sue2go

I'm surprised not to see any discussion (that I can find) on the announcement of upgraded wifi and more choices of packages on all Carnival ships including Princess.... we are sailing Princess for the first time in Feb (Island Princess) and had no plans to buy any internet package. A faster wifi and choice of package that would make it reasonable to get on and stay in touch via email would be tempting.

I really want a LIKE button for posts that make me smile, but I don't have any real response to. Thus... I'm responding - I like! :)

I would suggest you fax it instead of emailing a scanned copy. We emailed, no response at all. Faxed and got the credit in less than 24 hrs.... Perhaps not everyone's experience but certainly ours. Very appreciated credit on our upcoming first Princess cruise!

I have heard enough about the fast (not) speed of the internet on board that I don't plan to use that at all - but thought perhaps a wifi spot in port might allow for a quick check in with family. Hmmm.... well - I'm waiting for the anticipated new iPhone announcement and plan to upgrade from my current one. IF Verizon follows thru I'll know if February when we do the Panama Canal!

I am wondering if wifi calling, if supported by your phone and carrier, will work without an international plan?? Anyone know?? Supposedly Verizon is going to support this by the end of 2015 and interested for our cruise in 2016...

The only really and truly "must have" for me on any cruise is my wife. :)

I wish Cruise Critic had a like button! :)

Haha! I don't care how fake the Love Boat Show was. We have been recording it on Pop TV and watching an episode a night! I just love watching it and counting down the days to our cruise and Isaac ( or his clone) serving us a big blue frozen umbrella drink!

 

Cathy:D

I'm with you there!!

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who not only loves watching the show... but enjoys the way cruising is portrayed. How about the confetti throwing as they leave port?

And how easily one walks onto the ship and "checks in". It also does highlight the change of times in other ways!

I've rediscovered the joy of the old Love Boat series. Will record and watch when there's nothing I want to see on the tube. One thing that I notice - this was before the days of extreme teeth whitening! It's refreshing to see big stars of the day with normal teeth instead of white chicklettes!

Oooh - that sounds like a great night for the UBD. Now I have a couple of options, so will see which one works better with our schedule and the ship's staff, as I understand they only do maybe 4 of these per night. I'll decide prior to boarding on my first and second choice, and call the dine line first thing upon boarding - all things I've learned here on CC. This is my first Princess Cruise (have cruised Celebrity and RC) so the tips and help I get from CC members is great! Thank you all!

Yes, that's the sailing and Antiqua is our excursion in Guatemala.

Thanks for the suggestions!!

I am trying to plan what night to do the Ultimate Balcony Dinner on the Island Princess Feb sailing - LA - Ft. Lauderdale. What does the ship do the night before entering the canal? We are in Fuerte Amador until 6 pm, then enter the canal the next morning. Don't want to plan on it when the wind will be a factor, so that was one thought if we anchor someplace nearby and stay put till morning. Another thought was after doing Antiqua... which would be earlier in the cruise and maybe not as hot and humid? Thoughts?

I see most seem to select UBD while leaving port. How is it to do it while underway? I would like an alternative for formal nights, which we are not planning to do.

What an amazing story you will have to tell about your cruise! I'm so glad that the Island was able to help, and I'm very happy that you will get a nice stop to replace the one you missed. Thank you for the live from - was following it to get tips on the ship as we'll be on her in February.... didn't expect a breaking news story of an amazing rescue!

Take the train, it was one of our favorite parts of our Alaska cruise.

The train is wonderful!! I agree, take the train.

After reading your concerns we called Princess today and am glad we did. We had booked the tour, our in laws traveling with us had not yet. We called and explained the tour is no longer showing for excursions? She said it is still available. So she added the in laws and sent each of us a confirmation through e-mail. Having that gives us a little more assurance. Good Luck

So .... Nothing has changed in the cruise personalizer. And I can't make a "backup reservation" because the personalizer balks at the conflict with the still showing reservation for the non-exitstant excursion. The Princess rep tried to help, and called the help desk, who said yes it exists - and yes, they see the same thing - and yes, the IT dept. will have to address this glitch. Then I was surprised a bit when she said if you call back on Monday when they are in they can address this..... OK - first time dealing with Princess customer service but isn't there a way for them to pass on that information instead of me calling back? I will call back, just so it's fixed (my career was in IT) but when I took the 1 question survey they got a 4 instead of a 5 because though she was diligent and did her best - I should not have to call back to report the problem... me thinks.

Thanks so much for the information! I really hope to be able to visit in Feb. when we sail.

Since I've read that the ability to go to the Embera villages is affected by the water level, will the new canal and it's need for water affect the ability to visit the Embera villages? Perhaps this is a silly question.... but inquiring minds (or just mine) want to know.

I also have a photo of my passport on my phone plus I always carry my Passport Card.

 

There's no right or wrong. That said, if passports are required on shore, the Patter will have a notice. Otherwise, I don't bring my passport. There's too much theft in some ports and God forbid yours is stolen.

Pam - you have just made me feel better about stupidly misreading the passport renewal costs and accidentally paying for BOTH a new passport and a passport card - which I never thought I'd use! Now I will take it ashore with me and lock up my passport book in the safe!

I hope so too!!

I had a similar thing happen, and the discussion regarding my question is here

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2208098

I see the Embera Indians as an option in things to see... but no excursion listed. In my case I still show as confirmed. Who knows??

AWESOME!! Thanks for posting!

I'm anxious to hear first hand reports - they should be coming in soon!

Wonderful - thanks for the information!