"Sun-Drenched Deals" and Non-refundable Deposits

[JohnS43]

I was browsing the Princess website for a potential next cruise and came across one that piqued my interest. When I clicked on it, the "Sun Drenched Deals" banner appeared on the page-- a promotion I was unaware of, but which apparently involves somewhat lower fares or a discount of some sort.

 

Anyway, I did a partial booking to see what was available, but when I got to the payment information page, there was a big notice across the top of the page saying that deposits for this cruise were non-refundable under any circumstances. And since the cruise in question was for later this year, I believe the deposit was the FULL fare.

 

Well, I don't know about you, but I'm hesitant to commit to a large payment (more than $5K) if it's non-refundable under any circumstances. Does that mean there's no point in purchasing insurance or travel protection, at least from Princess? I would think that private (i.e., non-Princess) insurance would have to cover you, but I'm new to this.

 

Any thoughts or comments? Thanks for your advice.

Edited August 25, 2016 by JohnS43

[JF - retired RRT]

If you booked it and bought any "cancel for any reason" insurance, then had to cancel, the insurance would reimburse you.

It would be a PITA, but you'd get your $$ back eventually.

It's my understanding that Princess insurance gives you a cruise credit in the amount of the booking. Other insurance likely gives reimbursement in $$ once you completed the required paperwork.

[Working 2 Cruise]

The deposit would only be full fare if the cruise is after final payment. Before final payment, only a deposit is required, which would be non-refundable.

[easyboy]

If you booked it and bought any "cancel for any reason" insurance, then had to cancel, the insurance would reimburse you.

It would be a PITA, but you'd get your $$ back eventually.

It's my understanding that Princess insurance gives you a cruise credit in the amount of the booking. Other insurance likely gives reimbursement in $$ once you completed the required paperwork.

My travel insurance only pays 75% of trip cost if I cancel for any reason. I don't know the others.

[JohnS43]

The deposit would only be full fare if the cruise is after final payment. Before final payment, only a deposit is required, which would be non-refundable.

 

Maybe I misunderstood, but it seemed like they were demanding payment of the full cost of the cruise as the deposit (i.e., to hold/book the cruise). This was last week for a cruise that departs on 12/4/16. Does that sound right?

Edited August 25, 2016 by JohnS43

[Astro Flyer]

I was browsing the Princess website for a potential next cruise and came across one that piqued my interest. When I clicked on it, the "Sun Drenched Deals" banner appeared on the page-- a promotion I was unaware of, but which apparently involves somewhat lower fares or a discount of some sort.

 

Anyway, I did a partial booking to see what was available, but when I got to the payment information page, there was a big notice across the top of the page saying that deposits for this cruise were non-refundable under any circumstances. And since the cruise in question was for later this year, I believe the deposit was the FULL fare.

 

Well, I don't know about you, but I'm hesitant to commit to a large payment (more than $5K) if it's non-refundable under any circumstances. Does that mean there's no point in purchasing insurance or travel protection, at least from Princess? I would think that private (i.e., non-Princess) insurance would have to cover you, but I'm new to this.

 

Any thoughts or comments? Thanks for your advice.

I don't know if this upcoming 3 for Free promotion has the non-refundable requirement but you might consider waiting until 9/6.

 

For my booking for early next year the Sun Drenched offer is the same price however with a previous promotion we got free gratuities which was better than the SD promotion.

 

As said with Princess insurance you would receive either a 75% or 100% of non-refundable payments in future cruise credit including your NR deposit when cancelling for any reason. If cancelling for a covered reason then your refund is in cash.

 

Princess Vacation Protection:

 

http://www.princess.com/learn/faq_answer/pre_cruise/prepare.jsp

 

http://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/faq_answer_legal/Princess_Vacation_Protection.pdf

 

3 for FREE (September 6 - November 16, 2016)

 

Your Cruise Specialist TA will have the sailings and details shortly .

 

 

Back by popular demand! Princess Cruises’ popular 3 For FREE Sale an incredible value for booking your cruise or Land & Sea vacation!

 

With 625 cruises – all destinations sailing Summer 2017 through Spring 2018 – on sale, the options are endless!

• FREE stateroom location upgrade†

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Edited August 25, 2016 by Astro Flyer

[riclop]

I was browsing the Princess website for a potential next cruise and came across one that piqued my interest. When I clicked on it, the "Sun Drenched Deals" banner appeared on the page-- a promotion I was unaware of, but which apparently involves somewhat lower fares or a discount of some sort.

 

Anyway, I did a partial booking to see what was available, but when I got to the payment information page, there was a big notice across the top of the page saying that deposits for this cruise were non-refundable under any circumstances. And since the cruise in question was for later this year, I believe the deposit was the FULL fare.

 

Well, I don't know about you, but I'm hesitant to commit to a large payment (more than $5K) if it's non-refundable under any circumstances. Does that mean there's no point in purchasing insurance or travel protection, at least from Princess? I would think that private (i.e., non-Princess) insurance would have to cover you, but I'm new to this.

 

Any thoughts or comments? Thanks for your advice.

 

The deposit is not the full fare.

[Astro Flyer]

Maybe I misunderstood, but it seemed like they were demanding payment of the full cost of the cruise as the deposit (i.e., to hold/book the cruise). This was last week for a cruise that departs on 12/4/16. Does that sound right?

That doesn't sound right because final payment is 75 days before sailing & only then are you're required to make payment in full when making a reservation.

Edited August 25, 2016 by Astro Flyer

[caribill]

I don't know if this upcoming 3 for Free promotion has the non-refundable requirement but you might consider waiting until 9/6.

 

 

OP's cruise is this year.

 

3 for Free only applies to "all destinations sailing Summer 2017 through Spring 2018"

[GweninTX]

Wish I had a travel agent that let me know about future princess sales! Thanks for letting me know about 3 for free! Love that promo!

 

 

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[skynight]

Maybe I misunderstood, but it seemed like they were demanding payment of the full cost of the cruise as the deposit (i.e., to hold/book the cruise). This was last week for a cruise that departs on 12/4/16. Does that sound right?

If your cruise is 30 days or less then the last day for final payment is 75 days before, or September 21st. Assuming your cruise is 30 days or less if you book now under the Sun Drenched Deal promo you would lose any deposit paid if you cancel before September 21st. After Sept 21st there is a cancellation fee schedule scaled to when you cancel. The non-refundable deposit is no longer in play. This is when your travel insurance takes over.

 

If your cruise is over 30 days then final payment is due 120 days before and you would now be inside the cancellation penalty period. Full payment would be due upon booking and travel insurance would handle any cancellation. The non refundable deposit is not in play.