Princess Cruises
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Bait and Switch $100.00 Deposit
I tried four times over the weekend to book the $100.00/pp deposit special with Princess Cruise Lines. This promotion is still in progress, but ends supposedly in 5-6 hours. I chose three different cruises, and all three tried to charge me an $800.00 deposit. I contacted Princess via Live Chat, and after 1/2 hour the agent had no idea "why this cruise doesn't qualify." I contacted an agent verbally at Princess (supposedly in a more superior role), and he told me after his reading the details, there was no reason whatsoever why they should not book with the advertised $100.00 deposit. They all had the $100.00 deposit noted in a red box right by each cruise. I have photographs of the site showing this. There were plenty other cruises that showed this deposit promotion also. The agent, Jason, finally said he could do it for a $400.00 deposit, which I refused. He then said "would I go for a cabin upgrade" if he could not get the $100.00/pp deposit for us. I said "no." I made it clear this was an obvious bait and switch, and Princess was clearly in the wrong to post a promotion they refused to honor, and the agent readily admitted it was crystal clear on his end via the website that I was in the right. He was petitioning (?) via email the situation (someone in charge) and temporarily booked me to hold the cabin by showing an $800.00 deposit. Jason stated, I "may or may not get it," meaning the reduced deposit. If not, no money is owed. Guess what? No answer on this, but a repeated reminder I owe $800.00 for this booking by midnight or I lose it. Well, if they want to lose an Elite status passenger who has sailed, along with their spouse, for 308 sea days (25 cruises) each, over a $100.00/pp THEY are promoting, then so be it. This cruise line has continued to deteriorate, offering poor customer service, food, etc. This scam is the final straw. And yes, it is a scam.