50% WiFi Discount/Credit - Or Lack Thereof

[Bgwest]

@Steelers36 , much of this is looking for input from you. 
 

we are onboard the Emerald now. As has been much discussed prior to the resumption of Princess sailings, I purchased a 4 device plan before leaving home for (round numbers) $300. This was for a 15 day sailing. I did this with the expectation of receiving a 50% discount/credit ($150) once on board in the form of a REFUNDABLE OBC.
 

all of this is in keeping with what we’ve been given to believe was to happen under the new protocols. Didn’t happen this way. 
 

when I first checked our shipboard account, I found an entry on our account for $59.97 shown as a “Mednet Loyalty Discount” NON Refundable OBC. I then went to the Internet Cafe and spoke with the guy on duty there. I explained the whole “50% credit” idea to him. This completely baffled him. He was clearly hearing this for the first time. Interestingly though, while we were there, I overheard several people there inquiring about the very same thing. He was really overwhelmed. 
 

Shortly thereafter however, a $100 REFUNDABLE OBC appeared on our account shown as a “Goodwill Credit”. 
 

twice today I’ve gone to the purser’s desk asking to have the $59.97 NON Refundable OBC converted to a REFUNDABLE OBC. Each time I was told the matter would have to be discussed with accounting. As I write this, nothing on our account has been changed. 
 

all of this to say that what appeared to be the new WiFi payment protocol isn’t working. At least on the Emerald. 

 

Edited October 19, 2021 by Bgwest

[LreedCA]

33 minutes ago, Bgwest said:

@Steelers36 , much of this is looking for input from you. 
 

we are onboard the Emerald now. As has been much discussed prior to the resumption of Princess sailings, I purchased a 4 device plan before leaving home for (round numbers) $300. This was for a 15 day sailing. I did this with the expectation of receiving a 50% discount/credit ($150) once on board in the form of a REFUNDABLE OBC.
 

all of this is in keeping with what we’ve been given to believe was to happen under the new protocols. Didn’t happen this way. 
 

when I first checked our shipboard account, I found an entry on our account for $59.97 shown as a “Mednet Loyalty Discount” NON Refundable OBC. I then went to the Internet Cafe and spoke with the guy on duty there. I explained the whole “50% credit” idea to him. This completely baffled him. He was clearly hearing this for the first time. Interestingly though, while we were there, I overheard several people there inquiring about the very same thing. He was really overwhelmed. 
 

Shortly thereafter however, a $100 REFUNDABLE OBC appeared on our account shown as a “Goodwill Credit”. 
 

twice today I’ve gone to the purser’s desk asking to have the $59.97 NON Refundable OBC converted to a REFUNDABLE OBC. Each time I was told the matter would have to be discussed with accounting. As I write this, nothing on our account has been changed. 
 

all of this to say that what appeared to be the new WiFi payment protocol isn’t working. At least on the Emerald. 

 

We had the exact same issue.  It was finally resolved by speaking with the Internet manager and NOT the front desk.  We were told that over 400 passengers bought the 4 device package and they were having to reverse the charges manually.  They were overwhelmed, but we received our OBC that same day.  

[Steelers36]

58 minutes ago, Bgwest said:

@Steelers36 , much of this is looking for input from you. 
 

we are onboard the Emerald now. As has been much discussed prior to the resumption of Princess sailings, I purchased a 4 device plan before leaving home for (round numbers) $300. This was for a 15 day sailing. I did this with the expectation of receiving a 50% discount/credit ($150) once on board in the form of a REFUNDABLE OBC.
 

all of this is in keeping with what we’ve been given to believe was to happen under the new protocols. Didn’t happen this way. 
 

when I first checked our shipboard account, I found an entry on our account for $59.97 shown as a “Mednet Loyalty Discount” NON Refundable OBC. I then went to the Internet Cafe and spoke with the guy on duty there. I explained the whole “50% credit” idea to him. This completely baffled him. He was clearly hearing this for the first time. Interestingly though, while we were there, I overheard several people there inquiring about the very same thing. He was really overwhelmed. 
 

Shortly thereafter however, a $100 REFUNDABLE OBC appeared on our account shown as a “Goodwill Credit”. 
 

twice today I’ve gone to the purser’s desk asking to have the $59.97 NON Refundable OBC converted to a REFUNDABLE OBC. Each time I was told the matter would have to be discussed with accounting. As I write this, nothing on our account has been changed. 
 

all of this to say that what appeared to be the new WiFi payment protocol isn’t working. At least on the Emerald. 

 

I think @LreedCA has the info/answer for you. 

 

It seems to me a clear case of either inadequate training or the Mgr not paying attention.  I would not have thought this person would need to initiate the rebate. 

 

The fact that you got $60 (20%) back on your charge is a puzzle since the old discount was 25%.

But, I have a possible answer for you.  Since this Mgr seemed to be so out of it, I think he rebated you 25% of $240 (the old discount on the old on-board cost for 4-devices for 14 days).  Oh, I give up, because you are on a 15-night voyage.  Anyway, he sure made a mess of it and not seeming to know the new policies and pricing.  I am sure he has the info by now.

 

 

In your case, they should reverse the $60 Non-Ref OBC and replace with $50 Ref OBC since you already have $100 posted and you are only entitled to $150. 

 

 

So, who knows if IC Mgr sent the rebate to the Front Desk (PSD) or whether they came from HQ based on the pre-purchases they would be aware of.  Nonetheless, it appears they are getting it fixed and probably won't be repeated on future voyages.

 

 

[CruisinCouple2010]

We purchased the single device package and the same thing happened to us on the Emerald as well. I went to the passenger services desk first and they didn’t seem to know about the discount of 50% either. It was eventually corrected but not given to me as refundable credit. It’s no problem for me though as we will be using  all our credits for the gratuities.

[Astro Flyer]

Princess = Consistently Inconsistent! 🙄

 

Guess I’ll need to print their Captain’s Circle benefits for this weekend.

 

https://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/cc/captains-circle-loyalty-benefits.pdf

 

50% off MedallionNet package:

 

captains-circle-loyalty-benefits.pdf

[cr8tiv1]

My Medallion Net problem begins before I even get on the ship.  "Somebody" deleted my purchase.  Luckily I caught it, called Princess, they reissued purchase...and I have copies of all credits/payments/OBC, etc.....just in case.

[pms4104]

Good grief ... there is little to no excuse for such sloppiness either onboard or in the runup to sailing.

[Ombud]

I also had a weird issue (think I reported it day 2: August 16, 2021). I asked PSD to post my 50% internet & 10% shore excursion credit. Done. Then I got a $15.97 internet credit. That 2nd credit wasn't removed.  I think they're were still figuring it out. Hope its understood by my next cruise

[Bgwest]

1 hour ago, Astro Flyer said:

Princess = Consistently Inconsistent! 🙄

 

Guess I’ll need to print their Captain’s Circle benefits for this weekend.

 

https://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/cc/captains-circle-loyalty-benefits.pdf

 

50% off MedallionNet package:

 

captains-circle-loyalty-benefits.pdf 4.55 MB · 3 downloads

I’ve read this before but this may very well be the first time I’ve read it with understanding. 

#8 doesn’t say that at the refund/credit is refundable. In fact, this paragraph is quite specific that the “discount has no cash value”. A refundable OBC would by definition have an associated “cash value”..

 

Seems like I need to cancel the WiFi I’ve prepurchased for our Dec CB cruise and just buy it once onboard thereby scoring the 50% discount and not having to fool with refunds/credits. 

 

thoughts anyone?

 

 

[Bgwest]

2 hours ago, LreedCA said:

They were overwhelmed, but we received our OBC that same day.  

Was the OBC you received Refundable or Non-Refundable?

[Ombud]

9 minutes ago, Bgwest said:

Was the OBC you received Refundable or Non-Refundable?

I know you are not asking me but mine was refundable. I wound up with a small (<25) balance. PSD had to review where it came from before giving it to me. Glad I did because I hear it takes longer than usual to get it. But on my next Travel Summary it states it was purchased with gift cards. Does anyone know if that means it'll come back to the gift card? 

Edited October 19, 2021 by Ombud

[CineGraphic]

It's as if they can't do anything right these days.

[kmhkmb]

Where do you purchase the medallion net packages?  I've looked in the personalizer for both my upcoming cruises and it isn't listed under onboard services - wonder if they have removed it temporarily due to the issues - or am I just not seeing it?  

[travelin.sisters]

17 minutes ago, kmhkmb said:

Where do you purchase the medallion net packages?  I've looked in the personalizer for both my upcoming cruises and it isn't listed under onboard services - wonder if they have removed it temporarily due to the issues - or am I just not seeing it?  

it's in the app  now not in the personalizer (look for MedalionNet)

[Bgwest]

2 hours ago, Ombud said:

I know you are not asking me but mine was refundable. I wound up with a small (<25) balance. PSD had to review where it came from before giving it to me. Glad I did because I hear it takes longer than usual to get it. But on my next Travel Summary it states it was purchased with gift cards. Does anyone know if that means it'll come back to the gift card? 

This is a $150 OBC and is easily traceable back to its source. 
 

if the Princess #8 bullet point specifically says “no cash value”, it has really started to appear as though this particular OBC is non-refundable. I hope I’m wrong. 

[CruzDayz]

I pre purchased  mine for the Grand five day for $49.95 last week. 

My credit is $9.99. The person at the Pursers desk knew about the correct price, 50% off and said that she will get back to me. It’s only a few dollars on my account but it should be the correct amount. Mine is non refundable also. 
Beautiful day at sea today. Cabo tomorrow.  😊

I think the Captain said that we have 681 passengers on our cruise, maybe 691. 

Edited October 20, 2021 by CruzDayz

[Astro Flyer]

2 hours ago, kmhkmb said:

Where do you purchase the medallion net packages?  I've looked in the personalizer for both my upcoming cruises and it isn't listed under onboard services - wonder if they have removed it temporarily due to the issues - or am I just not seeing it?  

You’ll find it here in the MC app like for my 7-day cruise.

 

Edited October 20, 2021 by Astro Flyer

[Steelers36]

2 hours ago, Bgwest said:

I’ve read this before but this may very well be the first time I’ve read it with understanding. 

#8 doesn’t say that at the refund/credit is refundable. In fact, this paragraph is quite specific that the “discount has no cash value”. A refundable OBC would by definition have an associated “cash value”..

 

Seems like I need to cancel the WiFi I’ve prepurchased for our Dec CB cruise and just buy it once onboard thereby scoring the 50% discount and not having to fool with refunds/credits. 

 

thoughts anyone?

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Bgwest said:

This is a $150 OBC and is easily traceable back to its source. 
 

if the Princess #8 bullet point specifically says “no cash value”, it has really started to appear as though this particular OBC is non-refundable. I hope I’m wrong. 

The bit about no cash value is standard legalese thing done with such benefits.  Guest cannot claim 50% cash benefit if not buying internet.  Only get the benefit upon purchasing internet.

 

Policy is absolutely Ref OBC.  If anyone got Non-Ref, they need to educate someone at the PSD and perhaps,ask for a manager or the Pursor.  Perhaps a word with Captains Circle host.

 

Now, if you wait and order internet on board they are supposed to only bill the cabin account the net cost after discount.  This is the same as being charged full amt with a cash rebate of 50%.

 

If you order pre-cruise, you get Ref OBC.  They should really have avoided all this because when MedallionNet order was added to MC App, it was supposed to recognize guest status and only charge the net 50%.

 

I would not wait to order on board as the base cost is higher which means the net cost is higher as well.

 

Hopefully, the crew on Emerald will get this figured out soon.  If they don't believe you, ask them to call HQ and speak with Director, Customer Relations.

[cr8tiv1]

@Astro Flyer  Go ahead...post and boast that you have all 5 green checks.  

 

`Aka iki......

[Ombud]

Can I ask a question?? 

 

I bought wifi for 99.90 + shore excursions for 124.85. I'm expecting 62.53 back as nonrefundable credit I can use on anything. Right?? The probability of me getting off a ship and not spending at least 100 is nil. So no worries? Much about about nothing??

[Steelers36]

2 hours ago, Ombud said:

Can I ask a question?? 

 

I bought wifi for 99.90 + shore excursions for 124.85. I'm expecting 62.53 back as nonrefundable credit I can use on anything. Right?? The probability of me getting off a ship and not spending at least 100 is nil. So no worries? Much about about nothing??

You can spend it on anything, but the OBC is supposed to be refundable.

[Bgwest]

3 hours ago, Ombud said:

Can I ask a question?? 

 

I bought wifi for 99.90 + shore excursions for 124.85. I'm expecting 62.53 back as nonrefundable credit I can use on anything. Right?? The probability of me getting off a ship and not spending at least 100 is nil. So no worries? Much about about nothing??

Use if for anything your heart desires.
 

Except maybe casino play. I seem to remember some discussion in a thread here a while back that talked about a Princess putting new rules in place to prevent using non refundable OBC for casino play. 

[Bgwest]

Those surprises just keep on coming!!

 

just now looked at my account statement and was surprised to find an entry that was made overnight showing a DEBT to my account in the amount of $149.93 for “Mednet Loyalty Discount”. 
 

that’s right, they charged me for a Loyalty Discount!!😳

 

I guess it’s back to the Internet manager for me this morning.  

[Bgwest]

The saga continues. 
 

I was at the Internet Cafe promptly at 0900 when they opened and spoke with the manager. 
 

After making a couple of phone calls, the Internet manager advised that our initial payment of $300 has been refunded to our credit card on file and the new $150 charge represents payment in full for our4 device package for this cruise. 
 

he walked upstairs with me to the purser’s desk where he and I spoke with the finance manager who confirmed all of this. Now, if the credit appears on our MC as promised we will be 100% whole. 
 

he emphasized that per purchasing before the cruise is the smart money move. This is exactly as @Steelers36has been advising since the beginning of these new protocols. 
 

still unresolved is whether this OBC is refundable or non-refundable 

[Astro Flyer]

What a mess you’re experiencing…hopefully the Majestic’s staff on my cruise this weekend will know the correct procedure & simply give me a 50% refundable OBC. 
 

Edited October 20, 2021 by Astro Flyer