runner2013

Hi all, 

Just thought i'd pop back in with a quick update. 

Hubby's buddy asked us for help booking travel insurance for the trip. We thought they already had it through Princess, but his buddy said they felt it was too expensive and wanted to look elsewhere. His significant other has a very sick sister and they're looking for a policy that will cover them in case the worst happens, and they need to leave the ship and fly home. 

I took him to the sites I usually use but they too, did seem expensive. I advised him to call the company directly and speak with an agent. I felt that would be the best way for them to possibly get the best rate for the option they need. 

They also have their flights through Princess after all. Originally, he said they did, then he said they didn't, now they do. 

No idea what to make of this but again we're staying out of it.

We also don't know if the buddy has gotten his cabin assignment yet, or if the travel agents/company he's been using this entire time is still taking money out each month to pay for the mysterious future cruise he agreed to when he originally booked. 

Again, we don't feel there's anything we could do at this point anyway, so we'll let sleeping dogs lie. 

They are all supposed to leave this Saturday. They join the ship April 1st in Italy.  We're hopeful but nervous. Once I hear anything I'll report back. 

I didn't even know there was a club being built in Nassau. Now Cozumel as well 🙄. Good for folks and/or families who will use it and enjoy it. But me personally, not that interested in going to Nassau or Cozumel on a large portion of my cruises. I walked around Perfect Day at Coco Cay once, it was wonderful but that was enough. If I wanted a beach vacation, I'd have booked a nice hotel somewhere in the Caribbean. 

3 hours ago, Scottdalfonso said:

We are doing our first Princess cruise in August, the medallion thing sounds really neat, you can even find others in your party on the screens in the hallway, or you can have food delivered right to your pool side seat....if it works the way it's supposed to, it's definitely a great idea. 

The Medallion technology is pretty nice. We were skeptical at first but once on board it seemed to work out pretty well. 

One fun note, when standing by the elevators, watch the big info screens on the walls. They read who is nearby and sometimes will put a welcome message on the screen with your name. 

We were onboard for our 1st year wedding anniversary and all week every time we approached a screen it changed to a congratulatory message with our pic and glasses of champagne. It was a nice little touch that we appreciated. Definitely something you'd never get from Royal. 

11 hours ago, Russ Lomas said:

On our Princess cruise last week, some things were very different, in a better way, to handle this.  They have a screen about 10" diagonal on the wall outside your cabin.  When you get within 3 metres or so of the cabin, your cabin door automatically unlocks if you are wearing your Medallion.  It was also programmed so that it automatically opened our kids' room if we went there.  When the door unlocks, is shows your profile photo on the screen on the wall and welcomes you.

 

There are 2 buttons on the screen at all times.  One is to "request cabin service" and the other is do not disturb.  Whenever we left the cabin, we hit the service button and whenever we were in the cabin, we hit the "do not disturb" button.  Problem solved about the cabin steward disturbing us when we were in the cabin.

 

He got an idea after a day or 2 of when we were out to dinner or breakfast, checked the screen to see if we were in or out, and then quickly cleaned it while we were out.  Never saw him in our cabin (only in the halls), but the cabin was neat and tidy 100% of the time.  It was like walking into a brand-new cabin every time we entered.  Other cruise lines need to consider a similar method.

We've also sailed with Princess several times. I agree, the display screen outside the room is a very nice idea. It worked out well for us every time. 

17 hours ago, taglovestocruise said:

Don't pass on trying the free breakfast at JR.

 

OOhhh, When does this happen?

Every morning or only certain days.:

Is it listed in the Compass?

Thanks everyone for the help. This is our first time on an Oasis class ship and we wanted to make sure we know what to expect. 

Hi all, 

We will be sailing on Allure in October. While reading online versions of the Cruise Compass from Jan 2024, it says reservations required under several of the shows. 

Can anyone who's been on Allure recently confirm reservations are actually needed or is it still just walk up/first come open seating?

Thanks 

Hi all, 

First time DH and I are booked on Allure and wondering if we can see the Aqua show from our balcony. We're in Cabin 11729 on Deck 11. We've never been on an Oasis class ship and have no idea what to expect. 

Tia

2 hours ago, startedwithamouse said:

Is buddy's significant other going with him? Usually with a couple one person is the all in planner, with the other just showing up. Have you spoken with the significant other?

Yes, his long-time gf is going but don't know how involved she is with things.  

DH and I are staying out of things as much as possible at this point. DH tried offering suggestions at the beginning and the buddy wasn't interested.  We're hoping for the best. 

43 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

@runner2013  Thank you so much for returning to your thread frequently.  I am intrigued by this subject.  I am hoping for the best possible outcome.  I forgot...has "friend" ever cruised before?  

Only once, when DH and I got married 2 years ago this May. 

HI all, 

Quick update. 

DH spoke to his buddy the other night and he actually said he feels he bit off more than he can chew.  Says he should have stuck with a much shorter, easier to handle trip. 

DH asked him about the app and checking in, and dinner reservations etc.  

Guess the buddy has the app downloaded but hasn't done his check in yet. Buddy also told his sister who's going she was in charge of making all the dinner reservations for them. She wants no part of it. Hubby stressed buddy may want to get on the dinner situation sooner rather than later. 

I hear anything else I'll keep you all informed. 

When all is said and done, I'm still hoping for a good outcome.  🤞

Hi all,

Is there still a happy hour type thing in the Crown lounge every night with free drinks during that time?

We just reached diamond and  know we receive 4 drink coupons each day,  but weren't sure if the hh still existed or was replaced by the coupons .

Thanks

Ok, 

So hubby just told me his buddy did get just his flights to Italy through Princess Ez air.  That's not what his buddy told me the other night on the phone but maybe I misunderstood him. ??

All this confusion is making my head spin. I can't imagine how his buddy is feeling

Thanks everyone for your help. 

I'll be sure to keep you updated.   

14 minutes ago, SCX22 said:

Princess Promotions can be purchased in installments.  I'm only repeating what I heard one of the Future Cruise Consultants said to a potential taker last cruise, so don't quote me...The packages can put but on a monthly installment plan.  A minimum of 25% down and monthly payments after.  After you reach 50% of the total due, you can use the FCC part towards a cruise and the rest of the "benefits" will follow upon full payment.

 

The thought going through my head, "Yikes!  Why are they this desperate?"

If PP paids off the cruise for DH's friend. Would they then expect payment to be finished by the time the cruise comes or would they allow him to finish paying off after the cruise ends? 

1 hour ago, PacnGoNow said:

Would any insurance cover them, if it was a scam?

 

They could go through their CC, if it did turn out to be a scam. Maybe to dispute charges?

Lets hope it doesn’t come to that.

 

 

 

Good question.

3 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

Here’s that $500 a month you mentioned in an earlier post.

According to your same post, he IS supposed to pay $500 a month.

 

Is it possible the ONE agent did pay in full to PCL already and your friend still has to pay off the cruise to the ONE TA?  
 

This is such a goofy way to handle the accounting.

 

 If it were my friend, I’d invite them over to go through all of this with their T & C, that they agreed to, documents in hand and travel summary.

That is, if they wanted my help.

JMO

I've never heard of any travel agency that pays for your cruise in full ahead of time and then bills you for the money. Maybe I'm wrong, but as far as I know, none of them do that. (if anyone has heard of this please correct me.)

My Hubby tried to ask his friend questions way back when this all started and the friend didn't really want any advice or input, so we've both stayed out of it until now. 

We've said our peace and will just stay out of whatever happens. If we're asked, we'll offer an opinion but otherwise, it's not our business. 

1 hour ago, Paula_MacFan said:

If I'm reading the facts correctly the cruise leaves in about 5 weeks, and he doesn't have flights booked yet for an international trip?  Maybe I'm misinterpreting 🙂  

Oh no, you are totally correct.🙄 

13 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

Sounds like O.N.E, PCL promotions.  They cold called.

That is exactly what happened. He was cold called by them. 

13 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

He would be too late for

insurance if he’s past FP.  Unless, there is a policy he could buy now?

 

He should have a phone number to call for the person who booked it.  He needs to get the information on the hotels booked, confirmation numbers, call the Florida one and email the Rome hotel and verify he is booked and paid for.

 

Never heard of them charging $500 for a future cruise.  He needs to look at the fine print.

What did the agent book?  Where’s the receipt on the website for this charge?  Is this non refundable?  Is it shown in his account as a FCC?

 

I would print out the travel summary and check it closely for any mistakes.

 

What a mistake, that PCL allows this agency to pull these shady tactics.  SMH 

I think he can still get insurance through one of those websites that lets you compare different plans. Maybe not the medical waiver portion but at least something to cover luggage loss or trip delay, etc. 

Supposedly the hotels are all booked/confirmed and paid for. No idea if he actually did the confirmation himself or is going on what his contact at princess promotions is telling him. 

I've never heard of a charge for a future cruise either, that's why my red flags went up and I'm here asking for opinions. All you folks who've cruised longer than me have a much better knowledge of how things work. 

As far as him having all receipts, emails, verification, etc. I have no idea what he has or doesn't have.   

I did stress to him make sure he brings paper copies of all his documents when he goes. What he'll do, I couldn't even guess. 

56 minutes ago, startedwithamouse said:

Where did he find this TA?

The travel agent found him. He was cold called by someone from Princess Promotions. 

1 minute ago, cr8tiv1 said:

One of those coming in late to the game.  

 

Buddy has a booking number

Buddy can see his cruise on Princess.com

Buddy says he owes nothing (and final payment made)

Buddy has booked and confirmed EZ Air (has it been ticketed?)

Buddy has hotel reservations pre/post cruise (has this been confirmed with hotels?)

 

BUT...Buddy is still being charged extras

Buddy has two more cruises "booked" but not seen on Princess.com

 

This is definitely a new issue.  Never heard of anything like this.

 

I know right!!! 

He has the booking #, and does see the cruise in the personalizer. 

According to Princess personalizer he's paid in full, but according to buddy's own math, he hasn't paid the full price yet. 

The Buddy is getting his own flights to Rome, he's isn't using ez air like he first thought he was. 

Far as I know, he hasn't confirmed with the hotels yet. Or maybe he has but just didn't tell me. Not sure. 

Hello everyone, I have another update!!

Quick recap for those who've come late to the party. My DH's friend booked a cruise through Princess Promotions and was being told all sorts of wierd things ranging from he only needed 65% of cruise paid off before sailing, to free hotel stays nights before the ship leaves in Italy. (its a 21 day trip from Italy ending in Florida )

Ok, here we go.. 

I talked to his buddy on speaker phone last night and got the scoop. 

Supposedly princess promotions originally called him and asked if he wanted to book a cruise. 

He said yes but wanted to talk with his sister and brother in law to see if they were interested as well.  The representative he spoke with when he called back to book was located in London.

 He was originally told only 65% payment needed before the cruise sails. 

He was given his invoice # and all other details they had at that time. 

Fast forward to several months later. The buddy was called in the middle of the night and told he needed to make final payment or trip is cancelled. He hung up on the guy saying he was told that's not true.

The Buddy then called his person at Princess Promotions next day, told him what happened, and the rep said he did the right thing by hanging up on the person. 

So, 

Fast forward to now: 

The itinerary has been changed due to what's happening in the Red Sea. He was told they will get 300. OBC for the change, (that sounds ok to me but who knows)

He will also get (and here's where my alarm bells go off) 7 free nights in any hotel anywhere in the world. 

So, the buddy hearing this, chose 2 nights in Rome before the cruise leaves, and 2 nights in Florida after it ends. But...... he has to pay roughly 124. for the 2 nights in Italy, and 100 for the 2 nights in Florida. 

I finally stopped him at that point and asked him if he actually logged into princess.com and saw his trip and invoice #.   He said he did, it is there, and it shows as fully paid off. (he has a gauranteed balcony so no actual cabin assignment yet) Now according to his calculations, he has not finished paying off the trip and doesn't understand how this could be.  

So his sister called Princess directly and they too show it as paid off in full.  hmmm no idea how that works. 

He's never gotten any type of cancellation email or call from Princess so he's sticking with his story that he's all paid off. 

Now.... last week his credit card is charged another $500.00, for what he doesn't know so he calls the rep at Princess Promotions. He is told (and again my red flag went up) "oh when you booked your cruise you also booked 2 future cruises as well. That charge is for your future cruise" 

He kept telling the rep he didn't book any other cruises and the rep said you didn't read the fine print about this promotion, you needed to book 2 more cruises to get the promotional cruise. 

 They didn't give him any type of invoice number, where, when, what ship, etc. for this future cruise, just that the money taken out was for that future cruise. 

So, his sister calls Princess directly again and they were no help at all. They don't know what his sister is talking about and didn't have any other invoice #'s and don't show them booked on anything else but the one trip leaving April 3rd. 

I stopped him again and asked him what I think is the next important question: 

DOES HE HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE?

He said no, and I told him in no uncertain terms they needed to get real travel cruise insurance immediately!!

He referred to the cruise line's insurance and my DH and I both said absolutely not!!!

He needs to get and independent travel insurance company to cover this because we both feel something isn't right and it just doesn't make sense. 

His buddy doesn't know what to think now, he's getting nervous because no one at Princess directly can give him any answers and what he's being told from his rep at Princess promotions he doesn't thinks makes sense. I told him I've been cruising for a while and some of what he's being told doesn't sound correct to me at all, but I said I'd post something on here to get the opinions of all you 'heavy hitters' out there who've been cruising a lot longer than me and know a whole lot more about things.

So, after reading my foolishly long post, does everything seems just a little fishy or am I making a big deal over nothing. This is the first time his buddy has actually talked to us about the trip, and we felt badly being so negative, but we don't want him to fly all the way over to Rome and be told he can't go because he was scammed. 

Any advice is greatly appreciated. 

Again, sorry for the long post.. 

I received it on my cruise in January. From what I've read on here, it's Royal trying to speed things along for folks who've done all their pre check stuff ahead of time. Several others on my trip also got it. It was random. 

Hi all, 

DH and I are looking at a cruise on the Constellation next Jan. We just reached Diamond on Royal so we know we'll transfer our status over and be Elite for the cruise. I've read in the CC benefits there is a daily cocktail hour from 5-700pm each day. But what I can't find is whether that is only in a certain lounge like it is on Royal, or is it in any bar on the ship and you just need to order from the specific cocktail hour menu that's provided?

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks

Is the gift for any length sailing?