getaway101

5 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

Like you, we upgrade to the premier package and don’t always use all the perks offered.  I do love nicer wines, though and fully take advantage of that, though.  But … 
We never get up to 15 drinks per day, I only ask for half of the normal amount of food that is served, especially in the specialty restaurants, I never eat dessert because I just don’t have a sweet tooth (I have a suspicion my DH makes up for that, though),  don’t go to the fitness classes as we prefer to use the stairs.  My DH doesn’t really like his picture taken but I make up for that.  We love the chances at the Princess Prizes, although we’ve not one more than $75.  My cousin did win the $5000 prize a few months ago, though.  If it’s a show we really want to see, I will take advantage of the reserved seating!  
That packages may not hold value for those that don’t drink alcohol but they certainly are now more attractive than they used to be because now they combine casual dining. 

If you do the math it doesn’t take anywhere near 15 drinks a day to get your moneys worth.

6 hours ago, drwbrt said:

This is a win-win for Princess and I.  Princess wins because I won't exploit the full offerings of Premier. I win because it is the least costly way for me to exploit certain aspects.  I'm not getting the desserts (unless I can really just get a scoop of gelato instead; still lower cost and faster to serve than the full dessert).  I will however, drink more than my fair share.  On a cruise, I drink Pellegrino all day, have 2-3 coffees per day, and enjoy bourbon, cocktails, wine and beer the rest of the day.

 

My first inclination to upgrade is so that I am not told "no" on vacation.  Let me be clear, the "no" is normally being said in my head, to myself.  I love getting on a ship or checking into a resort and the answer is always "yes, if you care to".  I spend my everyday rationalizing what I can or cannot afford as a responsible adult with the family I have to provide for.  I rationally make decisions before my vacation so I can afford to not consider those things once vacation has started. 

I agree

21 minutes ago, Nightingale0208 said:

If others feel the same as you then won't the Casual Dining experience be just as busy?  We have upgraded to Premier but when the list arrived of our additions Casual Dining was not mentioned and I cannot get anyone from Princess to put in writing that it is included. Room Service is also left off.  I feel the changes are not quite complete because of this. 

When I talked to Princess I was told as long as you paid the $80 pp per day then you get ALL the premium Items.

4 hours ago, Gwendy said:

Boarding on August 14, and so pleased to read your balanced report after all the negativity.  Have to agree about loud passengers, it happens everywhere.  Last cruise in June, we we were seated in a very quiet bar area enjoying a coffee and a “lady” came and sat near us and started FaceTiming her family at top volume.  If anyone is interested I now know the names of all the grandchildren and what a couple of the mummies have been doing, bit naughty. Lol

This is why I hate cell phones etc.  I cruise for rest and relaxation especially on TAs but now everyone has a cell phone with them at all times….grrrrrr.  Take cruising back to the days of cruising.

3 hours ago, memoak said:

On the Lido Salty Dig grill there has always been an extra pay option for fancy burger 

Really?  I never knew that.  I never even saw a register for them to charge anything.

28 minutes ago, tml1230 said:

We are about to disembark the ship here in Quebec City. We booked this excellent New England and Canada itenerary after 2 incredible voyages on the Regal P.

Truth be known, based on so many negative comments here about the CP I had VERY low expectations for this cruise. Recently  4-5 posters have positively commented about the ship and crew which gave me some hope. I greatly appreciated that!

Yea, the CP is showing its age and some furniture in public areas could use an upgrade, but the ship  is meticulously maintained.

After 35 or so cruises the overall quality of food in the dining room and buffet was in the top 5 of all our cruises.

We have come to expect outstanding crew members on Princess and again we were not disappointed on CP.  Nobody  hires better crew members than Princess in my opinion. 

If you have an upcoming cruise on the Caribbean P. I think you will have an outstanding cruise.

Now ...if Princess could screen out some of those self absorbed, entitled passengers!! The ones who feel it is necessary  to  talk VERY LOUDLY in every venue? Also the ones who treat staff like servants..... then life would be perfect!!

Have a safe and memorable cruise!

Thank you for posting this.  We are booked for 27 days on her in May 2024.  I was really getting leery with all the negative posts.  Normally I take them with a grain of salt.  Please tell me you didn't see roaches everywhere.  We are in a window suite for the first time and so looking forward to it.

13 minutes ago, PMGS247 said:

 

I mean there aren't many ships that don't have any of them, (if any? I'm too lazy to go research it) but I'll bet my next paycheck there's no ships that ONLY have a Gigi's/Alfredo's but no other casual dining options.

Isn't the Salty Dog the burgers and hot dogs up by the pool?  Asking for a friend....🤪

1 hour ago, PrincessLuver said:

 

I agree.  They are throwing in a couple free pizzas, two workout classes, and some DQ deserts and people are just going gaga.  I doubt these are the cruisers who sail on Princesses 20+ day cruises or World Cruises.  Probably 7 day cruisers.  And nobody knows for sure that 75% of these packages are being bought on cruisers.  Speculation run rampant on CC as usual.  Princess should start selling timeshares next onboard because it sound like they may have a built in customer base.

I am one of those 20+ day cruisers.  We are on a 25 day in Sept.  27 day next May and 33 day next Sept.   I still think that Princess has the best loyalty program.  Yes they took away the minutes for WIFI and for a very good reason IMO. Everyday the line of people complaining they lost their minutes because they forgot to log out.  Princess is the last one that allows stockholders to still claim the OBC even though they got a special deal or have other OBC.  Royal & Celebrity did away with that years ago. 

2 hours ago, drwbrt said:

@Mike45LC my upgrade to Premier includes reserved seating so while those may not be less crowded, I won't be fighting for a seat.  Thanks for pointing out additional value I'm getting!

We are also Premier but you do realize that the reserved seating is only for Production Shows.  Still a plus IMO

9 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

We would put in a complaint with the ADA if we had to pay for the elevator since I'm in a scooter.  😄

I was being sarcastic of course.

1 minute ago, Caligirl33 said:

I have tried to follow this thread to figure out how or if this change will effect us on our cruise in 54 days. And for this life of me I just can’t figure it out….  Can someone more informed than I help a sister out? 

 

We booked our cruise in January 2023 with Princess Plus and are well past final payment.  Will these changes effect us? 

 

Thank you in advance 

The way I understand it.....IF you booked it under the new $60 per person per day then yes you are covered.

32 minutes ago, kywildcatfanone said:

Sadly, can see that coming.

 

Chair by the pool - $5

Elevator -$1

Buffet entry - $5

Movies under the stars -$5

Popcorn to go with it -$3

At least that would take of the chair hogs that throw towels on them and save them all day for nobody.

Personally I would pay more for the elevator......lol

1 hour ago, kywildcatfanone said:

If you follow the conversation, the answer is they are not concerned about loyalty.  They have determined they do not have to be and that is their choice.

Customers can continue to buy their product and that is their choice.

 

While I do not like the changes, it's pretty clear that they don't care and instead are more interested in new cruisers who have no history of being able to cruise without packages and cruising being a value vacation.

 

It is what it is.

Name me one cruise line who is concerned about loyalty.  I still feel Princess has the best loyalty program.  We are also Elite on Celebrity and Diamond+ on Royal.  We always take longer cruises and IMO the perks on Princess are way better for longer cruises.  Do they really care that we are Elite?  No!  But neither does any other cruise line.  It's a business.  Royal and Celebrity were the first to do away with the Shareholder benefit IF you have any other type of discount or OBC.  Personally I think all cruise lines should just go all inclusive and do away with the nickle and diming.

1 minute ago, Steelers36 said:

Did you book since Dec 14 and do you have the newest $80 Premier plan?  If so, then fine.  Otherwise, you don't get the new things unless you upgrade to $80 level.

Yes,  We paid the $80. pp per day.  But my travel summary does not show the new items.

My question is....We already have Premier for our upcoming September cruise.  Will it be included or do we have to upgrade yet again for a fee of course.

4 minutes ago, Bridgestone66 said:

worth a try I guess.  I just got access before them and made specialty reservations... but since we are 6 in party, I wanted reservations everynight.   Cant do it from my app.  only says I am in reserve dining and no reservations required.

 

Were you able to make specialty dining reservations?

3 minutes ago, Bridgestone66 said:

Also, I dont see a way to get regular MDR reservations.... only says we go to reserve collection dining.  We are traveling with 4 companions that are in regular balcony rooms and they cant eat with us.... so I wanted to reserve tables for 6 in MDR but medallion wont let me.  Anyone had this problem before?

 

I thought you, being in reserve collection, could eat wherever you wanted. Can they not include you n their group when making reservations?

1 minute ago, cr8tiv1 said:

My first pick for cruising is on the Grand Princess, followed by the Caribbean Princess in F311.  It is a full suite with all amenities.  I can not think of any reason for NOT choosing these cabins.  Location, location, location.  I have posted floor plans.  I have posted photos.  There are a few youtube videos floating around.  F301 is the smallest Window Suite due to it's forward location.  F315 is an accessible cabin.  All the others are alternating/opposite furniture layouts.  These are my favorite cabins.

 

Is there something specific you want to know?  I am hoping that there will be a concierge host (no lounge) on the Caribbean soon.  It looks like you will be taking the Caribbean Princess over to Europe.  You won't use your balcony much so shouldn't miss it.  

 

 

Thank you.  We are booked in F307.  I figured with the TA and port intensive a balcony won't be used much.  We have always wanted to try one of these cabins.  BUT with all I'm reading about roaches in cabins and no AC and plumbing problems.....I'm rethinking 😕

32 minutes ago, MTNest93 said:

We did!  We were in F301 and it was simply amazing!!

Do you have all suite perks including club class dining?

On 6/3/2023 at 5:38 PM, BamaVol said:

Just because you don’t see roaches doesn’t mean they aren’t there. One = hundreds, none = zero isn’t likely. One may represent one. Zero could also represent hundreds. I think they’re everywhere. They thrive in the tropics. In fact they thrive everywhere. 

They also love cardboard boxes.  When we had our Subways I was adamant that on delivery day all boxes were opened and  items stored on shelves.  Many times as boxes were being opened a roach or two would scurry out until a heavy foot fell on them 😉  I wonder if the ones complaining about the roaches have any idea how many cardboard boxes are loaded onto a ship at every port?

Has anyone who has sailed on the Caribbean Princess stayed in a window suite cabin?  We just booked one for a 27 day TA in May 2024.

Does National Express drop you right at the port?

21 hours ago, scottbee said:

Tipping in Europe is much less prevalent than in the USA. And you certainly wont come across porters like those in Fort Lauderdale who give the impression that they'll throw your bag in the ocean if you don't tip.

 

Isn't that the truth. 

On 6/18/2023 at 5:49 AM, John Bull said:

Folk don't tip porters when they drop off luggage - baggage handlers just put bags onto a conveyor, the man-handling is done on-board by ships' crews.

 

Same as airports, most folk don't use porters for luggage from terminal to onward transportation - I don't know the normal tip, but I guess a couple of pounds or dollars.

 

From what I've seen, it's much the same elsewhere in Europe

 

JB 🙂

Only in America do we go overboard on the tipping.

On 6/18/2023 at 11:45 PM, markeb said:

What are you overall plans? One night in the UK before the cruise or two?

 

I tend to agree with gnome12 that you're using up a lot of time going to Southampton and then coming back to London. I'd be much more inclined to go into London on your arrival day, take that day to see what you can, explore more the next day, then take a bus or train to Southampton for your cruise. But I'd need some idea of your overall itinerary to really give any options. You'll be jetlagged the first day, but if you're in Waterloo, for instance, you can wander many of the historic sites of London on your arrival day. You won't have those options in Southampton...

 

United uses Terminal 2 at Heathrow.

Oh gee....I was told United uses Terminal 4 😲