crochetcruise

Just curious.

 

I can't see prices on Princess for prices from the US or UK.

 

But keep hearing how we in Australia and maybe the UK get hit extra because we are such notoriously bad tippers.

 

Just wondering f someone from each country can price (from Princess not a TA) a mid ship balcony on say the Emerald Princess out of Sydney to Tasmania, 12 Dec 2016

 

Let's say a mid ship balcony on deck 10 (I think that's an A1, in yellow)

 

I'll then apply the current exchange rate and see how much difference there is.

Deck 10 is showing sold out! December 12, 2016, I had to pick on Aloha Deck-A434 or A502-both mid-ship balcony staterooms.

I presumed 2 people sharing the stateroom.

Price for both A434 and A502 was $1,899 per person in AUD.

HTH.

If you get your hole punched at the casino...after it opens...they will give you a springy (curly cord) lanyard.

THANK YOU! Tip recorded on my Cruise Notepad #2, yes, there's SO much information on Cruise Critic, I filled a notepad right up!

Just been told another work colleague is sailing on the same 3 night cruise. Hope he behaves himself, he's "allegedly" booked the Suite next to me, and he's known for "bending his elbow" and the 3 night cruises, allegedly, are nicknamed "Booze Cruises." He's 1 I had to remind, with annoying regularity, to fill in his Time Sheet to get his pay, so not always organised! I bet HE"S the fool that forgets to pack something vital! S., the other work colleague, has a Packing List already written out, so no worries there!

Surprisingly, quite a few people bring their own TP because they don't like the TP on the ship, which also screws up the plumbing, and then they blame Princess for their stupidity.

I do prefer a certain brand of TP, but I will use the supplied TP because it's designed for the particular system used aboard. I also found Kleenex Toilet Wipes which are moist, and flushable in a regular toilet. I WILL NOT be stupid enough on the cruise to put them anywhere but in the rubbish bin in the bathroom, and use a Body Spray as an Air Freshener. I'll make sure to use the supplied TP, and just "soothe" that area with a moist wipe-there is NOTHING more stressful for me than NOT having ready access to a toilet in a hurry. Been caught on a road trip, so now very wary. I'll make sure to pack the soothing wipes NOT my favourite brand of TP.

This is the sort of "newbie mistake" I joined Cruise Critic to avoid if at all possible. A surge-protected power strip was ruthlessly eliminated from the packing list due to information on another thread.

Someone mentioned the Chocolate Drinks-well I went looking, and found several I'd like to try in the Wheelhouse Bar, and I will note the names and ask at other bars and report back.

In 322 nights time, I should be enjoying a last Nightcap before settling down with my alarm set to get up in time to watch as the Golden Princess enters the Heads. I found information that indicates a possible 3.30 am entry, so a quiet day in Melbourne and an early night is indicated for me.

Only a rash vest, sunscreen, replacing my orange shoes and medication need to be bought to complete the packing. I'm going to concentrate on the 50th Anniversary Gift purchases-mugs, cap and water bottles requested as Gifts for family members. I'm quite happy to be told their preferred Souvenirs in order of preference, it sure makes my work easier-just have to save the money! 1 cousin's having a bad run of breaking mugs, so their Souvenir and Christmas presents are easy-peasy!

I should know in April what the sailings of the Golden Princess should be from Melbourne, and have picked my next cruise. Most likely a 2 night Melbourne-Sydney cruise so no reason to get a Future Cruise Credit, but I will put the money aside "Just In Case" the scheduling is in my favour!

I have only found the Chocolate Journey drinks in the Wheelhouse bar. I have been on 3 Cruises this year on the Star, the Crown and the Grand and that was the only location that had the menu with those delicious drinks. I never asked for them at other bars as I enjoy the Wheelhouse, so they may be available at other locations. They are all more expensive than the other "normal" drinks, around $12.00 each, so they are not covered by the All Inclusive drink package.

 

Hope you enjoy them!

Some good ideas there! I'm on the Golden Princess sailing from Sydney to Melbourne next November. I'm budgeting AUD$18 a Chocolate Journey Drink based on the USD price being 20% over the AIBP limit. Some have ingredients I don't like-been caught with chilli once! Never again!

Thanks for the "Heads Up." I also found that Sabatini has some Cocktails, so will be indulging-I'm sailing in the Handicapped Accessible Window Suite, so breakfast as Sabatini's is a Suite Perk!

Have a former work colleague sailing on the same voyage, and we were told Friday, another colleague is also booked in a Window Suite.

Say I add some OBC to my account (which I will really be buying through my cruise personalizer) and don't use it all, is it refundable? Why, you ask? It's easier if there is some OBC on the account so DH doesn't get all frugal on me.. and he won't know where it came from... (On our last cruise we had some OBC from the cruiseline so it was 'free money' to him and even then he had a hard time spending it. On this one we don't and I want to avoid any issues :cool:)

I'm taking extra money for souvenirs, taxis from the pier to the Melbourne Hotel, the hotel out to Melbourne Airport and home airport to home in the form of Casino Credit. I understand this is easier to cash out-newbie, very excited first-time cruiser here so thank goodness for Cruise Critic posters, learnt a tremendous amount here!

46 weeks and 1 day to Embarkation for me!

Where are you planning to use this clothes line? You can't use it on the balcony so scratch that idea. And, the cost for the machines is $3.00 US, not $4.00 each. I can't imagine doing 2 loads of wash a day! I don't do that at home. One, someplace mid-cruise, should be sufficient.

 

Maureen

Due to a medical problem, I usually need to do at least 1 load of laundry per day, and prefer-because of the problem, to do it myself-clothing from Embarkation will be freshened up using my Suite Perk of Laundry, so I have a smart outfit for Disembarkation. I may be on holidays, but it's Remembrance Day here, so will be attending the Dawn Service with my cousin before embarking, and want to dress appropriately. Casual gear for day wear though. :D

I'm going to my State Capital for 3 nights at a hotel, so will need to use the washer and dryer there-allowing $4 per wash and dry per day, then I have 3 nights with my cousins and may be able to use the outside clothesline depending on the weather but if I need to use the dryer I intend to offer what I'd pay at the Laundromat at home, then 3 nights on the cruise where I will need to wash once, and then at the hotel in Melbourne-what I couldn't do aboard, and wash and dry before I check out of the hotel to fly home.

Where are you planning to use this clothes line? You can't use it on the balcony so scratch that idea. And, the cost for the machines is $3.00 US, not $4.00 each. I can't imagine doing 2 loads of wash a day! I don't do that at home. One, someplace mid-cruise, should be sufficient.

 

Maureen

For medical reasons I use additional protection over the bottom sheet, which if, sorry if TMI, it catches an "accident" must be washed and dried before next use. I was calculating on AUD$4 for washing and the same for drying a load of washing. I may be over-budgeting, but I'd rather find out on board, that I have TOO MUCH MONEY with me, and can afford to buy myself a very special memento of my 1st cruise!

On that subject, I, because of limited eyesight, require a large display on my watch face. Prefer hands rather than digital-for me easier to see, and like gold rather than silver. Will try on a man's watch to see if it works for me with my particular limited eyesight, not fussy. Have misplaced my good Citizen brand watch, so thinking of looking for 1 on the cruise. It's a repositioning coastal cruise between 2 State Capitals, here in Australia. Please does anyone know the approximate price-can convert USD to AUD if needed? I have found the current conversion formula of USD$4 = AUD$5 so could easily work out approximately what I'd need to bring in On Board Credit to get myself a watch if I can find a suitable one aboard. Another shop to explore-think it's called Facets.

Exactly. You must use the high setting. It's not like your machine at home.

THANK YOU! That time and money-saving tip is now noted for future reference on my Cruise Information Notepad #2.

That's the sort of "Inside Information" that will save much stress.

I think, from memory, it was Husky, and I've forgotten the rest of the name, who suggested sending the laundry out in the evening. I am in a Suite, so could do that. THANK YOU!

I already knew from Cruise Critic to be sure to take a swimsuit and changes of clothes-casual and evening top-in my carry on case.

Just learned that another friend is on the same cruise and in a Window Suite too, so have had a big "Information Sharing" session with him, so he knows the "Insider Tips and Tricks" for easier travelling. My computer will handle the dual voltage; I can charge the mobile-used as an alarm clock-at my cousins before travelling, and only need 1 adaptor to charge the camera.

Save yourself some money and have the products you want--buy some Tide Pods or other product and bring it with you. Light weight' date=' and there will be a little more room in your suitcase after the cruise.[/quote']

 

Thanks to a tip here on Cruise Critic, unfortunately I've forgotten who the original poster is, I bought a resealable bag of 20 Liquid Capsules from my local $2 shop for AUD$5. As I'm away from home for 10 days, this gives me 2 laundry loads per day, just need to budget for the use of the washer and dryer! Will be FAR less bulky, than bringing disposables with me-1 large packing cube should take the waterproof and the Liquid Capsules in safety. The purchase cost per capsule is 0.20 cents, so, even allowing payment for the washer and dryer at $4 each-compulsive over-budgeter here :D , I think AUD$80 for laundry over 10 days, even with 2 with my cousins where I will have access to a proper clothesline, I daren't trust the weather to be co-operative with "free" sunshine drying-should see me through. Another item added to the Cruise Budget Checklist.

Hi Anthonysne, we have also done rccl and celebrity and a number of Princess cruises before. With Princess you know what you are getting tine and time again, they don't change their offering often so every time we take a Princess cruise it is very familiar and easy to settle in.

If you like rccl you should like Princess. As far as passenger demographic Princess has I believe an older crowd but there are still a number of families on board with children so it works for us either way. It really doesn't bother me either way, at least with older people you don't get the hoons we see on other lines....a lot of people complain that Princess is a floating retirement home but we are not fussed either way.

 

As you can see from my blog, the ship is great, the grand class is larger the sun class which we have had in Australia before excel for the Diamond that visits each year.

There is always entertainment on board and plenty of places to go to relax without feeling crowded.

The food has been good. We are not big buffet fans so we have chosen on many days to just have breakfast at the international cafe on deck 5 consisting of a coffee and a pastry. For lunch we generally try the buffet. We religiously eat dinner in the main dining room. We chose traditional seating (5.30 a little early but oh well) as I had heard a lot of complaints about anytime dining. The menu is little more limited than I remember but the have added three Curtis Stone selections that are available everyday. I have tried the roasted pork belly and would recommend it. My husband tried the osso buco and also liked it. If anyone wants a picture of these items listed on the menu let me know....however I have always found something nice to order that I have liked. Another option for those of you who want to watch what you eat, they have a seasonal fruit plate as a starter which is a good choice to prevent over eating.

One thing I love about Princess that I wish rccl would add is the table service coffee lounges. On deck 5 and 7 you can take a seat and a waiter will come around sync take your order and serve your coffee, tea, hot chocolate etc at your table. You pay for this coffee etc but it is really good, just like a good coffee house and you don't have to drink it in those awful take away cups! Just really relaxing to do this.... We bought the coffee card so we get the coffees s little cheaper overall. You can buy these when you get onboard or order online before you board and they will be ready for you when you get onboard. I absolutely hate the rccl coffee places, long lines to get your order and then only in take away cups....takes all the relaxation out of getting a nice coffee. Lucky on rccl we get to go to the concierge and diamond lounges that have good automatic cappuccino machines so we go there instead.

 

They have also added another specialty dining option called the Crab Shack. They convert an area at the back of the buffet each night. There is a $25 cover charge but it covers three courses.

If you have any other questions please ask away and I will do my best to answer.....

THANK YOU! I have a Repositioning 3 night cruise sailing from Sydney 11/11/2016 to Melbourne. I wondered about the Crab Shack, will put that on my List of Cruise Expenses to save for, and take the funds in On Board Credit.

The Golden has an international cafe too.

 

I just checked our cruise personaliser - the soda package is gone, soda and more is $7.65 AUD per day, coffee card is $39.60 and bottled water is $7.59 for 12 bottles. It's a bugger, I always go for the soda package, but a couple of bucks a day isn't the end of the world.

I've also just checked my cruise personalizer-found Dos Equis Beer and the water package both listed which is new, and the Soda and More Package is AUD$8.69 per day which hasn't changed.

329 days to sailing!

Does anyone know if there are any Discount Voucher/coupon booklets (not sure of the correct term) issued on a 3 night cruise please?

Am trying to work out my Pre-Cruise Gift Purchases-currently have a Princess Cruises Teddy Bear and a pack of Ship-Specific Playing Cards. Do want multiples of the 50th Anniversary mug and water bottle as gifts for different family members and friends. my instinct is to pre-order and pay for the 50th Anniversary purchases to secure the numbers I want. Would I have the right idea please?

Always learn something new on Cruise Critic, and settle down to sleep, dreaming of the 1st night aboard!

I was notified by my credit card financial institution that the credit card loaded into PERSONALIZER was compromised. The fun thing about this credit card, I haven't used it in nearly a year and within 30 days of entering it into the PERSONALIZER, it was being fraudulently used in Philadelphia using IPAY on an IPHONE. Luckily, the fraud prevention team quickly caught on and closed my account!

Oh dear!

My TA entered the information for me, with my specific authority as, due to Legal Blindness, I am nervous about entering such information online. I have had trouble with passwords to log in on websites so very wary about banking online. Have since had a statement, and no problems so far. I will remain alert though. Might be the Travel Agency has high level computer security too.

I was just on the Royal and had received 1 Discovery dollar for booking a Stingray City excursion. I went to the correct shop to look at the 50th anniversary merchandise and couldn't find anything marked $25 that I wanted to spend $20 on. The only thing I liked was a t-shirt for $24 which didn't quite make it.

THANK YOU! I've been looking for the t-shirt prices, a popular and practical souvenir. In AUD that would probably be AUD$30, I'll let my friend know, she's asked if she can send money with me, to get her a t-shirt. No problems for her, but bang went 1 of my souvenir choices for her! :D Concentrating on mugs, caps, water bottles, and hopefully key chains (everyone has at least 1 key), fridge magnets, and pens.

You gave me a reason to get excited about our next one...still 5 months away. Have a great time :).

334 days for me! Almost all clothing is purchased, just need the rash vest for sun protection, and possibly replacing my orange shoes. Need to get my green skirt checked and adjusted-currently zip and I prefer elastic in the waistband, but it's noted in my diary and written on my budget to do.

We had that situation with washcloths, and, to a lesser extent hand towels last winter on the Caribbean Princess. I had never heard of such a thing before. Our steward was waiting until nearly 10pm some nights to get washcloths to place in cabins even though he had serviced them for the evening hours earlier.

THANK YOU for the "Heads Up" to put a face washer on my Cruise Packing List. Pre-cruise, I'm at a hotel in my State Capitol, then staying with my cousins. I DO usually, put a face washer in my sponge bag, but have noted to double-check my packing!

I'm in Australia, does anyone know what type of shops would be likely to sell the small, super-absorbent-think it's micro-fibre but not sure-towels please? I have over 10 months still to go, so could look out for 1, if I knew what type of shop to check. Am used to motels where towels are provided.

Princess must be getting desperate as a few of us have had the offered emailed to us again overnight! Haven't increased the offer though.

 

What I don't understand is why they would make an offer to someone who was in an Accessible Cabin because of a need, rather than having been assigned it :confused:

 

Read on f.b. that one lady was offered a free 15 day cruise, plus free 7 day cruise and cruise fare paid as on board credit! Not our sailing but another one out of Australia I believe. Now I would take that! :cool::D

Possibly a presumption that it was an able-bodied person in the Accessible Cabin. I had a scare earlier when I was pre-emptively transferred from F315 to F311, luckily I knew to go in and check the Personalizer! The air turned blue that night, and the poor TA had a VERY agitated client to deal with the next day! AND when the original booking was made, she'd phoned Princess and discussed my requirements for the Accessible Bathroom with them! I personally don't think the Call Centre staff, or the staff that allocate stateroom actually UNDERSTAND that some Handicaps like Cerebral Palsy and Osteo-Porosis, both of which I have, DO require me to use the grab rails in the shower and beside the toilet for my own safety! I'm also travelling solo, which might have helped the assumption, "She doesn't really NEED that Window Suite."

Already had 1 fright with the original cruise being cancelled, but I found this 1, with an extra night aboard, AUD$35 cheaper than the original cruise, and I'm to get AUD$55 of On Board Credit for my inconvenience over the cancellation. I'm within a calendar year of sailing, eagerly counting down the days!

Some people JUST don't get it that physical handicaps aren't always visible. I do wear glasses, but my vision, unless I'm using the telescopic magnifying monocular lenses, is fairly limited; and sitting down with my walker hidden, no one would know about my mobility issues.

Enjoy your cruise!

Sorry just saw this thread, so excuse my post in the other Syd-Melb 2 nighter thread.

 

I was also fortunate enough to be on this cruise as well, and generally concur with your thoughts, including a younger crowd and a more relaxed atmosphere than on normal Princess Cruises.

 

Other thoughts included;

- The Golden looked a little more tired than I expected, however I did have high expectations. Not as flashy as the Diamond, but still not as tired as the Sun Class ships.

- I love the layout of the Grand Class Princess ships in comparison to the Sun Class ships that we Aussies are familiar with. Although they have more passengers, I find that there the public areas cater for this increase well, and there are more facilities onboard for us to enjoy.

- The AFT pool is shaded, but the pool itself I thought was the warmest onboard. The shade was an option for those that didn't want the full sun, and I found it to be no problem.

- The Wheelhouse bar was midship on Deck 7, and somewhat smaller than on other ships that I have been on. Little disappointed, as I love the Wheelhouse bar, and it often was full in the evening when looking for a spot. Noted that Sabatini's and the Crown Grill were both on Deck 7.

- Food (in my opinion) was typical Princess, nothing spectacular but also nothing horrible. Dined in main dining, buffet, didn't get a chance in the specialties. I dined in anytime dining, small wait times each night, was asked to share a table both nights to avoid the wait times (one night we did, next we didn't), but if you wish to dine just with your partner (ie table for two), a table was found within 5 minutes.

- Staff and service, mostly good, being a 2 nighter it was pretty full on most times, as everyone was always on board, keen to see and try as much as possible, so staff were under the pump.

- I loved the intranet setup on my smart phone with Princess. Being able to view the patter, view your on board account immediately when charges were made (given that we no longer sign for purchases and receive receipts), and also use the messenger facility with fellow registered passengers is a great added bonus. Well done Princess for stepping in the right direction.

- Sydney embarkation process was great, Melbourne was a disaster, as the ship arrived late (due to media event), and all disembarkation times were behind. Taxi queue was horrendous, but be aware, this has happened at every disembarkation in Melbourne that I have done (maybe I am unlucky there). Sydney and Brisbane Terminals seem to do it so much better....

 

- It was interesting to note on this particular cruise that;

 

a) no platinum/elite evening lounge was offered in Skywalkers (we instead received a free drink voucher) I wonder if this will be offered on the longer cruises??

b) no "Happy Hour" was offered in the Wheelhouse Bar. I have been on 2 night cruises where they have offered this.

c) No Bathrobes or Blue Princess Carry bags were offered in the room. Had to request these.

d) As mentioned in initial post, Sundaes was still onboard offering the Free Soft Serve Ice as well as Milkshakes, etc

e) The staff were not selling the Soda (& More) Package, or coffee cards that I saw when we boarded, but they were available for pre-purchase before the cruise.

 

Hopefully the above info doesn't come across in a negative tone, as I enjoyed the short cruise, and wouldn't hesitate to advise anyone to check out the Golden Princess and enjoy a cruise on her.

Happy to answer any Q's, etc

THANK YOU! I'm sailing in a Window Suite November 11, 2016, so wondered about the Platinum/Elite/Suite event. I had heard it wasn't done in Australia. I was also wondering about the Happy Hour, it might happen or it might not. I will get a Bathrobe in the Suite and if needed, ask about the Princess Carry Bag.

A former work colleague is sailing on the same cruise in an Inside Stateroom on Plaza Deck. I intend to order some Canapes and extend an invitation to bring his Pre-Dinner Drink to the Window Suite to enjoy some Canapes, thinking Choc-Dipped Strawberries and Chilled Shrimp to be shared. I've also offered to invite him to Afternoon Tea in the Window Suite, probably Sunday afternoon, and possibly just resting in the Suite on Saturday after exploring the ship.

In 339 days if I've calculated correctly to Embarkation Day! Yes, I am excited, we're both Blue Card holders, but thanks to Cruise Critic, have a basic knowledge of what to expect.

^^^^^ THIS!!!^^^^^ We wear the lanyards also so that we are sure we both have our room key access when leaving the room, AND I don't forget my card in the casino in a machine! That little lanyard really helps to remind you by dangling out of the card holder slot when playing and moving from one machine to the next not to forget it. I too seldom wear shirts with pockets ( NEVER) and find it very convenient to know where my cruise card is when needed (like for about anything you do on the ship!). We also NEVER leave our cabin without both of us having our card with us, because you never know if one wants to do something while the other branches off to do something else leaving you without access to your cabin or purchasing if you did not have it with you. Just convenience, pure and simple. I could care less what "status" someone else is (or is not) , and can't help but wonder about anyone whos life is so shallow they need to be concerned with what mine is while on vacation. There is SO MUCH MORE TO DO AND ENJOY while on your cruise!!! :) If it bothers you to see a lanyard around my neck because it works for me, you need more than just a cruise....

And when a friend and I cruise on the Golden Princess, we will both be wearing lanyards to keep our Cruise Cards on us. We're both using to wearing them for work, and we both tuck the lanyard inside our shirt for discretion if a key is attached to the lanyard. Because of handicaps, it's the most practical way for me to carry my key with me.

TOG has shared with us his penchant for peanut butter cookies... I, to, have a cruise favorite... Each morning I must, stress MUST, have a bagel with DOUBLE lox and cream cheese. This is NOT negotiable! A quick wake up work out in the gym followed by BL&CC, even on port days, is a cruise necessity!

 

Just checked the web cam. Smooth seas for the lucky ones on board right now.

 

Quick thought for the newbies... I always take pictures of my suitcase and carry on with my phone cam... If either is misplaced in transit a picture is a big help in finding them.

 

Vaya con Locos!

THANK YOU! A very simple idea, but 1 which is easy to do, and could save much stress! I've already written it down on my Cruising Notepad #2, nearly ready for #3! I already know to pack swimwear, nightwear, a change of clothes, and prescription meds in my carry on thanks to Cruise Critic members who generously share their experience with the newbies. In 49 weeks, my 1st cruise will be over, and I'll have to come down to earth with a thud! My TA might have an excited client charging in to book her next cruise! LOL :D

I don't drink pop but my husband does, so I went on line to buy the package for both thinking I had to buy one for each, but it's askng me who it's for. Can I just buy for him? I was under the impression that you had to buy for both and I will if I have to, but if I don't....

Sounds to me like you're in your Personalzer. I've ordered several things, more to be ordered from Gift Services, and the screen wanted my name. I understand this because some family members may log on to Gift Services and buy things for their family member who's sailing.

I'm specifically reserving the 50th Anniversary baseball cap, water bottle and mug, multiples of several for different people, so I know those Special Souvenirs are waiting, well the vouchers for them will be, in my Window Suite when I sail the Golden Princess November 11, 2016 from Sydney-Melbourne, Australia. My cruise is too short to get the All-Inclusive-Beverage Package, so gifting myself On Board Credit to as near the calculated value of planned Cocktail sampling as possible. I like to budget as much as I can, so there's very little concern over being able to afford it on the cruise.

There's been lots of help from other posters here on Cruise Critic, I've learnt such lots, and have been able to help a friend who is also sailing on the same cruise. He's still working full-time, so he asks me to do his research for him. He organised the power strip and extension cord for me, that's more his area of knowledge than mine and he knows to get his adaptors from the local motoring organisation-another idea from here IIRC.

When I sail November 11, 2016, I'm going to gift myself Casino Credits for the 3 nights I'm aboard. I'll receive vouchers in my Window Suite, which I take to the Casino and exchange. Should there be any money left over, I understand I can cash it out. I'm sure if I've got it wrong, someone will politely clarify things.

I'm pre-paying as much as possible, and taking On Board Credit to allow for souvenirs I haven't yet found the price of: still looking for an Australian price on monogrammed pens, magnets and lanyards. Some gift prices are in USD, well I'm calculating 4 USD to 5AUD, and bringing a little extra.

Yes they do. This is a loyalty program where the company can change the rules at any time based on their business model. Think of it like the airlines. I can't tell you how many times I have been at the cusp of getting a free flight, then the airline increases the number of miles required. Then they changed everything so there was a time limit and all my "miles" were flushed. At least the Princess loyalty program is cumulative. We got impacted when they went to the Platinum level, and changed accounting from the previous Captain's Circle program. It just took another cruise to get us back on track, and that was many cruises ago. With any change someone will be affected.

 

Exactly.

 

My wife uses the lanyard because women's clothing have few pockets. I put mine in my pocket, and the card loses magnetization at least once a cruise. Hers, on the lanyard, never does this.

 

We do love seeing the excitement on the faces of the blue card folks.

THANK YOU! You've solved the problem for me of what to do with my cruise card so I don't lose it. I am used to wearing a lanyard with my unit key on it, and have another identical 1, so I'll pack it!

So did I.

 

I paid $231

 

Minimum I went through $675 in drinks.

 

Micktails were $5, shakes $2.75, soft drinks $2.25

 

Day 10 I calculated I had broken even, still had 23 days to go.

 

The big plus was that having the sticker the bars were happy to fill a big cup rather than the standard glass, it just saved getting refills as often.

THANK YOU for that tip. I have a 450ml (15oz) plastic microwave soup mug with a clip-on lid which I intend to take with me, will be useful. I'll test the cocktails in a regular glass, any I want to take back to the Suite, I will ask for in this cup, "So I can clip the lid on and carry it safely."

I came in from making another cruise payment, logged in on another website to be greeted by the news that a friend battling cancer had lost their battle. As far as I can judge by the time mentioned, I was actually with the TA making the fortnightly payment. They've just returned from a trip to Europe, so it seems fitting somehow that's where I was when they passed away.

Info. noted on the Cruise Notepad #2, the next one's been bought and is ready for service if needed. I can always learn new tricks from the more experienced cruisers!

Home for a week now, shakes definitely included on Diamond. Though they are a bit small, but when they're free you can always just grab another.

 

A tip on the no jito mock tail, made in grapefruit it really takes your breath away, ask to have it made on pineapple juice and it's much better.

THANK YOU for the "Heads Up" about asking for pineapple rather than grapefruit! That's the sort of invaluable "Insider" information that enhances a cruise!

Pretty well everything's organised for me. Need to replace my orange shoes and buy the rash vest and sunscreen for sun protection, but otherwise it's finish paying for the cruise; hotels and flights bookings and some Culinary Delights, the Soda and More Package and On Board and Casino Credits still to do. Will leave most of the Gifts to be bought on board, read about a Discount Coupon, and with what souvenirs I've listed to buy, should easily qualify for the discount! :D I will need to replace my watch and need a large clear watch face for easy viewing-prefer hands as digital can be tricky with my eyesight. Do you know the approximate price range of watches on board, and which shop this newbie needs to go to please? My last watch, which is misplaced and thorough searching hasn't found it, fear it fell in the rubbish and was thrown out, was a Citizen large dial face with a golden band. Paid several hundred $$ for it, but received many compliments on it's appearance.

Always enjoy your posts-LOTS of information shared generously!

I'd like to see Public Toilets near each bank of elevators, so often (in the first few days) you need a map and compass to find one, whereas if they were in the same location on every deck on every ship, life would be so much better.

ABSOLUTELY! I'm luckily not yet so blind-still have 10% vision and some good magnifying monocular lenses for my use, that I CAN find an elevator. In unfamiliar places I do need instruction the 1st time, then I can usually manage quite well!

Also THANK YOU for discreetly prompting me to regularly review the Golden Princess Deck Plans, noting especially for use when I'm out and about on the ship, where I need to go to find a Handicapped Accessible Ladies Room. I'm trying to relate it to a shop or a bar that is quite easily identifiable, so I am more relaxed about finding 1 should I need 1 without panicking about being in time IYKWIM?

I've been able to help visitors to my home town find the "facilities" by telling them which shops to look for, and the Ladies is down the arcade between the shops and on the right as you go past the last shop. They were amazed, and I laughed, "That's 1 question I know the answer by heart, and the quickest and easiest access too! The Gents is the other end of the building if your husbands need it." Which, from the look on his face, 1 gentleman did, he went off up the arcade quite happily.