Do NOT purchase Princess Transfers

[Sitmar Lady]

We purchased Princess Transfers at a cost of $48 each. I just found out that we will have to wait at the airport for over 2 1/2 hours for them to shuttle us to the ship and on the return transfer, they said our flight was too early so they couldnt accomodate us. (FYI - the flight no where near too early).

 

The transfers are NON-REFUNDABLE so now we are left with a very long wait for a ride to the ship and even worse having to pay for a cab on the transfer out.

 

Princess Cruises did not notify us that our flight home was "too early" and the only way I found this out is because I called them to find out where to print the transfers. They said they sent us an e-mail notifying us. I can assure you, they did not do this. I read every Princess e-mail.

 

I requested to be reinbursed via on board credit and was refused. Conveniently, Princess Cruises was unable to allow me to give my survey at the end of this disturbing phone conversation.

[KirkNC]

This is a live and learn moment. We never you any cruiseline transfer. They are way over priced and as you found out, not always convenient.

Edited April 2, 2012 by KirkNC

[cattolica]

When did they make the transfers non-refundable? We have cancelled transfers before with no penalty.

[ONT-CA]

I suppose it's all in the eye of the beholder. Our flight was late arriving and I can't tell you how fortunate I felt when I saw the Princess sign and the rep. tell us they were waiting for us. Those on the bus may not have viewed us as the most beloved fellow passengers but we thanked them for their patience and our good fortune.

 

In another instance, we had been notified that our flight arrival was 15 minutes too late for the transfer and therefore we had to make our own and expensive arrangements. What a quandary to find the bus still waiting at the airport for other late passengers, a transfer which we could have used.

 

I guess it's the toss of the coin.

[redrightreturning]

What port?

[traveling psych nurse]

We have done Princess transfers twice fromVancouver to Seattle.We were spending the night in Seattle. On the first bus we had to get off the main road in Seattle to go around stopped traffic. The bus driver was knew the area very well and was able to get the people to the airport in time.We were very happy with them.:)Our TA booked the transfers for us and she was aware that flights had to be after a certain time to use them on the return trip.

[Shogun]

Hi There Sitmarlady,

 

Sorry to hear that you had such poor service,

 

all I can say is we have only had excellant service,

 

in Miami a Greyhound bus has been used to take us to the hotel,

 

no waiting and w were the only folks on the bus, this has happened on every trip,

 

in Barcelona we were kept on the ship until time to go to the airport

 

just a few hours before sailing, then a taxi straight to check in,

 

even a rep to show us the way,

 

yours Shogun

[waltd]

We have never had any issues with Princess Transfers but then we never buy the transfers for the return to the airport until we are on the ship. In Alaska we came in very late and the Prncess rep. was there with a taxi to the hotel.

[whatcruiseisnext]

Once you are onboard you will be able to turn in your return transfer at the pursers desk. We have done this before and it is not a problem. You will be refunded to yoru shipboard account.

[DeloreanGirl]

I can see both sides of the argument.

 

We booked RCCL transfers for our Alaska cruise and there was a long wait and line for the bus for a short trip. We ended taking a cab back to the airport after the cruise was done which was WAY faster and cheaper.

 

But we chose to buy the Princess transfer for our upcoming British Isles cruise. Sure, we get in at 8am and will probably have to wait till 9:30am for the first bus out. But whoa nelly I do not trust myself to drive on the left hand side all the way down to Southampton. And the private car fares were more expensive than the cruise line transfers. And taking the Tube and rail was an option but not thrilling with luggage.

 

So I suppose it depends on your airport and departure port. Sometimes it's a ripoff, and sometimes it pays for the peace of mind. :rolleyes:

 

*Edit* Just re-read the OP's post and saw that the trip back was deemed too early and that refund was denied. I will admit, that's pretty crappy on Princess' part. :(

Edited April 2, 2012 by DeloreanGirl

[Matcodixon]

I have used transfers more often than not. I have never had a bad experience. Our next cruise to the Mediterranean, we are using our own transportation to the hotel in Venice where we are staying at for 2 nights before boarding. The hotel is close to the cruise terminal so this is not a problem at all, however when we land in Barcelona, we have to get to the airport for a morning flight and since we also booked the air through Princess, a ship transfer is a nobrainer as it will make sure that we get there on time.

I would not use a Princess transfer if we are arriving a day or two early or are staying an extra day or two afterwards.

Edited April 2, 2012 by Matcodixon

[Pia1913]

We purchased Princess Transfers at a cost of $48 each. I just found out that we will have to wait at the airport for over 2 1/2 hours for them to shuttle us to the ship and on the return transfer, they said our flight was too early so they couldnt accomodate us. (FYI - the flight no where near too early).

 

The transfers are NON-REFUNDABLE so now we are left with a very long wait for a ride to the ship and even worse having to pay for a cab on the transfer out.

 

Princess Cruises did not notify us that our flight home was "too early" and the only way I found this out is because I called them to find out where to print the transfers. They said they sent us an e-mail notifying us. I can assure you, they did not do this. I read every Princess e-mail.

 

I requested to be reinbursed via on board credit and was refused. Conveniently, Princess Cruises was unable to allow me to give my survey at the end of this disturbing phone conversation.

 

Transfers from where? What airport? The only shuttles I know of that cost that much is from YVR to SEA and LHR to SOU.

[bdjam]

I buy the transfers anytime it's practical. Just the fact that they handle your luggage for you takes care of extra expense as far as I'm concerned. I've never had problems cancelling transfers - and as noted above, all you have to do is take the ticket they give you on board the the shore excursion desk and they will credit your account.

[cantwaitfornextcruise]

Hi There Sitmarlady,

 

Sorry to hear that you had such poor service,

 

all I can say is we have only had excellant service,

 

in Miami a Greyhound bus has been used to take us to the hotel,

 

no waiting and w were the only folks on the bus, this has happened on every trip,

 

in Barcelona we were kept on the ship until time to go to the airport

 

just a few hours before sailing, then a taxi straight to check in,

 

even a rep to show us the way,

 

yours Shogun

 

I think the thread is speaking about transfers booked by people who are cruise only, not package holiday booking from the UK where hotel and transfers are also included.

We have used return transfers several times without any issues; thanks it’s worth knowing they are now non-refundable

[sassyredhat]

PCL notified me on my personalizer that my flight was too early.

I had an excellent experience with their transfer though.

But, It cost me $20 to change my flight, and I did get through the airport quickly and had to wait.

Not a biggie for me. I would use them again. But~~the wait was tedious.

Pat

[shipsealand]

A number a years ago, we used Princess Transfer and Air. The flight they booked us on was close to sailing time but we had no concerns. While we were waiting to be processed thru, another couple asked if we had the Princess arrangements since they had not and were concerned about getting on the ship on time. When we said were were all Princess arrangements, they said that they would stick to us like glue knowing that at worse the ship would be held for us. Needs less to say we all got on the ship on time. I think they made it when we last saw them but it looked like they were scambling to find transport to the port. I feel sorry for them but they probably made it since they only had this last step to do. No way to start a cruise vacation just to save money which in comparison to the entire cruise cost is small.

[miched]

.

 

 

We learned a long time ago not to use the transfers. They will make you wait in the airport until around 11:30. That is when the first bus comes bringing the passengers from the ship. They don't want you at the pier.

 

The same goes for the transfers from the ship. We got off the ship at 8:30. Sat on that bus in the parking lot until 11:30. They then went to the airport in Ft Lauderdale. We then had to wait until the driver unloaded all the luggage. He then stood there with his hand out for a tip.

 

They don't want to make that "long" trip to the airport and drive back empty. Our flight was leaving at 1:00 pm. The security line was horrendous. A security worker came by asking if anyone was on certain flights as they would pull us out. She told us that we needed to get there earlier. I told her to talk to Princess as we were ready at 8:30.

 

It is about 1 mile to the airport and a cab at most is $10. Not worth paying Princess $20 each. I found this to be the same with all ports. Better to take a cab.

 

The last time we left out of FT Lauderdale we had a 1:30 flight. We got off the ship, took a cab and was at the airport at 8:40. We checked in and the clerk asked if we wanted the 9:00 flight. We accepted and she escorted us to the plane. There was no extra charges and we got home early.

 

 

.

[RickEk]

.

 

 

We learned a long time ago not to use the transfers. They will make you wait in the airport until around 11:30. That is when the first bus comes bringing the passengers from the ship. They don't want you at the pier.

 

The same goes for the transfers from the ship. We got off the ship at 8:30. Sat on that bus in the parking lot until 11:30. They then went to the airport in Ft Lauderdale. We then had to wait until the driver unloaded all the luggage. He then stood there with his hand out for a tip.

 

They don't want to make that "long" trip to the airport and drive back empty. Our flight was leaving at 1:00 pm. The security line was horrendous. A security worker came by asking if anyone was on certain flights as they would pull us out. She told us that we needed to get there earlier. I told her to talk to Princess as we were ready at 8:30.

 

It is about 1 mile to the airport and a cab at most is $10. Not worth paying Princess $20 each. I found this to be the same with all ports. Better to take a cab.

 

The last time we left out of FT Lauderdale we had a 1:30 flight. We got off the ship, took a cab and was at the airport at 8:40. We checked in and the clerk asked if we wanted the 9:00 flight. We accepted and she escorted us to the plane. There was no extra charges and we got home early.

 

 

.

 

It all depends on the ports... we've used transfers from Newark to Red Hook, SFO to San Francisco, but would never ever even consider using one in Fort Lauderdale. The airport is just too close and the transfer is completely unnecessary.

[Kamloops50]

We have always use Princess Transfers in Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale.

Never had a problem with them.:cool:

[Pam in CA]

We purchased Princess Transfers at a cost of $48 each. I just found out that we will have to wait at the airport for over 2 1/2 hours for them to shuttle us to the ship and on the return transfer, they said our flight was too early so they couldnt accomodate us. (FYI - the flight no where near too early).

 

The transfers are NON-REFUNDABLE so now we are left with a very long wait for a ride to the ship and even worse having to pay for a cab on the transfer out.

 

Princess Cruises did not notify us that our flight home was "too early" and the only way I found this out is because I called them to find out where to print the transfers. They said they sent us an e-mail notifying us. I can assure you, they did not do this. I read every Princess e-mail.

 

I requested to be reinbursed via on board credit and was refused. Conveniently, Princess Cruises was unable to allow me to give my survey at the end of this disturbing phone conversation.

Hi there, neighbor. What's missing from your post is what port, what time your flight was arriving and which airport, ship arrival time and your flight time home. There are some ports where using the Princess transfer makes a lot of sense and others where it doesn't. Your TA should have advised you with regards to the transfers and what times were OK or not. If you booked directly, you assume the responsibility for researching and knowing all of these in's and out's. The information is available and Princess will usually not alert you unless it's a required Visa to enter a country.

 

You couldn't be re-imbursed onboard because your transfer was purchased and paid for with your final payment. Different accounting system. Re-imbursements are made for transfers and other services purchased onboard. The only way you can be re-imbursed onboard for a transfer would be for the PSD to submit a report to Corporate along with your documentation and receive permission from Corporate to do so.

Edited April 3, 2012 by Pam in CA

[Woobstr112G]

The times we've used Princess transfers, we've beeen happpy with the service we received.

Bob

[OnVacation11]

But we chose to buy the Princess transfer for our upcoming British Isles cruise. Sure, we get in at 8am and will probably have to wait till 9:30am for the first bus out. But whoa nelly I do not trust myself to drive on the left hand side all the way down to Southampton. And the private car fares were more expensive than the cruise line transfers. And taking the Tube and rail was an option but not thrilling with luggage.

 

 

You may not have to wait that long... Last year your flight got into LHR at 6am and the Princess rep was there with a minivan for us and other 2 couples. We were in our hotel shortly after 8 am !

[highheel girl]

Many use princess transfers everyday and don't have an issue.

I agree with those that use them in ports with limited accessibility.

I would not use them in a port such as FLL. ;)

[Northender]

We booked Princess Transfers for our cruise from Whittier to the Seattle Airport. We then decided to go stay in Seattle for a couple of days and used a private transfer company. Princess drops you at the airport only. So we cancelled our Princess transfer with no problem.:)

 

We do use a TA and he did all the work.:D

[kittycat1234]

This is a live and learn moment. We never you any cruiseline transfer. They are way over priced and as you found out, not always convenient.

 

I also would never purchase one