Ultimate VIP Princess Cruise

[canuckgrl82]

Hello! asking for a friend!

I haven't been on too many cruises but I received an offer for an Ultimate VIP cruise on princess for an inside cabin, and it's suppose to come with many perks. Like priority boarding, welcome aboard party, stateroom gifts, etc.. So I booked the offer online through the website.

My question is to those who have received the offer. How do the perks come to be? When I get there will their be more information? Because on my cruise planner it just looks like a regular booking. I also tried calling the casino department and they seem confused. 

Just looking for some insight since the reason I booked it was for the perks. 

 

Thank you for any and all responses 🙂

 

[Fortunate 2 travel]

Was this through the Princess website?

[canuckgrl82]

Yes! I recieved an email and booked it through their website.

[tcdcruiser]

With apologies….

 

an ultimate vip cruise in an inside cabin seems like an oxymoron 

[canuckgrl82]

20 minutes ago, tcdcruiser said:

With apologies….

 

an ultimate vip cruise in an inside cabin seems like an oxymoron 

I agree, kinda lame. I did however upgrade to a balcony.

 

Do you have any information that would help me though?

[tcdcruiser]

 This is, more than anything, just a marketing tag for persons PCL has identified as casino patrons.   Like elite benefits consider having low expectations. 
 

https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/onboard-experience/activities/casino/princess-players-club-vip/

[that]

1 hour ago, canuckgrl82 said:

I agree, kinda lame. I did however upgrade to a balcony.

 

Do you have any information that would help me though?

May I suggest your friend calls and emails the casino department (again) to get clarification that they are booked as an Ultimate VIP. 

There will be documents sent to cabin with promotional listings and gifts over the course of cruise.  Good Luck to your friend

Edited June 17, 2023 by that

[Mike45LC]

You (or your friend) probably have the Plus package included in the perks -- free Plus drinks, prepaid gratuities, WiFi included, some free play and maybe a slot or BJ tournament.  These were the meaningful perks I got.  

 

(Priority boarding is worthless unless you are an early arriver.  I am not.  I think there was a bottle of wine in the cabin, something not of value to me.  And during the cruise, a plate of chocolate dipped strawberries, and another time a plate of canapes.  I do enjoy the strawberries!)    

[skynight]

I would not expect very much. On the Princess website, log in and you can check your travel summary and under the payment tab any credits. This should provide you with some information. 

[WAvoyager]

It sounds like a lot of posters are assuming this is just some one off marketing promo, and I’m sure they haven’t been on a VIP cruise.  The VIP offers come in all flavors - although we haven’t received an inside cabin offer, I’m assuming it’s like most other casino offers where they have multiple cabin classes available depending on your status with them.  Also, I’m assuming that they are sometimes including Princess Plus, and sometimes they aren’t.  If it wasn’t explicitly mentioned in the promotional info, it’s not included.

 

We have to spend a lot of time sorting through the various offers we get to figure out which one we should use.  Plus, cabin category, slot tournaments, VIP perks, casino credit, and lately even VIP optional selections (hearts, clubs, Diamond options - but no spades IIRC) - each has some value, and there’s always trade offs in the offers - they never give away the farm.

 

the VIP cruises are only available on a limited number of sailings - so they can effectively provide some of the perks, like the welcome aboard party.

 

we’ve never been able to go on a VIP sailing because the sailings are always within 6 months (or so) of the sailing, and we are always booked at least 9 months out.  hope someone who has been on one will be able to provide more info.  But from the cruise offer you should have a promo code, so I’d call the casino support number (not general support) on the brochure and make sure the promo code is applied to your booking.  

You can also check in the cruise planner, go to Manage Booking, and then look at the onboard services tab.  At the very bottom of that page you’ll see credits and perks which have been applied to the booking.  There should be some indication of VIP benefits there.
 

 

Edited June 17, 2023 by WAvoyager

[azbirdmom]

We were on an Ultimate VIP cruise last year.  When you get to your stateroom there should be an envelope with the schedule of special events along with badges for you and your roommate.  Wearing those in the casino should enable you to get free drinks while gambling in the casino.  I'm guessing that since you were offered a free inside that you didn't get a free Princess Plus package but that you can be added for the usual cost if you wish.  You can also upgrade the room for (usually) a significantly reduced fee.

 

The biggest different between the regular and Ultimate VIP cruises is that everyone participating gets a gift.  There will be an event at a specified time where you will pick an envelope that includes your gift choices.  I got the lowest one last year (the "Y" gifts) and selected $500 in free play (there were two other options). The highest value gifts included a choice of $1500 in free play, a Macbook Pro, etc.  There will also be gifts left in your room throughout the cruise.  Pictures of some of the gifts below.

 

I'm assuming that you got free play as part of your offer.  I would check your Travel Summary PDF that you can get on the Princess website to ensure it shows something like this:

 

 

If you don't see "VIP" definitely call casino reservations, otherwise it is possible that you won't be able to participate in the event.  These casino bookings are very glitchy and it's not unusual that they need to be "escalated" in order to ensure that guests get everything that was promised.

 

 

[memoak]

We are on a vip cruise now.  Free inside $200 pp OBC, $600 pp free play. They send strawberries, chocolates and some Prosecco to the cabin. Drinks while playing are free but if you have a plus plan that means nothing. There are several drawings for free play each night. I got $200 free play and my wife 2 different ones for a total of $750. Oh I also hit a $1,300 jackpot playing $2,74 per spin on a penny machine. Damn taxes
 

[gamja]

4 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

We were on an Ultimate VIP cruise last year.  When you get to your stateroom there should be an envelope with the schedule of special events along with badges for you and your roommate.  Wearing those in the casino should enable you to get free drinks while gambling in the casino.  I'm guessing that since you were offered a free inside that you didn't get a free Princess Plus package but that you can be added for the usual cost if you wish.  You can also upgrade the room for (usually) a significantly reduced fee.

 

The biggest different between the regular and Ultimate VIP cruises is that everyone participating gets a gift.  There will be an event at a specified time where you will pick an envelope that includes your gift choices.  I got the lowest one last year (the "Y" gifts) and selected $500 in free play (there were two other options). The highest value gifts included a choice of $1500 in free play, a Macbook Pro, etc.  There will also be gifts left in your room throughout the cruise.  Pictures of some of the gifts below.

 

I'm assuming that you got free play as part of your offer.  I would check your Travel Summary PDF that you can get on the Princess website to ensure it shows something like this:

 

 

If you don't see "VIP" definitely call casino reservations, otherwise it is possible that you won't be able to participate in the event.  These casino bookings are very glitchy and it's not unusual that they need to be "escalated" in order to ensure that guests get everything that was promised.

 

 

This is exactly what every ultimate vip cruise is. Although lately the minimum prize dropped down to $300. I believe you can only qualify for Ultimate vip if you previously booked a regular vip cruise. They have events lined up for you every night, along with constant gifts they send to your cabin. Btw always take the free play. Otherwise, you will be taxed. The prizes are worth less than the free play anyways.

[canuckgrl82]

9 hours ago, WAvoyager said:

It sounds like a lot of posters are assuming this is just some one off marketing promo, and I’m sure they haven’t been on a VIP cruise.  The VIP offers come in all flavors - although we haven’t received an inside cabin offer, I’m assuming it’s like most other casino offers where they have multiple cabin classes available depending on your status with them.  Also, I’m assuming that they are sometimes including Princess Plus, and sometimes they aren’t.  If it wasn’t explicitly mentioned in the promotional info, it’s not included.

 

We have to spend a lot of time sorting through the various offers we get to figure out which one we should use.  Plus, cabin category, slot tournaments, VIP perks, casino credit, and lately even VIP optional selections (hearts, clubs, Diamond options - but no spades IIRC) - each has some value, and there’s always trade offs in the offers - they never give away the farm.

 

the VIP cruises are only available on a limited number of sailings - so they can effectively provide some of the perks, like the welcome aboard party.

 

we’ve never been able to go on a VIP sailing because the sailings are always within 6 months (or so) of the sailing, and we are always booked at least 9 months out.  hope someone who has been on one will be able to provide more info.  But from the cruise offer you should have a promo code, so I’d call the casino support number (not general support) on the brochure and make sure the promo code is applied to your booking.  

You can also check in the cruise planner, go to Manage Booking, and then look at the onboard services tab.  At the very bottom of that page you’ll see credits and perks which have been applied to the booking.  There should be some indication of VIP benefits there.
 

 

Thank you for taking the time to respond! your answer was very helpful 🙂

[canuckgrl82]

7 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

We were on an Ultimate VIP cruise last year.  When you get to your stateroom there should be an envelope with the schedule of special events along with badges for you and your roommate.  Wearing those in the casino should enable you to get free drinks while gambling in the casino.  I'm guessing that since you were offered a free inside that you didn't get a free Princess Plus package but that you can be added for the usual cost if you wish.  You can also upgrade the room for (usually) a significantly reduced fee.

 

The biggest different between the regular and Ultimate VIP cruises is that everyone participating gets a gift.  There will be an event at a specified time where you will pick an envelope that includes your gift choices.  I got the lowest one last year (the "Y" gifts) and selected $500 in free play (there were two other options). The highest value gifts included a choice of $1500 in free play, a Macbook Pro, etc.  There will also be gifts left in your room throughout the cruise.  Pictures of some of the gifts below.

 

I'm assuming that you got free play as part of your offer.  I would check your Travel Summary PDF that you can get on the Princess website to ensure it shows something like this:

 

 

If you don't see "VIP" definitely call casino reservations, otherwise it is possible that you won't be able to participate in the event.  These casino bookings are very glitchy and it's not unusual that they need to be "escalated" in order to ensure that guests get everything that was promised.

 

 

Thank you so much for your detailed response! This answers my questions perfectly. Love the pictures - I hope you had a wonderful time on the cruise. I'm very excited now!

[canuckgrl82]

7 hours ago, memoak said:

We are on a vip cruise now.  Free inside $200 pp OBC, $600 pp free play. They send strawberries, chocolates and some Prosecco to the cabin. Drinks while playing are free but if you have a plus plan that means nothing. There are several drawings for free play each night. I got $200 free play and my wife 2 different ones for a total of $750. Oh I also hit a $1,300 jackpot playing $2,74 per spin on a penny machine. Damn taxes
 

That's amazing! it sounds like you're having a good time! I am on an upcoming cruise on July 1st. I'm very excited! Good luck you!!

[canuckgrl82]

3 hours ago, gamja said:

This is exactly what every ultimate vip cruise is. Although lately the minimum prize dropped down to $300. I believe you can only qualify for Ultimate vip if you previously booked a regular vip cruise. They have events lined up for you every night, along with constant gifts they send to your cabin. Btw always take the free play. Otherwise, you will be taxed. The prizes are worth less than the free play anyways.

Great, thank you for confirming! My offer said Ultimate VIP and it was for very specific sailings (never been on a VIP cruise before) so hopefully it is...fingers crossed 🤞

[cruzin4us]

I received strawberries (weren't that great), some chocolates (not that great), a bottle of champagne  (not that great) and at the end of the cruise I received a JENGA game (pretty cool), a sipper cup (nice). 

 

Tip:  Ask your host after you've gambled a bit if you qualify for a free dinner and/or massage.   I usually ask when I reach around 5,000 pts.

 

I didn't go to the party (wasn't interested), and I never saw anything at the pier to indicate Priority Boarding (San Francisco).

 

The drawings in the casino are like winning the lotto (slim).   Most of the drawings are $50-$200, they did have a drawing a couple times for a better prize (see post above) but even that was rigged against you.

 

Bottom line, if the cruise works for you time wise do it.   Just don't expect too much. 

[memoak]

In addition with 1hour left before casino closed my wife hit $3,000 on a video poker machine. So all told we got a good price, OBC, $600 free play each and got free play  of $950 in raffles and walked off with around $3K

[PacnGoNow]

3 minutes ago, memoak said:

In addition with 1hour left before casino closed my wife hit $3,000 on a video poker machine. So all told we got a good price, OBC, $600 free play each and got free play  of $950 in raffles and walked off with around $3K

Very nice! 👍🏻 

[LeeW]

The downside of these cruises if you are NOT booked with the group is that the casino is so packed you can't get a machine.

[memoak]

30 minutes ago, LeeW said:

The downside of these cruises if you are NOT booked with the group is that the casino is so packed you can't get a machine.

There were always machines available on our vip cruise. The only really crowded area was the craps table. The biggest downside was that the smoking slot area was. 3 times bigger than the non smoking. They should reverse the sides

[Crystal04]

Has anyone been on a Prestige Casino Cruise through Princess?  Is it similar to the Ultimate VIP Cruise?

[suekel]

4 hours ago, Crystal04 said:

Has anyone been on a Prestige Casino Cruise through Princess?  Is it similar to the Ultimate VIP Cruise?

Is so much better with perks.  If you get an invite the perks will be listed.  My favorite was private car service to and from the ship.