Jump to content

Princess non-refundable deposits


Capt Krunch
 Share

Recommended Posts

I read in a previous thread that they will allow you to book more than one cruise that will be at the same time. I replied that this will lead to more non-refundable deposits for cruises. That seems to be the best way to discourage folks from booking cruises that they do not intend to take.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

At any given time, cruise lines have multiple "fares" available.  Some are the standard brochure rate, some are special TA group rates, some are "targeted" rates at past cruisers (casino players etc), some are promotional rates with non-refundable deposits, and some are promotional rates with a refundable deposit.  Obviously, the rates with the non-refundable deposits are the most affordable - so when you use an online booking engine, its usually only going to show you the "best" deal - which may not be refundable.  Best bet is to call a knowledgeable TA or Princess and ask about the fare options.  Some TA's will only give you one rate, because they make a % of commission on the non-refundable deposit, and hence, they get paid whether you go or not.  Some TA's just dont know how to see the various fare options (or cant).  And some agencies just dont want their TA's quoting 5 different prices for the same cruise since it can lead to decision paralysis for some customers.  NCL is one of the worst cruise lines with this since their promos say "4 for free" yet on most cabins the passenger has to choose just one or two of the 4 free offers and its a real mess to sort out what the final price is (unlimited beverage package for "free" adds additional gratuity to the final price, specialty dining package also adds additional gratuities, yet advertised "for free")

 

If you dont want to pay the non-refundable ask a knowledgeable TA or Princess agent what options there are.  For instance, on the Landmark sale, there are sale prices for the same promo - some refundable deposits, other with non-refundable deposits.  As you might surmise, the refundable option costs a bit more.  If the agent is using the Princess booking engine, they can see all the available fares.  If they are using a proprietary one, they may not be able to.

Edited by cruisingrob21
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here in the UK deposits for cruise and other types of holiday are never, ever refundable.

 

Regardless of the travel company deposits are usually around 10% of the total cost.

You may be able to get some money back if you make a claim on your travel insurance but strict criteria are applied, serious illness or death are usually the only acceptable claims. I have never come across a policy with an any reason cancellation term.

 

Also regardless of how much your cruise may be reduced once you have booked you are tied into the price you agreed to pay. 

 

Juliax

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Deposits should never be refundable.   So one should be able to put a deposit down on a dozen rooms and then cancel just before the payment is due and get all your money back?  And the cruise lines get what for holding a room? 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

58 minutes ago, Donray said:

Deposits should never be refundable.   So one should be able to put a deposit down on a dozen rooms and then cancel just before the payment is due and get all your money back?  And the cruise lines get what for holding a room? 

Exactly. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just tried to book online, (my TA is away for a month). Only want to use my future cruise deposits for this booking, but the cruise I want to book online only shows the promotional fare with 10% NON REFUNDABLE deposit.

I want to see All Prices online, and not have to Phone the cruise line for this.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On a previous thread (around July 27th) there was a discussion on “refundable versus non-refundable deposits”.   Some cruisers mentioned using Rate Code N7A to make a non-refundable fare to a refundable fare.  The question came up while using the Landmark promo.  Some Customer Reps did not have clue what they were talking about (relative to the code) while other Customer Reps understood.  Check it out the thread.

 

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682713-refare-with-non-refundable-deposit/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 minutes ago, John99 said:

On a previous thread (around July 27th) there was a discussion on “refundable versus non-refundable deposits”.   Some cruisers mentioned using Rate Code N7A to make a non-refundable fare to a refundable fare.  The question came up while using the Landmark promo.  Some Customer Reps did not have clue what they were talking about (relative to the code) while other Customer Reps understood.  Check it out the thread.

 

 

 

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682713-refare-with-non-refundable-deposit/

 

Here’s one from this week, too. 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2686382-changing-non-refundable-to-refundable/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, dog said:

Just tried to book online, (my TA is away for a month). Only want to use my future cruise deposits for this booking, but the cruise I want to book online only shows the promotional fare with 10% NON REFUNDABLE deposit.

I want to see All Prices online, and not have to Phone the cruise line for this.

This is not a problem.  Princess' typical (think "list price") deposit ask is always 10%.  If you have FCD's in the bank, you can always use them in lieu of 10%.  Only exception are WC's or WC segments that are long like 45 days or more.  In this case, your FCD converts to a 3% discount on the cruise fare and you pay a cash deposit.  There may be another scheduled deposit at a date between booking and final payment as well for a WC booking.

 

Edited by steelers36
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 8/10/2019 at 3:27 PM, antsp said:

My bet is within the next few years all deposits will be non refundable. And in my opinion that’s how it should be. 

 

If this is the case, my bookings will be last minute.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...