Thanks for your responses. Like I said I know it says 6 months because of Columbia, I know it is not closed loop, I know it doesn't matter anymore when you talk to someone at Princess as you may get a different answer each time you ask. AND I know it is not my "job" to make sure they can get onboard. But, they are friends and they are not well traveled, relying on what the rep at Princess told them.
You have all just verified what I think and passed on to them. I'll be boarding with my daughter. Ball is in their court!
THANK YOU!