Fuzzyape

My only disappointment to these changes (and forgive me if I missed someone already posting it, as I just skimmed much of the thread) is that the number of "free" meals you get at the casual  dining (like Alfredo's/Gigis) doesn't change based on the days.

I realize things could change.  In 2024 we are taking a cruise to Hawaii.  We get 2 free meals at the pizza joint.  

If we were to have lunch there every day (not out of the question), it's going to cost us a bit of money.

Yes, I know we can go to the top deck and enjoy a slice, but not sure it's the same.

The downside, is that if we were doing a 7 day cruise we still get 2 freebies.

That confuses me a little.  Anyone able to explain it?  This change doesn't upset me, and we are still going to see what's what.  But wondered why only 2 regardless of the number of days you are sailing.  Does this mean folks on the world cruise only get 2 freebies at the pizza join in their 100+ day cruise?

Counting down the days 🙂

Rabin1,

There is still the CLIA voluntary halt.

Of course they could collapse their no sail after CDC.  Guess we'll have to wait a few more days.

Counting down the days.

People may have better ideas, but you may have to work with Princess or your TA.  Another thought, if possible, find another sailing on the Grand?

I'm sorry you have to deal with this (I had heard Carnival did something similar, if I understood properly, some folks were booted off a ship to make room from others who were being "converted" to that sailing).

I'll keep my fingers crossed you find a solution that works for you.

Counting down the days!

DW and I are booked for a Panama Canal (new canal) in 2021.  

If Princess doesn't cancel we'll be on that ship.

I understand everyone's reasoning for their decisions (even if I didn't it would matter, because it's your choice).  I hope we find a vaccine, everything returns to normal, and the suffering goes away.

Until then, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and counting down the days.

29 minutes ago, Outerdog said:

 

Yep, Jan 24. DW and I booked in the Emerald for Panama as well.

 

I'm undecided at this point. The situation is way too fluid right now to decide anything. Plus, I'm concerned about some of the social behavioral changes which will no doubt be a reality by then.

 

I guess we shall see...

2 minutes ago, jondfk said:

 

Hey, we too are on this cruise.  See you all onboard.  I have to admit, I've not purchased air yet and likely won't for some time to come.

 

 

There is a roll call for the Jan 24 cruise.

If you aren't already involved in the roll call feel free to join.

DW and I are using the EZ air option.  Friend introduced us to it on our last cruise.  We enjoyed it.  Given the current environment thought it might be good to use it again (in case we are stuck for longer than we anticipated).  

Counting down the days!

These are great pics.  Thanks for the fun!

This picture was from our Xmas - New Years cruise in 2018 -2019.  Loved the comparison in size of ships.  We were on the Pacific Princess on the right.  The left (bigger ship) was the P&O Britannia.

DW and I are booked on the Emerald for  (new) Panama Canal Jan 24th (I think), cruise.  We are keeping the cruise.

If Princess need to cancel we will wait for them to do so.  Otherwise, we will be aboard that ship.  While not the same, we have been on several cruises that had Noro going around.  We haven't caught it.  While I realize that might not be a good comparison it's all I got. 

If Princess cancels our cruise, we will book again ASAP.  It's the last trip on the bucket list (okay World Cruise, but that might not be obtainable).  So really want to accomplish this one.

Phantom, personally, I'd keep the cruise.  Of course I have no idea of your situation, you are the one who needs to make the decision.  I hope all the best to you and your wife.  I hope you stay safe, and I hope we all get to cruise soon.

Thanks for the info.  Will have to run numbers and see if it makes it better than current package we have our next cruise booked for.  Thanks for the info.

We haven't done what you're looking into.  But let me say congratulations on the 20th anniversary!

Enjoy the cruise and the renewal of vows.

Congrats!

Counting down the days!

I only have this to say (Jim's answer is more important for your question).....LUCKY !

Hope you enjoy your cruise no matter what you decide 🙂

Counting down the days!

Nice.

Makes me wish I'd done the same for my first cruise back in 02 aboard the Dawn.

36 minutes ago, riffatsea said:

What is the advantage for doing this?? What extra value do you get for pre purchasing casino credits?

It is quite easy just to use cash or charge it to your room. There are no extra fees involved.

 

I agree, riffatsea, but I can see the advantage of not having to carry the money, and having it waiting for you at the ship, if you want to set a hard budget of the amount you gamble.

Counting down the days.

9 minutes ago, INeedAMaiTai said:

Just booked East/West Caribbean Adventurer this morning and it just seems so far away!  I know time flies....

One of the things DW and I did when we booked our Xmas cruise (about 18 months ahead) was on the day the sailing left on 2017  watched it depart on the webcam, toasted to our cruise next year, using our favorite beverage.  It was fun and a reminder that it was fast approaching.

Best wishes, hope everything works.  The weather will be great!  The adventure fun, and the trip fantastic!

Counting down the days!

27 minutes ago, disneyochem said:

WE booked a refundable Panama Canal cruise in January 2021.  I prefer to book early and watch for price drops.  

 

Plus, it’s fun to see the countdown go down!

DW and I also booked Panama in Jan 2021.  I do like watching for price drops.   But I also like to book early as it we have a better chance to get the cabin we want :).  MaiTai, hope you find a journey you like!

I don't think DW and I have done any Mega ships, we've done big ones, and most recently a small ship.  We like them both.  There may be more amenities on the larger ship (which I'm sure you're aware of).  We generally look at the itinerary, the ship is a second thought.  Yes I know that isn't the case for everyone.

I wish you luck and hope you and your spouse enjoy your cruise.

Counting down the days. 

Nice Hokie....I guess it all depends where you want to go.  DW and I are booked on our full transit through new Panama Canal aboard Emerald in 2021  (it's been about a month or so since we booked).  I hope the OP finds what they are looking for.

I hadn't even thought of this.  DW and I take our first medallion cruise in Jan 2021.  We have used our phones for the patter activities (something I like), but I also like the paper version, which I've started saving and bringing home.

Thanks for the topic, and the answers!

Counting down the days.

11 minutes ago, c-boy said:

^ this and if I'm not mistaken, there is a atm on deck 5 next to passenger services.

I've never used the atm.  I've heard (and this is where I'm probably wrong), that they can be empty pretty quick, and there's not much opportunity to refill them.  But again, it's only what I've heard, no first hand experience.  Nice list JimmyVWine!

It's never bothered me.  As it's always been this way (I think) on the cruises I've taken.  But, I do understand your point.  I think you can remove them.  I have often wondered if you do remove them, does the room steward replace them?

Counting down the days!

A couple of things.  Normally for DW and I the beverage package isn't worth it.  I can't drink that many beers every day to pay for the package.  I've purchased cans of diet coke at the bars in the past (I prefer the can over the gun).

The only reason we have the package on this cruise is because of the sip and sail sale.  Otherwise, we would just pay for it.  But lots of good information!

Counting down the days!

Thanks for the input.  Of course with more than a year, I'll have to keep an eye out for any changes :). 

23 minutes ago, paul929207 said:

I believe only fountain sodas are included, no cans.

 

Which cruise will you be on? We are on the Emerald February 23, 2021 for two 15 day B2B cruises thru the canal.

Jan 24th is the one we'll be on...B2B on a 15 day color me envious!

If this has already been addressed, please let me know (and I'll do more searching in the boards).

DW and I are doing the new locks in 2021.  We took advantage of the sip and sail sale.  My question is this.  If I want a diet coke can I get a can?  Or will it be the same way they pour it for the soda cards?  I know, odd question.  I prefer the cans, but if comes from the soda gun no biggie.  Hope that makes sense.

Thanks

Counting down the days.

27 minutes ago, HotBranch said:

 

I think the medallion is a much cooler memento than a cruise card. It is personalized with your name and sailing date, just like a cruise card, but it's a more compact form factor.

 

I am fascinated and creeped out by the technology, but found it way more convenient than a cruise card. 

Thanks HotBranch.  That's helpful.  That's what I liked about the cruise cards.  So if the medallion has that information it would work :).

Question for the experienced folks.  Just booked a Panama Cruise for 2021 aboard the Emerald, which should have the Medallion by then.  I want to confirm, as I've seen through the posts that you can get a cruise card if your medallion isn't working or you don't like it.  Can you also just get a cruise card and still use the Medallion?

I haven't taken as many cruises as many of you have, and I've kept my cruise card from every cruise.  Wondered if the Medallion would work if you requested a cruise card.  I didn't check all the posts, so if this has been addressed please forgive me, and give me a rough # of post to start at.

Thanks.

Counting down the days, and there are lots of them!