Inconsistent Fares on Princess Site

[Tedferg]

I have tried a few test bookings and get inconsistent results on Princess site. Obs Balcony for two, not Plus can be $4178 and $4878, in two separate searches. I have seen this several times today.

 

Very likely a computer glitch, but what happens if I accept the lower fare?

 

This is early in planning stage so, can't just book it and see what happens.

[azbirdmom]

If it's a 7 day cruise the difference in the two fares is exactly the price of Princess Plus ($50 X 7 X 2).  Maybe the glitch is that under some searches the giving you the fare with Princess Plus?

[Tedferg]

Good thinking, but no, it is a 12 day cruise. 

[cjpj]

10 hours ago, Tedferg said:

Very likely a computer glitch, but what happens if I accept the lowest fare?

Book the lowest fare - that should be what you are charged. Take screen shots..I don't know why you think it's too early to book if you are interested in the cruise - you can always cancel or even just put a hold for 2 days that automatically cancels if you don't pay deposit. 

[Coral]

There are several rate codes for each sailing. Make sure you login with your email address to make sure you get the best pricing.

 

Sometimes there are sales, targeted pricing, regional pricing based on the state you live in, drop and go prices with or with out plus, etc...

[SargassoPirate]

Around a decade ago, I was watching a fare on a Princess cruise that was waitlisted (it was a long cruise).  Part of my early morning routine is to check all of my bookings and cruises that I've saved.  I sometimes start a booking just to see what the actual price is.  Once morning I did that on the long cruise and was able to book it even though the day before it was still waitlisted.  The cruise fare had dropped considerably, and I was able to book with a final price was half of what it had been the day before and I was not charged a single supplement.  I made an immediate deposit.  

 

The next day I checked the cruise and it was waitlisted again.  I don't know what happened and didn't bother to ask.  I will share that my per diem cost for a single inside was under $100.

 

Jackpot!

[RLK33853]

I also check pricing on a fairly regular basis. 

 

Yesterday,  pricing for 4 of our 5 future cruises (MA mini-suite with Princess Plus) were anywhere from $500 to $3000 more than when we initially booked in the spring.  But our cruise from Los Angeles to Auckland in 2023 dropped by $3000 and gave us another $200 OBC.  I rebooked at the lower price at noon, and at 4 it had dropped another $200.  This morning, it is back up $200.

 

Advice - take the lowest price you can get as long as you are getting the same amenities, location, OBC, etc.   Then continue to check pricing prior to the cruise.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Which sailing?   Are you logged in to the same Princess account each time?

 

[voljeep]

I've gotten different prices when logging into my account, then my wife's account - exact same everything, except price - and we've both been on the same cruises, so that's not it...

[Tedferg]

I checked this morning, $4788 - Yesterday $4888, no big deal. Just checked again with Login $4098 checked without Login and still $4098.

 

 

Edited October 20, 2022 by Tedferg

[rocklinmom]

The booking layout is different today too! It now says "Your (cabin type)" instead of "Stateroom & Price Details". Also the price breakdown (fare, taxes, applied promos, total price, deposit amount) has been replaced with the cabin photo and cabin amenities list. Someone in Princess IT was busy this week. 

Edited October 20, 2022 by rocklinmom

[Tedferg]

Prices are now consistent at lower amount, No login or login with my or DW ID.

Maybe the price was lowered and, I was caught between updates, so showed different prices at different times. Although, this morning it was $4788.

 

It is the lower amount for several months now, not just June.

Edited October 20, 2022 by Tedferg

[rocklinmom]

Just now, Tedferg said:

Prices are now consistent at lower amount, No login or login with my or DW ID.

Maybe the price was lowered and, I was caught between updates, so showed different prices at different times.

Oh dang! I just checked the fares of a cruise I'm watching and it's a lower fare if I'm logged in. Looks like $80 less pp. 

[Tedferg]

12 minutes ago, rocklinmom said:

Oh dang! I just checked the fares of a cruise I'm watching and it's a lower fare if I'm logged in. Looks like $80 less pp. 

Interesting I have not seen a 'past passenger discount' for some time.

[NownZen]

Historically I saw a lot of fare movement seemingly as part of their load management. There is a fill percentage versus time to cruise and if they are below that, the prices come down. Above that they go up. I remember seeing some cruises where balconies were cheaper than inside rooms for awhile.

[Tedferg]

I compared Princess to an online site and online has not adjusted prices yet.

[PRINCESS Sweet Pea]

We have had a discount when logged in...  booked with the lower rate.  Now they offer the additional $100.00 per person  credit, with no fare change, but that discount disappeared.  They took that away.  Nice job Princess...  NICE.  Increase the fare for loyal cruisers only.

[rwilk1129]

It is a crapshoot lately on Princess. Prices go all over the place. I have put cruises on hold at a price and when I look at booking online price is higher and with different ammenities. When I have gone through the casino and actually booked I get a confirmation with different price and amenities and then are charged a cancellation fee to get it corrected. I am so frustrated.