Frustrated Love Carnival But......

[Hogladyrider]

As you can see we've only cruised with Carnival, which we love. Decided we were ready for a change and wanted to give one of Carnival's sister lines a try, Princess.

 

Have been reading the boards and researching for weeks and have just become very frustrated with the process of booking a cruise on Princess. It just seems to be so much more work than booking directly with my PVP.

 

Not that I mind the work but at my age, I'd rather spend my time doing other things. The fact that I can pick up the phone and say, I want this and this and its done has become such a routine, the change of researching a TA, reasearching all the different price levels, and having to question all the other "stuff" the TA's want to sell you. Example, transfers, insurances, asking if they charge a booking fee, a cancellation fee etc.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions that will assist me. We really want to try Princess out of Ft Lauderdale and we would drive to the port.

 

It amazes me the price differences for the same cruise that the different TA's provide.

 

According to the boards the Caribe deck has the best balconies, half covered half open but never having been on a Princess ship, I wonder if Baja deck might also be good.

 

It seems that those that have sailed Princess love the line and I'm sure we would too but I must be doing something wrong that it's become so much work.

 

Any suggestions?

[Ephraim]

Personally, we have never booked with Princess directly, we have used an agent we found through a website where the agents compete for your booking. We have always been very happy with the agents and the price.

 

The agents will give you their best price for what you ask for and tell you what amenities they are including. Sometimes you get a nice gift in the room as well.

[Hogladyrider]

I personally have always booked sometimes a year ahead of time.

 

Can anyone provide any info on waiting until the last minute to book a cruise?

 

I realize you might have a limited choice of rooms but other than a possible price savings what is the advantage to booking at the last minute?

 

It seems that most Princess cruises sail full.

 

Its pretty interesting how the pricing is all over the board for a BB or BC category on that "compete" web site.

[Socref124]

My DW and I feel the same way. We love Carnival:) but have wanted to try Princess and or RCCL. We were leaning on the Caribbean Princess or the Dawn Princess until this great deal on the Carnival Freedom:D came along and we booked it. We would have booked Princess but were running into the same problems you are running into. I think once you find a TA and give them all your preferences, it will be like your PVP. He/she will have your info and all you will have to do is call them and tell them where you want to go and they will do the rest. Good luck.

[Hogladyrider]

You are going to LOVE Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk!

 

That's also on my "TO DO" list, a CC member cruise.

 

We sailed in January this year for the 1st time sailing in the month of January and as Floridians the water was really chilly 78 and that's a bit cold for me and I swim 3x a week in a heated pool and you wouldn't think two degrees from 80 to 78 makes that much difference but it does and since I'm a water buff, I'm sticking to cruising later in the year.

 

I hope in April when you sail it is a bit warmer because those are two beautiful ports.

[cubdaddy]

We are with you 100%! Between the military discount and an awesome PVP, we have not been on anything but Carnival. We love Carnival and don't mind. We would like to try the freestyle cruising with Norweigen (sp). Maybe we will try that this fall!

 

Doesn't Princess also have internal sales the Carnival PVP's?

[Hogladyrider]

Well, I have read numerous posts on the boards that the beds on Princess are horrible. I can happily report that the beds on all the Carnival ships I have sailed on are the comfiest ever.

 

The photos I have seen of all the Princess ships are just stunning!

 

Since we often don't visit the dining room the anytime dining on Princess interested us as well. I've also read great reviews on the balcony dining Princess offers.

 

We are both mid 50's and we spend a lot of time on our balcony and chilling in our cabin or just sitting by the pool. We enjoy the shows and think we'd enjoy MUTS but mostly we are pretty laid back cruisers.

 

We are so looking forward to our 2nd sailing on Glory this Sept with our 1st ever aft balcony cabin.

 

When we sailed Elation in January it was for the ports of call, it was really tough going back to one of the smaller ships with no balcony cabins. The only way to get a balcony cabin on those ships is to book a suite and I did not feel it was worth the price but for a week long cruise I want my balcony!

 

We are looking to cruise Alaska in 2008 or 2009 and we are hoping to fit in a CB Princess cruise before booking Alaska.

 

Its tough when you get in your comfort zone at my age to wiggle out of it.

[Laurab23]

WE are also both mid 50's and not into the late night party scene. I have been on 15 Carnival cruises and my DH has been on 2.We like eating,production shows and laying out in the sun.We decided to try Crown Princess last Oct and loved it. The 3 best things that we loved-the fresh water pools,especially the swim against the current spa pool. MUTS-wasn't sure if I would like it but I loved laying in the sun during the day watching a movie and snoozing. The International CAFE-in the morning for warm chocolate croissants and anytime for the cookies.We are going on the Crown again this Sept.

 

Laura

[Socref124]

We are both mid 50's and we spend a lot of time on our balcony and chilling in our cabin or just sitting by the pool. We enjoy the shows and think we'd enjoy MUTS but mostly we are pretty laid back cruisers.

 

We are so looking forward to our 2nd sailing on Glory this Sept with our 1st ever aft balcony cabin.

 

We sailed in Feb this year. Did a scuba excursion in Cozumel:D . The water wasn't that bad. Thanks for the tip on Grand Turk and Half moon Cay:) . We will be scuba again at Grand Turk but not sure yet on HMC.

I'm 55 and DW is 48 and we love getting up in the morning and having coffee on the balcony and having a glass of wine out there before we hit the bed:rolleyes: . It's also nice watching as you near the ports each day.

You will love the Glory. She was our second ship and the one that got us hooked. From one Floridian to another, hope you have a great time;) .

[firefly333]

You might get a better response to how best to book with Princess on the Princess thread?

 

Iv booked thru a expensive TA that booked our group and a online TA who has better prices.

 

I didnt find it lots or work or hard to book with Princess.

 

I know folks who swear by Princess because of the perks and those who swear by RCI once they become platinum because of the perks. Both of these treat their repeat customers much better than Carnival does imo.

 

Those who are so strongly pro princess usually have enough sailings under their belts they get the extras. One thing Princess is doing away with the unlimited online on their ships that was free. RCI sends discount coupons. I know a guy who got a balcony for $750 that was $200 off plus he got $200 OBC with his deal. The same cruise is now $759 for inside guarantee.

 

Those coupons they send in the mail are even better than the online ones, but until you have joined crown and anchor you cannot even get into the part to see which discounts they have. They also give basets and gifts in your room, special lounges to platinum and a discount coupon book based on which level you have attained. I think they have the best perks for repeat customers right now.

 

I dont understand why you are finding it hard to find out whom to book with.

[firefly333]

Well, I have read numerous posts on the boards that the beds on Princess are horrible. I can happily report that the beds on all the Carnival ships I have sailed on are the comfiest ever.

 

Princess is changing over to the same exact bedding that Carnival uses. I had the same exact bedding on the Caribbean Princess I had on Carival. Nice. Just to put the rumor to rest....

 

Im sure you know Carnival owns Princess??

[newt98]

i sailed my first cruise with princess last month, it was great!!, bed was great too. but next year i sail with carnival due to the itinerary, princess doesn't have an eastern itinerary that i am looking for. i spent months on the princess threads getting ready for the trip, i suggest you do the same. i don't think you will be disappointed. good luck.:)

[Hogladyrider]

Yes I am aware that Carnival owns Princess.

 

Thanks to all for the feedback it has definitely renewed my spirit to keep trying!

 

I have posted on the Princess thread, but there is just something "special" about this Carnival board that seems to bring out the best in people.

I have gotten the best feedback, both positive and negative, IOW, honesty, whereas on other boards, they seem to be PRO that particular line and bash Carnival still thinking it is the "party boat" which it isn't which tells me those people are living with blinders on!

 

I am waiting now for Princess to post their 2008 season beyond May of 2008. WHich I find strange as Carnival has postings out to early 2009, but each line is different.

 

Nice learn that Princess is changing their beds over to what Carnival has, they are definitely the best!

[mkk]

We are also 50 somethings...We recently sailed the Coral Princess (Fall Panama Canal) for the second time and are going back to Carnival.

Princess ships ARE stunning and their staterooms beds not as nice as CCL (but few are)well-appointed..however I guess our ship was due for 'new amenities' cause the toiletries were very mediocre..and most particularly bothersome, the towels were frayed and like sandpaper!..the toilet paper too! I think you will find the entertainers about the same caliber. We like Carnival's menu choices better, prefer a set dining time so were able to change to traditional dining once on board..(they are very accomodating).

We don't care much for night life either but the Princess ships almost seem a little too subdued...not much activity in the casinos or smaller lounges...

I'm sure you will have a great time and every cruise is different depending upon age/mix of people and time of year..But ..just my 2 cents...

Have Fun!

[bonniemari]

I haven't read the entire thread so if this has been mentioned I apologize.

 

Last fall we were thinking about doing a Princess cruise to the Mexican Riviera this spring and I went to the princess site and registered. I was asked during registration about previous cruises on Princess sister lines.I acted like I was booking and it had a place on the right side that keeps track of brochure vs what you are paying, dates, cabin, etc. As I was looking at different cat. there was a place that said I would receive and onboard credit of $50.00 per person if I choose a balcony and when I choose a suite the credit went up to $100.00 per person.

 

We eneded up not doing the Princess cruise (went to Daytona 500 instead) but now every couple of months I received a flyer/letter from Princess with thier "deals". I also received a letter from the Princess version of a PVP (can't remember what Princess calls them) asking to call her about additional savings.

 

I would recommend registering at the Princess website and make sure you check that you are a previous Carnival cruiser.

 

 

P.S.-I am a loyal carnival cruiser but we had friends that booked the cruise and wanted us to go with them!!!!

[Hogladyrider]

Aside from your experience with the ship how did you like the Panama Canal trip?

 

We love the eastern and western caribbean routes and can never get too much of them but besides Alaska we are thinking of Panama Canal.

 

On another note, Murphy NC - one of my all time favorite places! Is it still quaint and quiet. Had some friends move there from Florida years ago, other than the job market being tight, the area is the best! Hope I haven't let a secret out.

 

I'd take living in the Smokies anyday over Florida, but that's for retirement which is a few years down the road and a few more cruises under our belts.:D

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Yes I am aware that Carnival owns Princess.

 

Thanks to all for the feedback it has definitely renewed my spirit to keep trying!

 

I have posted on the Princess thread, but there is just something "special" about this Carnival board that seems to bring out the best in people.

I have gotten the best feedback, both positive and negative, IOW, honesty, whereas on other boards, they seem to be PRO that particular line and bash Carnival still thinking it is the "party boat" which it isn't which tells me those people are living with blinders on!

 

I am waiting now for Princess to post their 2008 season beyond May of 2008. WHich I find strange as Carnival has postings out to early 2009, but each line is different.

 

Nice learn that Princess is changing their beds over to what Carnival has, they are definitely the best!

 

 

If you are waiting for Alaska itineraries they should be out very soon.

There will be no Princess ships sailing from Florida to the Caribbean in summer 2008.

[Kurbanfan]

Hogladyrider, we are sailing on the Crown Princess in Dec. We just started reading the Princess boards and got alot good info. All the newer Princess ships do have the nice bedding.

We have always used a TA from a travel agency to book our cruises.....and yes we always get the same deals that the pvp's get. That's another reason to use a local TA...they know about all the cruiselines not just Carnival....

Check out the deals on other websites. Also sign up on Princess website and they will mail or e mail you all their sales. We got $100 p.p. on board credit just for signing up on their website.

Our cruise this Dec on the Crown Princess in a balcony cabin out of San Juan is costing us the same price as what we paid for on the Valor with a balcony cabin out of Miami last Dec. The cruise is a little more but our airfare is a little less.....so it evens out.

Also go on the princess website and take a tour of the ships.....they are just beautiful....

[Kurbanfan]

If you are waiting for Alaska itineraries they should be out very soon.

There will be no Princess ships sailing from Florida to the Caribbean in summer 2008.

 

Where's the Caribbean Princess going:confused:

[mkk]

Hey Hoglady!

Murphy is still quaint and quiet but starting to get developed...we've had the SuperWalmart for years but still no other chain stores or restaurants..(fine with me). Real Estate $ has really shot up the past few years...

We are the same way about E and E Carib...go every year!

The Panama Canal trip was amazing...although DH was a little disappointed (he had done another one years ago..I hadn't so didn't know the difference).We didn't do a full transit so only saw the first sets of locks..anchored just inside Gatun Lake (DH was disappointed we didn't cruise around it a little since we were there all day) but it was great..very fascinating...next time would do the full transit though.

Just a heads up..If you are looking to do Alaska I've heard that no one does it better than Priincess..and do a land tour.

We did it 5 years ago with Celebrity and while it was nice we should have done an extended land tour also..if you're going to travel that far etc...

Have fun!

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Where's the Caribbean Princess going:confused:

 

going up to NY to take over the Crowns 9 day cruises. The Crown is going to Europe.

 

Bill

[Hogladyrider]

WOW that's really surprising news that Princess won't have any Caribbean sailings out of Florida after May 2008, if I may where did you learn that bit of information?

[S.S.Oceanlover]

WOW that's really surprising news that Princess won't have any Caribbean sailings out of Florida after May 2008, if I may where did you learn that bit of information?

 

here's a link to the princess website with the story of the Caribbean Princess moving to NY.

 

http://www.princess.com/news/article.jsp?newsArticleId=na861

 

I think a TA named Suzy Cruizey posted about the summer itineraries. If I find it I'll post a link.

 

Bill

[Thamsey]

I love princess and if I could afford it that would always be my first choice but thanks to the great rates Carnival offers I am able to travel more. I love the fresh water pools, the muts, anytime dining. If going with someone I chose Princess and solo I chose Carnival.