Sun Princess - Original

[Wishing on a star]

I seriously do not know how Princess expects to get such a fare increase, if these balconies do not have any benefit....  Are they mid-ship?  NO...  Do they have wake view? NO.  Are they larger than the other extended Premium Deluxe balconies?  NO.

 

So we have any information or clarification from the Sun Princess now that she is sailing?  NO

 

I seriously wonder if Princess, as a corporation, is even 'functional' right now.

I do not believe that they are.  At all.

 

Edited March 7 by Wishing on a star

[dog]

1 minute ago, dog said:

This is my cruise and category.

I may speak to someone on board and really do not care if honoured!

 

Thanks so much for looking in to this on your vacation cruisedoctor 

[Steelers36]

6 minutes ago, dog said:

This is my cruise and category.

I may speak to someone on board and really do not care if honoured!

 

Thanks so much for looking in to this on your vacation cruisedoctor 

Are you just pointing out another website page that has not been updated?

 

It's funny - well funny sad - but I just checked a voyage where you can find a D0 for sale to select on one deck and on another deck, you get the sold-out message you displayed above.  The actual sale you can complete states nothing about Signature benefits, but the sold-out message still has it there.  It's an obvious oversight IMO. 

 

I wonder if this situation is like a grocery store that can have an "out" if they accidentally advertise an incorrect price in a flyer.  Whatever, seems pretty clear @cruisedoctor's explanation fits better than anything else I have read.

[dog]

On 2/25/2024 at 8:44 AM, dog said:

This is exactly what I see from Princess website when I book today using my iPhone. Above post shows my cruise today- from the laptop- I can book a guaranteed for my dates and it shows benefits.

 

listen I am done explaining as it does not matter what anyone else sees.

 

I cannot imagine them honouring it since my fare is less the $1600.

[Fortunate 2 travel]

21 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

I seriously do not know how Princess expects to get such a fare increase, if these balconies do not have any benefit....  Are they mid-ship?  NO...  Do they have wake view? NO.  Are they larger than the other extended Premium Deluxe balconies?  NO.

 

So we have any information or clarification from the Sun Princess now that she is sailing?  NO

 

I seriously wonder if Princess, as a corporation, is even 'functional' right now.

I do not believe that they are.  At all.

 

I see visions of Nero…….  I love Princess, it is our go to cruise line, but at least at this point the Sun seems to have a very dark cloud hanging over it.  I sure hope it burns off soon.  We have sailed a few times on X and are looking there again.  However, I don’t like having to pay more for a stateroom to get a refundable deposit.  

[Steelers36]

6 minutes ago, dog said:

This is exactly what I see from Princess website when I book today using my iPhone. Above post shows my cruise today- from the laptop- I can book a guaranteed for my dates and it shows benefits.

 

listen I am done explaining as it does not matter what anyone else sees.

 

I cannot imagine them honouring it since my fare is less the $1600.

Oh, I would also believe that the phone screen version of website booking could have differing text info displayed.  It's probably something like Whack-A-Mole to change all the references.

[Mom2N3]

2 hours ago, Joe Gib said:

Strange. When Rex posted a critical video, the commentary was he’s just monetizing negativity….. If you take a closer look, the guy has more positive posts, than critical ones. 

It’s the Princess cult…you can’t say anything about your experience with Princess unless it is 100% stellar perfection without getting attacked and admonished for not feeling blessed enough for being able to cruise.

[CaptainKirk]

1 hour ago, cruisedoctor said:

@CaptainKirk  Category “D0” Premium Deluxe Balcony do NOT get Signature benefits/upgrades.  

 

When the ship initially opened for sale, there were 3 types of balcony staterooms:

Cove Balconies - Categories DG & DH

Deluxe Balconies - Categories DA, DB, DC, DD, DE & DF

Premium Balconies - Categories D1 & D2

 

Then as time went on, and the initial sailing drew near, Princess decided to do a re-categorization based on the booking pattern they were observing.  They changed the name of the D# categories to Premium Deluxe Balcony to make it clear that the interior design of the room itself, is like the rest of the Deluxe Balcony categories, and the “Premium” referred to these rooms having an extensive balcony.  At the same time, they added the now infamous D0 category, and put the previous aft-located D1 rooms into this new category, at a higher price point, than when they were D1’s.  Historically, cruise lines will move staterooms that are in most demand, into higher categories, in order to increase their profitability.

 

Having closely observed this ship since the first steel was cut, it became apparent to me that one hand didn’t know what the other was doing. Deck plans on the Sun Princess dedicated website, didn’t match those on the main Princess website, or on the app(s).  Changes would occur in one place, but not elsewhere.  When this “late in the game” re-categorization took place it looks like someone “not in the know” was assigned the task of updating things.  They made an incorrect assumption, that since these new “D0” rooms were near the suites, they must get the same benefits, and cut-and-pasted the benefits from the “S_” categories onto these new “D0” in error.

 

Princess has two versions of booking system, a new more elaborate one that travel agents have access to, and an old text based version that Princess agents (including those based on board the ships) use.  Currently, in neither of these systems, does the Category “D0” indicate any “Signature” benefits.  However, based on screen shots that have been posted on this thread, the incorrect misinformation must still be floating around in the passenger-facing website.  The person I spoke with mentioned, that if someone booked this category based on seeing that misinformation, and could prove with enough evidence, they might be able to coerce the cruise line to honor it (once they get on board).  But, that would likely be on a case-by-case basis, and you would need to come prepared with as much written evidence as possible.

 

Remember, if something looks too good to be true, it almost always isn’t.  But, then again, hope springs eternal.

 

Dr. J

 

 

 

 

@cruisedoctor

 

Thanks so much for all the great information.

 

Especially while been on the cruise.

 

I am also thinking the same.

 

i actually saw when they changed the cabin category from d1 to d0 and then the prices went up.

 

On some sailings a d0 is only 200.00 more than a d1.

 

On other sailings it is almost a 1,000.00 more.

 

With both sailing having plenty of the cabins available.

 

Thanks so much again and hoping you are enjoying the Mediterranean.

[CatMom72]

2 hours ago, cruisedoctor said:

@CaptainKirk  Category “D0” Premium Deluxe Balcony do NOT get Signature benefits/upgrades.  

 

When the ship initially opened for sale, there were 3 types of balcony staterooms:

Cove Balconies - Categories DG & DH

Deluxe Balconies - Categories DA, DB, DC, DD, DE & DF

Premium Balconies - Categories D1 & D2

 

Then as time went on, and the initial sailing drew near, Princess decided to do a re-categorization based on the booking pattern they were observing.  They changed the name of the D# categories to Premium Deluxe Balcony to make it clear that the interior design of the room itself, is like the rest of the Deluxe Balcony categories, and the “Premium” referred to these rooms having an extensive balcony.  At the same time, they added the now infamous D0 category, and put the previous aft-located D1 rooms into this new category, at a higher price point, than when they were D1’s.  Historically, cruise lines will move staterooms that are in most demand, into higher categories, in order to increase their profitability.

 

Having closely observed this ship since the first steel was cut, it became apparent to me that one hand didn’t know what the other was doing. Deck plans on the Sun Princess dedicated website, didn’t match those on the main Princess website, or on the app(s).  Changes would occur in one place, but not elsewhere.  When this “late in the game” re-categorization took place it looks like someone “not in the know” was assigned the task of updating things.  They made an incorrect assumption, that since these new “D0” rooms were near the suites, they must get the same benefits, and cut-and-pasted the benefits from the “S_” categories onto these new “D0” in error.

 

Princess has two versions of booking system, a new more elaborate one that travel agents have access to, and an old text based version that Princess agents (including those based on board the ships) use.  Currently, in neither of these systems, does the Category “D0” indicate any “Signature” benefits.  However, based on screen shots that have been posted on this thread, the incorrect misinformation must still be floating around in the passenger-facing website.  The person I spoke with mentioned, that if someone booked this category based on seeing that misinformation, and could prove with enough evidence, they might be able to coerce the cruise line to honor it (once they get on board).  But, that would likely be on a case-by-case basis, and you would need to come prepared with as much written evidence as possible.

 

Remember, if something looks too good to be true, it almost always isn’t.  But, then again, hope springs eternal.

 

Dr. J

 

 

 

 

Maybe someone from Princess should work on addressing this issue ASAP.  It is obvious that they did not intend for these rooms to be included in the Signature category (that's why they start with "D" and not "S"). However, as THEIR OWN website provides conflicting information, it is understandable that some people are confused. As I said a couple of weeks ago on one of the (MANY) iterations on this topic, I think in the early design phase there may have been an intention of making this room an S9 Signature Suite and that as the design evolved, it was "demoted" to Premium Deluxe Balcony D0. @cruisedoctor has a similar hypothesis above and @Steelers36 (sorry, meant @JimmyVWine) has another variation on the theme.  Who knows how it happened? I just know it should be fixed so that we can stop talking about it.  Ultimately, I think that it would be an uphill battle to get these benefits as Princess would simply say that there's a mistake on the website and that does not constitute a guarantee of benefits.  For anyone who has booked a D0 room, I would be curious to know what it says on your booking confirmation.  I am in an S4 and it clearly states in the comments section that the room is part of the Signature Collection.  That is the kind of written evidence that might make a difference in terms of getting Princess to give someone benefits.  @dog, what does your booking confirmation say?

 

 

Edited March 7 by CatMom72

[JimmyVWine]

2 hours ago, cruisedoctor said:

Then as time went on, and the initial sailing drew near, Princess decided to do a re-categorization based on the booking pattern they were observing.

As I posted a few days ago, Princess has created a "Lego Block" ship with a whole host of new categories where cabins can have benefits conferred upon them (or taken away) with a keystroke and a color change on the schematic specific to that cruise. A Signature Suite can become a Mini-Suite and vice versa.  A D0 can become a D1.  When what they are selling now are benefits as opposed to cabin configuration, the sky is the limit, and changes can and will be made based on booking patterns. If there is a strong run on Signature Suites, they can make more.  If they need more (or fewer) D0's, they can do that.  It's pretty brilliant actually.

[CatMom72]

2 minutes ago, JimmyVWine said:

It's pretty brilliant actually.

Well it would be brilliant...if they actually had a way to manage it appropriately.  I don't think having conflicting information on one's own website is a sign of genius.

[JimmyVWine]

7 minutes ago, CatMom72 said:

Well it would be brilliant...if they actually had a way to manage it appropriately.  I don't think having conflicting information on one's own website is a sign of genius.

The concept is brilliant. The execution needs a bit of work.

And we, as website users, have to start getting used to avoiding starting posts with "Well, on my cruise..."  What one sees on one cruise may not be true on another.

Edited March 7 by JimmyVWine

[CatMom72]

1 minute ago, JimmyVWine said:

The concept is brilliant. The execution needs a bit of work.

Absolutely lol.

[Mike07]

12 minutes ago, CatMom72 said:

Well it would be brilliant...if they actually had a way to manage it appropriately.  I don't think having conflicting information on one's own website is a sign of genius.

 

If I had to guess, the people building and maintaining the website have never seen a cruise ship with their own eyes (photos don't count).

[Mike07]

20 minutes ago, JimmyVWine said:

As I posted a few days ago, Princess has created a "Lego Block" ship with a whole host of new categories where cabins can have benefits conferred upon them (or taken away) with a keystroke and a color change on the schematic specific to that cruise. A Signature Suite can become a Mini-Suite and vice versa.  A D0 can become a D1.  When what they are selling now are benefits as opposed to cabin configuration, the sky is the limit, and changes can and will be made based on booking patterns. If there is a strong run on Signature Suites, they can make more.  If they need more (or fewer) D0's, they can do that.  It's pretty brilliant actually.

 

Also, princess can always remove features that guests paid for at booking, as well, if it's deemed princess is not making a large enough profit.

 

Yeah, brilliant.

[JimmyVWine]

1 minute ago, Mike07 said:

 

Also, princess can always remove features that guests paid for at booking, as well, if it's deemed princess is not making a large enough profit.

 

Yeah, brilliant.

[CatMom72]

26 minutes ago, JimmyVWine said:

[FLAlaska]

We should change the title of this thread to Complaints, problems and disagreements with Princess and the Sun Princess and open up a new one where we can gather interesting and new information.

 

And serioiusly  folks, if  you are that upset that you need to reiterate your complaints multilple times a day, you may want to change cruiselines. No shade, just the truth and I respect the decision. I stopped NCL because I feel they nickle and dime you and I stopped RCCL when they became these huge behemoths that I don't enjoy. 

 

I get valid issues, but some of this is getting silly..

[Wishing on a star]

I do not see any topic or comment here that is not valid....

If Princess, as a corporation, would take care of things and offer a bit of transparancy,  then 90% of these questions and comments would immediately go away.

[Wishing on a star]

Just to change the topic a bit...  

I just wish somebody on my SUN sailing would cancel a Sphere Balcony cabin, move to larger cabin...  Too bad I hesitated in booking, until all were booked up.   There were a few available when we first started looking!!!!

[CalTexCruiser]

1 hour ago, CatMom72 said:

  I am in an S4 and it clearly states in the comments section that the room is part of the Signature Collection.  That is the kind of written evidence that might make a difference in terms of getting Princess to give someone benefits.  @dog, what does your booking confirmation say?

 

 

Agreed.  

My Penthouse Suite booking confirmation states:

 

 

If anyone booked in a D0 has this in the booking confirmation, Princess will be hard-pressed to deny you the benefit they confirmed at the time of booking.

 

Anything else can be easily dismissed by onboard personnel as a website mistake or agent mistake, and I imagine you'll be out of luck trying to argue entitlement to signature benefits when it is clear that the booking is for a BALCONY class cabin.

 

[CatMom72]

3 minutes ago, CalTexCruiser said:

Agreed.  

My Penthouse Suite booking confirmation states:

 

 

If anyone booked in a D0 has this in the booking confirmation, Princess will be hard-pressed to deny you the benefit they confirmed at the time of booking.

 

Anything else can be easily dismissed by onboard personnel as a website mistake or agent mistake, and I imagine you'll be out of luck trying to argue entitlement to signature benefits when it is clear that the booking is for a BALCONY class cabin.

 

Yes.  I am in S4 and mine looks exactly like this.  Totally agree with your assessment.  If it's not in writing on your booking confirmation, I doubt they'll honor it.

Edited March 7 by CatMom72

[Scirocco Breeze]

Everybody is very tetchy today! We all need a lovely cruise ⛴️ 😘

[AtlantaCruiser72]

7 hours ago, 555 said:

It possibly might be because the ship is in Europe right now.

I hope it changes to non smoking when it reaches the US.

 

All Princess ship have smoking areas in their Casinos.  However on Formal nights they often designate the Casino as non-smoking.  That said the residual odor still lingers.

[c-boy]

3 minutes ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

 

All Princess ship have smoking areas in their Casinos.  However on Formal nights they often designate the Casino as non-smoking.  That said the residual odor still lingers.

   🤨   last sentence reminds me of my first marriage.