flyboy88

For something outside of their control, the $50usd obc is a nice gesture. 

Last year I emailed Guest Relations and John Padgett my suggestions for revamping the Captain Circle Program to become what I believe would be industry-leading. I received a generic thank you for your feedback response.
Recently I shared my ideas in a comment on a Princess Facebook group and realized I was not alone, and decided I would share it here due to the wider reach and opportunities to discuss. Maybe, just maybe someone in Santa Clarita will take the idea and run with it. 🙂

Since the introduction of the Plus and Premier packages, benefits within the Platinum and Elite levels have become redundant resulting in a devaluation of loyalty benefits.  For example, if you have either of the packages, the 50% off Medallion Net Package, and Mini Bar setup becomes unnecessary.

Princess began the evolution of redefining their brand with the introduction of Ocean Medallions, MedallionNet, high-quality production shows, and further development of their mobile app.
While the Princess app is far from perfect, overall it has changed the way we cruise and interact onboard the Princess fleet; from selecting arrival times, making dinner/spa reservations months in advance, and chatting/tracking shipmates, to the very popular OceanNow… how many cruise lines allow you to order whatever you want, whenever you want, to wherever you are on the ship… okay, almost wherever, to my knowledge toilets are off limits. haha

Their evolution continues through marketing campaigns after the covid shutdown attempting to showcase themselves to a younger demographic. This was prevalent when they partnered with TV networks in the US and Australia to premiere ‘The Real Love Boat’, featuring the types of guests historically found on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean ships, and continue this image in recent commercials and print ads.
Last year they even had a ‘Kids Sail Free’ promotion to attract and steal market share from the cruise lines known to cater more towards families.

2024 will bring a huge milestone in this evolution of the brand with the highly anticipated launch of Sun Princess, the first in a series of Sphere Class ships. While a lot of loyal Princess cruisers might not love the bigger ships, what is obvious based on what they have shared so far is these ships are built for the demographic of guests Princess wants to be a part of their future.

All this change and growth of the brand begs one big question… Is the Captain Circle Loyalty Program sailing in the wake of the future?

Guests and their cruise experiences are all different, so I envision a future where Captain Circle benefits are customizable to focus on what is important to each guest while acknowledging and encouraging loyalty.
Considering how much of our Princess vacations are preplanned via the Princess app, there is no reason such changes couldn’t be implemented.

Instead of offering things like ‘deluxe canapé selection on formal nights’, ‘complimentary afternoon tea in stateroom’, ‘complimentary laundry services and shoe polishing’, ‘complimentary mini bar set-up’, ’50% off MedallionNet Package’, ‘Complimentary Grapevine Wine Tasting Event’, etc. which many guests may not use, give the option to select the benefits they want for their voyage.

For each loyalty tier, guests can be eligible to select X amount of benefits from a list of options.
The upside is guests get what they value, and Princess has an industry-leading loyalty program to win over guests from other lines, increasing their growth.

Some examples in addition to the current benefits to have guests select from;
- Discount on Plus or Premier Packages. 15% for Ruby, 20% for Platinum, and 25% off for Elites?
- Spa service
- Speciality Dining. 25% off the cover charge for Ruby, 50% off the cover charge for Platinum, and One Complimentary dinner for Elite?
- Onboard Credit. different amounts for each tier
- Excursion Credit, or free excursions up to $ X amount
- Thermal Spa/ Enclave day pass
- Sanctuary day pass
- Complimentary or discounted Airport Transfers
- Reserved seats for production shows

The ideas and possibilities are endless and I could go on forever, but you get the point… or stopped reading long ago. haha

Would you like to see the Captain Circle Program change to allow for customizations to complement the uniqueness of each guest? If so what would you like to see?

Thanks for reading.
Travel, Explore, and Be Kind. 
 

I tried searching and couldn’t find the answer so many someone else is aware. 
 

I know Crown Princess had a large refurbishment completed in 2018, and was in drydock in 2022.

On the Princess website there is conflicting information regarding the last actual refurbishment (not drydock) of the Crown; one area stating 2022 and the other 2018.

In the 2022 drydock, it seems they fixed the propulsion issues, and likely did some minor interior fixes.  
Anyone aware of any major interior changes that occurred which would have Princess list the most refurbishment as 2022?

I was reading a CTVnews article yesterday about how Canadian's are getting stuck abroad after testing positive.  The issue further highlights how flawed Canada's travel restrictions are (in comparison to other major countries).

With the recent changes to covid testing in Ontario (and other places), and the ongoing travel restrictions I believe we are on a path to further travel issues. I personally had an amazing cruise in November and was planning one for March 2022, but am concerned I'll get a false positive test. I just spend the last week at home with covid, however ineligible to get a PCR for documentation.
 

Canada's travel restrictions are flawed, and recent changes to local PCR testing may have a lasting impact on travel.

How places like Ontario are currently handling covid testing, we are likely to see more Canadians get ‘stuck’ abroad due to positive covid tests.

The Facts:
- Peel Region’s Medical Officer and others have stated it’s likely we will all catch Omicron.
- The Government of Canada and others have stated "PCR positivity may persist or fluctuate for weeks or in some cases months, and positive results, particularly within 3 months of a previous infection, may not represent a true reinfection”
- Ontario is no longer PCR testing symptomatic people unless they fall into a high-risk group
- Paying for a PCR test via a private lab is typically only for asymptomatic people for travel purposes
- In Ontario (and maybe other places) if you do test positive for COVID and are asymptomatic, you DO NOT have to isolate. You may continue on with life as long as you monitor yourself and isolate yourself if symptoms appear.
- A vaccinated person may enter Canada without showing a negative PCR test, IF they show a positive PCR test result dated 10-180 days prior to entry.

The issue we are going to see over the next couple of months that no one seems to be talking about is all the false positive PCR tests that will keep Canadian’s stuck abroad.

Based on the facts above, there are many people in Ontario (and possibly other provinces/territories) who are at home with covid symptoms however are not being PCR tested unless they are high risk. These same people will recover and may decide to take a trip abroad over the next couple of months.

What we know based on the Government's website is that despite recovering you may test positive weeks or months afterward, hence why the government allows people to enter with a positive test result dated 10-180days prior to entry in replacement of a current negative test.

Because Ontario is not PCR testing everyone who is currently sick, they will have no record of their covid positive to use for re-entry into Canada 10-180 days from arrival. Therefore when they are abroad, they could test positive, be asymptomatic, and get stuck abroad all because the provincial government failed to test them when they were first exposed and symptomatic.

Another thing to consider is, in Ontario if you test positive, be asymptotic, and go about your life, however, if you are abroad and asymptomatic with a positive PCR you’re denied entry to the country for 10 days? Canada needs to do testing on arrival and remove pre-entry testing for Canadians. 

We got off the Sky Nov 20th, and testing was also a bit of a mess.  We did the walkoff group at 07:30 to get a head start with the rest of the Canadian's disembarking at 08:00. We had 4 people in front of us, and when we registered for the test the person was misspelling names and putting in incorrect birthdates. Thankfully the people we saw caught the mistakes and the agent 'fixed' it, and printed off a new paper which had the same errors. Apparently, the paper will only print out the originally inputted info, but we were assured when the emailed results arrived the info would be correct.  
A few of us didn't trust this and we had time before our flights so we waited.  Our actual results were done in about 20 minutes, however they won't email results off until the whole line of people waiting to get tested is registered in. We continued to wait, and a port supervisor for Princess came out and just told us all to continue on with our travels and the email would arrive in about 2 hours... we expressed why we didn't want to leave as we didn't trust the process due to all the name and birthdate errors originally inputted, she apologized and spoke with the testing people.   

Anyways we waited, and about 2.5hour after our test we had the results in our emails. 

I really wish they went back to completing the testing onboard during the last couple days of the cruise, this way you know you have your results. At the same time, I understand why they made the change.
It was explained to me that if they test onboard and you're positive; it happened on the cruise. If you get tested after the cruise at the port and are positive, you're a case for the city.

I've been getting a bunch of offers lately. They have alternated between up to 35% off and comp stateroom offers. Lately the comp offers seem to be for certain cruises/sail dates.  
We are waiting for one that provides us flexibility to select dates that work for us, hopefully soon!
As others have mentioned, the Princess Plus is always a nice perk.

9 minutes ago, dog said:

Is isolation at a airport hotel required while waiting for negative test result?

At this point, as long as you have an acceptable 'quarantine plan' which you will submit via the ArriveCAN app, you should be able to quarantine at home.  Just need to be mindful that results can take between 24-72hours to come back, in case you need to take more time off work after vacation. 

I just got off the Sky Princess this past weekend, and let me see I felt very safe.  It felt like a homecoming as my last cruise was on the Sky in Feb 2020. The whole cruise was amazing, and it felt good and emotional to be back onboard. Out of the 2100 guests, 450 were Canadian.  
I was looking forward to booking another cruise for March 2022, however just now Canada has introduced new travel restrictions due to the Omicron Variant. 

All Vaccinated travellers entering Canada from anywhere (except the US), will be required to take an arrival test at the airport and quarantine until the results come back negative. Non-Vaccinated travellers will be required to complete the arrival test, however must complete the a full 14 day quarantine in addition to an extra covid test on day 8 of quarantine. 

Obviously, I wonder how this will affect those of us who cruise the Caribbean, but return to Canada via the US. 

I've attached a video of the announcement from the news, and here is a link about the announcement: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/feds-to-reinstate-testing-for-foreign-air-travel-reviewing-booster-strategy-in-light-of-omicron-1.5687538

UPDATE - August 28/21

I spoke with Princess today in regards to their update to when they will provide testing, and needless to say it's starting to make sense WHY they made the change.... it benefits them.

Aside from not having to report any positive cases to the CDC (where required) since you will be off by the time you possibly test positive, this is what I've learnt this morning.....

As expected you will not be able to reserve a test time, will be first come first served, and the wait to be tested will be determined by how many guests require the test to return home. Again, I recommend you walk off with the first group and get in line.  
If for some reason the wait to be tested or receive results is long, and you miss your flight home you can submit a claim to Princess to be reviewed afterwards. However, at this time, it does not sound like they will be approving compensation for flight changes as a result of this change in their process.

What if I test positive?

Under 'Cruise With Confidence', Princess offers the 'COVID-19 Protection Program' which they will take care of you if you test positive DURING the cruise.   I have confirmed with multiple agents as Princess, once you disembark the ship on the final day you are no longer covered by this program.

Princess Vacation Protection
I contacted the underwriter for the program at 1-877-846-8833 to inquire if there would be coverage should you test positive upon disembarkation and not be allowed to fly home.  

The good news is there is some coverage, however claiming could be tricky. Coverage would fall under 'Trip Delay' and would be per person who has the coverage.
"Trip Delay: Up to $500 for any pre-cruise trip delay expenses and/or post-cruise trip delay expenses up to $1,500 (not to exceed $1,500 for both pre- and post-cruise delays) for meals, hotel and transportation."

To be eligible for this coverage you must show a results of a positive covid test, proof that you must be placed into quarantine, and who is ensuring you remain in quarantine.   Not sure exactly how you could be able to provide all that, but lets just hope we all test negative. 

There would be no coverage should you miss your flight home due to delay in testing or receiving the results at the port on disembarkation day.


As I mentioned previously, things are fluid and could change again. Cruises are meant to be relaxing and help you 'escape completely' and 'Come back new', therefore I recommend planning accordingly in advance so that you can enjoy every moment of your cruise. 
 

33 minutes ago, Sprocket said:

We are cruising out of Fort Lauderdale on Feb 28th we are flying out of Vancouver on the 26th and planned to get tested on the 25th so we had the results for the airline and for Princess.  If they shorten the time frame and Princess won't test us at the pier we may have to just cancel.

I realize that as of now they have not adjusted their website and I'm trying to figure out the verbiage from the CDC.  Is this mandatory or voluntary for the cruise lines?

The testing requirement from the CDC falls under their Conditional Sail Order.  
Due to Florida winning a lawsuit against the CDC, the CSO is a ‘recommendation’ not a requirement for sailings from Florida. 
 

As such, any ships sailing from Florida will

be colour coded as ‘grey’ since the CDC will not be observing or recording covid cases onboard these sailings. 
 

In short, follow what testing requirement Princess tells you as it’s their decision to follow the CDC’s recommendation, something different, or not require testing at all. Florida cruises are going to be different than from elsewhere as the cruise lines DO NOT have to follow the CSO in order to operate.

On 8/22/2021 at 6:01 PM, DebbieActon said:

Sorry, I think we have hijacked this thread but this is what I read...but I am hopeful that Princess is in talks to know what the CDC has planned for after Oct 31st.  I sincerely hope we both get to sail.  This was from the Royal Caribbean blog...

According to the CDC, the current requirements indicate that all ships operating with passengers outside of U.S. waters (i.e. ships with a homeport outside of the U.S.) will not be eligible to enter U.S. waters until 14 days after the last passenger disembarks.

I believe Princess and the other cruise lines just got their saving grace in regards to this topic.  
My understanding is this ‘14 day requirement’ is apart of the CDC’s Conditional Sail Order.
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/08/10/cdc-rule-prohibits-cruise-ships-based-outside-of-united-states-returning-14-days

On August 27th, 2021 the CDC has now introduced the colour ‘Grey’ for all ships operating out of Florida.
Ships sailing from Florida do not have to follow the CSO, as such I do not believe the ‘14 day requirement’ applies to ships coming to Florida. 
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/covid19-operations-manual-cso.html

@Sprocket I agree with everything you have said. We can only hope they rethink this as they have other items and revert back to onboard testing.   
 

Also, for those cruising sooner than later they may have issues or incur costs having to change flights due to Princess changing when they do the testing. 

FYI, Since this thread changes have been made to when disembarkation covid testing will now occur; No longer onboard during the cruise.
 

On August 27th, 2021 Princess has updated their FAQs again, and made changes to when COVID testing required (eg Canadians) for those returning home will occur.

Note: this update has nothing to do with changes to testing requirements which are out of Princess' control, this is about WHEN Princess has chosen to offer the tests. 

Until now they were being provided onboard a few days prior to disembarkation via the medical centre, however now they will be provided at the port AFTER disembarkation.

Depending on when you're flying home, this change could affect you. For example, Canada currently requires a PCR to return home, and as per Princess the results could take an hour. There is no way to predict how long it may take to complete the actual test at the port as this would be dependant on how many guests require a test. 
My recommendation is for those requiring the PCR test (like myself) try to walk off with the first group to avoid possible longer waits. 

My guess is this change was made as from a logistical standpoint. IF someone was to test positive it would be easier to handle once the guest disembarks, opposed to onboard a few days prior. 

Things are consistently changing so who knows if this will be revised again, nonetheless, this is something to be aware of in case you need to make changes to flights home.   

For those 'Sailing from the US' here is the link to Princess' FAQs to keep updated on changes: https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/frequently-asked-questions/us-cruises/

I’m booked on the Sky for November 20th via a Casino promo.  I also got an email last week saying final payment is due before ‘November 20,2020’ (yes, 2020 not 2021).  
I used the chat function on the website and was assured all is good with the booking and to disregard these emails if they come as it’s an internal glitch sending them. 
 

I’m now just waiting another a new ‘comp cabin’ casino offer to book some 2022 cruises. I typically get the up to 35% off offers, but every once and awhile a comp cabin offer comes and now I wait for those. 

8 minutes ago, cjpj said:

@flyboy88 I see you are from Toronto. How are you maneuvering  the order below?

 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/25/proclamation-on-the-suspension-of-entry-as-immigrants-and-non-immigrants-of-certain-additional-persons-who-pose-a-risk-of-transmitting-coronavirus-disease/

We are flying. Currently restrictions are in place for land borders, however people can fly to/from the US.   When flying into the US, currently we are required to show a negative covid test (PCR or antigen) that was taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.  
 

At the moment my plan is to get tested at Toronto airport prior to my flight to the US (day before the cruise) via antigen test for approx $40. Results are emailed within 30 minutes.  Since this will be 24 hours prior to the cruise, I can use the same test results to satisfy the pre-cruise covid test requirement. 
 

6 hours ago, caribill said:

As it says, "subject to availability."

A month ago when I checked in with Princess in regards to PCR test required to return home, the “subject to availability” verbiage was not there; I have a screenshot at home. 
 

In my opinion Princess needs to ensure all who need a PCR will be able to get them onboard or allow people to make reservations in advance.  

We are cruising in November and will require a PCR test within 72 hours of our flight home (to Canada), IF for some reason Princess doesn’t have testing availability this will directly impact us returning home. Currently we would be flying home the same day we disembark and these flights were chosen by confirming with Princess that we would be able to get the PCR onboard within the time window…. IF we are unable to get the test onboard we would have to change our flights to the following day and arrange a hotel for the night.  
I have looked and almost everywhere that does PCR in Fort Lauderdale will take up to 24 hours for results unless we pay a lot of money for same day, nonetheless makes our current flight home not possible. 

Now that the “subject to availability” verbiage has been added, I will reach out to Princess for further guidance. 

@suekel As I had mentioned above, they are unable to move any money from one booking to another. If you booked the Casino offers for your current cruises I have been told by 2 agents that this will get refunded back to original form of payment; they do not issue FCC for cancelled Casino voyages.   If you decided to rebook you would have to pay upfront for taxes/port fees, upgrades, etc and wait for the refund.

As for the perks, myself and others have been able to book new cruises and have all perks added on as long as it met the restrictions I posted above. Perks is same category type of your original offer (in your case oceanview cabin), princess plus, casino cash.   If you want to upgrade your cabin they will price out the upgrade cost based on the new sailing you have chosen.   

If the new cruise you're looking at meets the requirements above, and they still will not let you move the perks over, ask to escalate the call.   Myself and others have had no issues getting perks added to a new cruise, so it's possible the agent you spoke with was unaware or the correct process.  - Good Luck 

4 hours ago, flyboy88 said:

Been on the phone with the same agent for an hour. She has been amazing on trying to figure this out, and had to speak to a supervisor, and a manager to get clarity. Here is what I was informed and she notated everyone on my file for when I select another voyage and call back.

- all the new cancelled cruises are in 'paused' status, meaning they cannot do anything with them. For Casino comp cruises, everything will be refunded to original form of payment, NOT a FCC.

-  We have a 2 week window from today's cancellations to 'rebook'. If you rebook you will have to pay deposit, upgrade fees, taxes, etc again, they cannot carry payments from current booking (this will be refunded).

- In terms of which sailings you can rebook, they are using the voyages/dates in the most recent casino promo offer (my email was received on October 8th, 2020). Here are the basic details;

• Must sail by December 15th, 2021
• Voyages up to 7 days for Mexico/California Coast/Caribbean/Mediterranean
  Voyages up to 10 days for Alaska
• All perks from the original April offer (eg. Princess Plus, Casino Play, Cabin Type) will be applied.

I'm going to look at something later in the year to rebook so I don't lose these perks. 

If anyone finds any other information, or has luck getting an exemption to rebook in 2022, please let us know.

 
We have rebooked for November 2021, Eastern Caribbean on the SKY princess.  We got all the same perks from original booking!!!

Been on the phone with the same agent for an hour. She has been amazing on trying to figure this out, and had to speak to a supervisor, and a manager to get clarity. Here is what I was informed and she notated everyone on my file for when I select another voyage and call back.

- all the new cancelled cruises are in 'paused' status, meaning they cannot do anything with them. For Casino comp cruises, everything will be refunded to original form of payment, NOT a FCC.

-  We have a 2 week window from today's cancellations to 'rebook'. If you rebook you will have to pay deposit, upgrade fees, taxes, etc again, they cannot carry payments from current booking (this will be refunded).

- In terms of which sailings you can rebook, they are using the voyages/dates in the most recent casino promo offer (my email was received on October 8th, 2020). Here are the basic details;

• Must sail by December 15th, 2021
• Voyages up to 7 days for Mexico/California Coast/Caribbean/Mediterranean
  Voyages up to 10 days for Alaska
• All perks from the original April offer (eg. Princess Plus, Casino Play, Cabin Type) will be applied.

I'm going to look at something later in the year to rebook so I don't lose these perks. 

If anyone finds any other information, or has luck getting an exemption to rebook in 2022, please let us know.

I know a lot of us took advantage of the generous casino offers from April 2020. These included free stateroom, Princess Plus (wifi, drinks, gratuities), and Casino Free play. These were to be used on Caribbean cruises between January-May 2021.

With the newest wave of cancellations (all sailings until March 31,2021, and Cruises from US ports +7 days until November 1st, 2021), have any of you had luck moving your comp cruise to another date and retaining all the perks?    

Speaking with someone in the know, most of the entertainment crew (performers, cruise staff) have been informed that as of now they will not be heading to the ship until end of January/early Feb. Granted things can and will continue to change, however this information is as of this week.   
As others have mentioned, I don't have much hope that the Enchanted Princess will see the Caribbean this winter. Caribbean and Sky Princess are doing Caribbean, not sure if it makes much sense to bring her across the TA to only sail for approx. 2 months.    

If they decide not to bring her over to the Caribbean this season, I hope rather than just cancel the voyages that they will offer to move those of us booked to another ship.

I just logged into my Captain Circle account and see that I also have $250 Casino Free play with the same dates as the promo above.  Not confirmed yet ( I’ll call tomorrow), but I’m assuming I’ll have the option of the interior room with $50 free play, or the $250 free play. The free room offer is more appealing, but not enough for me to rush and book another cruise. I booked the April offer for March 2021.  I’ll update when I call and inquire.

Back in April 2020 many of us had received a very generous offer from the Princess Players Club. Today I received a new offer. Prior to April, the best offer I had received was $650 Casino Free Play. Like many, when the April offers came out myself and many of us were quick to make a booking for 2021.

Lets compared the offers I have received...

April 2020 - valid for cruises to Caribbean, Mexico, and California Coast. Sailings dates January 2, 2021 - May 1, 2021
- Free Oceanview Stateroom (upgraded to Balcony for $35CDN each)
- $500 Casino Free Play 
- Princess Plus (drinks, wifi, gratuities included)

July 2020 - valid for cruises to Caribbean, Mexico, California Coast, Alaska, Europe, and Canada & New England. Sailings dates January - November 2021
- Free Interior Stateroom
- $50 Casino Free Play. 

Based on the new offer received today, I assume the April promotion may have attracted more guests than Princess expected. Maybe they are lowering the offers to test how low they can go and still get new bookings, and it's possible we can see increased offers again in the future. 

I'm curious if anyone received a new Casino offer that was comparable to the April 2020 one, or if they were all downgraded. 

Stay safe, and look forward to cruising along side some of you in 2021. 🙂 
 

Currently, MSC is the only one who will match your Status from another cruise line.   We are Elite with Princess and love the brand, however if we ever were to try another cruise line it would be MSC solely based on the status match.  I’d hate to try a new cruise line and start at the bottom of the loyalty ladder knowing MSC would match.  
 

https://www.msccruises.ca/manage-booking/msc-voyagers-club/status-match