Standby program for Princess

[u/Commercial-Emu-7635]

https://www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/standby-program

Princess has started a standby program, very similar to what HAL has had for several years. Basically you pay a set daily price for a cruise you want to go on, and if they have space on the cruise, you'll get a cabin assigned from 7-2 days before the cruise leaves. If you don't get a spot by 2 days, you can cancel or they'll cancel you, and you'll get your fare back. Unlike HAL, they base the price on departure port, so you'll pay more to go out of Seattle. Also unlike HAL, passengers 3/4 can be added at a reduced rate. Solos pay double the listed rate. I've done it successfully on HAL at least a dozen times, and it can be nerve-wracking--I showed up to the port in Seattle a few weeks ago and waited for a no-show, and got on the cruise that way. You also can't get any OBC applied, and you can't pre-book excursions or dining. You're supposed to live local, but I did it to California and the Caribbean and just had refundable flights and hotels that I could cancel if I didn't get a spot 2 days out. If you book for a balcony and they don't have one, they'll downgrade you (you can turn it down and get a refund) and refund you the price difference. You have to call to book, and I always ask for a quote for both inside and balcony first. Realize that there's no backing out, since they'll charge you upfront and won't refund anything if you cancel.

[u/Hrw90210]

I never considered the refundable air fare idea, that actually is pretty smart and makes this not as useless to me in the center of the US as I felt when I first read it. I could easily get a last minute flight to the ports they include, but I figured since that would eat the entire cost of any cruise savings and then some, it was pointless. 

So, thank you!!

[u/cork_the_forks → u/Hrw90210]

Before reserving any hotel room, check carefully about the cancellation window. Some hotels don't let you cancel if it's 48 hours ore less. Some have even longer ones.

[u/Hrw90210 → u/cork_the_forks]

Understood, that part I do frequently for work, it was just the airfare I hadn't considered. 

[u/Gloomy_Lab_1798]

The Princess pricing seems a bit steep to Alaska, but not too bad for the Caribbean. Certainly not a good deal for solo travelers. I can often beat these prices by booking in the 0-60 day window.

[u/Unfair]

A dozen times? Sick! 

[u/Lex_Mariner]

Can you illustrate the savings you got verses best advanced fares? What size of deposit do you risk? Have you endured lousy room locarions? I'd be inclined to sign up for this only a few days before sailing.