How is the bidding system doing? Any comments?

[talkorpi]

3 hours ago, Shippy said:

Is your cruise about 30 days out ?

I have heard that is when most people are notified .

 

25 days out. A big batch of people got their upgrades a few days ago so you may be right 

[atabs12]

Has anyone heard back in regards to bids being awarded for Ruby Princess 02 April Sailing? Did a late booking and have a bid pending but no news so far. TIA

[talkorpi]

33 minutes ago, atabs12 said:

Has anyone heard back in regards to bids being awarded for Ruby Princess 02 April Sailing? Did a late booking and have a bid pending but no news so far. TIA

 

Yes - I got mine earlier this week.  I believe they assign in the order the bids are placed.

[atabs12]

26 minutes ago, talkorpi said:

 

Yes - I got mine earlier this week.  I believe they assign in the order the bids are placed.

Thank you so much for the reply. I just booked last week so maybe there is still hope 🤣😀

[HiCCCs]

Greetings and peace!

 

So sorry if this question was already asked and answered....but is this "game of the upgrade" a straightforward one in which you're going from let's say an inside room to a room with a window or obstructed view? Or let's say from an inside room to a balcony? Or let's say from a standard balcony room to a premium balcony? Or let's say from a balcony to a mini-suite?  Or does this game of chance include the possibility of an upgrade from the front of the ship to the mid-ship but still staying within the same type of stateroom?

 

Any information you can share would be much appreciated.

[pathi]

58 minutes ago, HiCCCs said:

Greetings and peace!

 

So sorry if this question was already asked and answered....but is this "game of the upgrade" a straightforward one in which you're going from let's say an inside room to a room with a window or obstructed view? Or let's say from an inside room to a balcony? Or let's say from a standard balcony room to a premium balcony? Or let's say from a balcony to a mini-suite?  Or does this game of chance include the possibility of an upgrade from the front of the ship to the mid-ship but still staying within the same type of stateroom?

 

Any information you can share would be much appreciated.

It is what they call a Meta upgrade. So inside to outside view, or balcony, or deluxe balcany etc etc. I had 3 choices as I am in a outside view cabin. Balcony, deluxe balcony and Window suite. No option for Mini suite.

 

[Cruise Raider]

53 minutes ago, HiCCCs said:

Greetings and peace!

 

So sorry if this question was already asked and answered....but is this "game of the upgrade" a straightforward one in which you're going from let's say an inside room to a room with a window or obstructed view? Or let's say from an inside room to a balcony? Or let's say from a standard balcony room to a premium balcony? Or let's say from a balcony to a mini-suite?  Or does this game of chance include the possibility of an upgrade from the front of the ship to the mid-ship but still staying within the same type of stateroom?

 

Any information you can share would be much appreciated.

Any upgrades through the bidding system are only submitted within a higher ‘super category’, not just a location.  
 

In my experience, you will get an email (or you can check out your cruise on the Princess website for eligibility) that offers the next 4 categories.  For instance, we are booked in an obstructed balcony and so my offers are for a deluxe obstructed a balcony for a minimum bid of approx. $25 more pp,, a standard balcony for $40 more pp, a deluxe balcony for $55 more pp and a deluxe premium balcony for $80 pp.  

 

those are all just estimations of cost to give you an idea.  You will not get to choose the location, just whatever they have available if your bid is accepted.  You can bid on one or all four of the upgrade options.  The cost of the minimum bid is pp based on double occupancy, so if you are sailing solo, your bid will be doubled.  If you took out the insurance from princess, you will also get billed for an increase on that according to your bid.  You can retract your bid anytime you choose before it is accepted.  
The higher categories receive better category choices.  I was in a mini suite and my choices were for the next highest categories, such as a club class mini, a forward facing club class mini, a premium suite, a penthouse suite … those bidding options are not made available in the listing for an inside or obstructed view cabin.  
 

 

[HiCCCs]

30 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

Any upgrades through the bidding system are only submitted within a higher ‘super category’, not just a location.  
 

In my experience, you will get an email (or you can check out your cruise on the Princess website for eligibility) that offers the next 4 categories.  For instance, we are booked in an obstructed balcony and so my offers are for a deluxe obstructed a balcony for a minimum bid of approx. $25 more pp,, a standard balcony for $40 more pp, a deluxe balcony for $55 more pp and a deluxe premium balcony for $80 pp.  

 

those are all just estimations of cost to give you an idea.  You will not get to choose the location, just whatever they have available if your bid is accepted.  You can bid on one or all four of the upgrade options.  The cost of the minimum bid is pp based on double occupancy, so if you are sailing solo, your bid will be doubled.  If you took out the insurance from princess, you will also get billed for an increase on that according to your bid.  You can retract your bid anytime you choose before it is accepted.  
The higher categories receive better category choices.  I was in a mini suite and my choices were for the next highest categories, such as a club class mini, a forward facing club class mini, a premium suite, a penthouse suite … those bidding options are not made available in the listing for an inside or obstructed view cabin.  
 

 

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  This certainly explains so much about the program. Two other questions I forgot to ask: 1) If you place a bid, you're locked into it if they accept it, correct? You can't change your mind and say, "No thank you!" ... or can you? 2) In getting a possible upgraded, the upgrade could be into one of the ADA accessible staterooms, yes? Or are those saved JUST for those who ask for it?

 

Thanks for any information on this you might be able to provide!

[Cruise Raider]

20 minutes ago, HiCCCs said:

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  This certainly explains so much about the program. Two other questions I forgot to ask: 1) If you place a bid, you're locked into it if they accept it, correct? You can't change your mind and say, "No thank you!" ... or can you? 2) In getting a possible upgraded, the upgrade could be into one of the ADA accessible staterooms, yes? Or are those saved JUST for those who ask for it?

 

Thanks for any information on this you might be able to provide!

You are most welcome.  
So, ,y experience hasn’t covered either of those situations.  I believe the accessible cabins are usually sold out or at least in high demand, so I would be doubtful if you’d get one if you didn’t need one.  
In terms of the bidding, I think the process has changed a bit.  You can bid on all categories that are offered to you and of course, only one will be chosen.  Some have said that they’ve refused the upgrade as they didn’t like the location and been successful.  More recently, I’ve read that others have had their money taken from the minute of acceptance and sold their previous cabin.   It is like booking a guarantee so you won’t know where they can put you.  If you don’t like every single cabin within that category, I wouldn’t risk it.  I have a feeling people were playing with it and a lot of work was done in the background with no results.  So, that might explain why you may not be able to refuse it.  
The only time I actually made a bid was on a premium balcony cabin, because the locations were all very acceptable to me .. that was on the Ruby.  But, as I was checking the prices online, I found that I could get that same premium balcony cabin for less than my current price and bid as the prices online dropped.  So, I rescinded my offer before it was accepted.  You can just do that online.  

It’s interesting that we are also booked on a Celebrity cruise in a standard balcony and we were also sent an offer to bid up, but it listed every single category, including the celebrity suite .. for a lot more $$$$$$ pp. .. not just the next four categories.  
We are happy with the room we chose there, too so no offers being made from my end.  We’ve found that sometimes what they consider an upgrade is anything but an upgrade.  The cabins that are left are sometimes the ones nobody else wants.  Other times, they are good cabins, it’s just that somebody moved up from that to a better cabin category, as well.  You just never know.  
 

[happy42cruise]

7 hours ago, HiCCCs said:

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  This certainly explains so much about the program. Two other questions I forgot to ask: 1) If you place a bid, you're locked into it if they accept it, correct? You can't change your mind and say, "No thank you!" ... or can you? 2) In getting a possible upgraded, the upgrade could be into one of the ADA accessible staterooms, yes? Or are those saved JUST for those who ask for it?

 

Thanks for any information on this you might be able to provide!

1)   The new rule states that if you bid & it is accepted your method of payment is immediately charged & is nonrefundable.

 

2)  You could potentially be assigned an accessible cabin.  On some thread a person won the upgrade & was assigned one which they weren't happy about as it did not have a bathtub.  Roll of the dice!

[HiCCCs]

29 minutes ago, happy42cruise said:

1)   The new rule states that if you bid & it is accepted your method of payment is immediately charged & is nonrefundable.

 

2)  You could potentially be assigned an accessible cabin.  On some thread a person won the upgrade & was assigned one which they weren't happy about as it did not have a bathtub.  Roll of the dice!

Ah....."thaaarrr she beeee!" I did read that in the fine print about the credit card being charged immediately which made me wonder about not being able to back out of the upgrade - even an accessible cabin. The bathroom just wouldn't be a comfortable for the same reason you cited from the person on that thread. Plus, if someone needed it at the last minute they would be out of luck if it was already assigned. I think those shouldn't be awarded until the very last day possible to purchase the cruise on-line.

 

Thanks a bunch for all of the information provided. It has been a big help. I'd rather take my chances in the casino!! Big money! Big money! 🥳

[HiCCCs]

8 hours ago, pathi said:

It is what they call a Meta upgrade. So inside to outside view, or balcony, or deluxe balcany etc etc. I had 3 choices as I am in a outside view cabin. Balcony, deluxe balcony and Window suite. No option for Mini suite.

 

Thanks for the information. I assume you get to keep the perks and promos offered at the time of the original booking except to pay for any applicable increase of the vacation protection and other misc. taxes and fees resulting from the upgrade?????

[cr8tiv1]

45 minutes ago, HiCCCs said:

Plus, if someone needed it at the last minute they would be out of luck if it was already assigned. I think those shouldn't be awarded until the very last day possible to purchase the cruise on-line.

 

I understand your point and also agree.  But from the standpoint of Princess, it is a cabin that is available for sale.

 

Bids are accepted after final payment is due.

Most passengers who need an accessible cabin usually do it when the cruise first opens.

It is the rare occasion that an paid passenger "suddenly" needs to move to an accessible cabin.  (I have heard of this happening at the last minute).

 

I requested to tour a couple of cabins when the Grand was sailing at less capacity.  I was given a key to an accessible mini-suite.  I was shocked to see a scooter parked outside another regular balcony door (I think).  I don't know if it was a visitor or someone who could not get the scooter through the door.  But was surprised that Princess did not upgrade them to the open cabin.  But then, again, why should Princess do that for free?

 

 

Edited March 11, 2023 by cr8tiv1

[happy42cruise]

In defense of Princess, they may have wanted the cabin they were in and customer service may have had no idea that the person with the scooter might have wanted the accessible cabin BUT they are not supposed to park the scooter anywhere other than in their room. That is made very clear when you fill out the mobility questionnaire.  Also there is no place on the bid request to ask for an accessible cabin so if you need one you better make sure what you bid on will work for you.  All they would need to do with the bid process is add a place to say only an accessible cabin upgrade acceptable & a box for not wanting an accessible cabin. That seems fairly simple but I don't expect they will do that.

[caribill]

3 hours ago, happy42cruise said:

Also there is no place on the bid request to ask for an accessible cabin so if you need one you better make sure what you bid on will work for you.  All they would need to do with the bid process is add a place to say only an accessible cabin upgrade acceptable & a box for not wanting an accessible cabin. That seems fairly simple but I don't expect they will do that.

If you need an accessible cabin with an upgrade bid, chances are you already have an accessible cabin cabin with your original booking.

 

Even easier than adding a box to check is having the software see that one already has an accessible cabin and only give a successful bid if an accessible cabin is available in the bid category.

[happy42cruise]

I agree somewhat, if the software was changed to take into account that you booked an accessible cabin so need that for your upgrade. We have booked accessible cabins & I have bid for upgrades & been moved to non-accessible cabins.  If we are moved to a full suite I can make that work for us but any cabin smaller or that has a small shower doesn't work.  The process does not acknowledge you having booked or need an accessible cabin. I am fairly sure they are using a computer program to maximize the gain from the bids they receive without regard to accessible vs standard. That is why I stated that before you bid make sure the cabin will work for your disability.  I will not bid on a club class upgrade as a bathtub would not work for us. That is also why a simple correction to the bidding program would allow bidders to say accessible only or no I don't want an accessible cabin (for example the people who have stated they want the tub & hate the accessible shower). Whoever is designing the programs for Princess is not taking into consideration that some things do need to be factored in. The philosophy seems to be you get what you get so don't complain. 

Edited March 11, 2023 by happy42cruise

[karylrocks]

Has anyone tried changing to a different cabin in the exact same category after winning a bid?

[SCX22]

2 hours ago, happy42cruise said:

I agree somewhat, if the software was changed to take into account that you booked an accessible cabin so need that for your upgrade. We have booked accessible cabins & I have bid for upgrades & been moved to non-accessible cabins.  If we are moved to a full suite I can make that work for us but any cabin smaller or that has a small shower doesn't work.  The process does not acknowledge you having booked or need an accessible cabin. I am fairly sure they are using a computer program to maximize the gain from the bids they receive without regard to accessible vs standard. That is why I stated that before you bid make sure the cabin will work for your disability.  I will not bid on a club class upgrade as a bathtub would not work for us. That is also why a simple correction to the bidding program would allow bidders to say accessible only or no I don't want an accessible cabin (for example the people who have stated they want the tub & hate the accessible shower). Whoever is designing the programs for Princess is not taking into consideration that some things do need to be factored in. The philosophy seems to be you get what you get so don't complain. 

 

The concern about accessible rooms with Princess Upgrades is addressed in the terms and conditions of the program.  It says that Princess "cannot guarantee a specific cabin number within the upgraded category."  Accessible rooms are specific cabin numbers in each category.  Therefore, if you really need an accessible room, you shouldn't bid for an upgrade.

 

[HiCCCs]

9 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

I understand your point and also agree.  But from the standpoint of Princess, it is a cabin that is available for sale.

 

Bids are accepted after final payment is due.

Most passengers who need an accessible cabin usually do it when the cruise first opens.

It is the rare occasion that an paid passenger "suddenly" needs to move to an accessible cabin.  (I have heard of this happening at the last minute).

 

I requested to tour a couple of cabins when the Grand was sailing at less capacity.  I was given a key to an accessible mini-suite.  I was shocked to see a scooter parked outside another regular balcony door (I think).  I don't know if it was a visitor or someone who could not get the scooter through the door.  But was surprised that Princess did not upgrade them to the open cabin.  But then, again, why should Princess do that for free?

 

 

Very helpful information. Thank you so much. It's a very good point that by the time bids are accepted that most who need an accessible cabin would already have done so.  I snuck a peak into an accessible cabin on the Sky Princess when the door was open and the steward was cleaning it. He was very gracious to let me take a quick look with his permission. The bathroom with the open shower sans bathtub was really the only thing that seemed like it just wouldn't work for us. Perhaps if I were traveling alone.....

 

This is what I love about CruiseCritic....the open sharing of information and experiences. Thanks everyone for making it a great place of resources and fun!

[HiCCCs]

9 hours ago, happy42cruise said:

In defense of Princess, they may have wanted the cabin they were in and customer service may have had no idea that the person with the scooter might have wanted the accessible cabin BUT they are not supposed to park the scooter anywhere other than in their room. That is made very clear when you fill out the mobility questionnaire.  Also there is no place on the bid request to ask for an accessible cabin so if you need one you better make sure what you bid on will work for you.  All they would need to do with the bid process is add a place to say only an accessible cabin upgrade acceptable & a box for not wanting an accessible cabin. That seems fairly simple but I don't expect they will do that.

I had no idea that scooters couldn't be parked out in the hallway outside the stateroom door. I see it all the time.

 

I think that's an excellent point about a "check box" specifically for needing or not wanting an accessible room as the only exception to this game of chance with bidding on upgrades.

 

Thanks for the information.

[sunviking90]

3 hours ago, karylrocks said:

Has anyone tried changing to a different cabin in the exact same category after winning a bid?

Yes, we had our CVP move us from to a better view cabin, but in the same category. We also do this if we book a guarantee and don’t like the location.

[tutumomickey]

Public Service Announcement- My daughter bid and received an upgrade from IG to OVB. Noticing there were still many mini suites open and prices were dropping rapidly, she called Princess to see if she could purchase, not bid, an upgrade. She was told there was a'code' and that the reservation could not be modified with the code in place. The agent could file paperwork that would take 3-5 days to remove the code. She told them to file the paperwork and was planning on asking about upgrade at check in. This morning , the day before we leave, she found her accepted bid cancelled and they are back in an inside cabin. FYI- she is a travel agent. No luck so far with anyone at Princess that can help but she is not giving up. Luckily not flying to port so she can spend the entire day on the phone.

[HiCCCs]

Greetings and peace to all!

 

I know this question isn't exactly about the bidding system....but I am very new to CruiseCritic and not sure how to search for this information elsewhere and specific to Princess. So if there is a better place to ask I appreciate your direction navigating the system.

 

Here's the question: I booked a BE category stateroom and received some nice OBC promos with that booking. However, now I see there is a B4 category stateroom (aft balcony) that I might be interested in "paying the difference" to upgrade. Do you know, if I do that, will my Cruise Vacation Planner have to cancel my existing booking and thus lose the OBC promo? Or can he leave everything as it is and just change the cabin and I pay the difference in fare, taxes, and the vacation protection?

 

I appreciate any assistance or experiences with this any of you might have.

[tutumomickey]

It depends on if the new fare is a special promotion. If it is not a special promotion, they can just 're-fare' and transfer you. However, if the fare for B4 applies to 'new bookings  only, you would lose any perks from your original booking. I've had it happen both ways. 

[HiCCCs]

1 hour ago, tutumomickey said:

It depends on if the new fare is a special promotion. If it is not a special promotion, they can just 're-fare' and transfer you. However, if the fare for B4 applies to 'new bookings  only, you would lose any perks from your original booking. I've had it happen both ways. 

Current special promotion touts "Save up to 40% off" which is hardly the case because I booked this sailing back in December 2022 and this new promo price made the fare actually go up $1!!  Where's the 40% savings on that???