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rdds2
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Posted: Fri Aug 8th, 2008 06:15 am | 1st Post |
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Can anybody here explain what I might be in for? I'm trying to book an inside cabin for 3 on the Golden Princess 05/05/09, directly from Princess.
The categories I'm most interested in are "Waitlist Only". Apparently this is a matter of capacity, because there are lots of cabins showing when I only try to book for 2. How does this work? If I continue with the reservation will my credit card be charged for the deposit and am I actually on the boat? If not, will someone get back to me and when?
I need an education on this; please advise.
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Davejohn
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Posted: Sun Aug 10th, 2008 04:23 am | 2nd Post |
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From Princess.com:
If you see a Waitlist indicator on the screen, this means there are no staterooms in this category available for booking. You may, however, choose to be on the waitlist. This is not a guaranteed booking. When a cabin becomes available, you will be offered the opportunity to book it. A deposit is required to hold your spot on the waitlist. If no cabin becomes available, your deposit will be refunded. Please note that staterooms are limited to availability and final prices may change from the amount you see today.
____________________
Sapphire Princess - Dec. 6, 2008 - Mexican Rivera
NCL Jewel - Aug. 2, 2009 - Baltic cruise
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rdds2
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Posted: Sun Aug 10th, 2008 05:59 am | 3rd Post |
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Thanks for the answer. So if I understand correctly, depositing on a "waitlist only" category DOESN'T lock in the price? Final payment isn't until February; any idea when I would be notified?
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Catnip
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Posted: Sun Aug 10th, 2008 01:57 pm | 4th Post |
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I can't speak for Princess specifically, but this is my perception of booking a "GTY" cabin. I've never booked one, as I like to pick out a specific cabin location, but this is what I think...........
You pick out a specific cabin category that you will be happy with. You are guaranteed to get at least that particular category, although you do not get to pick out a specific cabin. You pay for whatever category you chose. Then, when they assign cabins, you may get upgraded to a higher category, or you may be assigned the category that you chose.
Be sure when booking a GTY cabin, that you are happy with whatever category cabin that you chose and don't count on the free upgrade, coz upgrades don't always happen.
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33 previous cruises..
Next up: Celebrity Solstice 1-09/Jewel of the Seas 3-09/ QM 2 11-09/ Queen Victoria 1/10
**Triangles Are For Losers!**
When only cops have guns, it's called a "police state"
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nhrich
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Posted: Sun Aug 10th, 2008 02:17 pm | 5th Post |
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Waitlisting only guarantees that you will be offered a cabin if one opens up (based on your position on the waitlist). It does not guarantee the price, unfortunately. You would be notified once you're at the top of the waitlist and a cabin opens up. With most cancellations happening just before final payment, that's about the time you'd have the best chance of being contacted, but it could happen before that.
This is different than booking a GTY cabin. Your deposit is only securing your place on the waitlist.
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Carefree Vacations
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rdds2
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Posted: Sun Aug 10th, 2008 02:44 pm | 6th Post |
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Thanks Rich.
I didn't notice earlier that you're a travel professional. I imagine you've booked people onto the waitlist before. In your experience, if no suitable cabin ever opens up how do they keep you apprised? Does the ship just sail away and you see a credit back on your card statement? How "last minute" could this get? We really want this trip, but child care, flights and hotels will be involved; I'm really surprised to be in this position so far from the sail date.
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Catnip
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Posted: Sun Aug 10th, 2008 04:02 pm | 7th Post |
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nhrich wrote: Waitlisting only guarantees that you will be offered a cabin if one opens up (based on your position on the waitlist).
This is different than booking a GTY cabin. Your deposit is only securing your place on the waitlist.
My mistake. I thought she was asking about booking a GTY cabin. My bad! 
See, I learn something new here everyday!!!!!!! 
____________________
33 previous cruises..
Next up: Celebrity Solstice 1-09/Jewel of the Seas 3-09/ QM 2 11-09/ Queen Victoria 1/10
**Triangles Are For Losers!**
When only cops have guns, it's called a "police state"
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nhrich
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Posted: Sun Aug 10th, 2008 04:59 pm | 8th Post |
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Since there aren't a lot of inside cabins that will hold 3 or 4, it's not too surprising to see it fill up. It's a short cruise, and Princess doesn't have a lot of those, so that doesn't help you in terms of demand.
Right now I see two I cabins ($1272.51 total) and six II cabins ($1297.51 total) available, with the other insides all waitlisted for three passengers.
I'm not sure how Princess handles waitlists that don't fill when booking directly. I would keep an eye out and if it gets to a point where clients need to take care of air/hotel and the waitlist hasn't cleared, then we cancel before Princess does anything with it.
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Rich, ACC
Carefree Vacations
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rdds2
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Posted: Sun Sep 7th, 2008 11:03 pm | 9th Post |
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Thanks Nhrich. I didn't pull the trigger and those cabins that you saw all disappeared really fast. I never did sign up for the waitlist, but I watched it like a hawk for the next 3 weeks and finally one (only one) of the Cat. I came back on yesterday (A732 - way farther aft than I like and under the pool) and I lunged at it. Paid almost $300.00 more for it that what you were seeing (and WAY more than when the itinerary was first on sale) but I guess that's the price of an education. I'll NEVER wait to book again. Deposit NOW, wait for price drops - that's my new motto.
Pretty excited to have a chance to try Princess, though.
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hstrybuf
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Posted: Sun Sep 7th, 2008 11:07 pm | 10th Post |
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| Princess has a lot to offer whether you're a first timer or seasoned cruiser. I've done a couple of Princess cruises and always had a good time. I hope you do too!
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Deb
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
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nhrich
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Posted: Sun Sep 7th, 2008 11:31 pm | 11th Post |
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| Princess is one of my favorites...hope you enjoy your cruise!
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Rich, ACC
Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
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