sashas_mom

3 minutes ago, Ombud said:

Were you able to see how many lattes you had left? 

Any server can check that for you.  We used 9 specialty coffees on a 7 day cruise. I don’t care that we didn’t use them all, that’s not the point.  

2 hours ago, kywildcatfanone said:

Would seem to be quite easy to say another option is one coffee package and whatever they would consider the value of 1/2 the soda/water package.  Not hard at all.

Can you explain why I would have questionable motives just trying to get something that is cheaper than their current offer?

Thank you for saying that.  I don’t know why I was accused of being ungrateful, wanting to sell coffee cards, or other questionable motives.....i’d Be happy with your suggestion.  It’s not the value of the second choice, it’s that we would have something else to enjoy. If we are on a long cruise the two cards would be welcomed, if not, another choice would be welcomed in addition to one card.

3 minutes ago, kywildcatfanone said:

It would not at all be difficult for Princess to offer a couple of more options for trading out the mini bar for elite/suite guests and offer 1 coffee card and one equivalent value of either water/soda or a combo of them.  They already have those items in the trade setup, just not separated for each guest.

Yes.....that would be very nice, at least there would be something the second Elite member could enjoy as well.  

1 hour ago, palolake said:

 

That's usually what happens but that's a lot for one person.  (and that's an awful lot of caffeine you are going through!)  But the point I'm making is that I get no benefit from it. It's a nice perk but it's not benefitting me and it would be nice if each Elite passenger got their choice!

That’s what I was saying.  It would be nice........

9 minutes ago, Colorado Coasty said:

How did you get the coffee card loaded on your medallion when you made the exchange?

Once they remove the minibar from your cabin they automatically programmed it to our accounts. 

15 minutes ago, fishywood said:

The perk is the minibar. That has not changed.

OP says they exchanged the minibar for two coffee cards "as usual". So the alternate perk is the same.

I don't see what has been taken away from anyone---other than the ability to sell/give away any unused punches for another person to use on their future cruise, which has always technically been again the rules but casually treated as a *wink wink* by Princess until last year.

There has always been the ability to exchange the minibar for all water--or item by item for canned sodas. Perhaps someone who drank more water than coffee would come out ahead if making the exchange for water on their next cruise and just purchased one coffee card between the two of them. Though the 12 pack of water is quite inexpensive if purchased before sailing.

Expecting Princess to "customize" on a case by case basis what each individual Elite or Suite passenger can trade their minibar for can never work, and asking for such treatment will always smack of questionable motives at the very least (especially if expecting OBC if no other resolution is reached). If one's first reaction to being provided a free perk is not "thank you" but "I want something else instead" the demise of the entire perk could be imminent when Princess gets tired of this type of totally unnecessary negative feedback for what is still a fine benefit.

 

In my survey I expressed appreciation for this perk.  That doesn’t mean there can’t be improvements.  We usually sail two week cruises so having two cards were great! However on a one week cruise, where we only used the value of one card, it would be nice to have another option instead of having to get two cards.  

13 minutes ago, pms4104 said:

Half the liquor portion or half the water/soda portion for coffee pkg?  Way different values involved.

 

Agree that coffee pkgs available for purchase should be appropriate to cruise length.  Isn't that what Princess promised when they replaced the paper cards with digital?

Where did you read that?  I couldn’t find anything about it.

I was told to let them know how I feel about it, which I did on my survey.  Also the 

officers at our Meet and Greet mentioned how important Cruise Critic has been to them in gaining knowledge how to improve things.  They even joked about whenever they need to know anything, they check Cruise Critic. I’m hoping if enough of us complain, they might reconsider it.

Just returned from the Royal and as usual, we exchanged our mini bar for the coffee “cards” which are now programmed into the Medallion.

since this was only a 7 day cruise, we never used the second “card”.  It was shown on our bill as a $36.00 charge and then a credit for each of us. (I believe that’s the cost, correct me if I’m wrong)  I was told that you can’t use that $36.00 for anything.  I appreciate this perk, but I feel they are taking part of that perk away from us.  I’m hoping they will let each of us exchange it for water, soda or a shipboard credit, instead of of us having 2 coffee “cards” we should be able to choose what each wants.  . Also, we now  pay for the Gelato, which used to be covered on the coffee card.  Please Princess, if you are reading this, consider giving us more options for the exchange.  

12 hours ago, jamesnnb said:

We had our first encounter with the Medallion on the Royal recently.  Worked well, didn't receive prior to the cruise, opened the cabin door each and every time, was recognized at specialty coffee stand prior to order, etc.  Only comment I would have is you can't tell one from another (me and my husband) and once getting off in port I must of had his and when I went through security (with card and Medallion), I got "flagged" and ushered over to a third security person at a computer who asked me cabin #, etc. He then told me it was 'ok' to get off and when I asked what the problem was -- he just said everything is ok, you can get off. After that, I would double check our Medallions prior to leaving the ship by stepping out of the cabin and touching it to the screen and it would say whose it was.  We're both Elite and they looked exactly the same to me.  Will they always require both the card and the Medallion when getting off?  

Ours has our names on them.  It is very small print so maybe you are unable to read it.  The names are across the top.  

2 hours ago, richmke said:

 

Logout of the app that connects you to the Internet (as opposed to the ship's Intranet), and you won't use up your internet minutes.

Sorry, this is confusing to me.  One of the exciting new features is to order drinks, food or whatever with your Medallion and phone.  We are Elite and get free minutes but I would hate to use them up just so someone can bring a drink to me without having to order it from a waiter.  Is that the understanding?  Also, does anyone know if will there still be waiters taking our orders? 

19 minutes ago, richmke said:

"Airplane Mode" will turn off your Cellular connection, and usually also turns off your wifi. After putting in Airplane Mode, you need to turn back on your wifi and connect to the Ship's wifi. Then you can use one of the Ocean apps to order drinks from your phone, and a different Ocean app to find your friends/family.

So does that mean you are using up your minutes when you use these apps? I was wondering that too.  

On 4/16/2019 at 11:38 AM, lx200gps said:

You're not annoying at all, you and I seem to share the same concerns about the new "technology" and its possible invasiveness. We're boarding the Royal next Saturday for our first experience with OM. Until I sort out what it does and doesn't do, I'll be hiding myself by "cloaking" the Medallion and only bringing it out when needed i.e. buying things, opening our cabin door and getting on and off the ship. I really don't want crew members calling me by name from a tablet, or contributing to Princess's data mining, that simply isn't very appealing at all. 

From what I’ve seen on Princess videos, you don’t ‘t Need to pull the Medallion out for it to work.  They said it could be in your pocket or purse and open your cabin door, etc. 

To get your contact person, call Princess, tell them the dates and Ship Name and they will give you the email address of the Princess contact.  They will provide dry snacks if requested, I,e. Nuts,etc. 

Some people really do use and appreciate those perks. I’m fine with the current Elite perks. Would I like more? Sure! Not only do I get the perks but I get the Loyalty OBC as well. That extra $100 on every cruise regardless of length is nice.

 

I exchange the mini-bar set-up for either two coffee cards or all diet sodas so I can live without a beverage package. I rarely drink alcohol so the all-inclusive would be a useless perk. I’d rather have the OBC.

 

If Princess adds another Captain’s Circle level above Elite, it’ll be something that doesn’t cost them a lot of $. I’d love dinner in a specialty restaurant as an added perk, for instance, but when you’re sailing with close to 1,000 Elite on a cruise, that would be impossible to implement.

Hi Pam. What is the Loyalty OBC? $100 for every cruise appeals to me too.😊. Regards, Eileen

Hi Sasha's mom...Wow..going to Hawaii..a fantastic cruise. I did it post diabetic and don 't remember having any problem with food. Good thing is that you are in USA and the hotels will have menus for low carbs and gluten free and even lactose free. Plus it will be easy to ask waiters for sauce on the side. Okay..pulled pork..can't put sauce on the side. Once you get this first cruise over, you will be pleasantly surprised how easy it really is...just have to get use to the I can't have that ###. Interestly, my upcoming March cruise will be my first with insulin..at least I am going to be in the same time zone..east coast to caribbean. I will tell you that I have traveled a lot in the past 15 years and twice to Europe where I was a little concerned about going off schedule with meds because of time differences. It does work out..This coming spring I am going on a river cruise to Europe and am ready to figure out a long trans Atlantic flight..time difference and limited menu..adding the insulin use. It will work out. PS..If "sweet n low" is your favorite sugar substitute (coffee/tea)..carry some with you.. it seems to be the one a lot of places don't carry. (plenty on ship)

Hi Brandee. Thanks for this. I just thought of the time changes and wondered how that would go. Did you just stay on your regular schedule according to what time it was where you were? If I remember correctly, we set our clocks by an hour a little at a time when crossing. I’ve done sooo well since I was diagnosed, because I am very careful. This will really throw me, not having complete control, but your encouraging words and the others are very helpful. We’ve done three Transatlantic and other cruises to Europe and many others, all before this. It will be a challenge, but this whole thing has been a challenge and while it panicked me at first, I have now learned how to deal with it and am more relaxed. I only started going to restaurants a couple of weeks ago and it’s been 1 1/2 years since my diagnosis. You are right, once I get the hang of it when cruising, I will be okay with traveling again.

Thank you again��. Guess I should have mentioned we are going to Hawaii land of the pulled pork in sauce I can’t have....and most places to stop at are little joints that don’t have salads or turkey sandwiches. Guess we’ll have to scope out the hotels where I’m sure to find something. It is disappointing I can’t bring my own off the ship to be safe. Yes, this sucks.....big time.....but I’m very grateful I’m getting back to cruising, which we love, we are Elite, and I was too afraid to do before. It’s our 40th and we just had to celebrate on a cruise. You all have helped tremendously.

I thought of another question. We will be getting off th ship each day. In the past we have eaten at roadside places but I admit they don’t offer the healthiest food, the food I eat now. Can we take food off the ship? I can bring a fabric lunch bag with me. I know the hotels would be fine, but they are usually expensive. Found any good places you’d recommend? We will be renting a car every day.

Thank you all, this was very helpful. I look forward to our cruise and feel a lot better about this aspect.

So sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. :(

 

I often cruise with my sister and a friend, both of whom have dietary restrictions due to medical issues. They put the info in their Cruise Personalizer and the first night, immediately mention it to the waitstaff. The Head Waiter/Table Captain comes by and goes over the menu and can make alternative suggestions. Every night, he brings all of the next day’s menus and can, and does, pre-order dishes or something not on the menu. Some are better than others but for the most part, they are knowledgeable and helpful. Don’t depend on the waitstaff knowing anything. Don’t take their advice when it comes to a medical diet.

Hi Pam. Thanks. The good news is we are going on a cruise, which we haven’t done in a few years, and can’t wait. Do you eat in Anytime dining, and at the same table every night to make it easier for them to find Nancy and your friend? Do you make a reservation? We prefer anytime dining and enjoy sitting with others each night.

We’ll be together next year in the Royal👏👏👏

I so agree that their everyday "chicken breast" is dry and nasty, although I think that the chicken dishes on the changing menu can be tasty. I very much like the salmon. Be careful of "sugar free" desserts and remember that they are not carb free. I do not eat them, although I make low carb desserts at home.

 

One of the main reasons that I do not go through the "dietary restrictions" is that I do not want anyone watching my every bite. If I am going to splurge now and then I do not want to be judged for it.

 

Happy cruising!

Thank you and thank you for the reminder that sugar free is not carb free. My friend makes the most delicious carb free and sugar free desserts and it’s the only time I get to indulge. (I’m too lazy to make them myself) ☺️

I do have Type 2. It’s been a year and yes, I watch my Carbs, etc. and have done very well with my numbers. However, we eat at home so I’m able to completely control what is in a recipe and what I eat. This will be a new challenge for me, so I thought your tips would be helpful and appreciated. Has anyone found sugar free desserts they enjoy occasionally? Any good chicken dishes or fish dishes you especially liked or disliked? I just envision myself eating what they call chicken breast, and I call hockey puck, every night.:(

i have cruised many times with Princess but never with food restrictions. I’m sure they cater to all kinds of dietary restrictions, but thought I should ask my “cruising experts” if there are tips you can share with me for cruising with this new diagnosis. Foods you especially enjoyed within your new limits? Do they have special menus for us?

Thanks in advance:)

B2B Mexican Riviera & Wine Country Coastal ending in Vancouver.

 

 

 

MR (4/27-5/4/19): https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2507091

 

 

 

WCC (5/4-5/11/19): https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2517919

So excited you told me about this. I just booked Mexican part only, it can’t wait to be back on the Royal. Now I will find the roll call.👋🏻

We’re enjoying cruising to some new destinations in addition to those from LA including Spring 2019 cruises on the Royal from LA with other Californians such as Pam in CA.

Where are you all going in 2019 on the Royal? Might check it out. Where is the roll call? Pam is in Hawaii right now on the Star (unless she came home this weekend).