OC SeaPA

9 hours ago, jc foster said:

Celebrity. Its the little things like meeting you with a glass of wine when boarding ship. I have had Princess do the same but then hand me a bill when I did not have a drink package.

Celebrity all the way!  I'm almost elite on Princess, and have to say the food and service I've had on Princess are definitely not up to celebrity standards.  I've had problems on the last 3 Princess cruises, and if not for the FCC I need to use I wouldn't be on this next cruise on Princess.  They just don't seem to have their act together, at least when it comes to my booking & my cruise.  I cruise all the time, and don't have problems on Carnival, Celebrity or Oceania.  

Just now, OC SeaPA said:

Leaving from Los Angeles- On other cruises even with the drink package they had to charge tax for drinks purchased while in local water, even if you had the drink package.  Does anyone know if this is the case with Princess?  So on a $10 drink you would see $1 tax on your account, but if you purchased a wine package at $200 a $20 charge would occur.  Last time on Carnival we asked them to wait to put in our order so we wouldn't get charged the sales tax, and they obliged!  

 

1 hour ago, geoherb said:

The Caribbean Princess had a limited number of bars open when the ship was docked in Brooklyn. Here's the sign at one of them.

 

2 hours ago, NavyVeteran said:

I said they would probably have some vodka. I didn't say it would be a good vodka.😉 With enough spices in a bloody Mary, I'm not sure that it would make much difference. Unfortunately, they probably didn't have any gluten-free vodka.

On 8/21/2022 at 1:39 PM, AnyMajorCruiseDude said:

What's the harm in the program?  You might get the opportunity to upgrade if you so choose, and Princess might make a few extra bucks.  Since we all want to cruise, we should all want cruise lines to return to profitability.  We have received upgrade offers over the years, and even accepted some, but now simply book what we really want.

We got cancelled from a Diamond Princess cruise.  We never book a guarantee because we like to choose our location.  We were we told we would get a guarantee because balconies were sold out, and probably get an upgrade.  Now we need to pay for an upgrade, or get whatever is left.  The days of booking a guarantee and hoping for an upgrade are also long over (not that we ever did it).  I am really upset that Princess is making me pay more.  Don't know what I'll get if I  don't bid, and don't know what I'll get if I do bid!  If you read other Princess posts there are alot of "currently not available".  Are they holding them hoping for additional revenue, or are they really sold out, or just being cancelled (like my last 6 cruises on Princess!) 

On 6/27/2022 at 1:59 PM, toofewcruises said:

I hope you realize you can do this on your own!  Take a water taxi, they are on your right as you exit the pier, and they will take you to Medano Beach for a few dollars.  Plenty of bars and restaurants there!

I think I'm on princess 9/11 with you.  I've been to cabo many times, but never Medano Beach.  I think I will try something new!  Thanks for the suggestions.

Actually, I think Carnival has been generous up to this point with their shareholder OBC.  I have owned Royal Caribbean & NCL stock in the past, and have sold both because their OBC is not available for most rates (I never pay full rate either!).  With the turbulance in the cruise industry, not counting the stock market, it is up to the cruise line to "stay afloat".  PS- Did you see what happened to the stock price on Wednesday?  Tanked!

2 hours ago, dreams_of_travel said:

Yes, unfortunately it was.  I was not expecting my travel friend to pay up before final date.  No big deal, though.  We did already get one repricing/rebooking that saved all three of us over $75 each.  Every little bit helps.  I have learned my lesson though, and will hold a little bit back until final just in case. 

They did match the price drop after alot of hassle/hold time.  But I was told that as they did this price match once I was not eligible for another one.  So be careful when you ask for it in case of another, larger drop!

OK by me- I was more concerned with taking the balcony for the same price as my oceanview than getting the $.  I was using FCC to pay for this cruise, and the FCC is still messed up.  Apparantly they are "auditing" FCC as they  issued some early FCC in error and are taking it back!  Seems like if they make the error they shouldn't take back.  In my case they transferred the FCC from my husband (deceased) to me, thought it was a duplicate "error", then took back all of it (mine & his).  If I charged my hourly rate on what I have had to spend with Princess on all the cancellations, refunds, FCC, etc. I would be rich! 

Just got off the phone with my PVP.  She has been wonderful, but Princess has been terrible.  After 9 cancellation we are going  to be on the Sept 30 sailing.  Still not paid in full as they pulled my FCC last Friday and she is trying  to get it restated!  Last night I saw that balcony cabins had dropped to what we are paying for an oceanview.  I asked for the cabin, but she was told for new bookings only!  After all the trouble to get my FCC right, change cruises, etc. they would not give me an upgrade.  I didn't ask for $, just a better cabin.  PS- ship seems to be at under 50% capacity, and there are very few cabins taken in the bottom balcony category.  Most are available. 

Next time- use a TA rather than PVP?   Doesn't seem that she can do much for us!  Any ideas? 

Cruise cancellation #9!  Our Sept cruise on Ruby was 5 day- santa Barbara, San Diego & Ensenada.  Replacement is a 5 day Cabo party cruise- sorry, not for me. 

Looking to find other cruises, and have others noticed price increases?  Everything I'd like to rebook is much more expensive!  Anyone have any experience in trying to rebook yet not pay heavy increase?  I'm looking at a 4 day - same cruise but without Santa Barbara, and even more than our 5 day!  Or a 7 day Calif coastal- but that is almost double our 5 day for 2 more days!  I guess it doesn't hurt to ask.....

DH is sick, and will probably not make it.  We have had 7 cruises postponed/cancelled, so we have alot of FCC.  I want to book my next cruise as my May 1st just got cancelled, but not sure if I should keep DH on the booking (as 2nd in cabin) and keep FCC, or change it to my sister, as she would be the one I'd end up cruising with anyway.  Anyone have any experience if cabin mate passes?  Should I just keep cabin for myself and save all FCC, or include my sister? 

2 hours ago, ALWAYS CRUZIN said:

How many years can I sit on the loss before I can no longer use it for my taxes. reason. I do not need to use it this year.

It is not your choice.  The loss will first be applied towards capital gains, then $3000 against other income.  Anything else will be carried over until used up (or the law changes!). 

John, you did great at $10.67 per share.  That may be a 52 week low. 

On 10/30/2020 at 4:46 PM, Purvis1231 said:

At this point it is every cruise. Right now if you have a cash it might be a good investment. If bought many years ago at $30.00 per share so I have lost money. 

As a CPA- here is some free tax advice I give my clients (and I use in this crazy Market).  If you sell at a loss, then wait 30 days (wash sale regulation) you can rebuy the stock, have a lower basis, but take the "loss" off your taxes (fully deduct against capital gains, $3000 loss max applied to other income).  Your risk is that in the 30 days you wait it could come back to your original cost, or go higher....

5 hours ago, eamondzhang said:

I would hope this is the case mate! We can use some more ships down here although I probably won't hold my breath for it.

 

Michael

Just got my cancellation notice on the star.  Cancellation #6 in the last 2 years, between health & Covid!  Left message with my PVP- we had alot of FCC on this trip, but only paid a $200 deposit.  Not sure if we get the FCC on the $200 paid, or can carry over the FCC.  For the $200 I think I'll pass and not get disappointed again.  Meanwhile, I did book an all-inclusive.  Will probably switch to that for my traveling in the future. 

1 hour ago, Jamman54 said:

They have to move those that were booked on the Inspiration and Imagination to the Radiance first, then they can open up bookings to everyone else. We were booked on the 10/17/21 Imagination sailing, and we received and email stating that our booking would be automatically moved to the Radiance. The email stated that it would be done by August 23rd, so new bookings wouldn't be open until then.

That makes sense.  We almost moved our Nov 2020 Imagination booking to 2021, but because of the rumors went with the Panorama.  We had a killer rate for the Nov 2020- would have been great to get that rate on a new ship.  Oh well, we'll wait and see what the new rates will be.  Doubt if it will be as low as what we had.  But we did get the OBC for moving the reservation.

1 hour ago, pc_load_letter said:

Wife looked today and they are not available. All that's available is Panorama.

 

On a side note, I was surprised by this move. That's a big ship for 3 and 4 day cruises. Wonder if they will mix in seven day cruises as well?

How big is the radiance?  Don't forget Carnival was able to fill 2 ships at 2,000 capacity on a regular basis.  But that is probably because of price point.  Wonder if they will sail a newer ship at the same prices?  Doubt if they will sail the radiance on 7 day- that is what the Panorama is doing. 

My PVP guessed reservations will open up this week- that is rumor, not Carnival announcement. 

Panorama has some killer deals- $309 for inside 7 day early in 2021.  Do you think we will be sailing by then?  If not- more FCC!

32 minutes ago, glrounds said:

 

I quite agree. I loved these "old" Fantasy class ships. They were always maintained in immaculate condition and had terrific crews. Great for a cheap weekend getaway. Frequently cruised them for $100 and even met others on board the booked last minute for NOTHING. Catalina and Ensenada had my favorite port places to go for great food and a rousing bucket of beers. 🙂

I talked with my PVP today to move a cancelled Imagination sailing to the Panorama.  He said "early next week" the Radiance should be available to book.  Calif residents may get a blurb under "deals"- watch for it.  I'm curious as to prices- we got some great deals on our short getaway cruises!  

5 minutes ago, tidecat said:

How well have the San Diego sailings sold? It just seems like any lost sailings out of San Francisco would just be given to Seattle/Vancouver if during the Alaska season, or San Diego if not. I guess Long Beach could now be in play as well since it looks like they've lost a ship.

I live in Orange County- about 45 min drive from Long Beach and maybe 50 min from San Diego.  The San Diego terminal has terrible parking, and not much of a cruise terminal.  The new Long Beach terminal is fantastic, and can cover the Los Angeles market much better than San Diego can (traffic on the 405 can be a beast!).  My guess is to put a larger ship on the 3/4 day runs. 

Don't forget about the Panorama- we were on their 3 or 4 sailing the first of January this year, and it is a fantastic ship!  Plus, with what NCL is charging for their 7 day Mexican Riviera run means Carnival is more than competitive. 

Also, remember Holland also sails from San Diego and Princess also sails from San Pedro, so we still have a few options for Southern Calif cruises without flying! 

29 minutes ago, CCLcruiser91 said:

Cruise Radio just reported that the Inspiration was sold:

 

https://cruiseradio.net/carnival-inspiration-reportedly-sold-heads-to-cruise-scrapyard/

 

We have a 4 day on the Imagination booked for this November.  When I went onto the website it showed the Inspiration as still having availability.  Guess they will take the deposit $, then move them over onto our sailing?  Seems like they should have taken off the Inspiration bookings completely, and just let the cruisers interested book onto the Imagination direct (which will probably be rescheduled also!)

2 hours ago, cvpends said:

Right?!?

No, I am sending e-mails confirming the conversations.  They are going to my Princess PVP, who is great.  She responds, which as an agent of Princess does bind them.  I agree, it may not be right to put the PVP or TA in the middle, but I am always polite and never take it out on them. 

Just now, pca7ggr said:

Oh happy day! In late June, we received a credit card refund for the cruise and this weekend a refund for the “non-refundable” flights (thankfully booked via Princess EZAir).  We are still awaiting an additional $400 (taxes/port fees/deposits) as well as promised future shipboard credit.  But so far so good. 

 

We cancelled, through our TA, a May Scandinavian cruise in April prior to Princess revised Cancellation Policy. She went back and forth with various Princess reps and supervisors getting a different story - FCC, air credit and/or credit card refund. Everything was by word-of-mouth - no email confirmations on what was told. 
 

it has been a frustration experience. So much so, that we cancelled an October 14 day New Zealand cruise. 

I've learned- get it in writing!  My PVP is great, and everytime I called her or Princess I'd send a confirming e-mail.  It always helps to have good documentation- "on this date I spoke to so&so who said..." or "to confirm our conversation- check was processed on..."

1 minute ago, 13cheermom said:

I have also been counting the days and next week we will be at the 120 day mark. Something to consider, they told me that the original cancellation wasnt noted that we wanted a full refund over the FCC, and now Im wondering if the days actually started after that point instead of back in March??  🤣🤣

We were told that somewhere through the process, and it seems like every time we called or contacted Princess we got a different story, yet they were all looking at the same "notes to my account"!  Just keep trying.  It got to the point I would have a weekly task "contact Princess for refund!"

On 7/11/2020 at 6:07 PM, 13cheermom said:

So are you saying you had Princess gift cards returned in the form of a check back to you?

Yes, the last $2000 was from gift cards.  I explained very early on- that DH is undergoing cancer treatments, need the money, and can't make any future plans.  I understand this is an exception, but once they said we could get the cash back (3 times we were told by 2 at customer service & our PCP that the gift cards would be refunded) it took almost 120 days. 

36 minutes ago, EZ1 said:

Finally got Princess refund for cruise June 27, canceled April 20.

Took the longest-80 DAYS!!

Strange that credit came in 4 different strange amts ( casino deal-paid $200 cabin deposit(onboard credit), port charges, & insurance. Still $96 less than total what i paid. Maybe that will come next week.

 

Yeah- finally received the last of my refund yesterday- 118 days later- on my May 2020 Panama Canal Cruise.  I cancelled one day before Princess did- but my PVP held it over 1 day (she must have known what was going on) so I should have been one of the first in the que!  Opted for cash + FCC.  Finally after 60 days put in a dispute on my credit card- Princess finally resolved that issue June 4- almost 90 days!  Part was paid with gift cards, which I was told (in the first written a written e-mail & in 3 other phone calls) that I could get a check back.  That is what came yesterday- 118 days later! 

Got a great deal on a May 2021 cruise to use my FCC but I don't even look at the ads or e-mails anymore until they start cruising again. 

45 minutes ago, merryjewelhound said:

I kept my original gift cards that I printed out when I purchased them. I have received my refunds from a Back to Back cruise, part was refunded to my credit card and the rest were on the gift cards. I have a cruise booked for late next year and I reused the gift cards and pin numbers on that. All that was owed to my by Princess has been returned.

My TA told me back in March when our May cruise was cancelled that we could get the cash back on our gift cards ($2000 + $100 bonus).  Now 90 days later we are on our third set of excuses.  Told that refund was "in process" by a 3rd party vendor?  After issuing a credit card dispute we finally got the first $3k refund back to our credit card (took 90 days, we filed for full refund on day 1 of the cancellation period!).  After hearing stories of how the gift cards are finally being replaced maybe I should try that route?  We have a future booking for May 2021, depending upon DH health. 

Good for those who have finally manuevered out of this maze! 

3 hours ago, dockman said:

 thanks capt obvious....the point being that at least i have the opportunity to cash out a nice profit if i so choose.

Not sure when or if I'll be selling my 100 shares, so i went and put in for my OBC for 2 cruises deposited- Carnival in November 2020 and Princess in May 2021.  Received the Princess confirmation of OBC the next day- Carnival onfirmation took about 4 days.  Happy with my small investment.  Have used it for 2 prior cruises, plus prior dividends!  I'm a happy campler.  Now if only Princess would refund for my cancelled cruise- I'd be ahead of the game. 

Used to have RCI stock, but their shareholder OBC credit (including Celebrity cruise line) can't be used with hardly any fares.  I was better off taking reduced fares, and selling my RCI stock!