Is it really worth it?

[karatemom2]

13 minutes ago, Lady Arwen said:

Yes, there are thousands of Elite cruisers.  There are many, many more who are not.  For them, 2 wine,  1 cocktail,  plus gratuities per person per day  is $61.00 all day, everyday.  Nothing else added.  Please stop leading the charge on misinformation. 

 
Not misinformation - I state emphatically that my scenario applies to an Elite cruiser. How is that me giving misinformation? People can figure out for themselves what is cost effective for them. But maybe even some new cruisers don’t drink much, maybe they don’t like coffee, maybe they prefer to pay as they go because as a new cruiser they don’t know yet how much they will consume. Is it not ok for me to point that out? Is it not ok for me to say to a new cruiser - maybe you don’t need the package? That’s not misinformation - that’s what we might call a second opinion. Maybe it’s ok for me to say to a new cruiser who is overwhelmed by the cost of these packages on top of their cruise investment that it’s perfectly fine to enjoy your cruise without a package and you can still have a very wonderful vacation. I think I have that right without being told I’m providing misinformation. 

[insidecabin]

38 minutes ago, karatemom2 said:

 
Actually many, many Princess cruisers have the Shareholder benefit - it is discussed here all the time. This as well as numerous other OBC benefits through future cruise deposits, casino, and travel agents. We generally have significant OBC for our cruises. 

Don't forget the captain's circle discounts on selected cruises for selected customers.

Seen upto 50% and that on current fare and packages.

[Honolulu Blue]

24 minutes ago, cruising.mark.uk said:

How many first time cruisers are Elite?

 

17 minutes ago, Lady Arwen said:

That would be zero.  It takes many, many cruise days to reach that level.  I applaud their dedication and loyalty and by all means they should receive recognition and extra perks.  

I'm not Elite, yet, but I kind of back doored my way to Platinum status. My first booked cruise on Princess was canceled due to the pandemic. It was a solo cruise, which I got double credit for. I booked two more cruises on Princess (both solo), and found myself with Platinum status as I embarked on the second one.

 

I currently show with 8 cruises sailed, but only 24 days. I have another Princess cruise scheduled for later this year (7 days). I assume I'll get 2 cruise credits for that one too. So, in my unique case, it wouldn't necessarily take me many years to get to Elite. Three more cruises of any length would do it. I could, in theory, have fewer than 50 days when I get to Elite status. Thanks in advance for the kind words. 👍

 

Sorry for the distraction. I'll go back to lurk mode now.

[insidecabin]

43 minutes ago, Lady Arwen said:

Yes, there are thousands of Elite cruisers.  There are many, many more who are not.  For them, 2 wine,  1 cocktail,  plus gratuities per person per day  is $61.00 all day, everyday.  Nothing else added.  Please stop leading the charge on misinformation. 

Don't forget not everyone drinks wine and foo foo drinks.

 

I do cruises where I only ever drink beers, it take a few of them even with Princess outrageous price for me to drink enough for 2 as the OH can go no drinks on a cruise.

[cruising.mark.uk]

11 minutes ago, insidecabin said:

Don't forget the captain's circle discounts on selected cruises for selected customers.

Seen upto 50% and that on current fare and packages.

Yes.  We received that offer a couple of weeks ago and took advantage.  In 20 years of cruising, I think that's the first time I've come across a sale that genuinely gives 50% off, i.e. we priced a specific cabin on a specific cruise with a package without logging into the site and then logged in and priced the same specific cabin with the same package on the same cruise.  The total price we were offered was exactly half that of the total price without logging in.  A genuine bargain.  

[Teechur]

4 hours ago, Lady Arwen said:

CA is crew appreciation, or gratuities to some.  And, yeah you need it.

 

For one last time I’ll give you a breakdown on what a very casual drinker would use each day, per person

 

CA.                        $16.00

WIFI.                        10.00

1 glass of wine.         15.00

1 cocktail.                  15.00

1 soda.                         3.00

1 specialty coffee.        5.00

 

Total without package $64.00.        Cost of package. $60.00

 I haven’t added in bottled water or juice or mocktails.

 

 Numbers do not lie.  You tell people breakeven is 10 alcohol beverages per day.  That’s $150.00.  So, clearly not true.

 

 Don’t need wifi?  Take off 10.00 and now it’s $54.00.  Maybe an extra glass of wine at dinner?  Add $15.00.  Your total is now $69.00.  Still ahead.  Don’t like specialty coffee?  Take off $5.00.  Your total is now $64.00.  Still ahead.  No soda?  Take off $3.00.  Your total is now $61.00 and you’re still ahead by a dollar.

 

So, 2 glasses of wine, $30.00 1 cocktail $15.00 and gratuities $16.00 with no wifi or other chargeable beverages is $61.00.

 

These are facts.  Not opinions.  No fantasy numbers coming out of thin air.  No exaggerations.  
 

I would love to see your breakdown and how you come to your conclusions.  Please.  I’m sure everyone would be interested.

One thing that people on this thread have not addressed is on-board credit. On my last 14-day cruise I had $850 in OBC. It paid for Internet, crew appreciation, drinks, some shopping, and more. At the end, I walked away leaving $100 on the table. A package is not necessary with lots of OBC.

On my next cruise I have $350 in OBC. As a light drinker I see no reason to buy upgrades.

[insidecabin]

37 minutes ago, cruising.mark.uk said:

Yes.  We received that offer a couple of weeks ago and took advantage.  In 20 years of cruising, I think that's the first time I've come across a sale that genuinely gives 50% off, i.e. we priced a specific cabin on a specific cruise with a package without logging into the site and then logged in and priced the same specific cabin with the same package on the same cruise.  The total price we were offered was exactly half that of the total price without logging in.  A genuine bargain.  

Good offers, when you factor the 50% in the UK is on fare which include tax the base fare  reduction was even more.

 

What surprised me they include Sun Princess cruises(if it ever sails) in the list.

[TheMichael]

4 minutes ago, karatemom2 said:

Point taken, however, I would counter that in the friendly exchange of ideas and opinions that this board should encourage there is not a need for thoughtful and intelligent people to use words like - dumb, silly, liar, dramatic, whining, etc. It’s just a matter of mutual respect. You can make your point without being dismissive and derogatory of others and their thoughts, even if you disagree. 

 

I would counter-counter that in the friendly exchange of ideas and opinions that this board should encourage not belaboring something that was really settled when it was acknowledged that you were not an average cruiser for purposes of this discussion.

[New2cruise2022]

2 hours ago, cruising.mark.uk said:

Yes.  We received that offer a couple of weeks ago and took advantage.  In 20 years of cruising, I think that's the first time I've come across a sale that genuinely gives 50% off, i.e. we priced a specific cabin on a specific cruise with a package without logging into the site and then logged in and priced the same specific cabin with the same package on the same cruise.  The total price we were offered was exactly half that of the total price without logging in.  A genuine bargain.  

I would like this comment 100 times if I could. Thanks for sharing and congrats!

[Guest Snaxmuppet]

3 hours ago, Lady Arwen said:

That would be zero.  It takes many, many cruise days to reach that level.  I applaud their dedication and loyalty and by all means they should receive recognition and extra perks.  These boards are here, primarily to answer questions and to guide new or fairly new cruisers, with honest and thoughtful information.  Just the truth without drama and whining.  Is this too much to ask?

That is an interesting comment and I have found up to now that I broadly am in agreement with the main thrust of your posts but on this one I disagree.

 

Who says that these boards are to answer questions and to guide new or fairly new cruisers? Yes, that is one of the purposes but it is not the only purpose IMO. I have always believed them to also be a place where people interested in cruising, and in Princess in particular for this board, can enjoy friendly discussion on the topic. I don't think there has to be an overriding imperative to educate or to help in any way. I also believe that in those discussions we can give our opinions and to moan occasionally. Why not? That is life and I don't have a problem with that. I do think that if we offer an opinion though that we should make it clear it is an opinion or else provide some supporting link or evidence if we are claiming it to be fact.

[TheMichael]

Let's stop this latest unnecessary side discussion right now:

 

These boards are not only for new cruisers. This discussion is about new (or at least non-Elite) cruisers. 

[insidecabin]

1 hour ago, TRLD said:

Not necessarily. Ran into a travel agent and her husband on my current cruise. First time on Princess, given elite status for the cruise.

Plenty of P&O cruisers did their first princess cruise at high levels as there was a loyalty match.

 

Our elite was helped with P&O.

 

Let's not forget the multi point cruises.

 

21 nights solo in a suite on Sun Princess this summer get 9 points 6 more elite.

 

 

 

 

[mamafun]

3 hours ago, Teechur said:

One thing that people on this thread have not addressed is on-board credit. On my last 14-day cruise I had $850 in OBC.

 

It's been actual decades since I've been on a cruise (but planning!), so forgive this question.  How do you all accumulate your OBC?  I see some offered with booking, but it seems like a lot of people have tons.  Thanks!

[TRLD]

2 hours ago, mamafun said:

 

It's been actual decades since I've been on a cruise (but planning!), so forgive this question.  How do you all accumulate your OBC?  I see some offered with booking, but it seems like a lot of people have tons.  Thanks!

In our case on a 14 day cruise $250 shareholder obc, $250 veteran obc, 150 fcd obc. That is a base amount. On some cruises might be additional obc based on special terms or sales.

 

In our case a package would cost us around $1680 for the cruise. Our normal onboard balance after the obc is exhausted for a 14 day cruise would be maybe $200. So for us a package makes no sense, though we are quite happy that many choose to buy them, adding to Princess on board spending revenues, helping to keep our fares lower.

Edited February 16 by TRLD

[jagoffee]

6 hours ago, karatemom2 said:

Well for every scenario there is another scenario! Take my calculation for 2 Elite cruisers - not big drinkers, don’t like coffee. 
 

24 pack of water delivered to room ordered prior to cruise. $7 (let’s just call it $1 day for 7 day cruise)

 

20 Diet Cokes to replace Elite mini bar - free

 

1 device WiFi w/ Elite discount $12.50

 

Glass of wine with dinner - $11 (yes, I’m basic)

 

Two cocktails at Elite lounge (2 x 😎 - $16

 

Couple of sodas or water in addition to what we already have - $6

 

Gratuities for 2 - $32

 

Total actually spent for two - $78.50 

 

Package price for two - $120 

 

This would be a sea day. Likely less on a port day as we prefer to dine and drink in port to fully experience our time there.
 

But apparently I’m “dumb” and “cheap” and “tiresome” for pointing out that the magical Princess packages don’t add up for everyone. Silly me. I can’t believe I’m so ridiculous as to not want to hand Princess an extra $300 per week of our cruise for all the fabulous benefits I’m not using. Really, I need my head examined!

 

 

Correcting the error that you mentioned,later with the water, your number is now $85.50 for two.   Given what you summarized, Princess is doing a great job meeting your needs.  Others are in the very same category.  (Perhaps 20% of the passengers?. If you are willing to cruise in an inside cabin, you will have an even more affordable vacation.  Congratulations.  I think that is really great.

 

It is rather ironic that the Elite benefits play such a major role in allowing this to happen, when those that purchase one of the two packages do not get as much value from the Elite benefits.  It is good that those in the 20% category are able to benefit.  It does seem like Princess Elite benefits are focused on the wrong demographic IMO.  
 

I am sure you realize that for a vast majority of us, a single glass of wine that cost $11with gratuity, two $8 cocktails plus gratuity from a very limited Cocktail party in a very limited time frame is not our idea of an enjoyable cruise vacation.  
 

Lucky for Princess that you are in the minority.  I am sincerely happy for you.  I can appreciate a good deal hunter.

 In the case of a cruise, my needs are much different.  It is not because I am ignorant as some people seem to imply, I just have different needs and priorities.  (And my financial situation in retirement certainly helps).

 

I am happy for us as well.  
 

Enjoy your cruises.

 

 

[karatemom2]

40 minutes ago, jagoffee said:

Correcting the error that you mentioned,later with the water, your number is now $85.50 for two.   Given what you summarized, Princess is doing a great job meeting your needs.  Others are in the very same category.  (Perhaps 20% of the passengers?. If you are willing to cruise in an inside cabin, you will have an even more affordable vacation.  Congratulations.  I think that is really great.

 

It is rather ironic that the Elite benefits play such a major role in allowing this to happen, when those that purchase one of the two packages do not get as much value from the Elite benefits.  It is good that those in the 20% category are able to benefit.  It does seem like Princess Elite benefits are focused on the wrong demographic IMO.  
 

I am sure you realize that for a vast majority of us, a single glass of wine that cost $11with gratuity, two $8 cocktails plus gratuity from a very limited Cocktail party in a very limited time frame is not our idea of an enjoyable cruise vacation.  
 

Lucky for Princess that you are in the minority.  I am sincerely happy for you.  I can appreciate a good deal hunter.

 In the case of a cruise, my needs are much different.  It is not because I am ignorant as some people seem to imply, I just have different needs and priorities.  (And my financial situation in retirement certainly helps).

 

I am happy for us as well.  
 

Enjoy your cruises.

 

 

 

 

Thank you, I do enjoy my cruises. We don't do inside cabins anymore, although we did for many years when our children were younger and that was what we could afford. And they were wonderful - some of the best memories ever and I would never, ever disparage anyone for choosing to cruise inside, outside or upside down. I do enjoy a balcony nowadays, but if cruising in an inside was the option that best suited my budget, I would certainly not complain. I consider myself and DH very fortunate indeed and am so very grateful for all the opportunities we have to enjoy wonderful vacations over many, many years that have provided me with such joy.

 

Not sure where the $85.50 figure arises, but I did forget that for our 14 day cruise I ordered two packs of water to start with - still worked out to a $1 per day which is what I was estimating in my model of a typical sea day expense for us.

 

Perhaps you find our approach to cruising rather sad by your standards, but like some others here have expressed we just don't drink very much. I do enjoy an occasional glass of wine with my dinner, and I'm certainly no connoisseur, however the $10 to $12 dollar per glass wine on the menu suits me fine. And I'm a particular fan of the Deep Sea cocktail I enjoy in the Platinum, Elite lounge pre dinner. More than that I do not need or want. Would give me a terrible headache, not to mention the distress to my waistline. : )

 

Perhaps I am in the minority, but I think there are more like me than you might imagine who prefer to prioritize other expenses, particularly in the ports we visit. And while you may think Princess does not appreciate me, I would say that they are in fact quite lucky to have me and other loyal, long time cruisers, whether we opt to invest in a package or not. It hardly means I am not spending money on board, or supporting their product with two to three cruises per year. And I'm quite certain the casino department appreciates my husband! 

 

One of the reasons I feel so strongly about the way packages are often promoted to new or starting cruisers as a "must have" is because I understand what it is to travel on a budget. I feel for those families, like mine once upon a time, who are probably investing as much as they can afford just to cruise and seeing the added expense might be a tipping point when they don't realize that they can make it work without buying into that extra - especially paying upfront and far in advance of even receiving the benefit. So, I offer a counterpoint to that and it appears to really hit a nerve with many people, which I really do not understand.

 

I have said time and again that if you find the package suits your needs and budget, and it offers a good value, that is a great thing. But it isn't a necessity for many people and it doesn't always offer the "savings" that some might imagine that it does if you end up finding you really don't use it to the extent you might have imagined. I find it odd that some people seem to take it as a personal affront when someone has a different point of view - like it is a criticism of their choice when in fact it is just pointing out that we all have options.

 

I'm not sure why that raises so much consternation and why I'm subjected to these somewhat judgmental posts, but be that as it may, I will continue to provide an alternate opinion for those that would like to cruise without purchasing a package and are happy and comfortable with that choice.

 

Edited February 16 by karatemom2

[insidecabin]

Cruise lines have worked out if you can get people to spend up front with packages many will spend more in total on board over a PAYG passenger that pays basic up front.

 

This is mass statistics there are plenty than can say I spend less paying up front and I pay less PAYG the cruise lines have the data from millions of trips.

 

It is clear by  the 50% plus offers the gradual price increases and new charges not enough have been packaging.

 

The move to charge for OceanNow  activation a fundamental feature of Medallion class ships is a sign something is not right.

 

On the other side 

Just as some may be cruising sugar free some can cruise alcohol free and some can cruise no paid beverage and no paid food.

 

There will always be the no package cruisers when a significant feature of the package is justified by inflated alcoholic drinks prices.