Back to the "old" OBC leftover policy

[SOLIVITA LADY]

These weren't Princess reps. These were management personnel in Customer Relations and we went three levels up the supervisory chain within that dept.

 

Which only goes to prove that what you are told and what happens on the ship can be different. I am my own woman and decide for myself what to do. Why do you care if I wait to see what happens on board? You made you decision and apparently cancelled the cruise, that was YOUR decision.

 

Jackie

 

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[PescadoAmarillo]

I am looking at booking my first Princess cruise and am a firm believer in getting whatever you can.

Having said that, when 7 different OBC's are available for a

single cruise, I believe Princess is degrading its own product.

Perhaps not in the short run but certainly in the long run.

It almost hints of desperation like the extreme car rebates of years ago.

I have no doubt that those with multiple and extensive OBC believe these are earned

and would disagree with me. I would disagree with me too if I had all these "gifts". ;)

 

Hinting of desperation? That boat sailed ;) last winter when Princess allowed passengers to cruise for free, get cash for OBCs on the free cruise and cash for OBCs on the cruise on which they used their cruise credit. Pay for one cruise, get two, PLUS get cash back twice. It's a helluva business model.

[billco]

 

I realize that I am in the minority but we all have our opinions.

 

Mike:)

Funny. My opinion has been pretty much the opposite and I feel I am in the minority.

[shepp]

On the CB we had both types of OB credit & on the first night opened a casino account & transferred it all to that account on 9/25 as soon as the casino opened. I decided not to use it for gambling & cashed out on 9/27 and here I sit with cash in hand tonight ready to continue on for the second leg of the trip. All gratitude's will be billed to my credit card as expected along with all our purchases.

 

Years ago, before OBCs were refundable, I tried The Casino Trick and was told - and I quote - "This casino is not an ATM." Seems the Big Computer had out-thunk me. I had to whine to eventually get my cash, and was told my behavior would, a la Ferris Bueller, go down on my permanent record and not to try it again.

 

So though I'm sure you're proud of getting your cash, I wouldn't count on it in the future. Strictly a YMMV.

[DMRick]

Just because a credit in your Personalizer does not have an asterisk, that does not mean it is refundable.

I don't understand..then what is the point of the asterisk? And why are some of those with SH OBC asterisked and some aren't?

[RMM34667]

I think it's time for all these OBC threads to be combined.

 

I hope that recent cruisers update and share their experiences (like Pam and Lovetocruiseprincess did).

 

Let's get some more real experiences shared instead of conversations with Princess Rep, Customer relations and speculations on how this is going to play out.

[suzyed]

What did your Cruise Personalizer and your Travel Summary show? I just checked both and we have five categories of OBC listed for our upcoming cruise (Passenger Relations, Travel Agent Promotion, Onboard Sales Promotion, Shore Excursion Credit, and Shareholders Benefit). Both still show that only the Passenger Relations amount has an asterisk which indicates this:

 

*Please enjoy using these credits onboard as they are not refundable.

 

Travel agents also have access to a screen that itemizes the OBC with an indication of refundable / non refundable next to each type.

 

It doesn't seem that a ship can change the rules if a passenger had been provided with information prior to the cruise that refunds would be available for some of the OBC. Hopefully you've spent it all!

 

The only OBC that shows on my personalizer is my TA's OBC and my shareholder credits. It does not show the OBC, I got with my Princess Visa points. It also does not show that I pre-paid my gratuities and shore excursions. I also made some pre-cruise purchases such as coffee cards, wine, etc. They don't show either! Is this unusual?

[suzyed]

Thanks Pam...hope you had a good cruise and you'll have a smooth flight home. :D

 

Flights yesterday in the Chicago area were severely disrupted by an intentionally set fire at the en route air traffic control center which affected many flights. I don't know your routing but there still may be some residual effects so you may consider checking with your airline. I think that your normal routing home goes through ORD so there may still be delays there due to many passengers missing flights yesterday.

 

I just heard that they expect problems and delays for another 2 weeks! :eek:

[more cruises]

We just returned from a b2b2b on the Caribbean Princess. Our OBCs were all marked NR but that was the only difference. We had charges from the first leg transferred to the second leg and credits from the second leg transferred to the third leg.

 

We used the credits for gratuities and in the casino (plus dining, shopping and excursions)

 

If you find yourself with lots of extra OBC I highly recommend the balcony dining. It was a wonderful evening.

[Thrak]

The only OBC that shows on my personalizer is my TA's OBC and my shareholder credits. It does not show the OBC, I got with my Princess Visa points. It also does not show that I pre-paid my gratuities and shore excursions. I also made some pre-cruise purchases such as coffee cards, wine, etc. They don't show either! Is this unusual?

 

No, this is not unusual. I have purchased gift OBC for myself and that doesn't show either. The Princess rep can see it in another place. If you speak with them on the phone they can see the other OBC and verify it for you but it won't show on your personalizer.

[RMM34667]

We just returned from a b2b2b on the Caribbean Princess. Our OBCs were all marked NR but that was the only difference. We had charges from the first leg transferred to the second leg and credits from the second leg transferred to the third leg.

 

We used the credits for gratuities and in the casino (plus dining, shopping and excursions)

 

If you find yourself with lots of extra OBC I highly recommend the balcony dining. It was a wonderful evening.

 

Thank you. Exactly what is needed. First hand experience.

[suzyed]

No, this is not unusual. I have purchased gift OBC for myself and that doesn't show either. The Princess rep can see it in another place. If you speak with them on the phone they can see the other OBC and verify it for you but it won't show on your personalizer.

 

Ok, good! Thanks Thrak! :D

[Astro Flyer]

The only OBC that shows on my personalizer is my TA's OBC and my shareholder credits. It does not show the OBC, I got with my Princess Visa points. It also does not show that I pre-paid my gratuities and shore excursions. I also made some pre-cruise purchases such as coffee cards, wine, etc. They don't show either! Is this unusual?

 

No, this is not unusual. I have purchased gift OBC for myself and that doesn't show either. The Princess rep can see it in another place. If you speak with them on the phone they can see the other OBC and verify it for you but it won't show on your personalizer.

 

Ok, good! Thanks Thrak! :D

Here's what it says on my Cruise Personalizer under Payments & Gifts:

 

"Please note that additional credits purchased as a gift for this booking will be available onboard even though they are not visible on this list".

Edited September 30, 2014 by Astro Flyer

[PunkiC]

I am never able to see my OBC on "My Princess" so I always have my TA send me a list right before we sail to make sure it all shows up on the ship.

[Astro Flyer]

I am never able to see my OBC on "My Princess" so I always have my TA send me a list right before we sail to make sure it all shows up on the ship.

 

Have you tried going to your Cruise Personalizer & selected Payments and Credits which is where I see my military, shareholder, FCC, TA & Princess OBC but not loyalty OBC.

Edited September 30, 2014 by Astro Flyer

[PunkiC]

Have you tried going to your Cruise Personalizer & selected Payments and Credits which is where I see my military, shareholder, FCC, TA & Princess OBC but not loyalty OBC.

 

Thank you. I had never before looked at that.

 

I am assuming that what they call Onboard Sales Promotion is what we call FCC. Correct?

 

What is onboard credit promotion?

 

Our stockholder credit doesn't yet show up, but it probably won't until we submit a new statement at the end of the year for our February and March cruises.

[Astro Flyer]

Thank you. I had never before looked at that.

 

I am assuming that what they call Onboard Sales Promotion is what we call FCC. Correct?

 

What is onboard credit promotion?

 

Our stockholder credit doesn't yet show up, but it probably won't until we submit a new statement at the end of the year for our February and March cruises.

 

Glad that you found it which was added a couple of months ago. :)

 

Onboard Sales Promotion = FCC

 

Onboard Credit Promotion = Princess OBC included with your booking

 

Were both of your Military Benefits OBC displayed? Recent processing time for shareholder has been hours or a couple of days & much better now.

Edited September 30, 2014 by Astro Flyer

[Lovetocruiseprincess]

I can tell you from someone that we spoke to on the Caribbean Princess sailing that was on the week before us and got off this morning with us what their experience was with OBC.

On last week's sailing they went down to the purser's desk and cashed out a good portion of their OBC. They had a lot of it including the $200 per person. They were able to get almost all of it out as cash.

For this last sailing they were notified that this was not the case. They were not able to cash out almost all of it.

 

I'm not sure how they went about doing it but I was on the 9/25 sailing with you & we got back every penny of our OBC. :confused:

 

What is a casino account?

 

Yes it was. Opening a casino account may have been the answer. Just requesting you money at the desk gives them the opportunity to look at the type of OBC you're asking for.

[billco]

Following is from a post I made to the Princess Facebook page. I think it is noteworthy that I didn't mention a specific cruise.

 

Me: I have heard there are changes to the Onboard Credit (OBC) policy. Namely designating some credits as refundable and others nonrefundable. These are designated on the Cruise Personalizer with an asterisk. What is confusing is OBCs on some cruises have asterisks, while other cruises do not for the same OBCs. Can you clarify?

 

Princess Cruises Hi Bill, we deeply apologize for your confusion! We hope this will clarify: The types of non-refundable OBCs consist of: Promotional offerings, group amenities, & shareholder benefits. OBCs that remain refundable include: Third party gifts, military benefits, & good will. Thank you for your continued loyalty and we look forward to seeing you soon!

 

Me Will this change on my personalizer for cruises that I have had booked, including the ones that I have made final payment. I have five cruises booked: 2 next month, 2 in Spring of 2015 and 1 in Fall of 2015. None of the personalizers show asterisks next to the OBCs including FCCS and Share holder benefit.

 

Princess Cruises Hi Bill, the policy has started rolling out across the fleet. It will in effect when you board Emerald Princess. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Like · 35 mins

[Thrak]

So, even though the credits are not listed on the personalizer as non-refundable, people will get the surprise when on their cruise. I really wonder who comes up with this sort of thing. It's never a good idea to spring a change on unsuspecting people.

 

As long as they don't mess with the OBC being used for the auto-tip I won't worry about it.

[hansi]

I don't really know what all the fuss is about. OBC is given as an incentive to spend money on the cruise and they obviously hope that you'll carry on spending after the OBC has gone. Personally, there has only been one cruise, where I have not spent all my OBC and on that occasion, I got refund. I have never had a problem spending it. If you've got a lot left, go and play in the casino. Who knows, you might even win:rolleyes:

[Iamcruzin]

I don't really know what all the fuss is about. OBC is given as an incentive to spend money on the cruise and they obviously hope that you'll carry on spending after the OBC has gone. Personally, there has only been one cruise, where I have not spent all my OBC and on that occasion, I got refund. I have never had a problem spending it. If you've got a lot left, go and play in the casino. Who knows, you might even win:rolleyes:

 

I think the only people who are upset are the people who would brag about coming home with more money than they started with. I guess enough passengers figured out the system and now the cruise line has put a stop to it. I realize that if you go on enough cruises you don't spend the same as those who are first time cruisers but honestly there must be a way to spend all of the OBC.

[bhopal21]

I think the only people who are upset are the people who would brag about coming home with more money than they started with.

 

You are exactly right and Princess read those boastful posts is the reason for this change.

 

I commend them for making this change.

 

Mike:)

[PescadoAmarillo]

Bill, that is hilarious. Our goodwill credits (all $90 worth) are our only OBCs that show as non-refundable in our TA's booking engine. Our military, CCL and FCC all show as refundable.

 

Sometimes the inconsistencies are worse than the most restrictive rules!!

[Dudleydog73]

You are exactly right and Princess read those boastful posts is the reason for this change.

 

I commend them for making this change.

 

Mike:)

 

As a shareholder I agree wholeheartedly. The only thing I will take exception to is if they restrict how much OBC will cover the daily hotel charge for gratuities.

 

People should not be looking at the cruise ship as an ATM cashing out OBC to pay for the cruise fare itself. OBC should be used to make your cruise more enjoyable while you are on the ship and any credit given by Princess (military credit aside) should end at that point if people fail to use it.