Princess stopping military obc for august???

[cruizer2d]

Hi, i just got off the phone w/ my girlfriend in NJ. She's in the process of booking her 1st Princess cruise-7 day Sapphire to Alaska-Inside Passage, in August. Knowing her husband is ex-military, I told her about the OBC program. She called 1-800-Princess and was told they are suspending that benefit on all Princess cruises for the month of August. Has anyone heard of this?

Also, I have a couple of questions re: suites. She tried to get the GS, then the OS, but they are wait-listed. Her TA booked her in PS C 421 and her sister in C335. She doesn't know why TA didn't book her C401 to be next to her sister. The cabin is available. I advised her to not book so close to the pananoramic elevators and have the cabin changed.

Next question-- should they be on port or starboard side -Sapphire is leaving out of Seattle and they are going the Tracy Arms route inside passage. I've never cruised Alaska and truthfully, I don't like her TA, from what I'm hearing that she's NOT doing. It sounds like she's only interested in booking 2 cabins for 11K + no OBC,no nothing as a TY for booking w/ her. Oh, she's "giving" her some bottles of liquor that will be in the fridge. I told my gf that's a Princess thing for booking a suite.

Anyway, I'd like to help her out w/ info anyway I can. Any advice will be appreciated.

[paul929207]

There has not been any mention of stopping the military OBC.

[CTGirl]

I have not heard anything but i hope it's not true. We have a 17 TA in August. If I'm not mistaken that would be $250. It would really help.

[PrincessNancy]

You're correct, something doesn't seem right. Your friend needs to get on the phone and "persuade, encourage, or force" the TA to get the military OBC and change the sister's cabin.

 

Have her call the TA and tell her that the military on board credit is still available...while she is on the phone she should then ask the travel agent to get Princess on the phone (do a conference call) and ask the questions about the military discount and the sister's cabin assignment. I did the military discount by myself (faxed the documents to Princess), then told my TA about it, she said that I should have told her, she would have taken care of it for me--we're sailing in September. If the travel agent doesn't make it right, then your friend should cancel the cruise with this TA and call princess direct and book it (or use a more reputable agent).

 

Note: There may be a small or large cancellation fee--each agency has their own policy--she should check the policy before firing the TA.

 

Not sure if your friend can just notify the travel agent in writing (email) that she no longer wants to work with them (tell them why) and then call Princess and transfer the booking to them. That way she wouldn't lose the suite she has already booked. I am sure someone on CC will know the proper procedure!

 

Something definitely seems a little hinky with this TA. If your friend isn't one to defend herself you may need to help her.

[pms4104]

Rather than dealing with the reservations telereps ... suggest your friend email the same contact she would send the appropriate miliary docs to and request clarification.

[Roses2]

From Princess Site:

 

Special Military Program

 

Princess Cruises® would like to thank the brave men and women of the American and Canadian military for their service. On every sailing, Princess offers an onboard credit of up to $250 per stateroom to both active and retired military personnel. An overview of the program is as follows:

1) Available to active military, retired military and disabled military veterans with proper identification as outlined below. Please ensure that documentation provided has any Social Security Number crossed out.

a. Active personnel currently serving in the following service divisions:

• United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserves with a copy of a military verification certificate confirming active duty status available for free online at http://www.defense.gov/faq
  
• Canadian National Defense – NDI 20 Canadian Forces Identification Card or NDI 10 which is a temporary identification card.
  

b. Retired Personnel defined as A) enlisted personnel or officers with a minimum of 20 years of service, B) medically retired, or C) 100% disabled. Proper identification for United States is a BLUE or TAN Uniformed Identification Card. For Canadians, the N.D.I 75 - Record of Service Identification Card or CF75 or Certificate of Discharge is used.

c. Veterans with an Honorable Discharge serving a minimum of 2 years or 6 months in an active war zone in any of the United States service divisions listed above or in the Canadian National Defense. Proper identification in the form of a DD 214, plus a current photo id is required. VAC (Veterans Affairs Canada) Health Identification Card for Canadians, plus a current photo id is required.

2) Onboard Credit Amount per Cabin:

 

Cruise LengthAmount6 days or less$50 per person7 – 13 days$100 per person14 days or longer$250 per person3) Restrictions:

• This offer is good for only the first or second berth occupied by the military person.
  
• Military offer is valid for eligible military personnel in the U.S. and Canada only.
  
• This offer cannot be used for casino credits/charges and gratuities.
  
• Offer excludes Travel Agent and Interline.
  
• Offer is combinable with other Onboard Credit offers. Shareholder and military benefits can be combined.
  

4) Transferability: This offer is non-transferable.

5) Procedures:

• Please provide your name, reservation number, ship and sailing date with proof of eligibility as outlined above and the initial deposit to your travel agent or to Princess Cruises no later than one week prior to sailing.
  
• Princess Cruises, Booking Support
  24844 Avenue Rockefeller
  Santa Clarita, CA 91355
  800-PRINCESS
  Email: shareholderbenefit@princesscruises.com
  Princess Secure Fax: (661) 753-1394
  

[Toto2Kansas]

I do know one thing I was told, and that is that "Princess received a larger response to this military credit offer than they originally expected. And it is possible that it will not go on for a whole lot longer", from what I was informed. So, you never know when they might end this offer of OBC for future sailings. But I am sure there will be some warning or a press release or something put out about it before they do actually stop offering it. ;)

[PescadoAmarillo]

I do know one thing I was told, and that is that "Princess received a larger response to this military credit offer than they originally expected.

 

Princess was, IMO, overly generous with the military credit. Virtually all men of a certain age have 2 years service and/or 6 months in a war zone. Limiting it to active duty (which is a bit of a joke, because many AD personnel are serving away from home, and their idea of a vacation might be simply being at home) and retired military would certainly have reduced Princess's financial commitment while still demonstrating their corporate support of military veterans.

[Astro Flyer]

I do know one thing I was told, and that is that "Princess received a larger response to this military credit offer than they originally expected. And it is possible that it will not go on for a whole lot longer", from what I was informed. So, you never know when they might end this offer of OBC for future sailings. But I am sure there will be some warning or a press release or something put out about it before they do actually stop offering it. ;)

They never put an ending date on this program so it can probably be cancelled at anytime. I feel like you that they would give notice but just in case it gets cancelled & they "grandfather" those already approved, I have done all of my future cruises. These are not ones we will cancel unless of a major problem. So just in case it's cancelled & they decide to allow those already approved, I have them for all of my future bookings.

 

But suspending it for only the month of August seems odd to me. :confused:

[DaisyRose]

The military credit was such a nice thing for Princess to do, and extremely generous, especially for the voyages of 14 days or longer. As Toto wrote that they received a much larger response to this offer than they expected, I would guess that it is costing them a bit to continue to offer it. If they are considering discontinuing it, instead of that, wouldn't it be a nice idea to just reduce it a little, say $50 for shorter voyages, and $100 for longer voyages. That would cost them a lot less, and still be a nice way to honor those who have served our country.

[BridgeMates]

Word is spreading about this wonderful benefit for Veterans. Don't you think that's what Princess wanted to accomplish? If you're deciding bwtn two or three cruise lines and you can get a nice OBC from Princess that you won't get on the others, which one would you choose....all things being pretty even? Just like the Capt's Circle program with Platinum and Elite benefits ... the idea is to get people to choose Princess. I've seen remarks about the two/three day cruises getting credits being unfair. If you think about it, it costs Princess very little for the benefits bestowed, and will entice more and more people to come back. Filling cabins is the primary goal.

[freetocruise]

Princess was, IMO, overly generous with the military credit. Virtually all men of a certain age have 2 years service and/or 6 months in a war zone. Limiting it to active duty (which is a bit of a joke, because many AD personnel are serving away from home, and their idea of a vacation might be simply being at home) and retired military would certainly have reduced Princess's financial commitment while still demonstrating their corporate support of military veterans.

 

I agree with your comments 100%. Not all military serve away from home and I'm sure many take vacations. I know my husband and I (Both retired) took a few cruises while still on active duty and continue now that we are retired.

[Woobstr112G]

I do know one thing I was told, and that is that "Princess received a larger response to this military credit offer than they originally expected. And it is possible that it will not go on for a whole lot longer", from what I was informed. So, you never know when they might end this offer of OBC for future sailings. But I am sure there will be some warning or a press release or something put out about it before they do actually stop offering it. ;)

 

I agree. Princess would never just stop it without warning.....

 

Bob

[willysgrandma]

As far as the military credit, tell your girlfriend to fax the required documents for the OBC to Princess NOW - she'll need the DD214 and i.d. She can fax it herself to Princess and then see if she gets the obc.

 

I've not heard anything about it being discontinued, but get the paperwork needed to Princess a.s.a.p and see if they will apply it.

[regnig]

I agree. Princess would never just stop it without warning.....

 

Bob

 

Agree 100%.

 

As far as the military credit, tell your girlfriend to fax the required documents for the OBC to Princess NOW - she'll need the DD214 and i.d. She can fax it herself to Princess and then see if she gets the obc.

I've not heard anything about it being discontinued, but get the paperwork needed to Princess a.s.a.p and see if they will apply it.

 

Our next cruise isn't until 3/8/2012 and I've already sent our paperwork to Princess and received their response that our OBC will be applied to our booking.

[ssbeagle]

We were just on a webinar with Princess and they said there are no plans to discontinue the military obc. They say this is a benefit and their way of thanking the veterans and military for service to their country.

[Astro Flyer]

Princess was, IMO, overly generous with the military credit. Virtually all men of a certain age have 2 years service and/or 6 months in a war zone. Limiting it to active duty (which is a bit of a joke, because many AD personnel are serving away from home, and their idea of a vacation might be simply being at home) and retired military would certainly have reduced Princess's financial commitment while still demonstrating their corporate support of military veterans.

I appreciate your thoughts about limiting it to active duty & retired if that's the only way to continue this great program.

 

However, just a few thoughts that comes to mind when you say that Princess was overly generous with the military credit by giving this benefit to virtually all men of a certain age have 2 years service and/or 6 months in a war zone.

 

IMO that would eliminate many of those who served honorably during the Vietnam War! Many were draftees & some were also reservists who served our country for 2 years and/or 6 months in a war zone. Do you believe that for them to receive this benefit Princess is being overly generous & that they should not receive them? Basically that’s what you’re saying & as a Vietnam vet, I find it appalling. Reading Mr. Buckelew’s story A Soldier Returns … as a Tourist (apparently as a draftee in the Army) from June ’69 until June ’70, then he wouldn’t qualify either.

 

While I wasn't one of the boots on the ground in combat, it was in support of them where I served. It was hooking up aircraft to a catapult during the busiest time for the air war in Vietnam. I would never dishonor those in combat by saying my service was as dangerous as their assignments, however it was working on what they say is the most dangerous 2.5 acres in the world.

 

I am not posting to whine about my service or to be thanked by anyone for my service. Your suggestion that it’s overly generous to give those who only served 2 years or 6 months in a war zone bothers me. It would probably eliminate the majority of Vietnam vets who only served for such a short time. So to you we don’t deserve the overly generous Princess Military benefits program???

 

Am I being too sensitive? Maybe so & I don’t like to become confrontational. But ask the many Vietnam vets who would be eliminated if they feel that their service is deserving of these military benefits?

 

I take a lot of time to post helpful things & to not get upset. I must apologize that I have failed with this post however this suggestion really bothers me...it's merely one Vietnam vets opinion.

[pms4104]

Thank you, Astro Flyer, for the reality check.

[DonnasMom&Dad]

What date did this thread start on????

 

Cato

 

Completed Cruises !

 

First cruise - Coral Princess, 19 November 2008, 10 day Panama Canal, FLL to ACA

Second cruise - Coral Princess, 15 May 2009, 3 day Repositioning, Los Angeles to Vancouver.

Third cruise - Sapphire Princess, 25 November 2009? 7 day Mexican Riviera.

Fourth cruise - Golden Princes, 12 June 2010, 7 day Alaska. (Golden Anniversary Cruise)

Fifth Cruise - Island Princess, 04 October 2010, Vancouver - Los Angeles, Repositioning

Sixth cruise - Sapphire Princess, 05 January 2011, 10 day Mexican Riviera. LA to LA.

 

 

Future & Hopeful Cruises !

 

( Already booked )

Seventh cruise - Golden Princess, 11 May 2011, 3 day, LA to Vancouver, Repositioning

Eighth cruise - Sapphire Princess, 14 May 2011, 1 day, Vancouver to Seattle, Repositioning

Ninth cruise - Oasis of the Seas, 26 Nov. 2011, 7 day, Western Caribbean, Ft. Lauderdale Ret.

 

[pms4104]

What date did this thread start on????

 

Cato

While the thread was started April Fools Day, I would hope that no one here would pull such a meanie on those who've serve our country so well for so long.

[jamessemaj]

Astro Flyer, I too would avoid confrontation, but just want to tell you that your comments are right on mark and very appropriate.

[gingera]

I appreciate your thoughts about limiting it to active duty & retired if that's the only way to continue this great program.

 

However, just a few thoughts that comes to mind when you say that Princess was overly generous with the military credit by giving this benefit to virtually all men of a certain age have 2 years service and/or 6 months in a war zone.

 

IMO that would eliminate many of those who served honorably during the Vietnam War! Many were draftees & some were also reservists who served our country for 2 years and/or 6 months in a war zone. Do you believe that for them to receive this benefit Princess is being overly generous & that they should not receive them? Basically that’s what you’re saying & as a Vietnam vet, I find it appalling. Reading Mr. Buckelew’s story A Soldier Returns … as a Tourist (apparently as a draftee in the Army) from June ’69 until June ’70, then he wouldn’t qualify either.

 

While I wasn't one of the boots on the ground in combat, it was in support of them where I served. It was hooking up aircraft to a catapult during the busiest time for the air war in Vietnam. I would never dishonor those in combat by saying my service was as dangerous as their assignments, however it was working on what they say is the most dangerous 2.5 acres in the world.

 

I am not posting to whine about my service or to be thanked by anyone for my service. Your suggestion that it’s overly generous to give those who only served 2 years or 6 months in a war zone bothers me. It would probably eliminate the majority of Vietnam vets who only served for such a short time. So to you we don’t deserve the overly generous Princess Military benefits program???

 

Am I being too sensitive? Maybe so & I don’t like to become confrontational. But ask the many Vietnam vets who would be eliminated if they feel that their service is deserving of these military benefits?

 

I take a lot of time to post helpful things & to not get upset. I must apologize that I have failed with this post however this suggestion really bothers me...it's merely one Vietnam vets opinion.

 

agreed and thanks for serving our country, Astro Flyer..

 

my DH is one of those Vietnam Vets, who did grapple in bush for a number of weeks/months....he was tickled to be acknowledged by Princess.

[hillslife]

Thanks for the possible heads up on this....just sent off my husbands DD214 and picture ID to the email address for our Aug cruise. Got this on our So American cruise 2/23 - 3/24/11 - it was VERY geneous of Princess to offer this OBC and much appreciated.

 

Hope it continues, but it must be costing Princess $$$$$ and that is the bottom line in most business.:confused:

[PescadoAmarillo]

I am not posting to whine about my service or to be thanked by anyone for my service. Your suggestion that it’s overly generous to give those who only served 2 years or 6 months in a war zone bothers me. It would probably eliminate the majority of Vietnam vets who only served for such a short time. So to you we don’t deserve the overly generous Princess Military benefits program???

 

Am I being too sensitive? Maybe so & I don’t like to become confrontational. But ask the many Vietnam vets who would be eliminated if they feel that their service is deserving of these military benefits?

 

AstroFlyer, DH also first served in Vietnam, so please know that my comments were not a slight to our Vietnam vets. My comments were in response to another poster's that Princess thought that the response to this program was far greater than the ever anticipated, and it was possible that it would not go much longer. To me, it is a wonderful benefit, and one that we very much appreciated on the 5 cruises during which we received it.

 

However, if it came down to discontinuing it all together, or retaining it for AD and retired only, certainly you can't argue that it wouldn't be preferable to continue it only for AD and retired? That was the point of my comment.

 

As for being to too sensitive...trust me, I am cut from the same cloth. I am still reeling from being called unpatriotic for opposing a certain recent war at the same time my husband was serving in the US Army training soldiers for that war. I don't think most people in this country know, or even care about the sacrifices of military veterans and their families. Veterans Day has become a day of mattress and furniture sales. It's a true pity.

 

And how nice it was that Princess (I'm certain due to Mr. Buckelew's influence) decided to start this OBC benefit. But, again, if Princess's potential response is to eliminate the OBC altogether, I would certainly prefer that they retain it for at least a portion of our veteran family, and I suspect you might too.

[jonikal]

May one assume, unlike the CCL OBC, that the paperwork for the military OBC can be submitted even before final payment? We have booked cruises into next year and wonder whether to submit the documents so many months in advance. Thanks.