cruise got cancelled because it was past final payment?

[Steelers36]

7 hours ago, babycutie said:

She was very helpful and such a gem.

Do you recall her name?

[cr8tiv1]

I also had a cruise with final payment due around Christmas.  My TA and I both agreed that we should pay it off near the beginning of the month (included EZ Air).  I’m glad I did.  It was one less headache to remember before the holidays.  
 

Glad it worked out for you. You got away cheap if OBC was your only loss.

[Coral]

12 hours ago, SargassoPirate said:

I can only imagine the nightmare scenarios if Princess kept one's credit card numbers on file and automatically charged the card when final payment dates approach. 

They don't keep the credit card number on file - they receive a token of sorts that allows their computer system to charge at final payment if a check box is checked that allows them to do this. It is all transparent. They do not keep the credit card number on file.

 

 

[SargassoPirate]

4 minutes ago, Coral said:

They don't keep the credit card number on file - they receive a token of sorts that allows their computer system to charge at final payment if a check box is checked that allows them to do this. It is all transparent. They do not keep the credit card number on file.

 

 

Interesting.  It's wires and mirrors to me.  When I order something from Amazon, my credit card number is on file and they automatically charge it when the item/items ship.  

 

However, it's a good practice to keep an eye on all of one's credit card billings and payment due dates and not depend on "automatic" payments and debits.

[Coral]

2 minutes ago, SargassoPirate said:

Interesting.  It's wires and mirrors to me.  When I order something from Amazon, my credit card number is on file and they automatically charge it when the item/items ship.  

 

However, it's a good practice to keep an eye on all of one's credit card billings and payment due dates and not depend on "automatic" payments and debits.

I don't know if Amazon actually keeps it on file or just keeps the last 4 digits on file so you can recognize the card.

 

We went through a security audit at my employer awhile ago which was very wide range. While we do not keep credit cards on file - we were told no company should ever do this and explained that if there are re-occuring payments or if companies want to keep an account tied to a credit card open such as Walgreens, the company needs to request a token from the bank credit card and then the token is stored.

 

That is not to say that some companies do not follow correct protocols.

[ukestrummer]

that happened to me as the agent did not charge final, I caught it days later and she got it fixed but in meantime I lost the cruise

[Rick&Jeannie]

3 hours ago, Coral said:

I don't know if Amazon actually keeps it on file or just keeps the last 4 digits on file so you can recognize the card.

 

We went through a security audit at my employer awhile ago which was very wide range. While we do not keep credit cards on file - we were told no company should ever do this and explained that if there are re-occuring payments or if companies want to keep an account tied to a credit card open such as Walgreens, the company needs to request a token from the bank credit card and then the token is stored.

 

That is not to say that some companies do not follow correct protocols.

 

This is probably way more than anybody cares about...

 

As a former IT network manager, I am well aware of the security requirements in regards to credit cards.  ALL FIRMS THAT TAKE CREDIT CARDS MUST MEET THE RULES AND REGS OF "PCI".  That stands for Payment Card Initiative.  It is set in place by the consortium of credit card companies (lead primarily by Visa) and it is a CONSTANT moving target from year to year as to what your systems and/or network can do.  Any PC that has ANY contact with the internet just about cannot be used for ANYTHING else...and it is even restricted from being able to reach any internet sites other than what is required to process the card.  This is the main reason that MOST firms "farm out" their credit card processing.  

 

Needles to say...PCI was a tremendous thorn in my side...even for a very small ministry organization with only 15 employees.  Every year I could count on some type of major upgrade to our routers and firewalls just to satisfy the PCI requirements.

[Perky1]

22 hours ago, babycutie said:

Ugh, maybe my old brain is not remembering correctly or I've been mainly booking with TA.  I just don't recall having to call in for final payment.  We'll see if they will reinstate my booking.

You don’t have to call in you could just go into your cruise personalizer and make your final payment - all done online.

[joe/jack]

16 hours ago, Pam in CA said:

Princess used to have a “grace” period of five days after final payment is due but quite a few years ago, they eliminated that. Final payment is due the date they say and the system will automatically cancel the booking. It’s on every statement or invoice I’ve received. (My TA sends me the Princess invoice and then her invoice since she always saves me money.) 
 

Travel agents almost always ask their customers to authorize final payment 3-5 days before the Princess final payment date. That’s in case there’s a glitch, credit card error, charge doesn’t go through, error in giving the TA your credit card, etc. 

 

The bottom line is that there’s always a final payment date and the responsibility is always the passenger’s to authorize and make final payment on time. Doesn’t matter whether you book directly or with a TA. 

It’s as simple as to adding it to your calendar on you phone 2 days prior to the final payment And let it prompt you to finalize your arrangements 

48 hours gives you plenty of time 

[DHP1]

3 years ago I made a deposit through my PVP and she asked me should I keep your credit card on file for final payment.  I said no.

[DHP1]

Princess cancelled our cruise because of Covid and we received our deposit refund through our credit card which I did not provide during the cancellation. Therefore, must keep a record of your credit card. Maybe in final payment it’s a different. 

[coops]

On 12/30/2022 at 10:40 PM, Rick&Jeannie said:

I *think* the OP has it now...let's give them a break! 😄

She keeps insisting that Princess is at fault because they cancelled . But reality is she missed final so of course they will cancel. It is her fault that they cancelled as she didn't pay final.

[ChutChut]

On 12/30/2022 at 5:12 PM, babycutie said:

The first reservation agent I spoke to could not do anything to reinstate my booking.  The new booking would cost me another $600USD and I would also lose the $100 OBC.

He said there's nothing he can do.

So I decided to not rebook the cruise and just let it go.  However, I didn't think it's fair that they charged the $100 cancellation fee because they're the one who cancelled.  So I request to get that back in refund or some sort of future OBC.  Technically, final payment was due Dec 25th.  Cancellation penalty starts on Dec 26th.  If they didn't get my payment, everything should have been cancelled and therefore should have been $0 penalty.  So the agent transferred me over to customer service.

 

This customer service lady was very patient and understanding.  I simply told her about my situation and ignorance.  I didn't want to cancel and would like to pay for the cruise if she could reinstate the booking.  If that's not possible and since Princess cancelled my booking, I shouldn't have to pay the penalty fee.  I'm fine with future OBC as well in lieu of a refund.  She put me on hold for a long time but occasionally checks back to make sure I was there.  We even got disconnected at one point and she still called me back.  She was very helpful and such a gem.

Eventually she came back and was able to offer same price but without the $100 OBC.  I was happy to take it.

 

Lesson learned - don't assume the card for deposit will automatically be deducted for final payment.

Glad you got the booking back minus the OBC. However, YOU cancelled your cruise by failing to pay. Princess did NOT cancel anything.

[milolii]

On 12/29/2022 at 7:22 AM, PacnGoNow said:

How did their prices compare?  TIA

 

41 minutes ago, coops said:

She keeps insisting that Princess is at fault because they cancelled . But reality is she missed final so of course they will cancel. It is her fault that they cancelled as she didn't pay final.

In post #12. she admitted to her error.  As @Rick&Jeanniesays she gets it now and has her crusie back minus the. $100.00OBC. 
 

I am always asked if I want to keep the card for final payment.. never did it though..  I usually pay  a few days before final.

[Sea Hag]

On 12/31/2022 at 8:36 AM, Rick&Jeannie said:

 

Needles to say...PCI was a tremendous thorn in my side...even for a very small ministry organization with only 15 employees.  Every year I could count on some type of major upgrade to our routers and firewalls just to satisfy the PCI requirements.

I hear you on that!  I battled with this for years, and it never got any easier.

[wrongwaywatson]

I'm glad you got your booking back.  We are just now at 90 days today on our upcoming cruise.  My TA sent emails 10 days out and 5 days out.  I called and gave them payment 2 days ago.   My emails did say that the cruise would be cancelled for non-payment if we did not pay.

[PescadoAmarillo]

Just a suggestion…we know the cutoff date for the card we use to pay for  Princess cruises. We pay for cruises in the weeks before final payment, after that final payment date. That gives us, on average, a 15 day cushion. Making final payment does not affect the refundability of a cruise. With rare exceptions, the cruise can be cancelled without penalty until final payment date even if it’s been paid in full. 

[justafem]

The OP also started a post on FB and wasn't happy with the answers given there.  I guess they were hoping for a more friendly crowd here.  

[AZjohn]

7 hours ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

Just a suggestion…we know the cutoff date for the card we use to pay for  Princess cruises. We pay for cruises in the weeks before final payment, after that final payment date. That gives us, on average, a 15 day cushion. Making final payment does not affect the refundability of a cruise. With rare exceptions, the cruise can be cancelled without penalty until final payment date even if it’s been paid in full. 

Oh come on….. everyone would rather procrastinate and wait until the last minute to make a payment😆🤣😆.

 

 We are actually totally like you and always pay way before any deadline (this goes for any of our bills). No need for any unnecessary stress and penalties for a possible unforeseen hiccup with a payment (like me totally forgetting the due date😁).

[Ombud]

The final payment notice looks like it's changed. The dates & penalty for failure to pay are bolded and bright green. Impossible to miss. And I've got it entered to pay in full on final payment date 

[dog]

On 12/30/2022 at 3:53 PM, babycutie said:

I knew final payment was Dec 25th (for March 25th 2023 cruise).  I didn't care to call them to pay because they usually just charge the same credit card used for deposit.  I've been on 8 princess cruises and 7 cruises with other lines.  It was never a problem before.

Today I found an email dated Dec 28th that my cruise was cancelled.  Plus I was charged $100 for the cancellation.

 

 

That says it all: OP knew final payment was due but she didn’t care…..

 

Princess was generous to you IMO.

[kitkat343]

On my first cruise, I didn’t realize they don’t send out email reminders about final payment and was waiting for that.  A few weeks later, I called and asked when final payment was and they told me a few weeks ago.  I asked the rep what I should do, and she laughed and told me I could just pay now.  And now I know better and won’t do this again, but in all fairness it would be helpful if they could just send a reminder email, since it costs nothing to send an email and new cruisers don’t know everything.  

[Itchy&Scratchy]

12 hours ago, kitkat343 said:

On my first cruise, I didn’t realize they don’t send out email reminders about final payment and was waiting for that. 

but this was not OP's first cruise with Princess.

 

Princess does send email reminders... I got this one in August 2022 for my Nov 22 cruise titled:

 

ATTN: Hn, Booking Number  - First Name Last Name - Final Payment Notice

[dog]

On 1/2/2023 at 6:09 AM, dog said:

That says it all: OP knew final payment was due but she didn’t care…..

 

Princess was generous to you IMO.

I never get emails from Princess when I book directly but I am familiar with my contract/ personalizer and pay atleast a week in advance.

 

OP said she knew final was due…

[Homosassa]

On 1/2/2023 at 5:40 AM, Ombud said:

The final payment notice looks like it's changed. The dates & penalty for failure to pay are bolded and bright green. Impossible to miss. 

Unless one is color blind.

 

I showed your post to my husband and he said the so called impossible to miss print was a slightly darker shade of gray on a gray background.