please educate me re: deals on Princess

[GUT2407]

Book.

 

Watch fares closely.

 

A better deal pops up ask them to re fare.

 

Easy.

[riclop]

We have sailed many times on another line and know the machinations that brand employs re: pricing. Friends want us to do a Princess Alaska NEXT summer. When looking at pp / per night, the price seems a bit high. Can you give me suggestions to help me lower the price? Does Princess run specials that include a drinks package? grats? can you purchase liquor onboard to put in your stateroom to make your own mixed drinks? Also I assume Princess honors pre- final payment price drops....after final payment can you upgrade if there is a large price drop that is advertised as "new bookings only"? THANKS!

 

There prices are much higher then last year. Don't be fooled by the word sales because there are none.

[Redwing55]

Book.

 

Watch fares closely.

 

A better deal pops up ask them to re fare.

 

Easy.

 

Not sure about the easy part, but it's a good strategy. For us, I've about given up comparing similar priced cruise line pricing. (i.e not talking about the known higher priced lines..starting with Disney and then going to Crystal, etc. Though some suggest it's not that much more.)

 

Maybe I've just been lucky, but each of our cruises have seen price reductions from the original booking. With that type of experience, it throws out using original stated cruise pricing as a clear criteria. Now, we don't pick specific cabins nor cabins above a balcony grade, so maybe it's different if one does. Good luck and make sure you enjoy the trip.

Edited May 29, 2016 by Redwing55

[Katjoy]

My friend and I booked our Alaska Cruise on the Ruby Princess for 06/26/16 as a guarantee for a balcony after the final payment deadline. I also did the refer a friend since she's never cruised before, so she has the $25 OBC & I will be credited my $25 upon completion of the cruise. I tracked the prices prior to booking & they were about $400 higher than the special we booked under. I booked directly with Princess & was offered a special for past Princess passengers who had spent a little time in the Casino on a previous cruise. The after final payment price drop was $200 & the Casino perk dropped the fare another $200 = $400 total price drop. Yes, they gave the Casino price drop to my friend as well. This will be my 1st cruise without my husband (I love traveling with him) But, I'm super excited to share this experience with my best friend. This will be my 5th cruise on Princess out of Seattle. It is so convenient since I live less than an hour from the Port of Seattle. Someday, I hope to cruise to another destination, but I love the cruise experience so much so Alaska again is great. :D

Edited June 3, 2016 by Katjoy