flyboy88

3 minutes ago, cyndyga said:

I just got a callback and got my first choice of the Enchanted Princess March 27th but the girl made me pay $ 70a person for obstructed balcony and said she didn't know how obstructed it was ? How can you tell its not obstructed straight out help!

You can google the cabin number as most of the Royal Class ships have the same room layouts.  I’m on Enchanted in March also and we paid $35 each to upgrade from Oceanview to BW category. We got E432, it’s a bit larger of a balcony and is a clear view straight out. The obstruction is when looking towards the back of the ship and seeing tenders.   
 

What Cabin are you in?

On April 23, 2020 I received the offer of complimentary Oceanview Room + $500 Casino Cash + Princess Plus (gratuities, drink package, wifi).  
 

I called the Casino department on April 24th as soon as they opened at 10EST; I got through within 10 minutes.  The agent knew of the promotion, however said it has “yet to be pushed down” and that there  usually is a delay between when the offers are emailed and bookable in the system. Knowing the promotion was going to be popular I asked if there was able to put a note on my file I had called first thing or if they could do a call back. Neither was an option, and I was advised to just try back every hour. 
 

I called again about an hour later, and was on hold for 3.5hours. When I got to the agent, the offer was in the system (for the most part) and the whole process took about 30 minutes.  He had said their phone lines are busy, but I was still in the ‘first bunch to call in’ so any of the applicable voyages are available to book. 
 

I chose the March 13th, 2021 Western Caribbean on the Enchanted Princess. Our offer was for an Oceanview, he had to put me on hold to confirm with another department if it could be honoured. Apparently on the Royal ships that do offer Oceanviews (Sky and Emerald only has 4 Oceanview cabins each and they are considered ‘Premium’) they are exceptions to comp’ed offers and only insides are offered.  When he came back, he advised me I was lucky as this offer had no fine print excluding the premium Oceanview category that exists on some Royal class ships. 
 

We proceeded with the booking, and when he went to assign me a cabin he was unable to. The only Oceanview cabin available was an accessible cabin that they cannot assign (which makes sense). My options were; accept an Inside room, pay for an upgrade to a balcony, or select a different sailing with Oceanview availability.

We lucked out, as there was a few ‘obstructed Balcony (BW)’ cabin available to upgrade into for only $35USD each. If we wanted an unobstructed balcony the upgrade fee would have been $200USD each. The benefit of the cabin we selected it that is has a larger balcony, and isn’t really obstructed, looking straight out it’s clear view. The obstruction is the lifeboats if you look to the back of the ship, but that doesn’t bother us as we sit and look straight out. 
 

All the perks were added and visible on my personalizer, including the $100USD OBC/ each from the $100 deposit we had to put down.  

The Casino cash isn’t appearing yet, but the agent advised that the system was glitching and not automatically applying that to the bookings. The agents were compiling a list as they make bookings to ensure the casino cash is added within a few days.  

Also, there shows a balance owning that reflects the full amount for the cost of the cruise minus what I paid.  The agent said to disregard that amount as the Casino department settles that amount on their end also within a couple days. 
 

I’m grateful for this valuable offer and giving myself something positive to look forward to amid all currently happening in the world. Previously to this offer I was only offered up to 35% off my cruise and casino cash, so an offer like this was appreciated.  

24 minutes ago, triple7tahoe said:

Just for a distraction-Has anybody tried to book more than one cruise using this promotion?

I was actually thought about this today.  Nothing in the fine print states either way. When you hear back about your B2B I’d be really interested to know the answer. 
I would consider doing something similar. 

On April 23, 2020 I received the offer of complimentary Oceanview Room + $500 Casino Cash + Princess Plus (gratuities, drink package, wifi).  
 

I called the Casino department on April 24th as soon as they opened at 10EST; I got through within 10 minutes.  The agent knew of the promotion, however said it has “yet to be pushed down” and that there  usually is a delay between when the offers are emailed and bookable in the system. Knowing the promotion was going to be popular I asked if there was able to put a note on my file I had called first thing or if they could do a call back. Neither was an option, and I was advised to just try back every hour. 
 

I called again about an hour later, and was on hold for 3.5hours. When I got to the agent, the offer was in the system (for the most part) and the whole process took about 30 minutes.  He had said their phone lines are busy, but I was still in the ‘first bunch to call in’ so any of the applicable voyages are available to book. 
 

I chose the March 13th, 2021 Western Caribbean on the Enchanted Princess. Our offer was for an Oceanview, he had to put me on hold to confirm with another department if it could be honoured. Apparently on the Royal ships that do offer Oceanviews (Sky and Emerald only has 4 Oceanview cabins each and they are considered ‘Premium’) they are exceptions to comp’ed offers and only insides are offered.  When he came back, he advised me I was lucky as this offer had no fine print excluding the premium Oceanview category that exists on some Royal class ships. 
 

We proceeded with the booking, and when he went to assign me a cabin he was unable to. The only Oceanview cabin available was an accessible cabin that they cannot assign (which makes sense). My options were; accept an Inside room, pay for an upgrade to a balcony, or select a different sailing with Oceanview availability.

We lucked out, as there was a few ‘obstructed Balcony (BW)’ cabin available to upgrade into for only $35USD each. If we wanted an unobstructed balcony the upgrade fee would have been $200USD each. The benefit of the cabin we selected it that is has a larger balcony, and isn’t really obstructed, looking straight out it’s clear view. The obstruction is the lifeboats if you look to the back of the ship, but that doesn’t bother us as we sit and look straight out. 
 

All the perks were added and visible on my personalizer, including the $100USD OBC/ each from the $100 deposit we had to put down.  

The Casino cash isn’t appearing yet, but the agent advised that the system was glitching and not automatically applying that to the bookings. The agents were compiling a list as they make bookings to ensure the casino cash is added within a few days.  

Also, there shows a balance owning that reflects the full amount for the cost of the cruise minus what I paid.  The agent said to disregard that amount as the Casino department settles that amount on their end also within a couple days. 
 

I’m grateful for this valuable offer and giving myself something positive to look forward to amid all currently happening in the world.  Previously to this offer I was only offered up to 35% off my cruise and casino cash, so an offer like this was appreciated.  
 

5 minutes ago, sammee said:

That doesn't sound right, when I rescheduled mine, she created the booking, refunded ALL of those fees, and told me to call when I receive it, to have it applied. She told me my fcc would take care of the whole balance. The next person that calls for this, please see if you can get another answer. My FCC includes all of those things mentioned not covered.

It didn't make sense to me either, but as mentioned she followed up with a Supervisor who confirmed that is indeed true.   However if someone else can ask their agent about this.    Really, to me that was the only red flag of this whole thing as I didn't think that was right.

53 minutes ago, poffles said:

 

Thank you for this!!!  I notice it says departs anytime ... do you know if it has to depart from same place?  Mine was from NY but I would rather Florida.  I am assuming by omission it is assuming same departure port.

 

Edited to add ...

 

My cruise is already canceled, did it Tuesday as it sails this Sunday, so my clock would already be ticking.

I was told any cruise up to 9 days long from anywhere. 

I spoke with the CAS department yesterday to inquire regarding options around my booking via a MyVegas reward. My cruise isn't until mid April, and at this point I still want to go, however also wanted to know my options depending on things change. The situation is obviously fluid and changing often as the agent was messaging a supervisor with me on the phone to give me the most updated info.

Here is the details (as of March 12, 2020):
- This offer is an extension of the Peace of Mind policy, and currently only offered until April 3, 2020.
- You call to cancel under 'Peace of Mind', everything you paid will be put into a FCC that you will receive in 7 days.
- From the day of cancelling, you have 7 days to decide which new sailing you want that departs anytime before Sept 30, 2020; you will have to pay the deposit.

- You can select any sailing up to 9 days long (this is great as my MyVegas reward was for a 5 day cruise), and will be booked in the same category as your MyVegas reward certificate was for. In my case, an Oceanview Room.
- This is the downside of the offer // When you FCC arrives, you call into have it applied to the new booking, HOWEVER the FCC can only be used towards admin fees ($20/day), and room upgrade fees; cannot be used towards the taxes, or gratuities on 'free' items such as the beverage or dining packages.  
I requested clarification, as the original amount paid that they are converting to the FCC was the original taxes, and gratuities therefore it made no sense that I couldn't transfer it over to a new booking to cover those same fees.   She confirm that is the policy, but did stress that any FCC amount left over after admin fees and upgrades, would be reissued into a new FCC to be used on another voyage in the future. 

I thanked her for her assistance and I would keep this in mind as things continue to evolve.   Keep in mind if NCL does follow suit of Viking, Princess, Virgin, and Disney Cruise Line by cancelling, we should get a full refund vs a FCC. It would be a question though how they than handle our MyVegas reward certificates. 

I had the same moral guilt originally.  I’ve sailed with another cruise line 15+ times, but am doing my first NCL cruise in April on the Joy. 
 

I had booked the BF GTY category about 2 months ago.  Within days of booking I was assigned an ‘upgraded’ room in the BD category. When I looked up the room, I realized it was an accessible cabin.  
Right away I contacted NCL to inquire, as I didn’t want to take an accessible room from someone who needs it.  
The agent advised me that they do not need that room which is why it was assigned to us, I asked if there was a non-accessible room we could switch to and was told that was not an option and began to ‘promote’ the benefits of the room to make me feel better about it.... it’s much larger, has a larger balcony, and the room location is ideal.      
 

In my opinion, I’ve done my due diligence in regards to this, and NCL has made it clear I should enjoy the larger room.  

33 minutes ago, flyboy88 said:

Currently booked under the Great Escape promo ($75 Shore Excursion Credit). This morning I checked and the pricing of the cruise went up by about $20 each with the week sale including Speciality Dining.    

However, well I clicked on my voyage and selected the same category of room it stated "For a limited time, get FREE Specialty Dining^† for everyone in a stateroom, PLUS FREE gratuities^††, FREE stateroom location upgrade^‡, and FREE onboard spending money^‡‡. "

I have spoken with Princess and they were able to see the same offer on the website, however their system doesn't allow it to be booked.  Been transferred to customer relations as they agree that since the website shows all these offers they need to find a way to attach them..... been an hour so far waiting on hold while they figure it out.   Thankfully they appear to be on my side here and I am not the only one who has been "lucky" to catch this before they correct the website. 

Princess took accountability and added all the above mentioned promotions to my Great Escape booking for Feb.   This cruise has turned a pretty good value so far. 

Currently booked under the Great Escape promo ($75 Shore Excursion Credit). This morning I checked and the pricing of the cruise went up by about $20 each with the week sale including Speciality Dining.    

However, well I clicked on my voyage and selected the same category of room it stated "For a limited time, get FREE Specialty Dining^† for everyone in a stateroom, PLUS FREE gratuities^††, FREE stateroom location upgrade^‡, and FREE onboard spending money^‡‡. "

I have spoken with Princess and they were able to see the same offer on the website, however their system doesn't allow it to be booked.  Been transferred to customer relations as they agree that since the website shows all these offers they need to find a way to attach them..... been an hour so far waiting on hold while they figure it out.   Thankfully they appear to be on my side here and I am not the only one who has been "lucky" to catch this before they correct the website. 

Everything is good! Sorry for the delay.

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I’m onboard. There was a technical issue that required attention. It took them a bit to take care of it and we are now on our way. Tomorrow at noon the captain said they would explain more.

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What a strange answer. That would only make sense for the next sailing, if they were busy assigning the guaranteed cabins. But the next sailing is the only one that IS showing. :confused:

That was exactly my point, she seemed to have all the answers but at the same time no real answers or idea about the why. The sailing I was holding was for July 2018. I even asked if there was a risk of the ship being relocated for the summer as Caribbean bookings haven't been strong... she said no and that they should all be back up for sale soon.

I called as I had a booking on hold and it disappeared. Was advised they have temporary pulled the sailings from sale as there as changes happen to the cabins.... I mentioned that changes to cabins seem like an odd reason to pause selling it. She doesn’t expect changes or itineraries or cancellations and hopes they will be back up for sail with the next two days.

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Was able to save $200 each plus get the free gratuities on my 8-Day cruise in Feb. ;-)

I spoke with a princess rep today who confirmed each ship has a different roll-out date for the onboard increase in pricing. Im sailing in a week from now and was told the Ruby will still be offering the old package onboard as the launch date isn't until October 22 ;-)

Flyboy88-Not sure what department you contacted at the CBP, but they clearly were neither knowledgeable nor correct. Princess will not accept a copy of your email exchange...what you need for them is a Ruling Letter.

Start here:

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/trade-community/cbp-passenger-vessel-services-act-rider-letter-request

Thank you. I forwarded the info to my travel planner and yesterday it got escalated quite high up apparently. Someone from Princess is going to follow up with the department who works with CBP to get more information. At the end of the day, I do not expect they will allow us to do the B2B and it's ok at this point ive made peace it. However they offered us to consider a move over offer to a 7 day Mexican Riviera sailing the same dates.

I just contacted CBP at 202-325-8000 to confirm they understood the email, and that it was the same ship, leaving a US city and entering a US city days later. The agent put me on hold spoke with a supervisor who confirmed the email response was correct and that they recognize Canada as a foreign port and as such the Passenger Service act does not apply. I asked about 'distant foreign port' as seen online when searching the Passenger Service act, and they claim there have been changes to the act to recognize only 'foreign ports'.

Anyone else who is interested in this and wants to plan similar back to back, contact CBP as the number above to see what answer you receive. Now im going to contact Princess, and advise them to contact the CBP to get the information first hand from them.

UPDATE :

I just received the following email back from CBP.

"Thank you for contacting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Information Center.

As your itinerary involves foreign travel to Vancouver, The Jones Act/ Passenger Service Act do not apply.

It is our goal to provide you the best information we have in response to your question. If you follow the information provided in our response, and still need assistance, please reply to this email and we will investigate how we may further assist you.

Thank you again for contacting the CBP Information Center."

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I'm not sure if anyone has experience with the Jones Act on back to back cruises before.

I was booked on a 1-day repo cruise from Seattle to Vancouver, and the following 6-day sailing from Vancouver to LA. Yesterday I received a call from Princess explaining that I am not permitted to do this both back to back due to the Jones Act/Passenger Act. I was confused as they allowed me to book this, and I have done the 1-day repo cruises previously where I met people continuing on the next sailing ( also returning to the US). The Princess Agent who called did acknowledge that there were cases when people were able to do the back to back (even though they shouldn't have) however that was due to their system not flagging their bookings in advance.

I did some further digging by using the internet and made some phone calls, I found out that this Act is outdated and open to some interpretation when it comes to the back to back cruises. I called Holland America that operates the same type of back to back cruises and surprisingly they had no issues with booking them as they are "two different bookings, and you are clearing customs". I even called my PVP (who booked the two cruises for me) and she is now confused as her support desk is stating the same as Holland America and doesn't believe the Jones Act applies to these two cruises.

Based on the confusion and conflicting information, I decided to send the following email to US Customs and Border Protection to seek more clarification and outline my situation. you can read that below.

Has anyone else had any experience with the Jones Act, or have you previously been able to complete this type of back to back?

Email to CBP:

"My Inquiry is in regards to 'The Jones Act/ Passenger Service Act'.

"The Passenger Services Act prohibits ships of non-U.S. registry from embarking and disembarking passengers at two different U.S. ports."

Situation: I was booked on two separate cruises that are back to back. I have already spoken to Canadian Customs and Border Patrol in regards to this inquiry and they approved it. However, I want to see how the US CBP stands on this situation in writing so that I can forward to Princess Cruises as they are providing conflicting information.

Here is the itinerary;

CRUISE #1 - September 30, 2017 - Ruby Princess - Departs Seattle, Arrives in Vancouver, Canada at 07:00 on October 1, 2017.

* As this is only a one day cruise, I would be disembarking the Ruby Princess in Vancouver and clearing Canadian Customs and entering Canada. A couple hours later I would be pre-clearing US Customs in Vancouver prior to re-boarding the Ruby Princess for the next cruise (booked as a separate cruise).

CRUISE #2 - October 1, 2017 - Ruby Princess- Departs Vancouver, Canada at 16:30 and arrrives in Los Angles, CA on October 7, 2017.

Question: I know that the Jone's Act/ Passenger Service Act prevents a non-US registered ship from transporting passengers between two US ports... however in this situation it is TWO separate cruises and I would be entering Canada and Pre-Clearing US customs prior to reboarding the ship, I am not remaining on a ship that is going from US port to US port without entering Canada first.

Please inform me if this type of back to back itinerary would be acceptable, or if it would be unacceptable as per the Jones Act (even though it is not one cruise, it is two different bookings)?

As previously mentioned, when I spoke to Canadian Customs about the above situation/ inquiry they said there were no issues with the plan as I would be clearing Canadian Customs and entering Canada before returning to the United States."

Wish they would make these offers available to American Express Canada cardholders also....

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This sounds like the deal that RCI offers on their Deluxe Package.

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According to Princess's System team the issue is that AMEX will not let Princess pre-convert the USD charges to CDN prior to charging card. Therefore the system defaults to USD.

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Hey everyone, I am having a bit of an IT issue with Princess at the moment.

In my cruise Personalizer I am entering my Canadian Amex in for my Shipboard account. It asks if the card is billed in USD, I keep clicking 'NO' and saving and when I check it defaults to 'YES' and will not let me save the NO and therefore will not present me the option to have the final charge billed in my local currency.

Princess keeps telling me, this is the first and only time they have heard this even though they are in my account and can see it's defaulting to 'Yes', however are saying it's an AMEX issue. If there system was smart enough to know what currency my card is charge then why is the question being asked?

Also, one agent is assuring me cause we are arriving into Canada that my onboard account is automatically convert to CDN before being charged.... from past experience i know this is not the case.

Has anyone else from Canada has issues using American Express with Princess or am I really the only one?

Okay so here is the result:

- princess did not actually book the return flight for whichever reason. They are still investigating it.

- princess is mailing a cheque for the amount charged by Delta.

- Princess offered a $50 future travel credit for each of them... Which I think is kinda of a joke given the situation. Thoughts?