awesomeblossom

On 6/23/2019 at 11:34 AM, GypsyCouple said:

We are cruising to Alaska at the end of July. I have the basic itinerary that tells me what ports we are going to, but I’m wondering when the full itinerary is released? First time on a cruise and I’ve heard about all the different activities that happen. I was hoping to see the full itinerary so I can plan out my days. I’m the type that enjoys the planning phase as much as the actual trip. 

Thanks!

I’ve been anxious for more details, as well. Thought I’d let you know: I just received an email from Princess with the names of some entertainers and movie titles. We’re 15 days away from the start of our Princess Cruise to Alaska.  No scheduled times were included, but at least it’s nice to know a little bit more.  [In case your cruise has the same agenda: movies- Captain Marvel (2019) and Dumbo (2019) <I didn’t even know there was a new Dumbo - w/ Michael Keaton & Danny DeVito - so maybe not animated>, Tom Briscoe (stand-up comedy), Brent & Sarah’s Comedy Magic Show.  Still just says “first rate performances from original production shows” without any more detail. ] Personally, I’d still like to know a bit more about “classes” and presenters.  I’m a retired teacher. I’m used to planning ahead.  Enjoy your trip!

Today I received an email from Princess that gave me just what I wanted to know! Hooray! I know the names of the movies to be part of the Movies Under the stars (or whatever it’s called) and the name of a few entertainers and presenters I can expect to see on the cruise. I’m so glad. Apparently I just needed a bit more patience. (Not really one of my virtues.) (My cruise begins in 15 days). Thank you for your help. I’m ready to sail!

Okay. I can do that. I appreciate the spirit of helpfulness I find on CC. Thank you very much for this advice.  

Do I understand the responses to say that we have to wait until the daily onboard newsletter is published to know what kind of musical production(s) and classes will be offered, what movies will be shown? [Even if specific days and times aren’t available ahead of time.] 

It sounds like the app does indeed have a few “glitches”.” I may have to think about whether or not I want to use the apps. After all, I do carry my iPhone with me all the time because it also has an app that allows me to control my hearing aids. So carrying the phone wouldn’t be an inconvenience. Again, thank you for the help and helping so quickly!

5 minutes ago, Astro Flyer said:

Here’s a link to the Princess MedallionClass webpage which provides answers to many questions including about OceanReady.

 

Start your vacation sooner by getting OceanReady® at home. By completing all the steps ahead of time and having your OceanMedallion™️ shipped directly to your U.S. residence, you’ll get through embarkation faster and enjoy more time at the pool, spa or bar*. (If you live outside the U.S., you can still get OceanReady, but pick up your Medallion™ at the port.)

 

Watch video: OceanReady® makes cruising effortless

 

Visit Cruise Personalizer to start the check-in process

 

*Guests on MedallionClass voyages can only get OceanReady within one to two months prior to sailing.

 

https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/ocean-medallion/

Oh, thank you, thank you. I’ll look at that link right now. Sometimes I panic too easily. (Or so I’m told.) 

Concerning Ocean Ready - what is it? Is it something that I need? I see on a Google search that it’s an app. (??) But an app to do what? Where do I find/acquire it? Do I go to the Apple App Store and search for it? Should I have received a link to it from Princess? I can’t find anything at all about it on the Princess site.  I’ve tried to look over these Cruise Critic boards for a post that will explain it,  but I can’t find anything that doesn’t just confuse me even more. 

Someone, please help me understand or tell me I don’t need to understand and should ignore it all. (In which case, I’ll go on my merry way and hope I get to board in 27 days without scanning my passport or understanding this Ocean Ready thing. This seemed so much simpler when I took my last — and only other cruise — two years ago.)

[And now I see the only thing I can do with my question is “Submit a reply” ???  I’m not replying to anything. Moderator - I’m lost. Please kindly move this inquiry to the correct location.] 

I sponsored a high school yearbook class for a number of years. The school had an array of poorly kept film SLR cameras of various brands. When I started, I didn't know ANYTHING about photography and had only used "point-n-shoot" cameras. I took a course in basic photography and used a Pentax K1000 that the school had which was in the best shape of any of the school cameras. I eventually bought my own K1000 (used) and used it for years. I was a reluctant cross-over into the world of digital photography - finally convinced because of finances. (We could do our own b/w developing in the school darkroom, but when we went to a color yearbook I ended up paying [out of my own pocket] for most of the color film and all of the color developing commercially.-- a VERY small budget is part of the the world of teaching in a small public school.) Going digital just made sense. I also needed a camera that I could use with a fast lens and powerful flash for the football game shots which were always a problem. I purchased the Nikon D50 because the camera shop had put a great sale price on it because a newer model had come out. It was a good price AND the shop gave me a good deal on a quality Nikkor telephoto lens and a strong flash. I still can't believe how lucky I was to get this particular deal. The camera is great. It's been about 11 years since I purchased it and I no longer "do" yearbook (or teaching, for that matter). I've had other digital cameras, but that Nikon D50 is still my go-to camera. I'll have it with me on my first cruise to Alaska - sailing in less than 2 weeks. I can't wait.

I used Nutrisystem two years ago and lost 15 pounds in about 16 weeks.(200 lbs to 185 lbs.) I was 60 years old at the time. I exercised moderately three days a week. (Exercise: walking in a pool for about 45 minutes.) I was satisfied with the results at the time. I guess I'm more picky than I thought, however. I didn't care for many of the foods, so I went on the personalized menu where I could pick out the items shipped each month. I think the most important thing I learned on Nutrisystem was the importance of drinking AT LEAST 32 oz of water EVERY DAY. It was fine for the time I was on it, then I became tired of the same items so I quit ordering. I regained the weight during the next holiday season - but I'd also quit drinking the volume of water I had been when I was on Nutrisystem. I'm back to 185 lbs again- but I decided to do it without the expense of ordering a food delivery plan. I joke and say I'm on the "If-it-tastes-good-spit-it-out Diet." I.m back to drinking 32 oz of water daily (not really so much - just 4 16 oz. bottles). I limit snacking and desserts, eat smaller meals, eat slower. The weight is coming off - MUCH slower than when on Nutrisystem, but I'm steadily doing it. I plan to not go "overboard" with the desserts and large meals on the ship. I've worked too hard to get where I am. However, I still think Nutrisystem is a good plan. It made me realize that I COULD do this. Keep at it. No matter what - keep drinking the WATER. I really, honestly am convinced that it's key. And find someone who notices your small steps and encourages you. I wish you well.:)

Thank you for your information. I appreciate knowing what my options are - and you are both right. I was't thinking of movie offerings on the ship's tv choices. We can get along fine -- IF we even want to watch a movie. We may be so tired we'll just collapse at night!!

Question: I see several comments on "things to bring" posts about a portable DVD player. I also noticed that the comments were quite old (like at least 10 years old). I notice that the rooms have TVs and I assume pre-recorded closed-circuit type offerings. Do the televisions on the Star Princess have DVD players or are they equipped with the plug-ins to attach a separate DVD playing device?

We're in a balcony room (simplest level balcony) if that makes a difference.

I feel silly asking such a "trite" question - and we may not even WANT to watch a DVD depending upon the entertainment options onboard - we don't drink and other than square dancing - a number of years back, we aren't the type who usually go out dancing (yup - we're rural folk from the midwest) And although I don't want to pack a bunch of silly things.... I do have an old portable DVD player that my son took to college (AGES AGO). I'm still deciding what to bring. Sometimes my husband and I like to relax and watch an old movie together after a busy day. We've just retired and this is our first cruise EVER.

That's one of the main reasons we sit at a table for 2. Unless you really enjoy the conversations around the table each evening, it eliminates so many problems. :)

Oh, my. I hadn't considered the speed at which one eats when we selected to dine at a table larger than just ourselves. I thought it would be nice to meet another couple through the dinning experience. We may do a lot of just waiting at dinner. Live and learn, I guess.

Apparently plenty of people can (eat more than one main entree), if one reads the replies. I think some may order what they know they will like, and then another to "try" something new. It's an opportunity we wouldn't often get in a "normal" dinning out experience. I know it may be wasteful if one or much of both entrees are uneaten and I normally hate waste. However, I HAVE tried something "new" to me in restaurants and then been disappointed (and somewhat hungry) when I discover that I didn't find the new entree to my liking. I hate to be judgmental about someone wanting to splurge or try something new cautiously.

My DH often orders 2 entrees and has never had a problem. I would've said, "Okay" to the waiter then quietly gotten up and spoken with the head waiter.

I'm taking my first cruise next month, so please forgive my ignorance. How does one identify the "Head Waiter" from any other waiter? Would the Head Waiter always be present somewhere in the dinning room?