When my bargain basement cruise goes into YOLO mode!

[Ombud]

3 hours ago, Daniel A said:

I'm just a little bit confused.  Are these posts citing 'upgrades' or 'upsells'?  How often does Princess offer free upgrades?  Princess has never yet offered us even an upsell never mind an upgrade.  Am I booking the wrong type of cabin?  I'll usually book a Deluxe Balcony on Royal Class or a minisuite on the smaller class ships.

I've had upgrades and been offered upsells. In fact, on my next cruise I had to be moved back. Apparently it was not marked 'no upgrade' and what their computer thought was a more preferred room i did NOT want. I was on Baja and they thought R Deck was better. I want to go down not up. I'd take a mini-suite on the next cruise but since I already had one (free) upgrade it would probably just be an upsell. 

 

On my last cruise (08/15/21) I was offered a mini-suite for 199×2 (so 398 for solo me) and declined. Then offered for free. Nope. I initially booked the best Majestic Princess room 

 

 

[RNRcruisers]

I actually don't mind insides, I sleep so sound in them and if it is near the Horizon deck or promenade deck even better. But I do check the window and balcony cabin prices and if they don't cost much more we'll splurge. But for a lot more I would rather save for another cruise!

 

[fluffybunny22]

52 minutes ago, RNRcruisers said:

I actually don't mind insides, I sleep so sound in them and if it is near the Horizon deck or promenade deck even better. But I do check the window and balcony cabin prices and if they don't cost much more we'll splurge. But for a lot more I would rather save for another cruise!

 

I sleep too much in inside cabins. I need the natural light. Lately I've been waking up at 4am and when that happens on a land vacation I surf the internet in a nest I make in the bathtub because the light from the screen would wake up my husband. There's no bathtub in my room so I need somewhere to go other than middle of the night laundry. Maybe I'll teach him how to figure out where I am based on my medallion.

[dreaminofcruisin]

2 hours ago, Tedferg said:

We have never been offered an upgrade / upsell - I wonder if it is because we book through a TA. Perhaps offers do not get forwarded. I think Upsells require a quick response and maybe they get lost in the noise with TA.

 

I doubt it's because you go thru a TA. 

The only time we ever had anything simiilar to this, it was actually a 'downgrade'. 😁 Princess called me (and I had booked thru a TA) and offered to give us some very nice onboard credit to move to a lower level balcony cabin. This was several years ago and we had booked one of the Lido deck balconies on a grand class ship. They offered several choices and when I heard "Caribe" deck, I said "Yes please! ". This was back before Princess realized many of us really like those big balconies.

😉

Not sure why, but for some reason, they really wanted my cabin. Maybe a big group or something?

[bjkTX]

10 hours ago, Daniel A said:

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but it appears you were referencing upsells in your post at #19?  If so, how often were you offered upsells from Princess?

If I recall we received an email from our TA about going from the aft cabin to the mini - then Princess called us direct asking if we'd pay $100 to move up to the suite.

[geoherb]

My latest TA is very good about forwarding the upsell notices to me. Unfortunately, as a solo traveler, the cost is still more than I'm willing to pay. Insides are fine with me--although I didn't mind getting upgraded to an ocean view on the Island Princess a couple of years ago for b2b cruises to Alaska. Whenever DH is able to cruise again with me, I'm sure he'll want to get a balcony.

[Ombud]

19 hours ago, Tedferg said:

We have never been offered an upgrade / upsell - I wonder if it is because we book through a TA. Perhaps offers do not get forwarded. I think Upsells require a quick response and maybe they get lost in the noise with TA.

upgrades happened automatically then I had 24 hours to refuse (according to the last offer -- I had them put me back).  So even if the email wasn't forwarded by your TA you would have had it

upsells are offered and I had a # to call to pick between a group of rooms on my past 4 offers.  1st come 1st choice on rooms

[bjkTX]

13 hours ago, bjkTX said:

If I recall we received an email from our TA about going from the aft cabin to the mini - then Princess called us direct asking if we'd pay $100 to move up to the suite.

Meant to add - it was the one and only time we received an upsell or upgrade offer in our 16 Princess cruises.

[rheathslc]

On 9/29/2021 at 5:25 PM, SwimCarrie said:

 

I'm sure my PVP thinks I'm a delight! 🤣

 

I have been doing the same thing and even once promised my PVP that I wouldn't make ANY more changes. Changed twice more after that. Ended up with a gorgeous club-class mini with a bigger balcony on the Majestic for only $28 more than I paid for an aft balcony after originally booking an inside for a solo getaway. And just switched to an Emerald deck (covered) mini on the Ruby for $4.40 TOTAL more than the aft balcony I moved us to after remembering that the Dolphin deck mini I originally booked was uncovered. Haha. I really like the aft cabins for the wake view and bigger balcony but the bathrooms are so cramped and there's nowhere to sit other than the bed. I'm still debating whether or not to switch back to the aft balcony but also like the extra space of a mini. And this next one is my partner's first cruise. I really want him to love it. I feel like I should send my PVP flowers for putting up with me and my ever changing whims. I'm sure he breathes a sigh of relief once I've finally embarked.

[SwimCarrie]

On 10/15/2021 at 12:29 PM, rheathslc said:

I have been doing the same thing and even once promised my PVP that I wouldn't make ANY more changes. Changed twice more after that. Ended up with a gorgeous club-class mini with a bigger balcony on the Majestic for only $28 more than I paid for an aft balcony after originally booking an inside for a solo getaway. And just switched to an Emerald deck (covered) mini on the Ruby for $4.40 TOTAL more than the aft balcony I moved us to after remembering that the Dolphin deck mini I originally booked was uncovered. Haha. I really like the aft cabins for the wake view and bigger balcony but the bathrooms are so cramped and there's nowhere to sit other than the bed. I'm still debating whether or not to switch back to the aft balcony but also like the extra space of a mini. And this next one is my partner's first cruise. I really want him to love it. I feel like I should send my PVP flowers for putting up with me and my ever changing whims. I'm sure he breathes a sigh of relief once I've finally embarked.

Fortunately, my PVP was with me on my sailing, so she was forced to be kind. Haha. Kidding. She was great. Even better, I got a free upgrade to a mini suite on the first night! What an amazing experience that was! I try to take away the positives from the pandemic and that was definitely one! 

[AZ Ocean Lover]

We’ve been offered upsell pre-Covid and upgrades post-Covid.  Didn’t take the Alaska 2021 upgrade to a mini because we had a Delux Premium Aft view.  On our last cruise, Grand 10/14, we stopped by Passenger Services when we first got on and asked about an upgrade to a suite.  They put our name on a list and asked us to come back at 3 when all of the passengers were boarded and we got our suite, no additional fees.  I think the low passenger count right now is giving Princess a lot of flexibility and those that asked were accommodated.

 

 

 

[Level six]

I wonder why Princess isn't sending out upsells or upgrades for our two upcoming cruises?  The ship is empty and I would be willing to pay more, but not what is listed more.  We leave in 9 days.  Even if Princess only got $50 more per person, it is $50 more.  The room is empty and it would make people so happy, maybe they would spend more onboard because they feel like they are getting such a deal. 

 

On NCL they have a nice bid system.  Everyone is able to bid on an upgrade.  You can bid as little as $20.  I have never done it, but we have been on several sailing where people have really gotten good upgrades for as little as $100. 

 

I am going to ask for upgrade when I board the ship and pay if needed. 

[JF - retired RRT]

On 10/1/2021 at 8:53 AM, Tedferg said:

We have never been offered an upgrade / upsell - I wonder if it is because we book through a TA. Perhaps offers do not get forwarded. I think Upsells require a quick response and maybe they get lost in the noise with TA.

That's not it...we book through a TA for almost all of our cruises & have gotten upsell offers maybe 1/2 of them. Usually turn them down.

[Daniel A]

7 hours ago, Level six said:

I wonder why Princess isn't sending out upsells or upgrades for our two upcoming cruises?  The ship is empty and I would be willing to pay more, but not what is listed more. 

I think you hit on the sticking point.  You're not willing to pay the going rate for a cabin you desire.  If Princess was offering everybody an upgrade to a minisuite from an inside for just $50 then why would anybody pay for a minisuite?  Princess would probably lose more overall rather than picking up $50 here and there.  JMHO.

[Level six]

12 minutes ago, Daniel A said:

I think you hit on the sticking point.  You're not willing to pay the going rate for a cabin you desire.  If Princess was offering everybody an upgrade to a minisuite from an inside for just $50 then why would anybody pay for a minisuite?  Princess would probably lose more overall rather than picking up $50 here and there.  JMHO.

Maybe. I agree somewhat. 

 

But, most people aren't as cheap as me and just book the cabin they want.  I book an interior and I am happy with it.  But, a few times NCL has upgraded us to a balcony for free! It was nice, but I am not willing to pay that much for a balcony.  On the other hand, we have traveled to 71 countries and are getting to see the world on a budget!! 

 

  I don't think people bid $50 and got a minisuite from an interior(I think you can only bid 2 levels higher than your booking actually), I am sure it is much more.  But, if they have a lot of open cabins that nobody is booking, why not try to make a few more dollars near sail time? 

 

You can't really change the way people are.  People who love balconies, book balconies no matter the cost.  People who are cheap book interiors......So, I don't really think people would stop booking balconies or minisuites in hopes of an upgrade.  I am just saying if the ship sails in 2 weeks, most of the ship is empty, why not get a few more dollars?  It won't change the way people are, but it might convince a few people that a balcony and above is the only way to go for the future.

 

Either way, it is fun to dream............happy sailing! 

[generichandle]

We usually book inside or outside, we are 'budget cruisers'. I often wake 3-4AM. I go to IC and have tea or coffee, and read. I am not a good sleeper. 

 

Someone worried that they drove their PVP crazy. I wish I could. The one we were assigned will NOT return calls, now 3rd and last attempt. I mention this because one of the main reasons we are 'Elite' is that Princess has always given us great service. I know I must ask for a new PVP, but I almost hate to tell them. 

 

I have a theory about the 'Upgrade Fairy'. We are not big spenders for Princess. Neither of us drink, neither of us gamble. Their two big money makers. And we know they track all transactions aboard. So we do not get offers of upgrade, upsell, and God forbid move-over. I suspect they see those things as encouragement for those who spend. LOL. No big deal, we still love sailing, just get what we can and enjoy!

[Steelers36]

3 hours ago, generichandle said:

I have a theory about the 'Upgrade Fairy'. We are not big spenders for Princess. Neither of us drink, neither of us gamble. Their two big money makers. And we know they track all transactions aboard. So we do not get offers of upgrade, upsell, and God forbid move-over.

You might be onto something there.  We spend plenty on a voyage, but the bulk of it goes to independent tour operators.

[caribill]

7 hours ago, Level six said:

I am just saying if the ship sails in 2 weeks, most of the ship is empty, why not get a few more dollars?  It won't change the way people are, but it might convince a few people that a balcony and above is the only way to go for the future.

 

 

 

But in the big picture, it does change passenger behavior.

 

In the past Princess and its competitors deeply discounted unsold cabins as embarkation day approached.

 

This led a significant number of passengers to delay booking until well after final payment date in the hope a bargain would be found.

 

Now those fantastic close-to-embarkation day fares are very rare. Princess (and its competitors) would rather sail with a few cabins empty then sell a big bunch of cabins at a greatly discounted price.

 

In general, initial cruising for a cruise stays about at that price, often going up if bookings numbers are great.  When there are promotions, the base price rarely changes significantly and the promotion is for an added perk or two (free specialty dinner, for example) and that represents the discount.

 

And the great popularity of PrincessPlus pricing has basically made extinct many of the past promotions such as free beverage package or three-for-free which included gratuities.

[Daniel A]

7 hours ago, caribill said:

And the great popularity of PrincessPlus pricing has basically made extinct many of the past promotions such as free beverage package or three-for-free which included gratuities.

After some time, I could see promotions where they either would give a discount for a short time for Princess Plus fares or do a similar time limited promotion where the second person in the cabin would get the Princess Plus package free or sharply discounted.

[JF - retired RRT]

12 hours ago, generichandle said:

I have a theory about the 'Upgrade Fairy'. We are not big spenders for Princess. Neither of us drink, neither of us gamble. Their two big money makers. And we know they track all transactions aboard. So we do not get offers of upgrade, upsell, and God forbid move-over. I suspect they see those things as encouragement for those who spend. LOL. No big deal, we still love sailing, just get what we can and enjoy!

We aren't big spenders (only spend OBC & rarely more). We don't drink. The only gambling we do is to use the slots to try to increase (or lose) our OBC and we've gotten upgrade offers on about 1/2 of the 25+ cruises that we've taken.

[rheathslc]

9 hours ago, caribill said:

Now those fantastic close-to-embarkation day fares are very rare. Princess (and its competitors) would rather sail with a few cabins empty then sell a big bunch of cabins at a greatly discounted price.

I continue to watch the fares and available cabins even after I have made final payment partly to see if it's worth asking for an upgrade and lately to see how full the ships seems. Of course since some people book guarantees it's impossible to know for sure. But my most recent cruise on the Majestic this month was less than half full and they did heavily discount the cabins in the two weeks or so before sailing but what I discovered was that if you wanted the Princess Plus you would be paying over $100 per day for it which is more than if you just bought the beverage and wifi packages and prepaid the gratuities separately so that wasn't really worth it. But if you don't want wifi and don't drink the base fares were really great.

[Whippet69]

While we have gotten a few free "upgrades" to cabins that were questionably an upgrade and a couple upsell offers, the most unusual offer we received was on our New Zealand cruise when we received an offer of a FULL refund if we would give up our mini-suite and move to an inside cabin. Unfortunately, the offer was emailed while we were already in transit to Auckland for a week pre-cruise and we didn't see it for several days - too late to jump on that one!

[memoak]

In the past we used to book mini suites and almost always got upsell offers to full suites and decent prices.  We got so used the full suites that now we almost always book them with casino discounts.  However there is one cruise we have booked to Greenland where there difference in price was like double from a club class mini to a full suite so we have opted for the mini but kinda hoping for an upsell offer.  This one is not till 2023 so we will wait and see

[Level six]

2 hours ago, Whippet69 said:

While we have gotten a few free "upgrades" to cabins that were questionably an upgrade and a couple upsell offers, the most unusual offer we received was on our New Zealand cruise when we received an offer of a FULL refund if we would give up our mini-suite and move to an inside cabin. Unfortunately, the offer was emailed while we were already in transit to Auckland for a week pre-cruise and we didn't see it for several days - too late to jump on that one!

 

14 minutes ago, memoak said:

In the past we used to book mini suites and almost always got upsell offers to full suites and decent prices.  We got so used the full suites that now we almost always book them with casino discounts.  However there is one cruise we have booked to Greenland where there difference in price was like double from a club class mini to a full suite so we have opted for the mini but kinda hoping for an upsell offer.  This one is not till 2023 so we will wait and see

Yay!!  You both give me hope and made me smile!!