Do Princess cruise specialists have any discretion - Star 2025 booking?

[ian441672]

Hi

 

I am looking at the inaugural 19 night Med cruise for August 2025 on the new Star Princess. Not sure if this is a UK only query, but I decided to follow up on my regular email sales pitches I receive about using a Princess specialist agent to help me with my bookings.

 

I rang her up and got the feeling she didnt know too much about the ship, saying that I probably knew more than her, and she asked if I knew about the new suites on offer? I said only what I had read and asked her why she asked that question, perhaps intrigued about something I didn't know, but she replied vaguely without really saying what was different about them, getting muddled between the Penthouse (thin long) suite and the Signature Penthouse suite (looking similar to the current square type PH suite). I was none the wiser - apart from the modern design, are they much different? (I know about the Signature deck and lounge perks etc.).

 

Anyway, she quoted me a price and offered $200 OBC per person which I was a bit disappointed with considering the overall price of the cruise is in excess of £20000, and the many $$ I would no doubt be spending on the shore excursions. I asked if she had any discretion in reviewing this (I know X can as I have negotiated $200 extra per cabin in the past, twice), but she said her hands were tied and this is it. I wasn't confident in her overall approach to the 'sale'.

 

I was wondering if anyone knew if this was a Princess decision and no negotiation is given, or perhaps if I had spoken to another agent I may have been more lucky. I know it is only another $1-200, but it all helps and if other companies do, then me in my mind thinking I have got a little extra would make me more inclined to book. I didnt complete this booking because of this, but I will review in line with what others may add.

 

Thank you.

[Rick&Jeannie]

I don't think they really have much leeway when it comes to adding addition perks, OBC etc.  It's too bad...I think they could build a lot more repeat business if you could get a bit more from a Princess planner.

[ian441672]

22 minutes ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

I don't think they really have much leeway when it comes to adding addition perks, OBC etc.  It's too bad...I think they could build a lot more repeat business if you could get a bit more from a Princess planner.

I agree - I would have booked it there and then even if she offered $100 extra, but now I am dithering still!  Thanks.

[Steelers36]

35 minutes ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

I don't think they really have much leeway when it comes to adding addition perks, OBC etc.  It's too bad...I think they could build a lot more repeat business if you could get a bit more from a Princess planner.

They cannot do this or they would have to give same to everyone.  PCL reps and agents do not match TA offers and can only provide the offers loaded into POLAR system that the guest qualifies for based on geographic location in profile and CC Member Level.

[toofewcruises]

This is really where a good travel agent would be so much more helpful than a vacation planner!