Can I cancel my cruise at the pier if I am give WS?

[Dena]

We have platinum insurance from Princess and my understanding is that we can cancel for any reason. We booked the lowest mini suite guarantee and have not had an assignment with less than 1 week to sail. I fear we will get our assignment at the pier.

 

I figured any upgrade would be OK except a family suite since they lock the balcony when underway to Hawaii. On our last cruise we were in the mini near the family suite and no one was in it. Also, the family suite wasn't even listed on the Princess website for our sailing, so I figured they were not putting people in those rooms since the balcony is not usable. We never sailed Golden before and did not realize that the Golden has a category called Window Suite. These do not even have balconies. We do not want to sail without a balcony because we were looking forward to fresh air now that the new smoking policy is in effect.

 

So can we cancel at the pier if the worst happens?

[compozer]

So, you booked the lowest category and were hoping to get a cabin worth more than you paid and were really hoping to get a full suite but only certain ones and now, you are afraid that you might get one without a balcony. Sorry, but I have no sympathy for you. If you play the guarantee game, then you take what you get. And now you want the insurance company to give you your money back because you don't want that cabin. And then we all will end up paying more for the insurance. Sorry -don't like that game. Next time, I'd suggest you book the category that you would be happy with.

[DrivesLikeMario]

We have platinum insurance from Princess and my understanding is that we can cancel for any reason. We booked the lowest mini suite guarantee and have not had an assignment with less than 1 week to sail. I fear we will get our assignment at the pier.

 

I figured any upgrade would be OK except a family suite since they lock the balcony when underway to Hawaii. On our last cruise we were in the mini near the family suite and no one was in it. Also, the family suite wasn't even listed on the Princess website for our sailing, so I figured they were not putting people in those rooms since the balcony is not usable. We never sailed Golden before and did not realize that the Golden has a category called Window Suite. These do not even have balconies. We do not want to sail without a balcony because we were looking forward to fresh air now that the new smoking policy is in effect.

 

So can we cancel at the pier if the worst happens?

 

I don't think I've ever seen the Family Suite listed on their website. Your TA has to call for availability. I think the chance that you'd end up with that cabin are slim. If you cancel for any reason, I think you just get a future cruise credit, not your cash back.

[framer]

The window suites are fabulous. I'd take it and :D.

 

framer

[RickEk]

From what I understand, the family suite is usually reserved for moveover use.

[c-legs]

''Guarantee'' bookings can be assigned right up to embarkation day....Sorry but that's a clearly stated component of a ''guarantee'' booking.

You get what you get !.....and it will be in the category you booked&paid for, or better.

No insurance company on the planet will reimburse you because you are not happy with what you ultimately got from a ''guarantee'' booking and wish to bail out.

Or, to paraphrase a saying in the auction world: '' you bought it ? You got it ! "

Good luck.

Cheers

[Dena]

So, you booked the lowest category and were hoping to get a cabin worth more than you paid and were really hoping to get a full suite but only certain ones and now, you are afraid that you might get one without a balcony. Sorry, but I have no sympathy for you. If you play the guarantee game, then you take what you get. And now you want the insurance company to give you your money back because you don't want that cabin. And then we all will end up paying more for the insurance. Sorry -don't like that game. Next time, I'd suggest you book the category that you would be happy with.

 

No. I did not expect a full suite. I expected a mini suite with a balcony and I couldn't care less which one it was. I did not know that it was even possible to be denied a balcony because I did not know that Window Suites existed: I was horrified to lean that they do. And they must not be popular because they are priced well below regular suites. How many people who book a guaranteed mini realize they could be denied a balcony?

In the past I have paid extra to get a forward mini because these boards indicated smoke would not be a problem there. Sadly, this was never true. I thought I would finally have a cruise where I could count on fresh air on my balcony no matter where it was located.

I have been reading all I could,find on these boards today about Window Suites and some say they are located in a smokey hallway due the their location near either the cigar bar or the casino. I could not care less about the suite amenities such as Sabatini's breakfast or a bar set up. I do care about, and expect, to have a balcony.

[jrzebird]

We have platinum insurance from Princess and my understanding is that we can cancel for any reason. We booked the lowest mini suite guarantee and have not had an assignment with less than 1 week to sail. I fear we will get our assignment at the pier.

 

I figured any upgrade would be OK except a family suite since they lock the balcony when underway to Hawaii. On our last cruise we were in the mini near the family suite and no one was in it. Also, the family suite wasn't even listed on the Princess website for our sailing, so I figured they were not putting people in those rooms since the balcony is not usable. We never sailed Golden before and did not realize that the Golden has a category called Window Suite. These do not even have balconies. We do not want to sail without a balcony because we were looking forward to fresh air now that the new smoking policy is in effect.

 

So can we cancel at the pier if the worst happens?

 

 

I wouldn't consider the WS to be the worst that happens. Those usually go first because they are generally the least expensive of the suites and you still get the benefits and a large room with a great view.

 

The lesson here is, never book a guarantee unless you are willing to take the cabin they give you. And if you aren't, then book a cabin you really want and mark it no upgrade.

 

Do I think insurance will pay .. probably, but not sure if they pay when you get as far as check in. Frankly, my time isn't that flexible that I could go all the way to the pier, after taking time off, and then cancel because I don't like my cabin assignment. How much time do spend in there anyway?

[Dena]

''Guarantee'' bookings can be assigned right up to embarkation day....Sorry but that's a clearly stated component of a ''guarantee'' booking.

You get what you get !.....and it will be in the category you booked&paid for, or better.

No insurance company on the planet will reimburse you because you are not happy with what you ultimately got from a ''guarantee'' booking and wish to bail out.

Or, to paraphrase a saying in the auction world: '' you bought it ? You got it ! "

Good luck.

Cheers

 

The insurance I have says I can cancel for any reason, so I think I can cancel. I am just not sure if I can do so at the pier.

[IECalCruiser]

We have platinum insurance from Princess and my understanding is that we can cancel for any reason. We booked the lowest mini suite guarantee and have not had an assignment with less than 1 week to sail. I fear we will get our assignment at the pier.

 

I figured any upgrade would be OK except a family suite since they lock the balcony when underway to Hawaii. On our last cruise we were in the mini near the family suite and no one was in it. Also, the family suite wasn't even listed on the Princess website for our sailing, so I figured they were not putting people in those rooms since the balcony is not usable. We never sailed Golden before and did not realize that the Golden has a category called Window Suite. These do not even have balconies. We do not want to sail without a balcony because we were looking forward to fresh air now that the new smoking policy is in effect.

 

So can we cancel at the pier if the worst happens?

I wouldn't cancel if we were upgraded to a WS or Family Suite as the suite perks would make up for the loss of the balcony and we would just make sure we got to the Sanctuary in time to book a couple of spaces, but remember if you cancel that you don't get a refund but rather a credit for a future cruise that must be booked by the end of the next year. We wanted a Cat AD mini on a cruise last year but none were available so we booked as a Guarantee. About a week before our cruise we were "upgraded" to a Cat AA mini on Dolphin deck. We enjoyed the cabin and our UBD on the balcony the night we were in Cabo but we really wanted to try out one of the fully covered minis. Oh well, maybe another time.

[Dena]

I wouldn't cancel if we were upgraded to a WS or Family Suite as the suite perks would make up for the loss of the balcony and we would just make sure we got to the Sanctuary in time to book a couple of spaces, but remember if you cancel that you don't get a refund but rather a credit for a future cruise that must be booked by the end of the next year. We wanted a Cat AD mini on a cruise last year but none were available so we booked as a Guarantee. About a week before our cruise we were "upgraded" to a Cat AA mini on Dolphin deck. We enjoyed the cabin and our UBD on the balcony the night we were in Cabo but we really wanted to try out one of the fully covered minis. Oh well, maybe another time.

 

We have tried and failed to get ADs also. I think Pam said that you have to book them as soon as the sailing opens for booking. I don't really care about people looking down at me, but I would love to have shade. Your idea about the Sanctuary is a good one.

[IECalCruiser]

We have tried and failed to get ADs also. I think Pam said you have too book them as soon as the sailing opens for booking. I don't really care about people looking down at me, but I would love to have shade. Your idea about the Sanctuary is a good one.

We had to cancel our April TA on the Emerald this year. We had E731 booked but we booked on the day the cruise went on sale. The Cat AE cabins were available for several weeks but until I learn more, I would stay away from the port side Emerald deck cabins for now. There is also the noise issue with the farthest aft port side cabin(s) from the lounge below.

[caribill]

I do not think you need to be worried about being assigned to a WS.

 

Nobody has ever posted that they were upgraded from a cabin with a balcony to a WS.

 

There have been a bunch of posts about people who were offered a WS for xxx$ more than they had booked a cabin for.

[Dena]

I do not think you need to be worried about being assigned to a WS.

 

Nobody has ever posted that they were upgraded from a cabin with a balcony to a WS.

 

There have been a bunch of posts about people who were offered a WS for xxx$ more than they had booked a cabin for.

 

Thank you. This makes sense. Otherwise, there might be very unhappy people.

[Dena]

From what I understand, the family suite is usually reserved for moveover use.

 

Thank you, this does provide some peace of mind. Caribil is reporting essentially the same thing about the Window Suites. And it makes sense since these rooms would be very rude surprises to someone expecting to have and use a balcony.

[Astro Flyer]

http://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/faq_answer_legal/Princess_Vacation_Protection.pdf

 

Page 5: may cancel at anytime up until departure

[Dena]

I don't have a copy of the Princess policy but as I recall you can download a detailed copy online to find out if there's a cutoff time to cancel. I believe there was a cutoff (1 or 2 days) but not sure & the policy will give you a definitive answer...good luck. :)

 

http://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/faq_answer_legal/Princess_Vacation_Protection.pdf

 

Thank you. I will check.

[Astro Flyer]

Thank you. I will check.

 

On page 5 it says you can cancel up until departure.

[Dena]

On page 5 it says you can cancel up until departure.

 

Thank you!

[Cruisin' Chick]

On our last cruise, we booked only weeks before the sailing. Basically all that was available at that time (even though some cabins became available after that) was an obstructive OV (which we took and really liked) and some Window Suites. I looked at the deck plan and told hubby I'm glad we didn't bother with these (especially at $5000/person) as they were right by the cigar lounge. We did walk by during our cruise, and boy, was the smell obnoxious. I imagine with the new smoking rules, there will be more smokers taking advantage of the cigar lounge, which would make the smell even worse.

 

BTW, when we book now, we select a specific cabin and mark our booking "no upgrade." Why risk getting a cabin in an undesirable location.

 

So I don't get this oh, if I don't get an upgrade, that's horrible 'tude.

[Coral]

From what everyone has reported, they seem to upgrade outside cabins to window suites. I have not heard of anyone going from a regular mini suite to a window suite. I think if Princess was going to do this - they would call and ask first.

 

I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

Also - Family Suites, you must call Princess direct on this as pricing is sort of different in this cabin.

[jollyjones]

I was recently upgraded at the pier from an obstructed OV to a WS - I thought at the time that it was an extraordinary upgrade (especially as I cruise solo!) but on reflection, I decided that they wouldn't offer a WS as a last minute upgrade to someone booked in a balcony or mini as most people would consider it a downgrade.

 

So it may be that you are worrying about nothing and you will never even be considered for a WS - more fool you! - it was fabulous and I enjoyed every minute of it.

[KruzPrincess]

I have never read of anyone being upgraded from a mini to a window suite. I think Princess knows that most people who book a mini want the balcony and wouldn't take one away without asking first. I wouldn't worry.

[paul929207]

Going back to the original question, if you have cancel for any reason with no restrictions, then yes you could cancel at the pier. Read the insurance policy very carefully before you go. You will not get back the cost of the insurance. And it probably won't cover transportation and other expenses to and from the port.

[crusinpeg]

I jsut think its so funny how "different strokes for different folks"....here I am with a guarenteed outside cabin praying that I would be offered a WS for extre $$ !!