ssawjo

Shareholder credit should have no effect on the fare whatsoever. :confused:

 

I always make sure the AIBP (promo or purchased) is listed on my booking in the personalizer.

 

It is true though that any fare adjustment forfeits the promo.

Did you request ANY fare changes/refunds?

You're confused? So are we. No, I did not request any fare changes/refunds. And it was listed my DW's personalizer. Should have mentioned that earlier. The shareholder credit was applied AFTER final payment.

Question: other than contacting Customer Relations, does anyone have a suggestion on how to proceed? Also, has anyone had this experience before and is what Princess did correct?

 

Thank you,

 

Bill and Kathi

Well you are correct. The Carnival Shareholder OBC has absolutely nothing to do with the AIBP and a booking is never re-fared or re-booked after application of the Shareholder OBC. Here is Princess' fine print regarding the shareholder OBC:

"Restrictions • This offer is good for only one cabin occupied by the shareholder. Only one benefit OBC can be applied to a cabin, even if there are multiple shareholders in the cabin. • This offer can only be applied to bookings under deposit. • This offer cannot be used for casino credits/charges and gratuities. • This offer is combinable with most cruise fares. Some restrictions apply. • This offer is combinable with most onboard credit offers. • This offer is non-transferable. • Applications to receive this benefit must be made no later than 14 days prior to the cruise departure date"

Princess made an error when they removed it. It may take time, but don't accept a no answer. They are wrong. If it does not get resolved in a few months you may consider writing a letter to the California Consumer Affairs Dept in Sacramento with all backup documentation and send a copy to the CEO at Princess.

Agreed. The more I think about it the more p/o'd I get. I will not accept this but I do realize it will take time to fully resolve. If I get any information, I will post on this board. Thank you.

Very odd' date=' and as you said, you would never have canceled it.

 

Our situation--I purchased a soda and more package for my daughter and paid for it in advance. I had the confirmation on a phone so it could be viewed but did not print it out.

 

At check in, the sticker was not on the card. Same as you, they told us to take it up with guest relations on board. Lady there was sweet but said she would have to send an inquiry to shoreside, etc. We were able to show her the confirmation. She suggested that we re-purchase it and it would be refunded when they got the confirmation from shoreside. We held off, but within a few hours we got the cup delivered to the room and went back to guest relations. She told us to take the confirmation that came with the cup to "any bar" and they would apply the sticker. The bartender was totally blown away, but called his supervisor who took care of it. He also kept the confirmation that came with the cup AND the business card of the guest relations person.

 

We also had a shareholder OBC which, as above, was separate from everything else.[/quote']

 

What happened to you was what I was hoping the solution would have been onboard. I will await their reply to our email.

 

Thank you.

Weird. What did they say when you showed them the email confirmation you received when you ordered and paid for the AIBP?

 

The shareholder credit is totally separate from anything else.

 

Did you go to the Captain's Circle host with the problem? They can resolve an awful lot, particularly the shareholder credit situation.

 

If it were me, I'd have, 1) gone to the CC host; and, 2) emailed my TA to help resolve this.

I did show the P/S staff my email confirmation and they took a copy of it. They just said that it was cancelled according to their records. I did not think to visit the CC host. I did not have a TA or I would have called him/her. Never, ever, had a problem with anything like this before. Next time, I will visit the CC host. thank you for your suggestions.

My DW, DS, and I are just off the Caribbean Princess, Jan. 10-17. This is not a review of the cruise which was "OK". But some history first about my problem.

We booked this cruise many months ago because we wanted the family suite. It had to be booked under two different booking numbers for some reason. My DS and I were on one booking and my DW under another. My DW and I are elite and my DS is on his second cruise (his first was 19 years ago). In September 2015 I saw a promotion for a free AIBP and called. I got it for all of us and received email confirmations (two separate confirmations because of the two different booking numbers).

On or about Dec. 9, my DW applied for and received her shareholder credit of $100. All well and good.

As we were checking in for the cruise I noticed that my DW did not have a sticker for the AIBP on her cruise card. The lady checking us in knew nothing and suggested we meet with Passenger Services onboard. After a long embarkation delay, we boarded at 5:30 PM, we immediately went to PS about this issue. In short, we were informed that my DW's AIBP was cancelled on December 9 by me. I would never do such a thing. They sent a message to Princess HQ and after two days, nothing was resolved and we would have to personally contact Customer Relations after returning. In the meantime, my DW purchased her own AIBP hoping that it would be credited on board. That did not happen.

Today, I contacted Princess (not Customer Relations) and was informed that since DW applied for her shareholder credit it caused the fare to be "rebooked" and she lost her AIBP. I reviewed the form for the shareholder credit and I see nothing about "rebooking". I paid prior to the cruise the gratuities, so that wasn't it. This was also after final payment.

As suggested by the Princess rep on the phone today, I had my DW email all of the particulars of this situation to Customer Relations asking for a reimbursement of the $394.45 AIBP. A rote return email said that it was received and someone will contact us in 2-3 business days.

I am at a loss to understand what happened. I received no new booking confirmation or anything stating that the AIBP was cancelled. If we had known that this was a possibility, DW would not have applied for her shareholder credit.

Question: other than contacting Customer Relations, does anyone have a suggestion on how to proceed? Also, has anyone had this experience before and is what Princess did correct?

Thank you,

Bill and Kathi

Oh, gosh, that was in 2014. I'm thinking we were down there around 830 or so. Our numbers were in the low teens and we were on the first bus. There were maybe a 100 or 150 couples taking the Princess transfer. They had three or four buses and one baggage truck. I don't think we started loading up till after 10. They were not in any big rush to get us to the terminal since boarding was going to be delayed due to a deep noro cleaning. I'm thinking it was well after 2PM before we boarded.

 

BTW, you do not have to stay at the Marriott to use the transfers. You can purchase a hotel/transfer or just a transfer. You can save a bit if you find another hotel. We decided that since we were arriving after 11PM we didn't want the hassle of taxi/shuttle to an offsite hotel. We just didn't think saving $20 or $30 was worth the trouble.

Thanks for your quick response. We will probably be available at 8:30 to get a number. Staying at the Marriott at the airport because we actually got a decent rate and our plane is arriving late evening. Princess uses a hotel in downtown Houston for their hotel/transfer, the JW Marriott I think. Very expensive p/p. I am sure it will all work out.Thanks, Bill

Of course it depends upon how many bags and what kind of shape you're in. Wife and I are in our late 60s and we each had a full size bag and a couple of back packs. We had no issue getting to the hotel.

 

Use google maps to examine the airport and you'll see the marriott is very close to the terminals.

 

We arrived very late the night before the cruise. Due to the hour, we did not expect Princess to be there and they were not. Just go onto the hotel desk. They know the drill. The desk personnel gave us baggage tags for the next day and told us when/where to meet the Princess rep. You put the tags on your bag and leave them in your room. Princess takes them from there. You meet the rep in the hotel lobby. The sooner you are there, the lower the number you get and the earlier you're on the bus.

 

There is a nice but kind of expensive breakfast buffet ($15 IIRC PP).

Great information Rocketman. But how early is early to meet the Princess rep?

Thanks, Bill

We did this on November 29' date=' 2015. Our plane got in about 8. By the time we got off the plane and to the luggage area it was...maybe 8:30. The princess rep was right next to the luggage claim area. There were at least 2 reps. One took our name and advised us that the ship had not come in yet due to fog and she had been asked to hold us at the airport for a brief time...so we grabbed our luggage and had a seat. About an hour later, she said that she had clearance to send us to the terminal, but that the ship was still not there so we needed to be prepared to wait at the terminal. During the hour of waiting at IAHy, she checked on us several times.

 

 

We left for the cruise terminal about 9:45 by the time everyone was loaded, etc.and arrived about an hour later.

 

This might not have been a totally typical because of the fog and the delay in the ship's departure, but it seemed to be.

 

The Princess reps had a list of names and were checking us off as we arrived; periodically they would compare lists. We were definitely the first group to leave. We did not go anywhere near the hotel. I was concerned about how/where to meet the reps also. It was totally easy. They were very obvious, right outside baggage claim where you would meet a private limo driver or anyone else.[/quote']

 

Thank you for your response. Anyone else with a recent experience when they stayed at the Marriott IAH with Princess transfers?

 

Thank you again,

 

Bill

Hello, we are staying at the IAH Airport Marriott on Jan. 9 for a cruise on the CB the next day. We arranged for Princess transfers from the airport to the terminal. Can anyone tell me how things are working now? It appears that it is pretty easy but I am concerned about meeting the Princess rep in the airport or, as someone said, get picked up at the hotel. We like to be on the first bus out if possible.

Any recent info will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Bill

On this point, we are in a family suite with three adults. Can each adult bring one bottle of wine onboard? Or is it two bottles per cabin? We are definitely planning on two bottles but a third is nice.

Thanks,

Bill

Earlier this year, after the cruises opened up, we booked the same type cruise on the Sun from Syndey for 20 days in April 2017. Due to some things going on, we could not book sooner. Got a really good price for a mini suite, lower than currently advertised and free grats, so don't have to worry about tipping. It sails on April 5, 2017 to the same ports as mentioned with a stop in Brisbane on the return to Syndey.

We are considering stopping in NZ prior and flying to Syndey the day of the cruise. Afterwards, exploring Oz for a few days.

AZBIRDMOM, I just saw that you already booked. I will follow your cruise rollcall for excursion advice.

Please let everyone know how it goes. I am sort of a WWII buff and this will be an amazing experience.

Bill

Fletcher,

I am enjoying your blog, even though it is dated a bit.

I would like to mention, I was in Accra for 2 weeks several years ago and really enjoyed myself. I stayed at the same hotel in Accra but also had the chance to visit downtown for business and it is more modern than you would think. A few blocks north of the hotel, if I recall correctly, is an emormous slum. It is a crowded place, agreed, but everyone seems to hustling to make a cedi (Ghanian currency). But, if you talk to anyone there and also in Togo and Benin, they all want to come to the U.S. or UK.

This is a trip you waited for and wanted to do. I envy you for the opportunity.

Bill

Does anyone know what would happen in this situation if you had Princess transfers but not Princess air or hotel?

I, too, would like an answer to this question. I am on the CB on 1/10/16 from Bayport. I am staying one night at the IAH Marriott and taking the Princess transfer to the port. The only hotel/transfer I am aware of is the one Princess has from the Fairmount in downtown Houston. Very pricey for 3 people.

Another question is, does Princess have a hotel/transfer package from the IAH Marriott? I looked and cannot see one or should I call Princess?

Thank you for your responses.

Bill

Hi Bill,

 

The Native Choice Costa Maya Excursions at http://www.thenativechoice.com.

 

There are a couple variations and with or without the lagoon & lunch. We took the Chacchoben Extreme Tour. The people there are so friendly and our guide, Erick was the best. He's of Mayan descendant and was very informative; we even got a quick Mayan language lesson. Once you're off the ship it's a quick 10-15 minute walk to their office or you could catch a taxi, but it's a nice stroll.

Randy, thanks for the information and I will be checking them out.

Bill

2fercruzin: Mahahual (Costa Maya) and Cozumel. We did an independent tour in Mahahual, the Chacchoben Extreme Tour which took us for a short walk through the rain forest to Mayan ruins, then a bus ride to a lagoon where we were served drinks (both alcohol & non-alcohol), fajitas, rice & beans. After lunch we could swim, kayak, sunbathe or wander the area for about an hour and a half.

2fercruzin: Hello, I was wondering if you could provide the name or website of the independent tour for Mahahual? We will be there in January on the CB and there is only ship excursions that I could find. Thank you.

Bill

We had an incredible experience with Vitalino 09/2015 I can't recommend him enough. I loved it and wrote a review http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=48000009

Just finished reading your review and it was great. Will be there in January on the Caribbean Princess (two Carnival ships in port also). Will probably go with this company.

Question: We are only going to do the zip line and cave tubing, is there a minimum number of people needed to do the tour? There will be only 3 of us.

Thanks,

Bill

Unfortunately not, but it makes up for that by allowing you the experience of sailing under the harbour bridge. ;) It's quite spectacular. Make sure you're up on the top decks for that.

Thanks for your response. I will definitely get my butt out and up for the sail in to port.

Bill

Not really, but not far. It's through the harbour bridge and round a bit.

 

There are rumours of a private ferry service starting up between White Bay and Circular Quay but I think they are waiting on state government approval or something.

Thank you for the information. I was hoping it was closer to the airport.

Bill

You could order your wine online from Dan Murphy's for pickup from their Alexandria store which is close to the route from the airport to White's Bay or the airport to the CBD. Just get your taxi to call in on the way. If ordering online leave a note to let them know what date you will be picking it up.

 

When checking the website I happened to select one of my favorite red blends, Wirra Wirra Church Block at $15/bottle normally around $22/bottle. With corkage making it $30/bottle I think it would be far superior to anything near that price on the boat.

 

I hope you enjoy your visit to our country and enjoy our fine wines.

 

You'll find their website here;

https://www.danmurphys.com.au/Storelocator/NSW-Alexandria-2015

 

Lester

Lester,

Thank you for this information. I will try a bottle of the wine you mentioned.

We are looking forward to visiting NZ and OZ.

Bill

Thanks for your responses. Will probably have the taxi stop at a bottle shop for a quick pick up on the way from the airport.

I don't know where White Bay is, is it near the CBD?

Thanks.

Bill

Question: Sailing on Sun Princess much later on and was wondering if there is a problem bringing on board at embarkation two bottles of wine for use in cabin? Also, sailing out of Sydney, is there a wine shop near the port? I ask because we will be flying in from Auckland the same day (early in the morning). Thanks

Bill

Jose joked that if we missed the boat he would drive us the 4 hours to the next port.

Our next port will be Houston, TX, sooooo, I don't think that will happen. LOL

Bill

Wow, let us know what happens.

Another related question, please. There are three of us in a suite on the CB in January. Can all of us, that is the 3 of us, enjoy the sailaway complimentary dinner in the specialty restaurant? Or does one of us have to pay?

Thanks, Bill

Hi Bill. We've sailed out of Houston the last two years, the last time in a suite and the time before as elite. There's no issue with the mini bar set up or wine you're brought on board. Also the only difference in buying a drink while going through the channel is that they have a list of the brands that they will sell and there is tax on the drinks. You couldn't buy a bottle of wine at dinner if you were still in the channel but they had a small list of wine by the glass for purchase. The prices did not seem that outrageous and it's only for a couple of hours until you are clear of the bay.

 

We did have trouble with fog on the last trip and were delayed several hours getting back. I think we were one of the few trips this past year that had a problem, there were several more issues last year.

 

It's still a shorter trip from PHX to Houston and despite the issues, we would do it again if we didn't already have a full slate of cruises booked.

Thanks, AZBIRDMOM. Nice to hear from you.

Upon further reflection, I/we may save some money on our bar tab, early on anyway. Hopefully, the ship will leave on time and there are no fog problems. Not concerned about the return. We have a late flight. We are really on this cruise for our son who wants to visit the Mayan ruins in MX and Belize. Also, his second cruise. The first was almost 20 years ago on the Sun Princess through the Panama Canal.

Bill