Upgrading at Princess

[Thrak]

I do lots of shopping and have not been able to find these deals from TA's that are significantly better than what I have been able to find booking direct. Maybe I do not know the right TA or how to ask.

 

For example, I am currently booked on Emerald January 25th on a deal I got in an email (targeted?) from Princess that is $100pp lower than I can find on TA sites, and includes $100pp OBC. I am not sure why they offered that to me, but I am happy to take it. No, it was not a Casino deal, we never use the Casino.

 

I guess you just have to shop around and take the best deal, whether it is from from a TA or direct. I would like to know what TA some are using to get these discounts, as I have not been able to find them.

 

I don't think the TA sites are allowed to actually advertise discounted rates but a good TA (not necessarily one from those sites you've checked) can discount the price. Many people here get discounted pricing and use the same TA (or go back and forth between a couple of them) every time. They contact their TA (or two) and ask what kind of pricing they can get for the cruise they want and they seem to consistently pay less than Princess is advertising.

 

I don't know if many TAs can offer better prices on all cabin types - for instance they may not be able to do much with inside pricing - but I don't believe for a second that people (Pam for instance) are lying when they say they consistently get discounted pricing from their TA.

[Coral]

I don't think the TA sites are allowed to actually advertise discounted rates but a good TA (not necessarily one from those sites you've checked) can discount the price. Many people here get discounted pricing and use the same TA (or go back and forth between a couple of them) every time. They contact their TA (or two) and ask what kind of pricing they can get for the cruise they want and they seem to consistently pay less than Princess is advertising.

 

I don't know if many TAs can offer better prices on all cabin types - for instance they may not be able to do much with inside pricing - but I don't believe for a second that people (Pam for instance) are lying when they say they consistently get discounted pricing from their TA.

 

Of the TAs who discount, they usually rebate a % back to their clients from their commission. In this case, it doesn't matter what category you book. For example, some will take 10% off of the cruise fare (not taxes and fees). So in this case, it doesn't matter what category you book. Though, know that if you have a $200 cruise (including fees), there is very little to discount.

 

As far as some categories getting better discounts. If TA's get group pricing, it is on certain categories and then they can lock in the price on those categories. If the price goes up, these categories can be a lot cheaper than what Princess offers as Princess's price fluxuates on supply and demand.

Edited December 18, 2014 by Coral

[Coral]

I do lots of shopping and have not been able to find these deals from TA's that are significantly better than what I have been able to find booking direct. Maybe I do not know the right TA or how to ask.

 

For example, I am currently booked on Emerald January 25th on a deal I got in an email (targeted?) from Princess that is $100pp lower than I can find on TA sites, and includes $100pp OBC. I am not sure why they offered that to me, but I am happy to take it. No, it was not a Casino deal, we never use the Casino.

 

I guess you just have to shop around and take the best deal, whether it is from from a TA or direct. I would like to know what TA some are using to get these discounts, as I have not been able to find them.

 

A TA will often ask your phone number or captain circle number so that they can see all the rates that you are eligible for so a TA would be able to offer you the same price (or better) that Princess offers. If you are just surfing looking for the same date and sailing, you won't see the prices that you are eligible for. Princess does this also but they know this when you login who you are.

 

Also, agents can not advertise discounted prices. They can advertise flash prices but not discounted prices. You often need to contact them for this (by phone or email). When you cruise next, ask some fellow cruisers who they use and then next time, get quotes from them also.

 

There definitely are targeted promos. I am trying to get someone to cruise in April and my rate for a balcony is $400 lower than her rate and she is new to Princess.

Edited December 17, 2014 by Coral