LibertyBella

The title of this thread is very misleading--the OP did not overpay, and did not pay too soon--he/she is just upset because the price dropped after final payment, and RC will not provide any kind of compensation. Lots of things go on sale eventually--but if you want to be first with something you usually have to pay the highest price asked! I have often booked last minute cruises at great prices--but sometimes you get lousy cabin locations. Booking in advance and agreeing to pay the price is the decision most travelers make. Getting a reduction, or an upgrade, or OBC later is a BONUS, never a guarantee. Some cruises are selling out, so cruise lines really do not have to worry about trying to make one customer happier. If you shop around for a cheap cruise, you can probably find one, but it might not have the exact itinerary you like or be convenient to your schedule. If you make your vacations all about the money then you will be very unhappy. By the way, I just paid for my European flights today for my Summer cruise--talk about mega-price increases! Husband still remembers when he could fly to Europe for about $100.00 each way (back in the 1970's.). Hopefully you will have a great time anyway.

I was on earlier today (around 7 PM) to pay for my flights and had no problem logging on. I went on a few times afterwards as well to check my status. However, earlier in the week there were some issues. I think there are glitches and updates constantly occurring. Sometimes it might just be bad luck when you log on...

In the past it was easy to read from a paper, but nowadays everything is set to be specifically online. Yes, it is a lot of printing, and you have to jump from the summary description to the long description. Also I look at all of the reviews as well as the exact timing of each component of the excursion. To make it easier to read online, my recommendation is to just do one port at a time. Usually the maximum of excursions listed per port is no more than twenty or so, and the last couple are always renting a private car for a half or full day. I try to book the most popular or my most favorite port first, then go down the port list in priority order. Yes, I also use the wishlist function. I will say I book all my shore excursions very early, sometimes even up to a year! If a cruise ship does not offer something that interests me then I will arrange an independent excursion. I have been very pleased with the quality of the shore excursions I have taken in the past from Princess, and unlike some other travelers, I find all the prices very fair. I will say my preference is also to take full-day tours than include lunch, so we get a "taste" of the local culture as we tour. Best wishes!

Neither of these additions appeals to my personal sense of taste or style, as I am not a big seafood eater nor a pub person. I am just glad the ship is out of dry-dock as my cruise on her is only about three months away now. I will be saving my money from not using these specialty eating places so I can shop in Mykonos!

I happen to LOVE to sail the Greek islands, and the ports of call are always more important to me than the cruise itself. This Summer I am also going to Ephesus. I looked at the Viking itineraries, but chose Princess instead, and had all of my excursions booked and confirmed long before the final cruise payment was even due. I definitely dislike the Viking Ocean practice of more expensive cabin=first dibs on excursions, but I can understand why they do that for limited numbers on tours. I will also say although I appreciate the "free" included tours, I would not hesitate to book something independently if I felt the Viking choices were not meeting my interests. I would absolutely NOT miss Ephesus (I also have graduate archaeology classes under my belt), even if I had to pay out of my own pocket on-site (taxi driver.) I am just off a Viking river cruise, and one of the limited number optional tours we really liked was sold out. I checked daily on MVJ, and was finally able to secure two seats (with help from Live Chat), so yes, people do cancel in advance. Also while on board, there were plenty of people who had booked tours who decided not to go the same day because they were too tired or not feeling well, etc. Included tours are a great option, but never the only option!

I am another fan of both lines, and find them more similar than different. IMO both are upscale, adult-oriented, sophisticated, and offer wonderful itineraries, always a priority for us. I would not hesitate to book either. We dress up for our own pleasure, and always purchase a photo package. I will dress a little more trendy/sexy for these two lines as compared to Cunard, another favorite. Destination also has an impact on our clothes choices (warmer and lighter for hot climates.). By the way, "nickel and diming" on cruises has been around forever--it is just up to the passenger to say NO. This is my 50th year of cruising, and I pay no attention to most of the minor complaints of changes, having seen plenty of major ones. Of course, I remember when people smoked non-stop on airplanes--YUCK. Have fun cruising!

Just returned from a Viking river cruise and we used the "free air." Let me say the flights were on-time and all went well, and the Viking transfer services were phenomenal, but there were glitches with the flights that would have never occurred if I had booked my own air. First of all, none of my flights were non-stop, and none of them were on my frequent flyer choice airline. On our international flights over to Europe I was constantly getting kicked out of our assigned seats--I went into the airline records and it stated only one seat assignment was prepaid ( a Viking miscommunication to the airline?). Almost every day I had to reinstate my seat! I talked to the Viking air department and they said they would contact the airline, but even at check-in my seat was still showing as not pre-booked. A small issue but a bit sloppy. We did have to transit quite quickly through Frankfurt airport, and it was rather hectic getting to the gate on time after looping around to passport control. Our return flight was rebooked on a completely different airline than from our original booking, and we had three circuitous connections with a longish layover. (To: PHL to FRA, FRA to MUC on Lufthansa/From: BUD to ZRH, ZRH to YYZ, YYZ to PHL on Air Canada.) Well, we are very experienced travelers, and we went into this with our eyes wide open. I refused to pay extra for upgraded flights for this trip, and we had time limitations so we could not extend either pre-or post-cruise. We were extremely happy that our luggage made it both ways without issue. I would definitely recommend caution to use Viking free air for those who are not able to endure potentially stressful flying situations such as short connection times (can you run?), long layovers (do you have a good book to read?), or many connections (is time of the essence?). However, for us, travel is always an adventure, and sometimes, like Viking free air often seems to do, we also make budget the priority over convenience and comfort. All-in-all, the flights are only a small part of the entire wonderful cruise experience.

I completely agree there is a difference between professionally trained service dogs, and dogs that provide "support." I am not sure how to respond towards those that actually seem to WANT emotional support dogs (animals). Do they take them to the movies, baseball games, parades, etc.? I often see little dogs in shopping malls these days. What happens if a dog gets hurt or sick on a ship? Who is available to help it? Dogs have sensitive ears and noses. Loud noises can actually damage their hearing. What if they breathe or lick some noxious cleaning fluid on the ship? What is it that the dog actually does at the moment? Couldn't a photo or video of the pet also help support someone? Don't the dogs miss the grass, and the ability to run free without being on a leash? I ask all this because I have been a dog owner for decades; I also have cats, and parakeets. Yes, I truly admit my house is a menagerie, but I love them all dearly. I am actually resting before I leave for my Viking cruise tomorrow, as I have just finished setting up daily food containers for my birds and cats (multiples of all, so they always have a companion). My littlest girl cat, a fluffy Persian under five pounds, will climb on the bed with me every morning and lick my face gently to wake me up, then cuddle under the covers purring until I get up. She will truly miss me! Tomorrow morning we will drop the dogs off at our boarding facility (run by an animal hospital with veterinarians always available). Usually I have to reserve for the dogs months in advance, and I never travel more than two weeks as it is too long for all of them to not have me around. My dogs are not tiny--they range from 40 to 70 pounds, but they still want to be my lap dogs and try to climb all over me, especially when I am sitting on the sofa. I love all my pets, but I would NEVER think of taking them on a cruise, or even an airplane (Persians can suffocate due to their small noses), as their safety and health comes first! I have two very close friends, one with a second house in France--they have a small dog that has its own passport and all shots, and travels every year with them abroad, but it is basically from house to house. Our other friends went to Germany for a year, and took their little dog back and forth on the QM2 in the professional kennel. Pet ownership is an important responsibility. I must say a feel somewhat sorry for the dogs whose owners take them on cruises.

Well, I am the first to say that those who wish to act as their own "travel agents" need to seriously and regularly monitor all of their travel arrangements, credits, accounts, flights, seats, OBC, shore excursions, etc., etc. However, I do understand that the pandemic made most peoples' travel arrangements go upside down, and the industry is still in a bit of recovery mode. Yes, you are upset with the person you spoke with, but please understand many representatives are just part-time people working from home, and may not possess the depth of experience or the social skills that professionally trained travel agents have (or used to have!) Don't give up on your future cruise credit! The cruise lines want to fill their ships, and have passengers spend lots of money on board. If you lack the energy to persevere, perhaps you should get a travel agent and let them do all the advocacy, so then they can get the commission for booking a nice Princess cruise for you. Best wishes!

Well, will they be able to lift the suitcases onto the bed and unpack, and then put the empty suitcases under the bed? Or are they mobile enough to stoop down to the floor and unpack? The porters do help, but sometimes you have to load or unload suitcases by yourself into your car. Perhaps they may want to hire a companion to accompany them and assist them with all physical activities.

I suppose I will jump in and say I think about luxury more from a hotel perspective than a cruise ship. I consider that there are two types of luxury hotels--old world glamour and new modern glitz. Some people gravitate more towards the bright lights, sleek chrome polish, and spic and span interiors of casino hotels, modern skyscraper hotels, business hotels, etc. Every convenience is available. Husband and I enjoy that, but we truly LOVE the quaintness and quirkiness of historic buildings, wood paneled walls, velvet chairs, stained glass lamps, four poster beds, etc. We often try to stay in converted castles, monasteries, etc. when we travel, for one-of-a-kind experiences, versus chain hotels. For cruise ships, I enjoy the "luxury" of the Cunard Queen Mary 2 decor the most, but decor is only one component. Overall service, delicious dining, imaginative shore excursions, creative itineraries, ship facilities, and on-board activities all play important roles. Many people say that Viking offers a "country club casual" perspective, which I think is very nice, soothing and relaxing. Sometimes for us, however, we want the New Year's Eve gala celebration, which means break out the tuxedo/suit and long gowns. We will always consider our favorite luxury experiences those that are very unique, rather fancy, and extremely memorable.

Well, unfortunately for me, I am flying on Lufthansa on Wednesday to Frankfurt and Munich for my Viking river cruise! I am keeping my fingers crossed all will be in order.... Just what we do not need!

The move to non-refundable deposits, or even non-refundable full payment at a discount price, has been in place with many hotels for a number of years. I even have to provide a credit card now for booking restaurants in popular areas (no-shows or last-minute cancellations are charged). Perhaps the cruise industry, which has been stating very publicly that they are a better deal than resort hotel vacations, are finally realizing they have been perhaps a bit too lenient with their travelers. Do we have to like it? No, but we have to realize that effective business practices help the industry survive, and perhaps even thrive. This will be my 50th year of cruising, and I have seen many changes, but I will never stop cruising until I am too feeble to function. BTW, I am leaving in five days for my next cruise, so I really should stop reading the CC website and get packing!

I am both a picky eater, and a small eater. I have come to the conclusion that almost all restaurant meals are served for people who eat much, much, more than I ever could. Perhaps they are designed for the hearty growing young man? As soon as I receive a meal at a restaurant I cut if in half and take half home. At my house, I have a saying, no meat ever goes to waste--I have two large dogs who always like meat scraps. I have a lot of guilt on every cruise about all the food that I, personally, let go to waste, but there is no other remedy, although I always say, bring me the smallest serving! I would 100% welcome half servings!! By the way, I have never gained weight on a cruise--usually I lose a few pounds due to healthy eating, lots of walking, and dancing at night!

And when the cruise is the main destination, that is the challenge. I would never sail thinking it is the cruise ship's responsibility to "amuse" me or my family. To us, the cruise is always secondary to the itinerary. All the different ship activities are bonuses, some of which we use, many which we do not. Perhaps the parents should take more of a lead role in helping their children learn how to enjoy a cruise, now that they are young adults! Or next time, just have them get a job and stay at home while the rest of the family cruises, since they now hate (?!) cruising. What should a young person do? Learn how to scuba, snorkel, jet ski, practice speaking a foreign language, create a video documentary, improve their photography skills, interview different crew/staff to see how they like their jobs, create recipes from their favorite cruise meals, read some famous literature by the pool, discuss the pros and cons of various shore excursions by having learned about the places in advance, learn how cruise ships are constructed, etc. etc. Not a first world issue--an entitled child issue, sorry.

We are sailing on her in July (in Europe), so I look forward to feedback from cruisers as soon as she comes out of the dry-dock and remodeling!

Yes, I like sea days in the middle of busy multiple-port day cruises, but I cannot really do non-stop sea days, which is why we did one transatlantic and that was enough so far. We are very active,--I can tour all day (I prefer archaeological ruins), swim in the pool, and then dance in the nightclub way past midnight! My DH is an adrenalin junkie-- sometimes I have to (gently) twist his arm to go on a cruise, because he would rather go to a ski resort and hit the slopes nonstop. I do think that as we age we may become more sedate, and then appreciate more the tranquility and escape of sea days (but we will probably never play bingo)! P.S. My brother is great at Karaoke--he says the trick is in the performance, not the actual tune or words. I will take his word for it.

Paris is one of my favorite cities! We traveled there on our honeymoon, and rented a car and drove all around France for three weeks staying in chateaux (castles). Tres romantique! My father also lived in Paris for three years, and he wanted me to learn French as a child, so I did take college courses to obtain a bit of fluency. France is extraordinaire! I realize everyone has their favorite places to see and visit, but my travels in Paris always include: Of course we go to Notre Dame to the roof to see the gargoyles and bells (closed now), ooh and ahh at lovely Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass windows, climb up and down the Eiffel Tower, see the most famous sites of the Louvre, take a Seine dinner cruise, explore the palace and gardens of Versailles and Fontainebleau, go to the Musee de Cluny to see the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, go to the Gustave Moreau house to see his original paintings, shop at antique and fine jewelry stores as well as Galeries Lafayette, and eat at some great restaurants! All of this we do independently, without tours, except perhaps for the palace visits. The two royal palaces are half day trips, but for full-day trips I would consider doing a tour of Giverny with Rouen, or with Versailles, or the Normandy beaches, or even stretch it all the way to Mont Saint- Michel, but it will be a bit of a rushed day. You will never be able to see or do it all, so the good thing is you must plan for a return trip!! Bon voyage!

You should scroll down to the thread below called "How do transfers work?" to see some discussions that may be helpful. You may want to consider a Princess pre-cruise hotel package, and they will take care of everything. The only hotels that really provide transportation are airport hotels, similar to the U.S. Central Athens is at least a half hour away, and there are many ways to arrive--taxi, Uber, shuttle bus, metro, private car. There are a myriad of hotels in Athens---you need to have budget parameters, know what area you might want to stay near, and have a preference for type of hotel (modern, traditional, B & B, luxury, etc.), before we can make recommendations. I am also a member of various hotel membership groups, so that also has an impact on my selections, especially if I decide to book a hotel with points. I will be in Athens post-cruise in late July, so I am also researching hotels. However, I have been to Athens several times already, so I have some favorites already. Have a great cruise!

Well, I am definitely on a Princess cruise in Rome to Athens in July, and I never even thought about using Princess hotels for those cities, although I did use them for a Baltic cruise out of Copenhagen, and an Alaska cruise a few years ago. What I remember was the convenience--they picked us up at the airport, they had a Princess rep stationed in the hotel, and she was also recommending (and selling) local tours, they transferred our luggage from the hotel directly to the ship in the early morning so we could spend part of the day touring before embarkation, and they were pretty organized with taking care of us. So why wouldn't I use them pre-or post-cruise this Summer? What I mainly recalled was that Princess chooses very clean but very modern hotels. I had no complaints, but sometimes we really prefer a historic traditional grand hotel. There are SO many choices in Rome that it can be a bit of a head-scratcher, but for those who like to research hotels, it is a really fun challenge. So before I book anything with Princess, I am looking at all my options. Will I end up spending less if I do it on my own? Not necessarily, but I will certainly end up learning a lot more!

I live in a four-season area, so I have a vast array of coats, boots, hats, scarves, gloves, sweaters, etc. Most of our travel is done in extreme heat or extreme cold. Husband is an avid skier, and I have been dragged to many places where the temperature was in negative Fahrenheit for days. I am the exact opposite--I love visiting archaeological sites in the extreme heat of summer, even if the temperatures soar over 100. I can tolerate well both great dryness (Egypt) and high humidity (Yucatan). There are so many big name stores that sell (professional) outdoor gear-- REI, Eddie Bauer, North Face, Patagonia, Columbia, etc., not to mention the small specialty shops. Husband likes Oakley goggles, and uses them for both skiing and cycling to protect his eyes. Remember for rain it is important to have waterproof, not water resistant!

@HUNKY Disagree. I always prefer my men dangerously distinguished --James Bond in a tuxedo. Some of our favorite cruise photos are our formal night poses from Cunard, Princess and Celebrity. We dress to impress, and enjoy the experience. (And we are in pretty good shape for our ages!) My husband thinks baseball caps in restaurants are just plain sloppy. We already have our dinner clothes selected for our upcoming Viking cruise (12 day countdown!), and yes, we will change from our active day clothes to a more country club casual evening look. That is because we WANT to, even if we don't have to. Fashion can be fun!!

I have been on many other cruise threads, and it is not clear these days how someone is actually diagnosed with Covid and required to quarantine. Do you self-test and self-report? Do you ask the ship's doctor for the test? Is the non-ill passenger required to isolate as well? Some cruise lines seem to have special cabins just for those who are positive, and make them move. On some cruises it appears those who are sick tell no one, and continue to participate in all activities. It may be that some even arrive already ill! Do people report other passengers? No wonder the count cannot really be determined... We pre-tested and daily masked on our cruise last Summer, and had no problems. I would be more inclined to wear my mask on an airplane, instead of when walking around a cruise ship, because we are a captive audience in close proximity to other people. I do know that viruses can spread more quickly when the air is colder and drier, so that is also a consideration about travel dates. So sorry you are missing participation in your cruise, and I wish you future happier days.

When I cruise, the priority is the cruise versus the air class. I always make sure that I first get the cruise I want, then the excursions, then pre-and post cruise land arrangements based on flight dates. I can always modify my air by traveling a few days earlier/staying longer. I also check if I have any airplane points from credit cards/frequent flyer rewards to use for upgrades (or the entire fare!) as well. There are also many creative options for air travel, but some may involve more connections or "forced" routings. East coast U.S. travel to Europe is not too overwhelming. Your flights are a bit long, but you can watch a few movies, eat a few times and sleep, and then you will have arrived! Get an aisle seat so you can get up a few times and stretch your legs. I am not sure where you live in PA, but you could also consider another airport, such as D.C. That may provide more options. Have a great cruise!

I am getting a bit of a headache just reading through all the issues on this thread. I doubt very much whether a state AG will have any impact on Princess computer glitches. Planning vacations is supposed to be enjoyable, but mistakes can happen, and it is easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated. I 100% agree that you should consider hiring a travel agent to assist with all your cruise efforts. I'm sorry that you think never cruising on Princess again will be the solution, as the same issue could easily arise on any cruise line. Many of the cruise agents are low paid, at-home, part-time workers, and lack the ability or the expertise to easily resolve more complicated issues. I make it a habit to check all my travel reservations at least weekly, sometimes daily if there are issues, so I know it is a time-consuming challenge, but I accept it because the joy is in the wonderful cruise experience! I hope everything works out for you.