Thread: Special occasion worth $100?

When I searched for CANE cruises on Princess, I found 7 weeks of the same itinerary (September 8-October 20). The first time, it is listed as $1,600 per person in a minisuite. After that, the price goes up to $1,700. My mom's birthday is October 6, so I thought, "Perfect time to go," when I saw that date. But is it worth $100 to celebrate a birthday onboard when I can save it by sailing earlier in the year?

This is the kind of question that is determined entirely by what you think it's worth.

I might opt for the earlier one whereas someone else might opt for the later one that is sailing during the actual celebration time.

At $100 per person that would amount to a total of $300 more for the later sailing. Is it worth it to you?

I would ask your mom since she is paying part of the fare at least ... and its her birthday.

I have mixed feelings if I would prefer to cruise right on my birthday and be away from home. Is there other family who would normally show up to celebrate her birthday who will not be on the cruise?

Im cruising on Oasis on my Dad's birthday Sept 3rd, and a little sad I will not be home... but my parents wouldnt cruise.

Welcome to the wonderful world of cruises and airlines. Prices are based on what the company thinks you will pay and plans accordingly. If a week is likely to be more popular with the general public, it will be priced more. Weeks that are not likely to be more in demand are priced less. Then the company tracks the number of people registering for the cruise or airline flight comparing the current year to previous years and similar itineraries. If the cruise or flight is underselling the projected curve the price is lowered to stimulate demand. If the cruise or flight is overselling, the price is increased.

One of those two conditions is being met so the price is higher.

Ever thought about changing the birthday?

Originally Posted by flowers

I would ask your mom since she is paying part of the fare at least ... and its her birthday.

I have mixed feelings if I would prefer to cruise right on my birthday and be away from home. Is there other family who would normally show up to celebrate her birthday who will not be on the cruise?

I'm cruising on Oasis on my Dad's birthday Sept 3rd, and a little sad I will not be home, but my parents wouldn't cruise.

My dad is not living anymore, so nobody who hates cruising celebrates her birthday. (He did not take any cruises because he had no interest in them.) But you do bring up a good point. I totally forgot she can go to my sister's house in October 2012 to have a party there.

It's the old supply and demand. During the height of the Fall season when the leaves are changing colors, the demand is higher, so they are going to raise the raise. Before and after that timeframe, the demand is not there, so there tends to be more supply, and therefore the prices are better. So you just have to decide what's more important, the pricing or the timing.

As was said, welcome to the wonderful world of cruising.

Pete

You can still celebrate your mother's birthday onboard even if you're not on a cruise right on her birthday. If you notify Princess about her birthday and which day you want to celebrate it, they will deliver a little chocolate cake to your dinner table within a few weeks of the celebrant's birthday (the exact info is on the princess website).

Here's what I've found (just in case it's changed from the last time I looked):

Princess makes your birthday, wedding, honeymoon, anniversary or renewal of vows even more memorable. When you’re onboard a cruise with Princess, you’re surrounded by warm, caring people dedicated to making each day a celebration. And for those times in your life that are special, we’ve created a collection of memorable celebration experiences to help you savor those moments for years and years to come.
If you or your travel agent advise us of any occasions of particular importance at least 45 days prior to your departure, we’ll set our “special occasion” staff in motion to spotlight your special event in the dining room or with our special packages and fabulous “extra mile” service.
Choose from a selection of our Celebration offerings, with extra touches like flowers, wine and champagne. To order a gift or to plan a special event, review our selections and complete the order form.




I seem to remember there used to be a specific number of days, but can't seem to find it. But we did celebrate my daughter's 7th birthday on our Alaskan cruise. Her actual birthday is August 7th (yes, she will be 14 in just eight days), but our cruise started on August 15th. I put down a date within that week in our cruise personalizer. When I got onboard I called to the desk just to remind them. On the date I selected, balloons were placed on our cabin door and a cake brought to us. (I had asked the kids' counselors before that if we could bring the cake to the Fun Zone, so she can share her cake with the other kids, but we were told that wasn't possible as they like to keep food out of the rooms there and also some kids may have an allergy to the ingredients). So more cake for us. The leftovers went into our cabin fridge for eating at a later time.

That is awesome Chick! Did the crew sing Happy Birthday when they brought the cake out?



So I guess I could just give them any old date because they won't see her driver's liscense. (At that age, it is obvious she can drink wine.) I will remember that.

I seem to remember she got sung too.

The cruiseline will know all the passenger's birthdays as you have to tell them your DOB before you board (Princess has the cruise personalizer to fill out more than a week before your cruise...you won't be able to print out your luggage tags until all the info is filled out). But in the past I know that you didn't have to actually have your birthday during your cruise, just within a certain number days.