Lcruisingnewbies said:

I’m sad about this with my TA. But I’ve Used the same TA since I started Cruising & this is the only time I’ve felt like they should have informed me and haven’t so I’ll stick with them for the moment.

 

yes it appears that my Sailing on the 19th August is the first one on Sky Princess with the changes. I can see the chaos & upset towards the poor staff at guest services & at Alfredo’s already

Be interesting to take a tally on how many come to Alfredos for a meal only to find out no longer included.  Not everyone reads cruise forums or will have been informed. Probably have a desk right at Alfredos where passengers can upgrade their packages and get that "value added" feature of the new plans. Good luck.

[rosevew]

55 minutes ago, cruising.mark.uk said:

Fortunately, as I said at post 1363, anyone for whom a charge of $5 or $15 is not marginal can avoid those charges completely.  Whether they pay those charges or not is entirely their choice.

But should they have to, since it was free when they booked and paid!