tartana

On 2/11/2020 at 12:29 PM, reedprincess said:

There's a fee to get into the national park, $8usd. Vendors are not paying that, even the local rate, to maybe make a sale or two.

Haven't encountered any pushy vendors in the beach area outside either, it's frequented by locals also, and the vendors know we're not buying. (except my husband! Lol).  Great food in or out if the park. 

Hello Reedprincess.  I am just wondering if there is much to see between the cruise ship port and pigeon island area?  We don't like long, early days, and are considering perhaps a leisurely half day to Pigeon Island.  I've been reading that inside the park, there is a beach, hiking, interesting restaurant that seems like fun.  But we also would like to get a bit of a taste of St. Lucia without traveling too far.  I am just wondering if you think this drive would be very scenic.  Thanks very much for your time. 

Never had a problem with Classic at all. We just always work w the bartenders, so they know to usually keep us within our package. They’ve been great over the years. Once in a while, we may order a special drink and pay the difference, but the classic has been great for us - basically regular beers, rum, vodka, whiskey, tequila, gin, some coolers or cider, cocktails when made w the included alcohols, wines, mimosas, specialty coffees, fresh juice ( I’m not sure if this is still included now) and bottled water. And it is great because if you get a more expensive one you are only charged the difference now.

I realize Millie has some changed itineraries and is now sailing from San Juan in November, but there is little or no activity on the Roll Call Boards.  Just wondering if there are people booked on these cruises who haven't checked these out yet.... Have a look and join the conversation (or start one if there isn't one for your cruise yet)! 

Interesting reading all the comments.... unfortunately, it's the way of the world right now....most EVERYONE is looking for staff; there are shortages; businesses are dealing with people off with Covid; delays in most every industry.  I can also see the issues with the crew trying to get their work Visas.... because I'm sure there are staff shortages that cause delays for this...it's all a domino affect. Praying one of these months/years our businesses and world can return to some semblance of "normal".  It's definitely a fact that in recent times, we all need a much larger portion or patience, acceptance and kindness.  It is what it is...Cheers!.... Can't wait to cruise again :) 

And also a note on reservation times for Select Dining....IMO if you're keen enough to reserve your times, good for you.... We like a time between the early/late, so I prefer Select, so I can book my 7:30-8 table, but I appreciate being able to reserve it. - And I faithfully honour my reservation times - and if not, I will be sure to cancel and let them know.  

3 hours ago, kenb said:

For a real treat get an Affogato. Get a scoop of vanilla gelato then take it to Cafe al Bacio and have them put a shot of espresso on it. YUM!!!

 

agree - it's delicious - and in the past it was included in the classic package; whereas there was a fee just for a scoop of the gelato.  (not sure if this is still valid, but it has been in the past) 

I seem to think we cashed in at the desk for a voucher for the slot machines allotting a certain amount to use at the machines. Or as mentioned above promotional chips for the tables.  At the slot machines, we somehow entered our voucher info (maybe scanned it in) - Sorry, I can't really remember exactly, but I know for sure we used our OB credit only.  We didn't have very good luck with the slot machines but had fun at the roulette table (once they broke our promo chips down so we could split up the bidding).  We came out a bit ahead pocketing our winnings and just spending the promo chips. We had a great first time adventure "spending" some of our OB credit :) . 

I guess it wasn't just me LOL....I really enjoyed the Rendezvous lounge on both Constellation and Summit - and really missed it on Silhouette.  I didn't find anything really comparable. 

In the past, if a pre-booked "basic" excursion came on sale, I would cancel and rebook at the lower price with no issues - during the weeks leading up to the cruise.  It was always immediate. 

Does this pic not mean that only the Royal goes to the West from Vancouver?  Other sites I've seen show the Majestic doing the narrow passage above Vancouver when going Northbound? Just wondering...thnx all. 

Thanks everyone… an indoor pool is a very good point for sure. I will check out the routes more closely as well. 

Just curious if anyone has any pros or cons for either ship sailing Alaska in June - Either Majestic or Royal?  Thanks for any comments and suggestions. Or any JUNE Alaska comments in general would be appreciated as well. 

5 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Those areas are great choices.  We normally book Inside, but I would book in that area in a minute assuming a favorable upcharge.  Have not seen a good deal (I mean worth it to us) on voyages I have looked at lately, including what we have booked.  But we have cruised in a E425 before.  My only advice would be to pick the side of the ship where you are not above potential outdoor dining/entertainment area.

My parents have a FCC and have been considering alaska next fall, so I've been watching for them.  I'm torn between a one direction on Majestic possibly; or the 2 direction on Discovery, which will be pretty well brand new....The Discovery itinerary goes out around into the ocean more, so I'm wondering about that not being ideal for them. 

2 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Would be reasonable to assume very much like the next newest.  Use Enchanted.  But should be mostly similar to Regal as well.  Is it the Obstructed and Partially Obstructed you are concerned with?

Yes, I've been looking at the partially obstructed balcony and deluxe....like E407/408 and 424/425 etc... that have larger angled balconies....the deck plans make them look the same as the older ships. - thanks 

21 hours ago, dog said:

I considered this happening. Pfizer all the way for us. 

Same....hence I held out for double Pfizer...... 

Just looking ahead at a possible Alaska Itinerary on Discovery Princess, and I see the deck plans for many cabins look the same as the other Royal Class Ships.  I am just wondering if anyone knows if the obstructions, etc....should be the same?  Thanks 

1 hour ago, nbsjcruiser said:

Typical. Not unlike the Canadian government's previous announcement that fully vaccinated Canadians can now enter the country by land. Oh, but you have to do a PCR test 3 days prior to coming back and a test at the border. Effectively the land border remains shut and they know this. So it was an announcement that meant nothing. Same situation here with this announcement. Cruise ships welcome back after Nov 1 means nothing for the east coast. Had they allowed fully vaccinated travelers and  crew this fall, now that would have been a shot in the arm for the tourist industry all up and down the east coast, especially in Canada. Instead, the federal government has done its best to destroy the tourist industry, needlessly. Pass out money to help people all you like but people want to get back to work and get back to living, something that the federal government doesn't seem to get. Its going to take years to recover from this and much of the pain will be unnecessary. 

Agreed - if they are still going to make travellers get tested, most still will not travel.... Can't wait to be able to travel freely again :(  And the cruise opening announcement won't affect much until later in 2022, but at least it's a positive step in that direction. 

15 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

I think a big issue is the air fare.  If you cancel will you get your money back?  Not likely if the flight has already been ticketed.  As best you might get some kind of airline voucher with all kinds of restrictions.   We have two future Princess bookings for an August cruise and another cruise in October.  Both are longer trips and involve thousands of dollars of Business Class airfare booked through Princess.  We will make our decisions before those flights are ticketed which is about 45 day prior to embarkation.   I do not want to play the Russian roulette game waiting to see if Princess cancels or does not cancel, if the ports are open or closed, etc.  We recently went through that with HAL who waited until 55 days before our expensive 30 day cruise to cancel.  Yes, HAL made us whole but we would have cancelled within another day because we had more then $5000 in business class air that would soon be ticketed.  Many other cruisers who had their trips cancelled got stuck with their air and, at best, have to deal with vouchers and filing for reimbursement from the cruise line for airline change fees.  Given that scenario we would cancel well in advance and consider a last minute booking if the cruise still looked good and we still had an interest.

 

 

Hank

Hank - are all your flights the refundable one booked through Princess?  My parents are in a similar predicament for a late July cruise.  They have the non refundable air booked through Princess. I am going to soon be inquiring with the TA before the final payment is due about a possible transfer to the same cruise in Sept or a complete cancellation.  I'm just wondering about the value of the air - if it would be transferable even or just lost to them.  They haven't paid any other amount to Princess at this point. 

On 3/8/2020 at 9:00 PM, aheape1979 said:

 

“I've got gadgets and gizmos aplenty.I've got whozits and whatzits galore. You want thingamabobs? I’ve got twenty.” ~Ariel

 

Another Amazon Box?

 

I admit it…I may have a problem!  When going away for almost 3 weeks, I want to be prepared!  I want to be organized!  I don’t want to have to spend $10 for a package of bandaids.  When we went to Hawaii a few years ago, I did the same thing.  We used almost everything and didn’t have to make any crazy purchases while we were there.  A cruise environment (especially in another country) makes me want to be sure I have what we need!

 

Here are some of my purchases (or items I already had) that should come in handy on this trip.  (I have no financial or advertising interest here…just showing you what I have!)

 

Health:  Medical grade sanitizing wipes, bandages, homeopathic cold and flu medicine, and Rhinease (I often get nosebleeds after flying and when in dry environments).

Bags:  Reusable shopping bag on a carabiner clip for my backpack, waterproof bag, the bags that came with my Tieks- great for putting shoes in to make sure you don’t dirty up your suitcase, a laundry bag (we will have to do laundry at some point), and a foldable duffle bag that is heavy duty (to act as an extra checked bag if needed.)

Travel gadgets:  Bag bungee (if you’ve ever carried a tote bag with your suitcase, you know what this is for!  Plus, I think I will need it when we self-disembark!), Bose noise cancelling headphones (I’ve owned these for around 5 years, and they are lifesavers!), collapsible water bottle, luggage scale (to make sure we get right to that 70 pound limit!), and travel compression socks (I found these at TJ Maxx). 

For the cruise cabin:  Hanging shoe organizer (over the door), motion activated night light, non-surge power outlet, and a travel alarm clock

 

For tech:  Power bank for phones/tablets, gear ties (we use these around our cords), and a case that organizes all of our cords, but folds up compactly

For packing: (I found these all at TJ Max on clearance!)  2 sets of compression bags and an inflatable bottle pouch (to bring home French wine, Scotch, or something awesome like that

What are your favorite travel accessories?  
 

I didn't notice magnetic hooks or clothesline in your purchases?  I've heard many people mention they are invaluable as many cruise cabin walls are magnetic, and you can hang clothing to dry. (or to hang you hats/coats, etc) I plan on taking some of these on my next cruise to try it out. 

6016-6030 and 6021-6035 

On 2/25/2020 at 12:04 PM, LeCricket said:

What's a Sweet 16 cabin?  

 

they have deeper balconies although they do not cost any more than the other cabins in their category.  They are on the front both sides on deck 6. They are back to 6030 on starboard side and back to 6035 on port side on Constellation, Millenium, Summit and Infinity.  They are double depth. This pic is 6028 on Summit. 

I have been invited to the helipad sailaway twice in just regular balcony cabins.  I have always suspected it was maybe because of our cruisecritic meet and greet group?  I didn't even realize the first time that it was such an honour - but have read since that it is not all that common - very nice :) 

This is a very good question as it has been a question in our experiences as well.  The non refundable OBC we have had shows in the cruise planner and has been spent ahead of time to book excursions.  There is still $200 left that will be available once onboard (I assume this is the refundable amount?) .  We want to book a transfer or two but if we book them ahead of time, we will have to pay for them currently out of pocket.  So, once on the cruise, would we be able to refund and then rebook the transfers to use the remaining OBC?  Or, as others have mentioned, is that remaining amount refundable if it is not used onboard?  Could it be refunded to a credit card, or do they have to write a check?  just curious how that works if someone doesn't use it all. 

this is interesting - thanks for the input.  We are used to all inclusive resorts more so than cruising, so I've never been really sure about what's kind of "normal" with cruising.  We haven't been over the top tippers, but we do like to tip extra to those who have been extra helpful and kind - often with some smaller tips every day or two or midweek and a larger one at the end of our trip.  I've always wondered about the person who assigns your dinner table in the MDR.  When I've had good service after a week, I often give them a few dollars tip when we are leaving.  I wondered if this was kind of awkward, but then I realized, "who is gonna turn down money"? lol.  Another question to you more experienced cruisers...if a tip is left on the table in the MDR when a person leaves, who will actually get it?  This isn't my practice, but I was curious about this. 

Just returned from a couple of those ports.  In Bridgetown, Barbados, we actually walked into town along the lovely waterfront boardwalk and walked right to Carlisle Bay and enjoyed a few hours at one of the Beach Clubs there.  We liked Pirate's Cove because it was much less busy than some of the others - and was the first one we came to.  The beach was phenomenal. Pirate's Cove may be a bit rustic but for $8US PP for loungers and shared umbrella, we thought it was a great day!  We taxied back for $10USD.  In St Maarten, we did one of the Bernard's Tours (half day).  We enjoyed it and got an overview of the island.  We lucked out and they made an unplanned stop at Maho Beach since they were going to drop someone else off there as well.  It's a neat spot for a couple hours.