Uncle Sugar

Went to AARP Rewards website today to purchase Princess digital eGift cards (as I have done several times previously), but was unable to locate. Subsequently contacted AARP Rewards customer service via Chat and was advised the following: "Princess Cruise Gift Cards are usually available through the AARP Rewards program, but there was an issue with them yesterday and they were removed until further notice."

Has anyone else encountered this inability to purchase over the past two days? The AARP Chat agent was unable to furnish a date when these gift cards would be available again. Plus, does anyone know what the yesterday's issue was that resulted in AARP suddenly pulling from their website?

1 hour ago, ldtr said:

Which refundable OBC's did they wipe out?  After the cruise?

 

I have not have any problems with shareholder, veterans, FCD's, marketing promotions or excursion discounts. 

 

They did not wipe out any of our refundable OBC (all military). What was done, after we disembarked, several non-refundable OBCs were inexplicably listed as “Charges” on the Guest Services rendition of our final folio. Because they were charges, they reduced the amount of non-refundable OBC we had available for our onboard purchases by about 30 percent. Since the non-refundable OBC was smaller, more of our purchases were then applied to our refundable OBC balance. This had the effect of reducing our refundable OBC as submitted to Bottomline Technologies.

How do we know that some of our non-refundable OBCs were removed? Because the Reference codes on the Guest Services version of our final folio listed them as separately as “SZ” (Shareholder), “FZ” (Future Cruise Deposit), and “BZ” (Promotional). These particular codes all had a time stamp almost ten hours after disembarkation and fell under the "Charges" category of “$$COMPUTER." Bottom line, the Guest Services folio did account for all of our earned non-refundable OBCs, but then removed some of them after-the-fact—very curious.

In contrast, as previously mentioned, the final folio printout which we obtained on the ship (from Passenger Services Desk) the morning of our departure was fully accurate in all respects and displayed the correct refundable OBC amount remaining in our account. All earned/authorized pre-cruise OBCs, both refundable and non-refundable, throughout the entire duration of our cruise (multiple B2Bs), were listed/credited properly.

We too have encountered problems with obtaining correct OBC refunds after completing several post- pandemic cruises. As long-time Princess customers with lots of earned OBC, both refundable (military) and non-refundable, we’ve been dismayed by our recent experiences wherein our onboard account folios were entirely accurate when disembarking, but post-cruise inexplicably altered.

Per normal procedures, while making onboard purchases, non-refundable OBC is used first, and, when exhausted, then refundable OBC is applied. Also, when on B2B cruises, all are linked together and considered one voyage—with each B2B leg rolling over to the next leg (for folio account purposes).

As an example, we completed several B2B voyages last month encompassing a total onboard stay of almost 1-1/2 months. While onboard we regularly printed out our account folios to ensure accuracy and requested a final printout the morning we departed. Everything was OK. Our disembarkation folio was correct in all respects and indicated we were due a substantial refund of remaining refundable OBC (over $500). We had spent all of our non-refundable OBCs (shareholder, FCD, promo) on various shipboard purchases, but still had, as indicated, considerable refundable OBC remaining. We expected this refundable OBC amount would be referred to Corporate Finance for the usual refund check issued by Bottomline Technologies.

But, surprisingly, the resultant check from Bottomline Technologies shorted us by about 66 percent. We only received about one-third of the expected refundable amount. We promptly followed up with Guest Services, who furnished us their copy of our final folio account. Upon examining the folio used by Guest Services, we noticed that it arbitrarily wiped out several of our earned pre-cruise non-refundable OBC amounts—listing them as after-the-fact charges time stamped after we had disembarked. This makes no sense whatsoever. The result, of course, was reduced non-refundable OBC, thus increasing the amount of refundable OBC applied to our onboard purchases.  This particular issue, from our most recent cruise, is still pending and has not yet been resolved in our favor.

As mentioned above, we’ve experienced this questionable procedure on other post-pandemic cruises too. Each time we’ve had to spend much time speaking with Guest Services directly (after long call holds) and sending several substantiating emails with documentation. Each time we have prevailed and obtained the refund to which we were entitled, but the time and hassle to do so was considerable—and unnecessary.

We too suspect that our recent disappointing experiences associated with post-cruise refundable OBC may not be a coincidence or even inadvertent—based upon the fact we’ve undergone similar episodes after other recent prior cruises. If so, this is quite disturbing.

Later this year we’re going on our first cruise purchased as Standard category—not Plus or Premier (all our several previous post-pandemic cruises have been Plus Package with the Wi-Fi included). Being Elite tier passengers, we’re contemplating purchasing a 1-device MedallionNet Wi-Fi package at the advertised benefit of 50% off pricing if ordered before the cruise. However, going into the Princess (formerly Medallion Class) App, we are only offered the full, non-discounted pricing of $10 per day—there is no mention of any discount or offsetting OBC after embarking.  Accordingly, we have some questions, as follows:

• Does the app fully recognize our Elite status? In this regard, the tiny Princess Sea Witch icon included with our profile photos is blue, not black—is this a factor? Is this why we’re not seeing the discount on the app?
• If we purchase the MedallionNet package pre-cruise at full 100% pricing using the app, will we automatically see the promised 50% discount on the cruise folio as added OBC once we board?
• And, lastly will such OBC be refundable or non-refundable? In this regard, the latest “Full Terms and conditions” (as promulgated on the Princess website) states, “MedallionNet Wi-Fi packages purchased pre-cruise will be discounted on board and the guest will receive a refund credit in their folio.” Based on this language, it appears the OBC should indeed be refundable.

We would appreciate hearing the experience of other Platinums or Elites when purchasing a MedallionNet Wi-Fi package beforehand on the app. From what we could discern, if we wait until boarding our cruise to purchase, we are no longer eligible for the discount.

30 minutes ago, dreaminofcruisin said:

 

If you post which cruise you are taking, you might be able to get more direct information from others who have been on those cruises or similar. My "total guess" on the reason they can't tell you what the additional tests are is related to the ports that you are stopping at, since that is also a moving target. Some ports require a booster vaccination, some require testing within 24 hours, etc. and as we all know, requirements are constantly changing.

 

 

Today I checked the current COVID vax entry requirements for all the stops being visited on our booked "Enhanced Guidelines Voyage," and none require a booster. Some do require the initial two vaccinations—defined as “fully vaccinated.” Only one of the destinations may require testing before visiting—but not clear whether would apply to cruise ship visitors.

As further information, the additional testing requirements specified to us in our exemption letter are apparently "above and beyond.” For example, our exemption letter stated, "Using a seven day cruise as an example...includes testing at the terminal before departure and twice during the voyage with fees charged to guests' onboard folios." Our voyage in question is way more than seven days--its duration is one month. Plus, testing prior to disembarkation is also mentioned. Bottom line, the inference is numerous additional tests, all our financial responsibility.

1 hour ago, Kgills said:

I am not able to get the vaccine and am also booked on an enhanced guideline voyage.  Did you receive your exemption letter prior to the recent changes?  Earlier this summer the Princess website listed the same requirements contained in the exemption letter.  As the summer progressed, the website requirements began to differ from the letter and now the website contains none of the information that is in the exemption letter.  When the enhanced guideline voyage information was first released, the website had conflicting info, saying fully vaccinated only in some parts of the site and other parts of the website saying unvaccinated were welcome to sail on the enhance guideline voyage.  With one exception (the only one I have found), the contradicting info has been changed to reflect that unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated are allowed to cruise on these voyages.

 

Until this past weekend my boarding status in the Medallion app was yellow and now it's green.  In addition, I spoke to a Princess rep last week who said I technically no longer needed to bring my exemption letter to get on the ship, but should probably have it with me just in case.  My conversation with her indicated that the initial restrictions placed in the exemption letter were no longer in place.  It would be worth it for you to call Princess to confirm I'm giving the right information.  If the rep says something different then I would ask to be escalated up to the customer support dept (or whatever the next level up is called).  I only say this because the first rep I spoke to said I couldn't cruise even with an exemption letter. 

We were not aware of the revised COVID-19 vax requirements for "Enhanced Voyages" until receiving an email notification from Princess on February 6th. We contacted Customer Support a couple days later to request exemption status and received our exemption email letter on February 9th. Because of our concerns and the fact that the exemption language was obviously directed toward "unvaccinated" guests, I recontacted Customer Support (via phone) the following day for clarification. I was advised then that we must follow the new--and onerous--exemption instructions exactly or else we will be denied boarding at the terminal--i.e., apparently "fully vaccinated" status no longer applied in our cases. We were now "unvaccinated," and that's final! The only unknowns were the number of additional tests we would have to undergo and the associated cost responsibilities. I was advised someone would get back to us early this current week, but I'm not holding my breath.  

Especially annoying is that the vax change requirements were sprung on us well after the fact--too late to cancel the cruise without substantive financial penalty or to receive off-setting Future Cruise Credits. We do not purchase "cancel for any reason" travel insurance. Plus, as originally stated, we have decided to bypass the booster jabs. 

According to Princess COVID vaccination definitions prior to September 6^th, my wife and I are considered to be “fully vaccinated,” having completed the initial two shots last year (2021). Since last November (2021) we have sailed on eight cruises totaling almost 70 days. The longest cruise occurred earlier this year when we completed a month-long sojourn aboard one of the Royal class vessels. Before embarking each of our voyages, we were successfully tested; plus, during the B2B’s, we tested successfully before continuing on to the next leg. 

We are currently booked later this year on one of the newly classified “Enhanced Guidelines Voyages”—designated such as of September 6^th. We originally booked this voyage 1½’ years ago. But last week the rules suddenly changed. To sail on an “Enhanced” cruise, guests need to be “updated”—defined as having the initial two doses and at least one booster.

Without getting into the pros and cons, we have chosen not to have a booster shot—a personal decision. Accordingly, we contacted Princess to obtain a vaccination exemption which was subsequently approved.

But here’s the rub: the exemption approval wording contains the following guidance:

• Our status is now "unvaccinated"---no longer considered "fully vaccinated"--and we must enter "unvaccinated" on the Health Status section of the Medallion Class app
• We must be negative on a PCR test conducted within three days of sailing (rapid antigen not accepted)
• We must have an additional embarkation day test performed at the terminal—this test will be arranged via a specified private contractor website and will be at our own expense  
• In addition, we will have to undergo a number of tests (exact number unspecified) during the duration of the voyage, as well as just prior to disembarkation—with all associated costs being our responsibility

We have contacted Princess to obtain more specificity as to the number of tests and the out-of-pocket costs involved but have not yet received a response—nor do we expect to hear back based on recent customer service experience.

Because of the sudden appearance of these much more onerous exemption requirements (despite our prior “fully vaccinated” status), we have asked about the feasibility of cancelling this particular voyage, but have been told it’s too late, as final payment has been made and the Princess “Cruise with Confidence” program is no longer applicable to voyages departing after September 30^th (our situation).

So, we’re between a rock and a hard place. Anyone else in the same boat? Any suggestions for how to proceed?

Was on the verge of canceling three B2B Northern European cruises on the Sky Princess earlier today--based on uncertain circumstances (i.e., unknown Southampton UK COVID protocols and ongoing Ukrainian conflict). However, when on phone with big box TA representative, was advised that Princess had notified them earlier today that final payment due dates on European cruises departing between June 9 and July 30 have been reduced from 90 days to 60 days. In our case, the rep was able to provide written confirmation for our 14-day Sky cruise departing Southampton June 11: instead of tomorrow’s due date of March13, we have a new final payment date of April 12. In view of this new information, we didn’t cancel any of our three booked Sky cruises, as we were given another month to decide. Hopefully by then we’ll have more answers as to the desirability of cruising European ports during the forthcoming June/July time frame.

Have others received similar information?
 

Have exact same problem for several days. When attempting cruise search on my PC, just won't load. Reported issue to Princess this past Monday, first via phone contact and then via Live Chat. Phone rep advised no one to help me (Monday was holiday). Live Chat rep responded with no knowledge of any such website problem ("no similar complaints from anyone") and commented that difficulty being encountered was probably occurring at my end. Of interest, using my android phone, issue is not present--cruise search function is OK. Sounds like they're not listening--or don't care.

I have a curiosity question concerning taking a COVID test (such as the current requirement within two days of embarkation) when the person concerned had been infected with the virus about two months before cruise commencement. This assumes the person had been fully vaccinated earlier (before infection) and subsequently experienced complete recovery after testing positive. A problem occurs due to the fact that after recovery, remnant viral materials which are no longer transmittable to others are still in the body. According to the latest CDC guidance regarding international travel dated August 25, 2021, the following is applicable:

        "If you recovered from a documented COVID-19 infection within the last 3 months, follow all requirements and recommendations for fully vaccinated travelers 

        except you do NOT need to get a test…. People can continue to test positive for up to 3 months after diagnosis and not be infectious to others.”

Regarding international air travel, the latest CDC guidance on this subject states the following:

       “All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more

       than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States.”

My question: How does this guidance apply to cruise ship passengers? Will such people be excluded from the current 2-day testing requirement? The CDC recognizes that people who have recently recovered from COVID can still test positive, even though they do not pose a danger to others. Any thoughts?

Made my first 2023 bookings online last week. Noticed that on the subsequent booking confirmations the expected automatic military onboard credits did not display (I'm a Navy retiree). Has anyone else encountered this? .

Just booked a 14-day European cruise aboard Sky Princess for next year and have placed on temporary hold status pending a deposit payment due in just a couple of days. Noticed that a deposit payment of $800 is required, instead of the normal $200. Since we’ve exhausted our available FCDs (and can’t purchase replacements), it looks like we have to cough up the extra dollars. Called a Princess Customer Service rep earlier today and was advised that as of mid-February, just a couple of weeks ago, Princess, as a matter of policy, had indeed increased the deposit amounts needed to nail down a booking. In our case, however, that was a four-fold increase! Just curious, have others encountered the same situation involving drastically increased deposit requirements?  Sounds to us that Princess has done this (if our situation isn’t unique and applies across-the-board) to improve their cash flow position.  

My wife and I are currently on the Australia based Golden Princess. While on board yesterday afternoon, watching the Fox News feed on Channel 33, the video display suddenly switched to programming labeled "BBC HD." Fox News just abruptly disappeared and hasn't come back. We made an inquiry today with the ship's Passenger Relations Desk and were informed that per a "decision made by Corporate in California," the Fox News satellite feed has been permanently discontinued and will no longer be available to passengers. It should be noted that the news feeds from MSNBC, BBC, and Australia Channel have not been similarly affected and are still available. We're not pleased by this, as we desire to continue receiving our U.S. news from the Fox News Channel while on the ship. Does anyone know if this "corporate decision" regarding discontinuance of Fox News Channel only applies to a few ships (e.g., those based in Australia), or is it fleet-wide?

Originally Posted by Uncle Sugar

My wife and I are considering booking this particular cruise on the Crown, as we’ve already done the identical itinerary since 2011 (all prior aboard Sapphire) and are booked on the same October 2014 voyage on the Crown. We thoroughly enjoy Hawaii and the South Pacific and the many sea days associated with the transits. However, what has confused us this time is that Princess has listed the duration of the October 2015 voyage as 29 days. All prior identical voyages, including the one later in 2014, have been for 28 days. I’m not confused by back and forth crossings of the International Date Line (which in this case cancel one another out), and, upon analyzing, I calculated that the actual duration of the 2015 Crown cruise (10/17/15 departure LA, 11/14/15 return LA) is still only 28 days—based on five sea days to Hawaii (including departure from LA), four days in Hawaiian waters, four sea days to Samoa, two days in Samoan waters, two sea days to French Polynesia, three days in French Polynesia waters, and the concluding eight sea days back to LA (5+4+4+2+2+3+8=28). Does anyone else agree? If Princess priced this cruise at 29 days, and the correct figure should be 28 days, they may have overpriced it by one day.

I thought I would follow up my above posting on the cruise length issue with additional information. I did call Princess yesterday to inquire directly, but the rep I spoke with wasn’t interested in pursuing, advising that the October 2015 cruise was indeed accurately listed as 29 days in length (after conversing with a supervisor). However, I’ve rechecked my calculations. I remain convinced that the cruise is 28 days, not 29. The number of sea days from Papeete to LA is still eight—the same amount as on all prior identical itinerary voyages dating back to 2011. Regarding crossing the International Date Line, which bisects the narrow channel of open water between Apia (Samoa) and Pago Pago (American Samoa), Apia is on the west side of the Line, Pago Pago on the east side. We lose a day on the calendar when going into Apia, but we gain it back immediately when crossing over to Pago Pago (so we’re actually in both ports on the same date). The transit from Apia to Pago Pago is overnight; no sea day is involved. Plus when you count the total cruise nights we’ll be gone from LA, it’s also 28 (not 29), 15 nights in October, the 17th through the 31st, and 13 nights in November, the 1st through the 13th. November 14, the day of disembarkation isn’t counted (no overnight involved). One of the key factors Princess uses in pricing a cruise is the precise length of the cruise—i.e., number of elapsed nights a booked passenger is actually aboard. This year’s identical October 2014 itinerary (also the Crown) encompasses the period October 18 to November 15 (one day later on the calendar on both ends), and the cruise length is advertised/priced at 28 days. Am I correct, or am I wrong on this issue? Perhaps I’ve missed something obvious. If so, please advise.

My wife and I are considering booking this particular cruise on the Crown, as we’ve already done the identical itinerary since 2011 (all prior aboard Sapphire) and are booked on the same October 2014 voyage on the Crown. We thoroughly enjoy Hawaii and the South Pacific and the many sea days associated with the transits. However, what has confused us this time is that Princess has listed the duration of the October 2015 voyage as 29 days. All prior identical voyages, including the one later in 2014, have been for 28 days. I’m not confused by back and forth crossings of the International Date Line (which in this case cancel one another out), and, upon analyzing, I calculated that the actual duration of the 2015 Crown cruise (10/17/15 departure LA, 11/14/15 return LA) is still only 28 days—based on five sea days to Hawaii (including departure from LA), four days in Hawaiian waters, four sea days to Samoa, two days in Samoan waters, two sea days to French Polynesia, three days in French Polynesia waters, and the concluding eight sea days back to LA (5+4+4+2+2+3+8=28). Does anyone else agree? If Princess priced this cruise at 29 days, and the correct figure should be 28 days, they may have overpriced it by one day.