Rick&Jeannie

I have apparently "missed something". People are talking about a "$5 discount". Is this something in addition to the discount received from AARP? How does this relate to AARP gift cards?

Definitely keep us posted...(although I know you will!)

You *really* want to try and avoid the "blue lane" if at all possible...

Something definitely wrong here....

Pics from Honfleur (2019):

Well...we have 2 bookings for which we were "green lane". Up until a couple of days ago, that is. Both cruises showed as "blue". I had already ordered medallions for both cruises (we are in the US) but when I started investigating...BOTH orders had mysteriously disappeared from the system. We are booked as "Plus fare" on both sailings. I went through the motions again...and suddenly we're back in the green lane.

Just pull one of those loungers up to the front of the ship! Simple solution! (You *might* get some strange looks...) 😄

I suspect there's a degree of truth in this. (Not picking on @Thrak...I've bought a good chunk myself!) I believe there has probably been a big surge in Princess GCs since we all started discussing it here on CC. MANY people chimed in saying that they had no idea they were available. Basic supply and demand at work here. Someone took note and figured "There's some money to be made here!"

I have to admit...I've read through this thread with great amusement. We have been loyal to Princess for some time but we have our 2nd Celebrity cruise booked. If you could go through and substitute "Celebrity" with "Princess" you would have a thread exactly like MANY over on the Princess board. We may not like it (and it's for certain that many of us do NOT) but business is "in the business of making money" and changes are inevitable. They know we are not going to live forever...so they are trying to build a model that they *hope* will appeal to that younger demographic. Just an observation...

Rest assured...this is one of the EASIEST embarkation issues that can be solved in a timely manner!

Here is some new info regarding the use of GCs. I emailed Celebrity and asked the specific question as to what happens to a gift card that is used as fare payment if the *booking person* decides to cancel. Here is what I got back: Regarding your inquiry, under a cancellation case the amount of the gift card would be refunded to the original form of payment, unless reservation faces penalty, if that is the case the amount would be withheld as part of the penalty payment. The following are my words and opinions) I believe a lot of people have gotten hung up over some verbiage that indicates that GCs are "non-refundable" after a cancellation. I believe that this simply means you cannot get your money back for the amount you spent to *receive* said card. It appears to be standard across most (if not all) cruise lines that returnable funds go back to the original form of payment, meaning that the GC is still valid I believe it is safe to use these cards without the concern of "losing my money if I cancel the cruise". Side note: AARP has reduced the discount on Princess gift cards to 8% from the original 10%. Celebrity cards are still at 10%. I suspect that (due to the spreading of the word here on CC) there was a big surge in the use of GCs on Princess...and they decided to make adjustments. Just a head's up...in case Celebrity decides to do the same!

Let me just share what I just received in an email from Celebrity, where I asked the specific question about the use of gift cards and what happens should *you* (not Celebrity) cancel the booking: Regarding your inquiry, under a cancellation case the amount of the gift card would be refunded to the original form of payment, unless reservation faces penalty, if that is the case the amount would be withheld as part of the penalty payment.

Or...look in your cruise personalizer.

It's OK in the Southeast...10:23PM

I wouldn't hold my breath as far as asking for a different cabin...but the worst they can say is "No".

Can't speak with any authority as far as the Emerald goes...but DW always takes a folding travel mirror with us. I think it is the magnifying style. Don't think you'll find one in your cabin.

A bit tight...and you will not have an opportunity to eat lunch (unless you brown bag it) but if you are not concerned with that then it will probably be OK.

Well...just keep in mind that if this Delta situation is not resolved it *might* keep someone else from getting the booking that they need. (I admit...I'm being just a tad bit selfish here...I only fly Delta!)

Not sure what to tell you. The link still works for me. You have to scroll down a bit before you can see the gift cards. Perhaps if you post a screen shot of what the link gives you we can figure this out.

I doubt that they will "force" you to board the boat...unless the bus picks you up at a different point.

Actually, they are operating from a very old Babbel language lesson...

Their boxes of training have been held up in shipment...they're flying blind right now! 🙄

Oh...you've done it now! You'll have NO luck of any kind for the next 7 years. You are doomed to an existence of mediocrity. 🙄

Hard to control the "batching" if someone else is doing it, as in the case of a TA... They will eventually learn.