Blk_Amish

Thanks for your reply - I'm aware it's hurricane season which is why the cruise was quite reasonable :) - however I'm still at a loss as to understand why teens wouldn't be on this cruise if they're not back to school yet :confused:

 

Cruise from Southampton in the UK are always full of teens in the Summer break (from end July to beginning of Sept) - so why not with the American kids?

My kids get out at the end of May. By late summer I am tired of them and usually broke. I hate to travel late summer, too hot and uncomfortable. Summer vacation for us is in late June to early July to avoid the hoard of kids.

Thanks for your post! Yes, it is up to Princess and it worked out well for both Princess and for us! It also worked out well for our airlines, they gave us a full refund with our letter from the hospital.

It might kill some to know things work out for you but I am happy for you. It's nice to hear happy endings since many don't get the chance or care to return and share it. We are stuck with those who think it never happen or it shouldn't happen.

Good Luck

Pauline

OP here - Thanks for everyone's comments. Couple of clarifications. Sorry about the NC/SC typo. We didn't blame Princess for the cold weather and we weren't at all angry about it but even Princess agreed that they should have done the cruise a week earlier.

 

Charleston wasn't cold at all and the tour took us to the first site and gave us only 45 minutes to be back on the bus then had us sit in the parking lot with no explanation for almost an hour before taking us to the second site where we arrived 10 minutes before closing. So on a half day tour we had less than an hour at the sites and saw far less than half of what we had been told we would see.

 

Note also that we weren't the only ones complaining - there were three coaches on the tour and by the time I got to the tour desk to complain there were already dozens others there doing the same thing - and demanding full refunds.

 

As for the credit, AMEX DID resolve it in my favor and issued the credit and then, two months after the cruise, Princess charged my account for it again! They're not giving up so why should I?

 

As to the thought that no other cruise line would issue a complete refund, that's just not so. On Azamara I was given a full refund for a tour that went awry without even asking and even Princess issued a full refund on a more costly Alaska tour that I thought actually deserved at most 50%.

 

But what really frosted me here is that once the dispute was resolved in my favor Princess just charged me again. Elite or not, I just won't do business with a company like that. We've been booking Azamara a lot more lately and been extremely pleased with them.

Thanks for the follow up post. Too many times many don't return which fuel some posters torch to flame and call OP names. Stay or go, there are many other vacation types and lines as you know lines. In most cases, unless you have a personal guarantee from someone to refund the full amount, it probably won't happen. This might be the straw for you to move up, move away and try other things. Good luck because they are always someone to say I got nothing or less but was happy to be able to cruise. Others ask and often get lucky but I would think 50% is fair. I rarely use ship excursions for this particular reason. Happy Cruisin'

Pauline

Again' date=' this is the little nugget of info that many of us will disagree with you on. [/quote']

 

I would very much expect. Gladly no one here is the voice of Princess, or any other line. If so, I probably would NEVER book. I am very selective who I give my vacation dollars or should I say points to.:D I have no problem paying for others stupidity/bad judgement because I know others have paid for mine. It would be nice to know how these situations end, but that will never happen.

 

OP- if you lost the battle on this I promise I can help you recoup with points by churning. If you receive a token from Princess, know I will be extremely happy for you. We enjoyed Maui and therefore sad many weren't able to visit.

 

Pauline

In essence' date=' rarely is anything really for free. For those using miles earned on credit cards, some may be paying a higher interest rate, unless they pay off the whole balance each month. Obviously some aren't; else, how would the company be able to offer perks. Many of the rewards involve stipulations (black out dates, etc.) that might mean compromising on one's part. Even my recently deceased cousin who was a media broker: he didn't get trips, restaurant dinners, etc., for free; thus, the word "broker." He traded a company's products or services for free air time (think game show prizes). And even when you get a "freebie," if it's over a certain amount, there are often requirements for reporting to the IRS (while the previous mayor of Los Angeles was still in office, he got into trouble for accepting gifts such as Lakers tickets and not reporting them to the IRS as gifts).[/color']

 

.

For the most part you are wrong but so be it. I used over $7,000 (Hawaii, Jamaica, Carnival cruise, trip to DC) in travel in 2013, with no block out date, some cards requiring a one time purchase ( a pack of gum), zero interest and and annual for the for the first year. In 2012 I used $5000 free toward travel ( Hawaii, Jamaica, Canada). This is not opinion stated as fact, no friend or cousin scenario but My actual travel experience, trips with pics. Next, I am flying from LAX/FLL for free, no restriction on date and time, 2 nights hotel for free, and a real check so far for $650 toward the cruise. I guess they do it the way way Princess did on the free cruise promo. For those who feel a pull on the pocket, there are way to get your fair share in the travel maze or more for me.

As for the OP, if she was a smart traveler several of those cruises should have been free or she needs to be my friend. I hope she enjoys the rest of the cruise regardless of the outcome. I hope to get the nasty taste out of so many passengers mouth, Princess step up to make possible the Complete Escape, promised but clearly not delivered.

I guess to understand churning you have to do it and then you know other than Salvavation travel can be free with no restriction:D

Down 3.5 pounds. I have eliminated wine, drank more water, and more homemade soup. Best of all I have back to a serious workout routine that I was slacking off for awhile. Trying to work my butt off which is holding on for life.

I wouldn't call it George or Princess quite yet. If the tour happened, no matter how poorly executed, chances are they won't refund 100%. You got something, just not what you paid for or expected.

Pauline

If they are smart travelers I would guess a good percentage of those cruises were FREE or heavily discounted. I can't recall in the past 10 years where apart if not all of my vacations weren't comp. Now, I am terrible worried who subsidized them:D

For all who were affected by the tragedy, I hope you get a chance to see Hawaii they way you planned. It's truly and amazing state.

Dress as you please. Most people seemed to on my recent Princess cruise. Jeans with holes, thongs (flip flops) and even a singlet (wifebeater) were seen on formal nights.

 

It was a disturbing juxtaposition between well dressed passengers and those who looked like they were dressed to wash their cars or do some gardening.

 

About half the passengers dressed according to the official dress code. I was rather shocked and it did downplay the elegance of evenings on board.

Honestly, I did not even see this on Carnival. I am mentioning Carnival because of the more casual dress code and it was my last cruise. Few times I read something and think I really don't beleive, since I try to take things at face value.

What ship and sailing?

Pauline

Precisely. I am onboard the Star right now. We aided in the search along with the Grand. I overheard a woman that was very upset' date=' she had booked this cruise specifically to visit Maui, and we missed Maui and will substituting Kona instead.

 

I am very fortunate to have traveled many times to Hawaii, but for many people this is a once in a lifetime journey. I can understand their disappointment at missing their chance to visit a place they had always wanted to see.[/quote']

 

I can imagine the heart break for some of the passengers, since Hawaii is a dream, literally once in a lifetime trip. My first trip to Hawaii was to the Big Island. The Big Island was great but Maui and Kauai were my image of Hawaii so we went back to experience. I loved Kona because I am really not a beach person and happy hour started as early as 11 am. Hilo for me was about Hawaii because of the greenery and lushness. However Kona is the only place I smelled more weed and listened to more Reggae than in Jamaica. There is Hawaiian music to the Reggae beat, fantastic.

 

The act that caused it is one that anger and bother many people, not nature as one learn not to question. The fact is, the act of the crew member took a lot of passengers' dream with him. If this was another passenger, I am sure many would not be as understanding. A matter of fact some have posted differently on the matter, and would have the ship pulling into Maui before it was due.

 

Sad for the family, crew, and the passengers who watched their dream sailed by!

I was driving in Tulum, South of Cancun, taking the back roads when my DD (6 at the time) said, Mexico is like Jamaica with better roads. My DS (9 at the time) added and without the ganja. It's a proud moment when your children can identify differences and similarities in their travel destinations.

I would love to see Mazatlan back on the itinerary. It doesn't feel like an extension of the US, like some of the other ports. Fingers crossed because I could drive to port again.

Pauline

There are people who understand the goodwill gesture and those who believe nothing is for free, and they are paying or subsidizing. We won't change each others mind. We will never know if Princess stepped up as I hoped or stand ground as others wish.

PunkiC- I churn cards and it's deciding where to next. FREE tip -Barclays Arrive card, 40K miles after spending $1000 in 3 months. That's $400 toward travel;) Princess could get one of these cards, put a few bills on it, and before you know it, there will be enough $$$ to pass on without anyone feeling the pinch in their pocket. I need to apply for a job at Princess because I can create win-win situations:D

It IS coming out of my pockets. Who do you think pays the money to keep Princess going. Who do you think pays the money to give to people who do not plan ahead and think that the world owes them money to make up for their lack of planning.

 

You are with your cruise fare. Princess is not a charity and they don't owe these people 1 cent.

 

DON

You must be hurting with all the free cruise Princess has been giving away. Forgive me, with all the free rides, I thought it was theirs to give . I guess I should say I feel your lost, so what's another give away . To help out your pocket, would you like my OBC. With my generosity, I am willing to help out your pocket. It seems more to your pocket than mine. It's all about passing it on for some. If you want to know how to book most of your next cruise for free, can help too :D

Pauline.

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I think it's pretty naive for anyone to feel that Princess should "do something" for this couple. Better if all the extra money (flights' date=' hotels, etc) and much shorter cruise by half serves as a lesson to them.

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Call me naive, but I am willing to bet they will, as they did in a lesser case on my cruise. I would rather to be proven naive than post in a selfish way they should do NOTHING. I at least want to wish them the best outcome. Not many share the goodness of the company because of the negative vibes towards those who get a break. We may never know how truly hospitable the company is because we would rather believe they always allow people get whats coming to them. No, that the job of the posters, not necessarily the company. This is not about entitlement or obligation but goodwill. It should not take much to wish goodwill when things go wrong, regardless of fault.

On this one I will own naive or faith in a company:D Yes, I believe the line should reimburse her as a goodwill gesture.

Pauline

I may have missed it, but I didn't see where the OP was stating their friends were blaming others or the cruise line. I also didn't see where they communicated the friends were expecting compensation. These are experienced cruisers and I'm sure they are aware of the cruise lines liability (0) in this scenario and that they took a chance that caught up with them (both flying in same day and no insurance).

 

I still maintain that while it is the cruiser's "fault" for not purchasing insurance -- that a goodwill gesture from Princess would not be out of line for the additional flight when the first port of call was missed. I certainly wouldn't expect it and it is not Princess's responsibility, but I think it would show some class to do so as missing that port was also not due to weather or something the cruiser's could foresee occurring. If they were able to board when they flew to the port after missing the embarkation, I would feel a little differently.

 

Regardless, a good story to have on CC for all those that ask "should I fly in the same day?" or "should I buy insurance?".

I AGREE. I guess with a month to go I should buy coverage for my trip. A big chunk is free, so I have to see how that goes.

Now, I can't ever figure out the hostility some have about others getting a break, in a case where there is clear usual circumstance. Yes, I think it's pretty selfish to think any act of kindness or generosity has to come at someone's expense. I have all the confidence in the world that Princess will provide a goodwill gesture, not out of obligation but generosity. We still live in a world where that exist, my neck of the woods anyways. After all, being a heart patient, I got a real (human) heart value for FREE. Forget about Princess, I would be the first one to offer a helping hand if these people needed it, passing it on! If you are not getting anything for free (Salvation, travel) you are not living or doing things right.

From doing more land trips (Mexico, Jamaica and US ) and staying put in a place for days not hours, I have seen incredibly stupid tourists. Tourists getting off the ship seeking weed/ganja and or sex. In Ocho Rios (I am a local as well) someone 'offered' me $3000, for my time. I got to admit I was impressed until I found out it was local currency:eek:. I told them to save it for the tip. If you got on the ship not knowing that you need a nice outfit and tip, you should not be allowed off at ANY port. Your ignorance could cause harm to yourself and others. The first sea day should be a check of those who should be left off. You should know 5 important facts about the port before given permission to leave the ship, along with tip and a nice outfit. Anyway this port is considered safe so hopefully the ships will return for those who love the country as much as I do. It would NOT be good if everyone got off, too crowded.

I travel a lot so if I avoid places where bad things happened I would literally have to stay home. Got picked pocket in Barcelona, got pulled over by the cops in Mexico, almost mugged in San Francisco, almost got tramped in NY, had a relative murdered in DC, called the N word while traveling with my hubby too many times over the past 2 decades. I almost got ran over in Rome for looking up at building than looking out for cars. Traffic is Rome in horrible when walking.

There is a sweet spot on this planet for eveyone, let's find it.

I want to clear up some misconceptions about Mazatlan.

 

First of all --- NO cruise passengers have been harmed in Mazatlan. If you can prove me wrong, take your best shot !!!

 

Second -- Mazatlan has spent millions of dollars beefing up security and installing surveillence cameras all over the city in order to show the cruise lines that they value the cruise business. That is why some of the cruise lines have resumed calling at that port.

 

Mazatlan has a lot to offer and I have no fear of going into the city or to Stone Island.

 

Those who choose to be afraid because of the past news media efforts to stop the tourism are missing a lot !.

Considering how incredibly stupid some of these travelers are, that's a true testament to how safe some of these ports are for TOURIST. After all some are getting off the boat, who did not even realize getting on, they needed a decent outfit for the trip.

I love Mazatlan but on my last cruise I heard the usual complaints, too much Spanish, too dirty, too many Mexicans.

Princess Cruise 524 by ,

unfortunately the cruise line owes her nothing, you need travel ins for exactly this type of incident

Princess owes these people NOTHING. Next time, advise your friends to purchase insurance and tell them to stop blaming others and, instead, look at their own missteps.

Why do you guys act as if the cruise line giving a customer something is coming out of your pocket. It's called the hospitality industry for a reason. Princess throws these traveler a bone and they will be cruising with Princess in the after life. RCL, will and always be my favorite line because once they allowed me to cancel after final payment without penalty. I am leaving money in my will for my kids and grand kids to sail RCL at least once. It's hospitality not HOSTILEtality. People cruise and travel for FREE all the time. Its really not a big deal or that a great of a cost.

I recommend Princess offer these unfortunate souls a few hundred OBC or FCC, knowing they may never use it but will get a warm fussy feeling for it being offered. HOSPITALITY!

Pauline

Awesome. I think a cruise is a perfect place to put yourself "out there" and not be uptight. Everyone is there to have a good time.

The reason I prefer Carnival and RCL over Princess is seeing people having fun and enjoying themselves. Princess is proper and sometimes its about being naughty.

see this I would love!

I love to see people have silly fun. Yeah #10:D

RCL has Quest, sexy legs, and belly flop.

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I would be appalled if EVEN ONE PERSON complained about their dang cruise being disrupted by the sad suicide of a crew member. I don't believe ANYONE should be rewarded for NOT complaining!

 

I can't believe that anyone thinks "their" vacation is more important than attempting to rescue a person from drowning.

People have complained about their cruise being disrupted when other passengers have done this. I can't see this as any difference except it might be in Princess best interest to offer some kind of do over. I doubt a company offering a Complete Escape wants first time or infrequent cruisers be forever stuck with an employee suicide.

This is more than a case of a drowning person. It's an act some find selfish and unforgivable, it saddens but also angers.

No kidding, especially when the man & woman have to switch clothes...and someone forgets to wear a bra. :eek:

That show is wrong on so many different levels:D My team needed a bra and my DH, one of the most reserve guy on earth said, hon give the guy your bra. Before I know it this 200+ pounds guy was wearing my favorite gel bra. Things haven't hung right since. One point they asked people to demonstrate their favorite 'postion'. It made me blush and that's no easy task!

I like when people take their nose from up in the air and have fun, not take things too seriously. My friends know until they have been there and done that, keep it to themself. I don't knock anything until I tried it once, twice if I really like it, then it becomes a habit:D

:rolleyes: That's funny, I never hear this argument in the real world....only on these boards.

Thank you. I would not have friends or keep company with that type. We should be careful about the company we keep or the ones we discuss things with. Who is this everyone, kinda like they say :D

The Quest show on RCL makes the hairy chest contest mild. I can't imagine what the argument for that is.

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Thx for the info. I appreciate you taking the time to answer.

I have done this port many times but not recently, kinda Mexico out:D

When you get off the ship there are buses offering rides into town and this the tour to La Bufadora. There is also shopping in this area. If something is labeled one of a kind or only a few, it's a must see for me.

My take on Jamaica and Mexico, they are crazy not stupid. American toursits provide money for them to wage war aganist each other. Why hurt the goose that laid the golden egg, then everyone gets what the duck got:eek: Knowing there are some stupid tourists (met a few) who don't know how to mind their own business, I can understand the caution on part of the cruise lines.

Hi Andy,

 

 

I appreciate the retraction.

 

I will be on that cruise.....

 

You should try it sometime, it isn't what You think it is....it's better !

 

Sabrina

Lead people not into temptation, they can get there by themselves :D

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