Purchasing Internet Package

[Ombud]

Thanks @Steelers36for trying to keep it all straight. And 

27 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

All I care about is how to get the discount and what is the best time to book the internet understanding their pricing scheme.

+100%

[racj846]

@Steelers36Any chance your high up and connected  contact has acknowledged just how bad this app rollout has been?

[PacnGoNow]

On 7/23/2021 at 2:55 AM, Ombud said:

Thanks @Steelers36for trying to keep it all straight. And 

+100%

Could anyone let us know what they find out in the internet prices?  Are they going to discontinue our free minutes for Platinum and Elite?  Do we have to pre purchase now to get the 50% off once OB?  Will they offer a full voyage discount for some cruises?  Will the 50% discount apply on the full voyage price?

I called PCL, but they had no idea what was changing. 😞

[Ombud]

2 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

Could anyone let us know what they find out in the internet prices?  Are they going to discontinue our free minutes for Platinum and Elite?  Do we have to pre purchase now to get the 50% off once OB?  Will they offer a full voyage discount for some cruises?  Will the 50% discount apply on the full voyage price?

I called PCL, but they had no idea what was changing. 😞

@Steelers36did let everyone know but to reiterate:

> no more free minutes for P/E

> I have bought the MedallionNet pkg on 2 cruises

> pricing:

Pre-cruise: 1 device $10 a day/ 4 devices $20 a day

Onboard: 1 device $15 pd / 4 devices $25 pd

P/E get 50% rebated

Must be bought through TA or PVP

Will eventually be available on app

> this is what it looks like in my Personalizer 

Steelers36 has stated there is a 1 day rate of $20 but I do not remember if P/E get 50% off that as well

 

He is trying to find out if there is a cruise-length package rate onboard or if its just a "2-30 day" rate

 

 

[PacnGoNow]

23 minutes ago, Ombud said:

@Steelers36did let everyone know but to reiterate:

> no more free minutes for P/E

> I have bought the MedallionNet pkg on 2 cruises

> pricing:

Pre-cruise: 1 device $10 a day/ 4 devices $20 a day

Onboard: 1 device $15 pd / 4 devices $25 pd

P/E get 50% rebated

Must be bought through TA or PVP

Will eventually be available on app

> this is what it looks like in my Personalizer 

Steelers36 has stated there is a 1 day rate of $20 but I do not remember if P/E get 50% off that as well

 

He is trying to find out if there is a cruise-length package rate onboard or if its just a "2-30 day" rate

 

 

Thank you!  I’m on the phone now, trying to book it with PCL.

 

[Ombud]

Oops forgot to add that the rebate comes as OBC 

[PacnGoNow]

6 minutes ago, Ombud said:

Oops forgot to add that the rebate comes as OBC 

Yes, I did see that as nonrefundable OBC.

Thanks again.  

[JF - retired RRT]

On 7/22/2021 at 9:47 PM, caribill said:

 

I assume that purchasing all days pre-cruise is at the $10/day price before 50% off to make it $5 a day, but purchasing all days once on board will be at the higher onboard rate of$15/day before 50% off to make it $7.50/day. Correct?

 

Thus, better to purchase pre-cruise.

I always have a lot of OBC. For me, I'd rather use "fake" $, than the stuff that's in my bank account.

[Ombud]

8 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

Yes, I did see that as nonrefundable OBC.

Thanks again.  

Thats the current confusion. I was told it was nonrefundable weeks ago, Steelers36 says that was changed, & it's now refundable. I'll know in 3 weeks unless someone posts about it on the "live from 7/25/21" thread

3 minutes ago, JF - retired RRT said:

I always have a lot of OBC. For me, I'd rather use "fake" $, than the stuff that's in my bank account.

Which is exactly why I did not buy it on the TA with 1150 FCC 

[PacnGoNow]

5 minutes ago, Ombud said:

Thats the current confusion. I was told it was nonrefundable weeks ago, Steelers36 says that was changed, & it's now refundable. I'll know in 3 weeks unless someone posts about it on the "live from 7/25/21" thread

Which is exactly why I did not buy it on the TA with 1150 FCC 

Okay.  Keep us posted.  I saw non refundable on the new benefits for P/E.

lol

They may be making a lot of changes😮

[Ombud]

7 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

Okay.  Keep us posted.  I saw non refundable on the new benefits for P/E.

lol

They may be making a lot of changes😮

Will do. I don't mind it being nonrefundable as I didn't have a lot of OBC on those 2 cruises 

[caribill]

2 hours ago, Ombud said:

Will do. I don't mind it being nonrefundable as I didn't have a lot of OBC on those 2 cruises 

 

Since anyone purchasing the Internet package will not have booked with the Princess Plus fare that includes Internet, that person also did not get prepaid "crew incentive" and the 50% rebate in OBC can be applied on board to paying the incentive.

[caribill]

3 hours ago, Ombud said:

 

 

 

 

 

I am confused.

 

The Panama cruise shows a "rebate" equal to 50% of the MedallionNet purchase.

 

But a similar rebate for the Alaska cruise should be $35, not the $30 shown.

 

So is that $30 OBC related to the MedallionNet purchase or is it OBC for another reason?

o If related to the MedallionNet purchase, why is it not $35?

o If not related to the MedallionNet purchase, where is that $35 rebate OBC?

[cr8tiv1]

I recently checked my onboard account (onboard services).  It is displaying the full cost of the internet for duration of cruise.  NO WHERE could I find the 50% "rebate" refundable OBC.  I am able to see shareholder credit and FCD OBC and a few other incidentals.  

[Ombud]

1 hour ago, caribill said:

 

I am confused.

 

The Panama cruise shows a "rebate" equal to 50% of the MedallionNet purchase.

 

But a similar rebate for the Alaska cruise should be $35, not the $30 shown.

 

So is that $30 OBC related to the MedallionNet purchase or is it OBC for another reason?

o If related to the MedallionNet purchase, why is it not $35?

o If not related to the MedallionNet purchase, where is that $35 rebate OBC?

Neither of these are the rebates. I want to use up old gift cards purchased during Valentines Days bonus card sale in February 2020. My rebate obc is there but won't show until I get onboard. 

 

Now I'm down to just gift cards just bought. 

[Steelers36]

10 hours ago, Ombud said:

@Steelers36did let everyone know but to reiterate:

 

 

He is trying to find out if there is a cruise-length package rate onboard or if its just a "2-30 day" rate

 

 

Yes, you got all the facts correct on pricing.  I already found out and posted that there will be no voyage/cruise-length package prices at this time.  No one can say they will never return, but the prices are per-day as posted. 

 

Now, since @Ombud has shared the sample of how her order appears, I have noted that it states "2-30" meaning up to 30 days.  In the "old system" pre-Covid, any cruise 15-30 nights had a flat on-board rate of $150 (so a great price for the 30 day limit).  It used to cost $112.50 after 25% off.  The new price for 30 nights is $300 and then $150 net after 50% off. 

 

In the "old days" anything over 30 nights was a flat rate of $200 on board and so $150 after the former 25% discount.  The wording of the package bought makes me wonder what happens after 30 days (see Ombud's post for the wording of her order). 

 

So, I have made a follow-up inquiry about voyages >30 nights.

 

9 hours ago, Ombud said:

Oops forgot to add that the rebate comes as OBC 

Yes - for now it does.  But if you order it on-board, they just charge the net price to folio.

 

9 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

Yes, I did see that as nonrefundable OBC.

Thanks again.  

NOPE - Refundable.  Keep reading below where I made more notes to your second post.

 

9 hours ago, JF - retired RRT said:

I always have a lot of OBC. For me, I'd rather use "fake" $, than the stuff that's in my bank account.

That may work for you, but I don't like over-paying for anything.  I have no problems with figuring out how to recover OBC.  As was pointed out, it can go towards the crew incentive and some casino play is another route.

 

9 hours ago, Ombud said:

That's the current confusion. I was told it was nonrefundable weeks ago, Steelers36 says that was changed, & it's now refundable. I'll know in 3 weeks unless someone posts about it on the "live from 7/25/21" thread

Which is exactly why I did not buy it on the TA with 1150 FCC 

Yes, it is Refundable.  Trust me.  And it makes 100% sense when you look at how the on-board purchase is handled and how it will be handled once added to the MC App for self-service ordering.  We will be charged the net price.  (Don't ask me why they can't charge the net price using a phone order now pre-cruise - at least they are doing next best thing and giving refundable OBC).

 

9 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

Okay.  Keep us posted.  I saw non refundable on the new benefits for P/E.

lol

They may be making a lot of changes😮

No, it is refundable OBC.  This was recently clarified/changed by Princess and I posted that info the other day.  Perhaps you saw original new benefit info - IDK???  If you go to Princess.com and get into your Captain's Circle area and click on the new benefits link, there is a PDF that downloads and explains the benefits.  Footnote #8, mentions the 50% discount applied to on-board account.  It is silent on non-ref versus ref.  For one, if they don't say non-ref, it is.  And, for two, it is refundable per my info. 

 

9 hours ago, Ombud said:

Will do. I don't mind it being nonrefundable as I didn't have a lot of OBC on those 2 cruises 

It's refundable.  And when the MedallionNet ordering is added to the MC App, it is going to charge you the net cost if you qualify for the discount so the OBC goes away.  A cash discount is like refundable OBC.

 

6 hours ago, caribill said:

 

Since anyone purchasing the Internet package will not have booked with the Princess Plus fare that includes Internet, that person also did not get prepaid "crew incentive" and the 50% rebate in OBC can be applied on board to paying the incentive.

Yes, there are lots of ways to recover or spend OBC.

 

ETA:  I hope the non-ref/ref question is laid to bed.  It is in my mind.  😉

Edited July 25, 2021 by Steelers36

[t&atravel]

14 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

(Don't ask me why they can't charge the net price using a phone order now pre-cruise - at least they are doing next best thing and giving refundable OBC).

I believe they CAN charge the net price, but this way they are hoping by giving OBC that you are more likely to spend it on board or at least part of it so they end up with your money.  Your idea of using it to offset crew incentive and other spends is all well and good for those paying attention but Princess’s hope is that most see the credit and say “lets go to a specialty restaurant” or “lets have a few extra cocktails”, etc.  

[Steelers36]

9 minutes ago, t&atravel said:

I believe they CAN charge the net price, but this way they are hoping by giving OBC that you are more likely to spend it on board or at least part of it so they end up with your money.  Your idea of using it to offset crew incentive and other spends is all well and good for those paying attention but Princess’s hope is that most see the credit and say “lets go to a specialty restaurant” or “lets have a few extra cocktails”, etc.  

I have to agree, except it won't be OBC forever.  Just until we can pre-order on the MC App.  (Now, maybe if someone still phones in an order after it appears on MC App, they will get the OBC and not the net charge to credit card).

 

[PacnGoNow]

17 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

I have to agree, except it won't be OBC forever.  Just until we can pre-order on the MC App.  (Now, maybe if someone still phones in an order after it appears on MC App, they will get the OBC and not the net charge to credit card).

 

Wow!  Thanks so much for the info.  I waited on the phone for over an hour and they still didn’t know the answer.  
I only need the free mins, but guess I’m out of luck.  I feel like they are pushing for the Princess Plus for the future, like other cruise lines are doing. 

Does anyone know what happened to the

liquor bottle that you could pre order on the cruise personalizer, onboard services?  I always order a 375ml bottle 

vodka or Jack Daniels for DH.  Lasts him

21-28 day cruise. He doesn't drink much.

I see the wine for pre order….boy it went up!  Crazy.  They couldn’t tell me either, said check back later…..they were still

adding items to the cruise personalizer and MC App.  
Tonna

 

 

 

[Ombud]

1 hour ago, Steelers36 said:

ETA:  I hope the non-ref/ref question is laid to bed.  It is in my mind.  😉

Ive moved past that question.  I'm just focusing on net cost and it's a non-issue to me anyway since I'm buying with bonus gift cards on cruises where I need more OBC. And yes, I'll still owe on disembarkation 

 

Any idea (1) when we can buy it on the app (2) will we be able to buy it with gift cards without going through an agent (CSR, PVP, or TA)

Edited July 25, 2021 by Ombud

[PacnGoNow]

3 minutes ago, Ombud said:

I'm just focusing on net cost and it's a non-issue to me since I'm buying with bonus gift cards on cruises where I need more OBC anyway. And yes, I'll still owe on disembarkation 

 

Any idea (1) when we can buy it on the app (2) will we be able to buy it with gift cards without going through an agent (CSR, PVP, or TA)

Where can I buy the bonus gift cards?

[Steelers36]

8 minutes ago, Ombud said:

I've moved past that question.  I'm just focusing on net cost and it's a non-issue to me anyway since I'm buying with bonus gift cards on cruises where I need more OBC. And yes, I'll still owe on disembarkation 

 

Any idea (1) when we can buy it on the app (2) will we be able to buy it with gift cards without going through an agent (CSR, PVP, or TA)

(1) No, but I should think it will be sometime after they have got more of the bugs and data issues resolved and things are going better with the first cruises under their belts.  They have to fix DMW first as that is a mess in may cases.

 

(2) I have no idea, but I would be surprised to see gift cards at first.  Imagine there will be hiccups when this makes an appearance - nothing else has come in smoothly with no issues.  In theory, you should be able to, but in practice, isn't it just easier to use the gift cards to pay off the balance owing at FP Date?

[Steelers36]

9 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

Where can I buy the bonus gift cards?

You don't buy bonus gift cards.  Princess runs a gift card promo every so often and when you buy a gift card of a minimum value during the promo, they automatically give you a bonus card for a smaller amount.  The most recent promo, was buy a minimum value $500 gift card and get a free bonus of extra $50. 

 

If you have not been aware of this, typical dates for offering a bonus are:  Valentine's Day, Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day, Black Friday.  A 10% bonus amount is generally the best and not always offered.  It can be 5% (minimum I have seen offered).  

[Ombud]

OFF TOPIC POST: 4th of July was a weird time to offer 10% bonus cards. I'm thinking the next bonus gift card promo will be Labor Day. They need the cash infusion

[Ombud]

1 hour ago, PacnGoNow said:

Does anyone know what happened to the liquor bottle that you could pre order on the cruise personalizer, onboard services?  I always order a 375ml bottle vodka or Jack Daniels for DH.

These are the ones in my Personalizer (scroll down past all the wine)