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charlie murphy

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Everything posted by charlie murphy

  1. It also looks like you have a GREAT variety of entertainment on this cruise. We did a 2 week, with turn around in Tokyo and entertainment was the same on both. the main productions were good but there was a sever drop off from production show to fill in show. AND the menu was the same, to the day!, on both segments. It is too bad that the cruise ended Before surf and turf night the second time around. If the cycle held true, the next cruise passengers got on, and night one was surf and turf..
  2. we were on the ship a cruise or two before and it could have changed by this cruise BUT the draft box was Asahi ( on the pool deck) the beer from the tap was Heineken! Also, there was no Japanese whiskey on the ship! looked everywhere and was told at all locations that No we have no Japanese whiskey. That's weird on a Japanese cruise, especially given the popularity of Japanese whiskey , there was Japanese gin and Sake.
  3. ken be prepared for the same delay with respect to immigration on your return to Japan from JeJu. we got of the ship early as independent travelers and got through the lines "quickly" 45 minutes. just behind us by a 5 minutes later disembarkation, a 2 to 3 hours wait was what a passenger on the ship reported to us at the bar that evening . in Je Ju a tour is good. the port is FAAAAARRRR. from the ship. it seems to be a hustle in the port as no taxi will take you to the city center ( 20 minute ride) . they all want to be hired for a 4 (+) hour tour , on the meter. Not sure of the cost. there is a city bus . the info desk will down play it as too far and too long to walk but it is not too far and it is not as up hill as they tell you. the stop is by the elementary school. the drop is right by olle market. to get back to the ship a Taxi will return you right to the port.
  4. Ken looks like you got some good entertainment in the evenings . we were on the DP slightly before your cruise and for 14 days which was basically two short cruises with a Tokyo turn around. prior to our cruise they sent info on a New production show "SILK" . We did not see any production show on the two weeks other then Bravo and Born to run. it looked like parts of a set were set up on the sides of the stage but were not relevant to any show on board. they were taken down by the second segment of the cruise. we got demetri and Anna show case dancers on each segment. I wondered what happened to the production show, it looks like it is now "I got the music show".
  5. looks like you got there before everyone shaved off all the "toppings on the rice" and the "sushi bar" becomes basically a bar of stained Rice. that is what i usually found on the buffet!
  6. taxi cost : 7900 yen ( do not quote me, but as i recall it was about that ) . we did use the credit card. Make sure you ask the taxi driver first. The "porter" at the port helped us make sure that the taxi took credit cards before we loaded up. There were 2 bag storage facilities in terminal # 3 ( arrivals). When you arrive in Haneda you may want to scope them out , and if able make arrangements for when you return; we did not do this but the baggage storage places always seemed to be full when we went through if possible this would be a good idea. We got lucky to find a spot on the day of our departure. When you arrive on your flight, The exit will let you into the arrival area in one location in the middle of the terminal. This is where you will meet the princess rep. if you have transfer via princess to the ship. To the right are the baggage storage areas one is mid way down, on the left the other is all the way at the end of this corridor. Again, not exactly sure of price because we stored luggage for 7 people/ 3 carts. but i believe 400 to 600 yen. (depends on size of bag). Along the same corridor On the right, where the restrooms are located is where you will find storage lockers for luggage. They did not meet our need so other than location that is all i know . The locker area is not that large, but i do believe locker space was available both times we went through the area. the lockers looked to only use coins. ( again speaking from memory, but you could check them out while you wait for transfer to ship ) FYI : we were on a very early flight into Haneda, and spent half a day in Tokyo before boarding. For this we simply left our bag with waiting shipmates, a bit of trust in humankind, but a risk we were willing to take and an offer fellow ship mates were willing to offer while they waited in the terminal. ( there was only one princess shuttle for our cruise , departing at 1230 - 1 pm) the access to the train terminal is also in this location . I would recommend getting the PASMO card from the agent. It made independent travel all over japan VERY easy during our cruise. ( you can pick it up 50 yards from where you wait for transfer )
  7. Jawbad: and others, with independent travel , get the PASMO (sp) card it helps a lot with the trains. You can also use this card at vending machines. it is not refundable so put $ on carefully. only problem is we could not figure out how to load card with anything other than cash.
  8. we just did this. you will want to walk off the ship as early as possible. We took taxis to the Haneda airport. We got luggage tags and boarding passes. We then stored our luggage. We tried to check in bags, in but they would not let us, they told us at the bag drop we had to wait until 12 noon. Finding storage is difficult, but there are 2 places and lockers , I do not know if this could be prearranged, but next time will try to prearrange storage. Then we took the train to Meiju Jingu shrine and shibaya crossing. They are close . we had time to spend at the shrine, we had to time to walk around the crossing / shop a bit , we had time to sit and have ramen and get boba. then return to the airport. We collect out luggage and made our way to the gate without rushing any part of the itinerary. We had a flight from Haneda to LA at 7ish, that i think may be the 625 flight. ( american airlines. ) . We skipped the transfer ( ship to airport) (cancelled it on board) as it left later than we were comfortable with. I think 915ish disembark, and then not sure how long to collect out luggage and for them to collect everyone to fill the shuttle before departing. good luck you can do it!
  9. Well I'd be calling that a business expense! nice deduction! I get that, man what a nice office!
  10. WORD! and what is a vacation without a little procrastination and the freedom to not sweat it --- procrastinate until the next port. FREEDOM that is what I call it! don't let it tick you off, embrace your new freedom! Maybe wait 2 ports! fuhgeddaboudit !!!!
  11. At least the jug, box , or bag has a varietal on it. --------- or does it? Princess at one point did a whole promo on the wine sommelier and the selections at sea , best at sea Blah , blah, ------ so maybe the box doesn't have a varietal and the sommelier earns his keep sitting in the back of the kitchen and is "like well this box is a little like carmenere , we will call it that , the internet stinks at sea people won't be able to look it up, and most people will not know what that is -- carmenere, 'nest jug this is a little different ---" red blend" ok guys my job is done". honestly with this method of plus wine selections; if i was that guy i'd ask to have my name and likeness taken of the web site. this method does not speak highly of him.
  12. worst case they hold it and give it back at the end of the cruise. I have hand carried beers onboard in Belgium. 750ml with a cork top. no stopping. I also think it depends on the port and who is looking, how convenient or inconvenient it is to bring to port . Home port I'd bring it, Traveling to the port I'd think about it. AND it depend on how special the bottle is and how special the event it is mean for is! I know not much help. but good luck .
  13. Of course there is! The bathroom break you need to take mid meal.
  14. this is the web site the explains the temporary exception for April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024: . https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewboarddetail.do?bbsSn=149899&pageIndex=1 with planning for a upcoming trip I got the same conflicting information . in the FAQ ( Q16) it still states that you need a K-eta. When you submit a question you may be told that you need the K-eta ( my inquiry was very close to the april one announcement, this is what I summize the inaccuracy of my response 'you need the K-eta'). But it looks like "last and final answer is NO you do not need the K-eta. 1/1/2023 to 12/31/2024. all subject to change at any point . Is the above post saying that the Korean authorities were requiring the K-eta payment?
  15. thank you for sharing this review. I appreciate the time lines and $ estimates you gave. I had not considered the pocket wifi but will consider based on your review. I have a questions about the shuttle from the ship to the bus stop in Yokohama, is this a complementary shuttle? does it have specific hours of operation? or is this a shuttle one would pre purchase? I ask because we are on a back to back and plan to disembark in Yokohama take the train to Tokyo or Kamakura and then return in the afternoon to board. we will be doing this independently via train and just want to make sure it is possible . I will also look up the PASMO card. You insert cash to load the card? I assume it is like a pre paid TAP card. Could you purchase train fare for both of you on one card or did you each have to have your own card? thanks
  16. could you point me in the right direction to find the custom requirements for entry / customs clearance by air. When i read the above post I went to look, through a google search, and found custom limits etc. but not the blue screen or QR code info that i recall reading about somewhere. I am in the US i not sure if that matters.
  17. WHAT! Is this true? If true I never knew this and that is very interesting. thanks for the information . where is this person and what are they able to assist with?
  18. pre pandemic Princess cruise line guy bought a crap ton load of little umbrellas to back the bars across the lines. He was going to get a big promotion for this marketing idea! During the pandemic there was a need to generate revenue for obvious reasons. The guy from whataburger was hanging out at the country club and ran into the guy who bought a crap ton load of little umbrellas. The Burger guys' stressed out over his gin and tonic with a supply line cut, he could not get any tooth picks, and this guy from princess hanging over his drink, wondering what to do with all those umbrellas, over hears the whataburger guy and figures this could generate revenue and he could still get that promotion. So the guy with the umbrella tooth picks marks up the toothpicks 300% sells them to whatshisname from whataburger and BOOM. Then, the whataburger guy got tired of pulling all the little umbrellas off the tooth picks and decides he needs to find the princess guy at the club and unload the umbrella tooth picks. A few drinks later, they still don't know what to do, so they decide to put the umbella in the burger and take a picture. They give it to one of their kids and ask them to post it on social media. Boom Boom BOOM and now we all what to know what's up with that! Marketing my friend.
  19. virgin dark and stormy. light on the ice and filled to the rim. wedge of lime on the rim might be OK. BUT..... I'd look the the serving vessel then decide. virgin Moscow mule / virgin dark and stormy.
  20. yes you are stressing too much. but isn't the way it always seems. I am right there with you. feeling stressed about the trip and preparation. I sounds like you have a handle on it and it will make the first step onto the gangway that much sweeter. All the: what to do before depart , what is needed in transit, now i see postings about there being requirements for when you return to japan after visiting SK. You helped me with the Japan QR code thing I had no idea! We will all get there. to you and all those going through this before me thank you for posting your concerns, conflict and resolutions.
  21. correction and retractions! it was brought to my attention that there was a revision to the information i found on the web, Darn web browsing! i sent a request request to K-ETA Dear Inquirer, Thank you for your interest in K-ETA. Regarding your inquiry as to whether you are required to apply for K-ETA, please find the answer as below: Please refer the latest FAQ at the official K-ETA website (www.k-eta.go.kr) or mobile App (K-ETA). Q16. states ’Yes, even if you want to visit Jeju Island, you must obtain K-ETA approval before boarding the plane or ship’. The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is a travel authorization that foreign nationals need to obtain in advance when they want to enter the Republic of Korea visa-free for tour, visiting relatives, participating in events or meetings, business, and/or other similar reasons (other than profit-making activities). Under one of those purposes, the nationals whose nationality is eligible for K-ETA are required to obtain the approval before boarding the flight or vessel to the Republic of Korea. First, please contact the cruise ship or travel agency to confirm whether you need to apply for K-ETA for your excursion. If you need to apply for K-ETA, please enter the address and contact number of the port of arrival. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us. Best Regards, K-ETA Center kinda clear? 1. so if one did not get the K-ETA BEFORE boarding flight or ship then what and how could it occur once on board 2. if you need K-ETA why would you need to contact the TA or ship to see if you need to apply for a K-ETA for a particular excursion. will some passages be stuck on the ship in port? I would not think so. well thank to all who have come before me and laid out the process so well , thank you.
  22. correction and retractions! it was brought to my attention that there was a revision to the information i found on the web, Darn web browsing! i sent a request request to K-ETA Dear Inquirer,Thank you for your interest in K-ETA.Regarding your inquiry as to whether you are required to apply for K-ETA, please find the answer as below:Please refer the latest FAQ at the official K-ETA website (www.k-eta.go.kr) or mobile App (K-ETA). Q16. states ’Yes, even if you want to visit Jeju Island, you must obtain K-ETA approval before boarding the plane or ship’.The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is a travel authorization that foreign nationals need to obtain in advance when they want to enter the Republic of Korea visa-free for tour, visiting relatives, participating in events or meetings, business, and/or other similar reasons (other than profit-making activities). Under one of those purposes, the nationals whose nationality is eligible for K-ETA are required to obtain the approval before boarding the flight or vessel to the Republic of Korea. First, please contact the cruise ship or travel agency to confirm whether you need to apply for K-ETA for your excursion.If you need to apply for K-ETA, please enter the address and contact number of the port of arrival.If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.Best Regards,K-ETA Center kinda clear? 1. so if one did not get the K-ETA BEFORE boarding flight or ship then what and how could it occur once on board 2. if you need K-ETA why would you need to contact the TA or ship to see if you need to apply for a K-ETA for a particular excursion. will some passages be stuck on the ship in port? I would not think so. well thank to all who have come before me and laid out the process so well , thank you.
  23. this is what I found on web. so good news if traveling to Jeju. this is the source : 210422 K-ETA FAQ_(Eng).pdf ( copy and paste in search bar) , so you can confirm (or let me know what I missed) see: Q16. I want to travel to Jeju Island. Do I need to get a K-ETA? A. No. Those who wish to travel directly only to Jeju Island do not need to get a K-ETA. If the traveler wishes to visit other places in Korea after visiting Jeju Island, that person needs to get a K-ETA before entry. so if you port in Jeju island only according to this document you seem to be clear. Other ports, i did not research but if possible this may be the source to reach out to and ask.
  24. this is what I found: Q16. I want to travel to Jeju Island. Do I need to get a K-ETA? A. No. Those who wish to travel directly only to Jeju Island do not need to get a K-ETA. If the traveler wishes to visit other places in Korea after visiting Jeju Island, that person needs to get a K-ETA before entry. this is the source: "FAQ Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)" (210422 K-ETA FAQ_(Eng).pdf} our cruise only ports in Jeju, So my anxiety about the K-ETA is over and I am not planning to look further or sweat it out any longer based on the recent post and this well sources information. for other ports I don't see anything. sorry.
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