STAR PRINCESS trip wonderful !! despite cabin mix-up Princess ignores

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GB1

Guest
My wife and I just came back from a wonderful week on Mexican Riveria aboard the STAR PRINCESS. With so much positive to say about ship/crew/food, I must admit the only downside continues to bother me.

I am disappointed with PRINCESS that my repeated requests in the month prior to sailing for a *PAID* upgrade from window to balcony cabin went unaddressed, only to board the ship and find others were upgraded the week prior to sailing!! This was and is very disturbing. A medical diagnosis just one month prior to sailing necessitated my wife would spend much more time in cabin than originally thought when we booked, therefore, the need for the desire fo pay for an upgrade to a balcony cabin. Princess was contacted at least three times in the three weeks before boarding and each time we were told we were on a wait list and would be upgraded if something became available. Sail date came and they said nothing became available. We sailed without an upgrade. The first formal night we set with a couple related their upgrade from window to balcony was phoned in THREE days before sailing--and it was granted!! That's just wrong.

Have others had this experience?? My onboard complaint to pursor and follow-up letter to Princess received a response from Linda Haddadin, Passenger Relations Specialist, which basically said nothing in a nice way. They took no responsibility, essentially saying it was my TAs fault because he was probably faxed a notice and he didn't reply. I don't think so. They made no other efforts. Sad.

Before I book with Princess again I want to know if others have had similiar experiences in cabin upgrades (PAID) failing to come through or wait lists not being honored. I have money down on a future cruise and have to decide how to proceed.

But the STAR is BIG and BEAUTIFUL. Don't pass up an opportunity to sail her (but get a guaranteed cabin).

Thank you.
 
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Einstein

Guest
Sorry to hear of your mis-fortunes with regards to the upgrade. Glad U mae the most of it and enjoyed your cruise. :thumb

.
 
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DJA

Guest
Is it possible that the Travel Agent and/or Princess weren't clear that you had requested a paid upgrade not a complimentary one?
 
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Frank Black

Guest
I understand your frustration, but did Princess tell you you were #1 on their wait list? I also learned a few years ago while on a wait list for Celebrity that they gave preferential treatment to passengers with a long history of cruising with that cruise line.

I suggest you have your travel agent research the situation for your future use, and then just forget about it. You had a great cruise on a nice ship.
 
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Lady Jag

Guest
I don't know your TA, but I kinda think the TA had something to do with you not getting an upgrade. Some TAs don't know how to ask for the paid upgrade. I find it hard to believe that the entire ship was sold out three weeks prior to sailing, especially at this time of year. I wonder if there was some mis-communication between the TA and Princess?
 
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Polodad

Guest
You actually may have lucked out. We were on the 7 day on the Star Princess Oct, 2002
and PAID for an upgrade to a wonderful balcony cabin midships. Unfortunately, we learned that the neighbors on both sides knew each other & would chat across our balcony. No problem there, however both were SMOKERS. It was like a chimney. Not only couldn't we use the balcony, but if we left the door open smoke would enter the room.
Complained to Princess when we got back & they couldn't care less. Shower built for Twiggy also.
 
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paulfredo

Guest
Don't know about Princess for sure, but with Celeb, it doesn't matter if you have a long history or not... they upgrade pretty randomly, and it is a source of complaint for many Celeb frequent cruisers. But PAID upgrade... I'd be having some issues with my TA and they should be taking care of it.

paul
 
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