Changes to Princess Plus, room service fees, Alfredo's and others. Fee changes. Etc

[Kay S]

1 hour ago, Steelers36 said:

This thread is going to cross 1,000 posts in less than 36 hours from the first one.  Never seen anything like it on Princess forum.

Not to mention all the duplicate threads started by people who don't see this one...

Yep, Princess may have really stepped in it this time.  Happy, Pagett?

[coo359a2]

37 minutes ago, Thrak said:

 

Stop looking at the upgrade thing and look at the personalizer under the Onboard Services tab. That show what you actually have.

Also, your Travel Summary will list all the perks of your Plus package which should match what is in the Onboard Services section.  Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of the Onboard Services.

[azbirdmom]

5 hours ago, emeraldlake said:

Someone posted this menu on facebook so it looks like $14.99 is cover charge to choose 1 appetizer, 1 pizza or pasta, and dessert.

Gigis Pizzeria by Alfredo_EX-XP_2023-7-24.pdf 1.26 MB · 187 downloads

 

Thank you for sharing.  Frequently my husband and I split a pizza and agnolotti.  Looks like that is still doable with this menu.  What isn't is getting our own agnolotti and sharing a pizza which we sometimes do if we are really hungry.  And actually we have been doing that more often now that they have downsized the agnolotti portion.  So in that case it looks like we would still be charged $12 even if we have the package.  And I'm guessing they won't give you credit for skipping the appetizers and dessert.  Sigh.

Edited July 29, 2023 by azbirdmom

[Woobstr112G]

I have the Premier package on my next two sailings so the charges do not affect me personally. I think however that what Princess is doing is absolutely terrible. For those without a package a nearly $15.00 fee for the privilege of ordering food/beverage items from the app. Then to rub some salt into the wounds a $5.00 fee each time you order something for delivery? This a direct slap in the face of loyal Princess cruisers…..

 

Bob

[Princessfan20]

32 minutes ago, cruzsnooze said:

I am a full suite passenger that does not drink. I am booked and paid in full for a 28 day cruise this November. I am very unhappy with changes made when it is  too late for me to cancel my cruise. H*ll will freeze over before I tip the "suggested" $924 for 28 days and another internet $7.50  X 28 = $210  and pay for pizza too!   What am I getting for my standard cruise fare at over $12,000 per person plus $340 port fee PP and $$89 transfer PP  ? I'll be better off looking at a premium cruise line in a balcony cabin. So if I call room service for a bucket of ice is that $5?  What about the elite high tea in the suite? Will suites keep the specialty restaurant on embarkation night? Lots of unanswered questions.  Princess suites have been a poor value to begin with but this is the straw that breaks the camels back. Suite bathroom amenities are non existent along with most other amenities we've come to count on. 

   To my way of thinking Princess has priced itself to close to a more inclusive premium line but in a sneaky Nickle and dime way. 

 

This may be a problem for Princess if passengers who book suites decide that instead of being nicked and dime to death their money will go much further and be more appreciated on the luxury brand cruise lines.  

 

We are certainly looking at those lines now.  Princess has certainly lost its' panache with these ridiculous new resort fees so to speak.

Edited July 29, 2023 by Princessfan20

[Jeter02]

I know it's a random question on this thread but I'm curious to know those who have cruised with the casino comp Cruises Are you guys automatically given the plus package? Or do they give you a standard fare and you can upgrade the plus? There is a reason to my madness on why I'm asking this question.

[memoak]

58 minutes ago, Thrak said:

 

Stop looking at the upgrade thing and look at the personalizer under the Onboard Services tab. That show what you actually have.

If you hit the upgrade to plus it shows all the perks and says we have purchased 

[CynCyn]

6 minutes ago, Jeter02 said:

I know it's a random question on this thread but I'm curious to know those who have cruised with the casino comp Cruises Are you guys automatically given the plus package? Or do they give you a standard fare and you can upgrade the plus? There is a reason to my madness on why I'm asking this question.

It depends upon the offer.  

[vjmatty]

On 7/27/2023 at 3:54 PM, whitecap said:

So I'll begin my next post with this:  I am a loyal Princess cruiser; have been since 2010; have 39 sailings on Princess; have never had a issue that didn't get resolved amicably; we currently have 4 booked cruises totaling 55 days.  Now, over the last several months we have seen the benefits of loyalty begin a slow decline while cruise fares have risen, daily gratuities have increased, cost for wifi have risen, loyalty OBC has disappeared, and other amenities have been removed.  Today, we are told that some food services will no longer be free and new charges will begin for delivery of food/drinks all in an effort to convince passengers to book beverage packages that on their face value, are not worth the cost.  All of this is being done in the name of reducing cost and increasing income/profit.

So here is my suggestion:  I too wish to lower cost and as a result increase my financial balance sheet and one of the ways I can accomplish this goal is to begin with the daily gratuities.  At the current $16 per day per guest ($32 for a couple) that comes to $448 on a 14 day cruise.  By having the automatic gratuities taken off my account, I have just saved $448 minus any tip that I might give to my room steward or other crew member who does a great job providing services to me, my DW and our cabin.  We will be able to provide our room steward an amble gratuity and still be well ahead and enough to splurge on a couple of nights of room service and pay the $5 per delivery (no need to tip the person delivering since the $5 fee should cover that).  Princess convinces some to pay the higher/new fees and thus increases their profit/income, we found a way to decrease our expenditures and still be able to enjoy our cruise.  Win Win.   

 

 

[memoak]

6 minutes ago, Jeter02 said:

I know it's a random question on this thread but I'm curious to know those who have cruised with the casino comp Cruises Are you guys automatically given the plus package? Or do they give you a standard fare and you can upgrade the plus? There is a reason to my madness on why I'm asking this question.

Haven’t seen the plus package included for at least a year we always upgrade to plus and upgrade to a full suite

[AtlantaCruiser72]

3 minutes ago, vjmatty said:

 

Sooooooo THAT’s what they did with all the barrel chairs (grabs popcorn)

[BuzzBuzzen]

After reading through all 39 pages, I wish I had my wife's attitude to all the changes announced. My wife could care less and hasn't even asked what ship we are sailing on soon. I was telling her about the changes and her eyes glazed over with disinterest. I overthink these things lol. Cheers, to all, Buzz.

[kywildcatfanone]

12 minutes ago, BuzzBuzzen said:

After reading through all 39 pages, I wish I had my wife's attitude to all the changes announced. My wife could care less and hasn't even asked what ship we are sailing on soon. I was telling her about the changes and her eyes glazed over with disinterest. I overthink these things lol. Cheers, to all, Buzz.

This will be most cruisers, and the cruise lines know it.  That's why prices go up twice a year regularly now.

The vast majority don't care, and it won't change their cruise or package habits.

[mthomp5]

Out of goodwill, Princess should grandfather everyone who bought any type of Plus or Premier package. I remember when the cost of their beverage package increased in the past, people were able to purchase it before the price increase and were grandfathered.   People actually rushed to purchase it before the increase and didn’t have to pay the difference in the price to receive the benefits of the beverage package.  At least some people felt like they got a good deal.
 

While they have added some “additional benefits” to the Plus and Premier Package, they are still calling them the same thing.  Just grandfather everyone who’s purchased any form of these packages and maybe it would be a little easier to swallow the pill of new fees.  I think this was poorly executed.  

[PacnGoNow]

41 minutes ago, vjmatty said:

 

Where’s the popcorn 🍿?  😂 

[Yowman]

48 minutes ago, memoak said:

If you hit the upgrade to plus it shows all the perks and says we have purchased 

 

 

It appears that, for some, this is not the accurate way to determine what perks you have.  Your travel summary is more accurate.  I fell into this "trap" of assuming I had the perks (based on the "upgrade to plus" page) when in fact I don't (I have PLUS-50).

Edited July 29, 2023 by Yowman
clarification

[suzyed]

20 hours ago, New2cruise2022 said:

It is a major policy shift. It impacts almost every cruiser with Princess. Except for those that already booked Premier (and are receiving more value), cruisers must examine the value offered and decide if they will upgrade, lose value, or cancel cruises.

We won't be cancelling any cruises right now but we are leery of booking with Princess  which has been our cruise line of choice since our first sailing on the Ruby in 2010.  We are in the process of booking with Oceana for next year.

[suzyed]

8 minutes ago, Yowman said:

 

 

It appears that, for some, this is not the accurate way to determine what perks you have.  Your travel summary is more accurate.  I fell into this "trap" of assuming I had the perks (based on the "upgrade to plus" page) when in fact I don't (I have PLUS-50).

What is Plus-50?

 

[awatt]

1 hour ago, cruzsnooze said:

I am a full suite passenger that does not drink. I am booked and paid in full for a 28 day cruise this November. I am very unhappy with changes made when it is  too late for me to cancel my cruise. H*ll will freeze over before I tip the "suggested" $924 for 28 days and another internet $7.50  X 28 = $210  and pay for pizza too!   What am I getting for my standard cruise fare at over $12,000 per person plus $340 port fee PP and $$89 transfer PP  ? I'll be better off looking at a premium cruise line in a balcony cabin. So if I call room service for a bucket of ice is that $5?  What about the elite high tea in the suite? Will suites keep the specialty restaurant on embarkation night? Lots of unanswered questions.  Princess suites have been a poor value to begin with but this is the straw that breaks the camels back. Suite bathroom amenities are non existent along with most other amenities we've come to count on. 

   To my way of thinking Princess has priced itself to close to a more inclusive premium line but in a sneaky Nickle and dime way. 

Take a look at MSC Yacht Club. Its wonderful and no nickel and diming.

[Yowman]

12 minutes ago, suzyed said:

What is Plus-50?

 

 

PLUS package I bought when it was only $50 (and not the current $60)

[Moxiefurball]

Princess has just ruined the cruise experience and heres why. First, this change should only be for those who booked and paid for cruises past Aug 12. Everyone else should be grandfathered in.  But for me to think room service was free, Alfredo’s, and the medallion delivery to anywhere on ship was free ( since that’s what I was sold)  only to learn  these are no longer gratis , and to change this 3 weeks before my cruise, is disgusting. And a 14 day cruise at that ! 

 

 The whole idea of cruising was to have  the basics everything included.  Yes alcohol was always extra understood. Naturally . of course was ok with the “ specialty dining “ that’s a preference, and many times have  greatly enjoyed it. But the room service really has me fuming . First it is totally confusing.

1. they stress it’s $5 if you pick up your room phone to call in room service .  But it’s unclear what if any the charge will be if you order room service from the TV or app ?   On the Carmen video posted earlier she  appeared to say “ rather quickly “ if you use app to order room service it will still be free even for standard .. is that everyone’s understanding?  
 

2. The nickel and diming, we might as well vacation on land only travel from now on and go also Al a carte  with everything, as all of this just creates stress and confusion. Or choose another line, that doesn’t create a class structure, if those lines even exist.🤔

 

 

 

 

Edited July 29, 2023 by Moxiefurball

[suzyed]

2 minutes ago, Yowman said:

 

PLUS package I bought when it was only $50 (and not the current $60)

So what do you do now?  Do you ante up the extra $10? Or do you just pass on the "new items" and be happy with what was part of the Plus-50?

 

[So_Tweetie]

I've cruised twice with Princess since the restart. During those trips, I loved and saw massive potential in the Medallion and OceanNow, but did not find sufficient value in the Plus/Premier packages to buy them on either sailing. When I encountered the Premium Desserts on Caribbean Princess, I was both disappointed in and concerned for the brand (no need to rehash that now). I truly started to wonder if they were headed for bankruptcy.

 

Increased costs will always be ill-received by most, so I hardly blame Princess for trying to blend the introduction of new fees into a press release celebrating how the new costs would *not* apply to passengers with Plus/Premier packages. It seems a lot of people were offended by that approach..Insult added to injury?

 

The other lines I have sailed with since the restart are Royal Caribbean (six times) and NCL (twice). For what Princess is now offering at $60 pp/day, you would *easily* be looking at spending $160 pp/day on Royal Caribbean. I am less confident in quantifying it for NCL but I would guess it's similar to or more expensive than the new Princess Plus plan. The drink and dining packages on both Royal and NCL come with an additional gratuity added on, and while they don't add gratuities to it, the internet is a separate and very expensive purchase on both lines. In my view, the adjustments Princess has made to the packages puts them ahead of the competition and makes them more attractive to someone with my personal style of cruising.

 

Of course I am sad to see room service and previously-free dining options coming at a charge, but the writing has been on the wall about that for a while. These changes, for me, significantly increase the likelihood that I will purchase the Plus package on our upcoming cruises. That's a win for Princess in my book.

[coo359a2]

4 minutes ago, suzyed said:

So what do you do now?  Do you ante up the extra $10? Or do you just pass on the "new items" and be happy with what was part of the Plus-50?

 

We will pass on upgrading to the $60 pkg.  Will do ala carte a couple of times at Alfredo's and come out way ahead on our 14 day cruise.  Not interested in the other new "perks" offered for $60.  

[suzyed]

13 minutes ago, Moxiefurball said:

Princess has just ruined the cruise experience and heres why. First, this change should only be for those who booked and paid for cruises past Aug 12. Everyone else should be grandfathered in.  But for me to think room service was free, Alfredo’s, and the medallion delivery to anywhere on ship was free ( since that’s what I was sold)  only to learn  these are no longer gratis , and to change this 3 weeks before my cruise, is disgusting. And a 14 day cruise at that ! 

 

 The whole idea of cruising was to have  the basics everything included.  Yes alcohol was always extra understood. Naturally . of course was ok with the “ specialty dining “ that’s a preference, and many times have  greatly enjoyed it. But the room service really has me fuming . First it is totally confusing.

1. they stress it’s $5 if you pick up your room phone to call in room service .  But it’s unclear what if any the charge will be if you order room service from the TV or app ?   On the Carmen video posted earlier she  appeared to say “ rather quickly “ if you use app to order room service it will still be free even for standard .. is that everyone’s understanding?  
 

2. The nickel and diming, we might as well vacation on land only travel from now on and go also Carter’s with everything, as all of this just creates stress and confusion. Or choose another line, that doesn’t creat a class structure, if those even exist.🤔

 

 

 

 

Agree!  Very disappointing.