General Princess Questions

First of all, kudos to Princess and their really great website. When compared to Celebrity's, the Princess site is fantastic.

My sister and I are cruising Regal Princess after being away for many years, and I have a few questions.

Is it possible to book reservations for specialty restaurants before the cruise, or must we wait until we board the ship? Since we booked via a travel agent, do they require that all communications be done via the TA?

Is it possible to pre-purchase a drink package?

I see that gift cards are available for purchase. Can those be used in the casino? Speaking of the casino, I see that you can use your sign and sail card for the slot machines. How does that work?

Does anyone know if Princess allows companies like Special Needs at Sea or Carevacations to do business? I use a mobility scooter, but at times I might rent a manual wheelchair for shore excursions and I always rent from one of those two companies.

Now, here's a tough question, and I hope no scathing comments result. I'm booked in an aft Owners Suite and sis is in the next door balcony. Ok, here goes....seeing that we've paid for two cabins, and four people total, but there's only two of us, will she be able to go with me to suite things? I'm disabled from post polio syndrome and I use a scooter full time, so having her with me is very important. If they don't allow her to attend the perks for suites, I'll have to forego these things. No real worry about that, but it would be nice to be able to take advantage of all the perks.

Thank you all so very much for any assistance. We're really looking forward to our upcoming cruise.

Specialty Restaurants can only be booked on board.

Beverage packages can be pre-purchased

She may be able to join you for some things, but not breakfast in Sabatinis.

Will do my best to answer some of these.

First of all, kudos to Princess and their really great website. When compared to Celebrity's, the Princess site is fantastic.

 

My sister and I are cruising Regal Princess after being away for many years, and I have a few questions.

 

Is it possible to book reservations for specialty restaurants before the cruise, or must we wait until we board the ship?

 

Never prebooked a specialty restaurant but based on what I've read before, you need to do it onboard

 

Since we booked via a travel agent, do they require that all communications be done via the TA?

 

I guess it might make a difference based on the question. I always use a TA but have dealt with Princess directly about some questions I have had. So if you have a question, give them a call. They've always been very helpful and courteous.

 

Is it possible to pre-purchase a drink package?

 

Check the Onboard Reservations link. You can buy beverage packages there.

 

I see that gift cards are available for purchase. Can those be used in the casino?

 

Yes, you can buy casino credit before the cruise. Also under the Onboard Reservation link

 

Speaking of the casino, I see that you can use your sign and sail card for the slot machines. How does that work?

 

For the slots, you put your card into the appropriate slot on the machine and set up a PIN. Once the PIN is set up, you can draw money from your onboard account and it goes onto your key card. When you are done with a machine, you hit the Cash Out button and your credits go onto the card. When you go to another machine, you can then withdraw from the credit on your card, or withdraw money from your onboard account. It is really easy and the staff is happy to show you how to do it. BTW, you don't need to prepurchase casino credits. The charge goes on your onboard account like anything you may purchase and is then the account is paid at the end of the cruise with the credit card on record

 

Does anyone know if Princess allows companies like Special Needs at Sea or Carevacations to do business? I use a mobility scooter, but at times I might rent a manual wheelchair for shore excursions and I always rent from one of those two companies.

 

I have seen scooter from Carevacations on Princess ships

 

Now, here's a tough question, and I hope no scathing comments result. I'm booked in an aft Owners Suite and sis is in the next door balcony. Ok, here goes....seeing that we've paid for two cabins, and four people total, but there's only two of us, will she be able to go with me to suite things? I'm disabled from post polio syndrome and I use a scooter full time, so having her with me is very important. If they don't allow her to attend the perks for suites, I'll have to forego these things. No real worry about that, but it would be nice to be able to take advantage of all the perks.

 

I wish I could give you an answer on this. I know when we have been invited to things, the invites have my and my husband's name on it. I suspect the invite might have just your name on it. On the other hand, I really can't see anyone not letting your "caregiver" be with you. I wouldn't worry about it. I'd just plan on attending. And if any staff says anything, a quiet word about your disability should take care of it

 

Thank you all so very much for any assistance. We're really looking forward to our upcoming cruise.

Hope you have a great cruise!

First of all, kudos to Princess and their really great website. When compared to Celebrity's, the Princess site is fantastic. Not just better than Celebrity, better than any that I have looked at.

 

Is it possible to book reservations for specialty restaurants before the cruise, or must we wait until we board the ship?When you board

Since we booked via a travel agent, do they require that all communications be done via the TA? Yes, with the exception of anything that your Personalizer will let you do.

 

Is it possible to pre-purchase a drink package? Pretty sure you can do this in your Personalizer

 

I see that gift cards are available for purchase. Can those be used in the casino? It would probably be easier to buy Casino credits rather than a gift card

Speaking of the casino, I see that you can use your sign and sail card for the slot machines. How does that work? Put your card in the slot, choose a password, press the button for the amount of $$ you want to use. There is an attendant who will explain it. Very easy.

 

Does anyone know if Princess allows companies like Special Needs at Sea or Carevacations to do business? Lots of people with scooters, etc. not aware of any restrictions as to company.

 

Now, here's a tough question, and I hope no scathing comments result. I'm booked in an aft Owners Suite and sis is in the next door balcony. Ok, here goes....seeing that we've paid for two cabins, and four people total, but there's only two of us, will she be able to go with me to suite things? No

I'm disabled from post polio syndrome and I use a scooter full time, so having her with me is very important. If they don't allow her to attend the perks for suites, I'll have to forego these things. No real worry about that, but it would be nice to be able to take advantage of all the perks. You could ask OR switch places (on paper) so that she is in the suite with you and the person who is now in your suite is in her cabin. When you board, sleep where you want.:D

See red above

First of all, kudos to Princess and their really great website. When compared to Celebrity's, the Princess site is fantastic.

 

My sister and I are cruising Regal Princess after being away for many years, and I have a few questions.

 

Is it possible to book reservations for specialty restaurants before the cruise, or must we wait until we board the ship? Since we booked via a travel agent, do they require that all communications be done via the TA?

 

No pre booking of restaurants, has to be done onboard.Yes you have to go through the TA.

 

 

Is it possible to pre-purchase a drink package?

 

 

Yes when you log into Princess . com and your booking on the personalizer, there is a place to pre purchase.

 

I see that gift cards are available for purchase. Can those be used in the casino? Speaking of the casino, I see that you can use your sign and sail card for the slot machines. How does that work?

 

 

You create an account in the casino through a slot machine with your cruise card. Its takes about 30 seconds.

 

Does anyone know if Princess allows companies like Special Needs at Sea or Carevacations to do business? I use a mobility scooter, but at times I might rent a manual wheelchair for shore excursions and I always rent from one of those two companies.

 

There are companies that Princess allows to deliver scooters to your cabin for the cruise.

 

Now, here's a tough question, and I hope no scathing comments result. I'm booked in an aft Owners Suite and sis is in the next door balcony. Ok, here goes....seeing that we've paid for two cabins, and four people total, but there's only two of us, will she be able to go with me to suite things? I'm disabled from post polio syndrome and I use a scooter full time, so having her with me is very important. If they don't allow her to attend the perks for suites, I'll have to forego these things. No real worry about that, but it would be nice to be able to take advantage of all the perks.

 

The Platinum/Elite/Suite cocktail hour would be the only thing I would think. Sabatini's breakfast would be a definite no......No, its for passengers booked in the suite only.

 

Thank you all so very much for any assistance. We're really looking forward to our upcoming cruise.

See above

First of all, kudos to Princess and their really great website. When compared to Celebrity's, the Princess site is fantastic.

My sister and I are cruising Regal Princess after being away for many years, and I have a few questions.

Is it possible to book reservations for specialty restaurants before the cruise, or must we wait until we board the ship? Since we booked via a travel agent, do they require that all communications be done via the TA?

Is it possible to pre-purchase a drink package?

I see that gift cards are available for purchase. Can those be used in the casino? Speaking of the casino, I see that you can use your sign and sail card for the slot machines. How does that work?

Does anyone know if Princess allows companies like Special Needs at Sea or Carevacations to do business? I use a mobility scooter, but at times I might rent a manual wheelchair for shore excursions and I always rent from one of those two companies.

Now, here's a tough question, and I hope no scathing comments result. I'm booked in an aft Owners Suite and sis is in the next door balcony. Ok, here goes....seeing that we've paid for two cabins, and four people total, but there's only two of us, will she be able to go with me to suite things? I'm disabled from post polio syndrome and I use a scooter full time, so having her with me is very important. If they don't allow her to attend the perks for suites, I'll have to forego these things. No real worry about that, but it would be nice to be able to take advantage of all the perks.

Thank you all so very much for any assistance. We're really looking forward to our upcoming cruise.

As soon as you get to your cabin call the DINE line to make your reservation for the specialty restaurant. As a suite guest, you get a free specialty restaurant on embarkation night. Any other night and you will have to pay the cover charge.

Anything you can do on the computer through your cruise personalizer is ok to do without your travel agent being involved. That includes pre-purchasing a beverage package, buying onboard credits, reserving shore excursions, etc.

There are instructions on the slot machines telling you how to use your cruise card.

I can't answer about using gift cards as I have no experience with them. You can pre-purchase casino credits through your cruise personalizer. When you get to your cabin there will be a voucher for the credits. Take it to the cashier in the casino and you can cash it in. I do that so that I don't have to carry as much cash with me when traveling to the ship. You do not have to use the cash they give you in the casino if you don't want to.

Sorry but I know nothing about renting scooters or wheel chairs. You can phone Princess and ask about that.

Since we booked via a travel agent, do they require that all communications be done via the TA?

 

If you wish to make any pre-purchases you can go directly through Princess. But, if you have an inquiry about, or change to your booking you have to route that request through the T.A.

 

Now, here's a tough question, and I hope no scathing comments result. I'm booked in an aft Owners Suite and sis is in the next door balcony. Ok, here goes....seeing that we've paid for two cabins, and four people total, but there's only two of us, will she be able to go with me to suite things? I'm disabled from post polio syndrome and I use a scooter full time, so having her with me is very important. If they don't allow her to attend the perks for suites, I'll have to forego these things. No real worry about that, but it would be nice to be able to take advantage of all the perks.

 

I'm going to give this one a try. Are there two people in each cabin, meaning yourself with someone in the suite and your sister with someone in the cabin next to yours? If this is the case you could try to switch the bookings so that your sister is actually booked in the full suite with you. Then once on board just sleep in different cabins, but don't change your cruise cards. Believe it is possible to obtain extra cabin key cards (no charging ability).

If you are alone in your cabin and require your sisters assistance to get around, I would approach the Customer Service desk to straighten this out, or you might wish to ask your T.A. to arrange in advance to allow your sister to accompany you on all your activities.

I only really see issues with 1) breakfast @ Sabatini's, but you may be able to overcome this by explaining your situation to the Matrie'd after boarding, and 2) Your free first night meal in a surcharge restaurant, your sister will probably be charged, if not actually in a full suite.

 

Thank you all so very much for any assistance. We're really looking forward to our upcoming cruise.

see above

With regards to the casino, you must use your sail and sign card except for the initial money you put in to play. It is the only way you can get money out. But you can go to the cage and have it refunded immediately. You do not have to leave winning on the card.

The problem with your sister using the suite benefits will be her keycard does not say suite. When you go to a suite use place like Sabatini for breakfast they check your room key.

Can someone explain the Platinum/Elite/Suite cocktail hour? We also have been away at Celebrity for our last few cruises, returning to Princess in May. Is this limited to the eligible cruiser(s) or can a guest of one of these categories be admitted?

Can someone explain the Platinum/Elite/Suite cocktail hour? We also have been away at Celebrity for our last few cruises, returning to Princess in May. Is this limited to the eligible cruiser(s) or can a guest of one of these categories be admitted?

If there is one its held in Skywalkers if a different ship in another lounge.

It is for guests with Platinum/Elite/Suite status. it is already crowded so bringing guests would defeat the purpose.

There will be a featured drink ($5) of the evening and appetizers (different each night/they may repeat).

The menu for the cruise drink/food will be in your cabin.

Or I say it should be in your cabin. If not ask Stewart for one.

The problem with your sister using the suite benefits will be her keycard does not say suite. When you go to a suite use place like Sabatini for breakfast they check your room key.

And also in Sabatinis they have a passenger/suite list which they check upon entrance.

They will not allow guests in.

Get an extra cabin card for your cabin and give it to your sister. If they ask why tell them so she can come into your room as needed tp provide the care and services you need for your condition. Should be no problem doing that.

Yep.

Contrary to the naysayers, I agree with the poster who suggested meeting with someone in mgmt upon boarding and explain sister is a primary care-giver for brother and I am thinking some magic will happen. We're talking two single supplements here folks as well. A nice approach might get you a pleasant result - nothing ventured; nothing gained.

I see this situation as having no comparison to other situations that are attempts to "beat the system". Good luck and hope you both have a pleasant cruise experience. Willing to bet you get to accompany brother everywhere, but I can see sister having to pay the cover charge at CG/SAB.

Just to play devil's advocate: While I understand the concept of a caregiver, this particular caregiver is in a whole different cabin -- aren't caregivers generally more patient-adjacent? I've seen plenty of people in scooters in all venues aboard the ship; I think you need to be prepared to explain (to Princess, not to us -- it's none of our business) why you need additional help outside your cabin that you don't need inside the cabin. That may be the key to having your request granted, since they don't seem to bend this particular rule for even non-suite family members. Good luck.

kitty9

When you go to dinner the first night on the ship if you choose the steak restaurant ?? maybe the maître'd will be the same one who is in Sabatini's in the morning...... bring your sister with to dinner and discuss these needs with him and see where it takes you. I find it hard to believe you would be denied access to suite benefits as you are actually paying for 2 as a solo in a suite. navigation around the ship in a scooter can be easy but the other process of your disability adds a different dimension.

Or check out in advance who the maître'd is in Sabatini for breakfast time and approach him in advance and discuss this with him.

You many find them to be very accommodating. If you don't ask ?????

Does anyone know if Princess allows companies like Special Needs at Sea or Carevacations to do business? I use a mobility scooter, but at times I might rent a manual wheelchair for shore excursions and I always rent from one of those two companies.

 

Both of these companies are approved vendors for Princess. We've used both of them.

Have a great cruise.

I would also suggest to the OP that you speak with the Captain's Circle host. She may be able to arrange for you to be at events with your sister.

On one of my cruises, a young man was caring for his dad who had Alzheimer's. His mom was there too, but dad was too much for her to care for. The mom and dad were invited to the Most Traveled Passenger Luncheon, and the son was also at the luncheon. Everywhere they went, the son went too, even though it was his first cruise.

I'm hoping that Princess will be accommodating for you as well.

I would also suggest to the OP that you speak with the Captain's Circle host. She may be able to arrange for you to be at events with your sister.

 

On one of my cruises, a young man was caring for his dad who had Alzheimer's. His mom was there too, but dad was too much for her to care for. The mom and dad were invited to the Most Traveled Passenger Luncheon, and the son was also at the luncheon. Everywhere they went, the son went too, even though it was his first cruise.

 

I'm hoping that Princess will be accommodating for you as well.

I'm so glad you posted your first-hand observation of Princess delivering for the OP. This was exactly my thoughts when I posted above. Clearly an exceptional situation with exceptional accommodation by Princess.

I would also suggest to the OP that you speak with the Captain's Circle host. She may be able to arrange for you to be at events with your sister.

 

On one of my cruises, a young man was caring for his dad who had Alzheimer's. His mom was there too, but dad was too much for her to care for. The mom and dad were invited to the Most Traveled Passenger Luncheon, and the son was also at the luncheon. Everywhere they went, the son went too, even though it was his first cruise.

 

I'm hoping that Princess will be accommodating for you as well.

I'm so glad you posted your first-hand observation of Princess delivering for the OP. This was exactly my thoughts when I posted above. Clearly an exceptional situation with exceptional accommodation by Princess.

Please return to the this thread after your cruise. It may be buried on back pages, but will be very easy to retrieve is you go to your screen name and click on it to see your most recent posts. I, for one, would be very much interested in finding out how your cruise went.

As for the Most Traveled Luncheon, that was very nice of the Captain Circle person to include the son. But it is a once only event. Just like the Captain Circle Party which I don't think you will have much trouble having your sister join you for. I also don't see a problem with the nightly Elite/Suite/Platinum Lounge. She will be able to join you for tender privileges and disembarkation lounge.

I would be very surprised if they allow your sister to join you for breakfast every morning of your cruise. They seem to be pretty tight about this perk. You name will be on a list of suite passengers (her's would not). So it won't matter if she "produces" a room key to your suite.

Just out of curiosity, is there a reason she is not sharing your suite (you needn't answer this). I would think it would be cheaper all around for each of you to pay the suite fare rather than 2 solo cabins. If you wanted the king bed to yourself, she could have the sleeper sofa. I am just making a suggestion and not trying to nose into your affairs.

Whatever happens, I do hope this time with your sister will be a very pleasant and memorable one.

First of all, kudos to Princess and their really great website. When compared to Celebrity's, the Princess site is fantastic.

 

My sister and I are cruising Regal Princess after being away for many years, and I have a few questions.

 

Is it possible to book reservations for specialty restaurants before the cruise, or must we wait until we board the ship? Since we booked via a travel agent, do they require that all communications be done via the TA?

 

Is it possible to pre-purchase a drink package?

 

I see that gift cards are available for purchase. Can those be used in the casino? Speaking of the casino, I see that you can use your sign and sail card for the slot machines. How does that work?

 

Does anyone know if Princess allows companies like Special Needs at Sea or Carevacations to do business? I use a mobility scooter, but at times I might rent a manual wheelchair for shore excursions and I always rent from one of those two companies.

 

Now, here's a tough question, and I hope no scathing comments result. I'm booked in an aft Owners Suite and sis is in the next door balcony. Ok, here goes....seeing that we've paid for two cabins, and four people total, but there's only two of us, will she be able to go with me to suite things? I'm disabled from post polio syndrome and I use a scooter full time, so having her with me is very important. If they don't allow her to attend the perks for suites, I'll have to forego these things. No real worry about that, but it would be nice to be able to take advantage of all the perks.

 

Thank you all so very much for any assistance. We're really looking forward to our upcoming cruise.

I don't have any answers but I just saw you're from Moon Twp. - small world, me too! I second the person who asked about having your sister book into your suite and sleep on the sleeper sofa; having slept on one previously they are really comfy and it seems like it would be so much more affordable to do it that way.

Kitty, why don't you try calling Princess special needs department before you go and seeing if you could book your sister into your suite and then book the second suite as a spare. I've heard people do it on long trips so they have storage. Since you are both singles I don't see the problem. I think a few responding to you didn't notice you were both solo cruisers - so no brother. I think this is definitely a special needs question.

I also believe you sister is your caregiver and yes we have had a caregiver in our family and have always for our privacy provided an adjacent cabin. You need to list her that way and clear it with Princess.

I also believe you sister is your caregiver and yes we have had a caregiver in our family and have always for our privacy provided an adjacent cabin. You need to list her that way and clear it with Princess.

I understand the need for privacy. I don't think this is the issue regarding breakfast at Sabatini's for suite passengers. If your sister is not listed as a suite passenger, then there is a greater likely hood that she will be denied breakfast with you in Sabatini's. There is no harm in asking, but keep in mind that many have tried with a variety of reasons and have been denied this perk.

The problem is that one passenger is in a suite and the other is not.

Another way around this is to order room service in your suite every morning (or every meal) so that the two of you can dine together. It will not be of the quality of Sabatini's, but will avoid being separated.

Again, I would be most interested to see how this is resolved after you return from your cruise.