RandallFlagg

Nothing in life is perfect.

And who exactly intimated that it was?

RandallFlagg—I’d be really disappointed, too, if the weather was that bad in Alaska that you couldn’t do your planned excursions. A bucket list item gone wrong! I understand it’s always iffy in any port anywhere (long time cruiser on many lines with many itineraries). But I’m really sympathetic! My in laws had a similar experience weather wise on their Alaska cruise a long time ago, and they never went back, although they kept Princess cruising, just to warmer climates. Last year DH and I were lucky on our Coral Princess Alaska cruise in early May. The weather was good in each of the ports, mild rain at times, cleared quickly—Glacier Bay was foggy but amazing!

However, for a first cruise with bad weather and what you felt was bad food, I can understand not wanting to cruise again. I was disappointed in the food at the Horizon Court a year ago, on both Coral and Ruby—the MDR was okay on both, and Sabatini’s and Bayou Cafe (Coral) were excellent. Enjoy your next Alaska trip! Hope the weather cooperates more!

Thanks so much! I expressed my opinions and ONLY my opinions. I have no doubt that there are those that enjoy "cruising" but it isn't for us. We tried it and (for us) it doesn't work. In other words - we will never be "elite" :D

We will stick to "land" vacations and leave the "paper airplanes through the hoola-hoop" games to the long time cruisers.. :eek::eek:

We've got more than enough time to return to Alaska and do it "right" next time. Here's hoping that all of you have a great time on your next "cruise".

Okay - let's start this off from the beginning, shall we?

Frontier Airlines - Never EVER fly this miserable excuse for an Airline! 3 hours late for take off (security checks) :D But I believe that there was a flat tire on the aircraft. How this airline remains in business is a mystery to me, but I suppose that this is "flying" in this day and age. Finally got to Seattle at 9PM.

Hotel Theodore - Seattle - Beautiful hotel in the heart of Seattle. Although we were late arriving, our driver waited for several hours, picked us up and dropped us off nicely. The Hotel itself is newly remodeled and very, very nice and I cannot recommend it enough. I would caution anyone, however, to watch the restaurants - VERY pricey! but surprisingly good! :D

Embarkation - The embarkation was effortless. The staff at pier 91 was as professional and as courteous to us FIRST TIME CRUISERS as they could be and patiently walked us through each step with ease. We boarded quickly but had to wait for an hour or two on the ship for luggage - no big deal, right? We were ON OUR WAY!!! :D

Ruby Princess - After boarding we were directed to the buffet for "lunch". :D No big deal, Thankfully we had just finished a delicious breakfast BEFORE boarding. We were allowed into our rooms about an hour later and our luggage arrived about 2 hours after that. Balcony Stateroom was nice (C231) but nothing overwhelming. Our steward (sorry can't recall his name) was a complete professional and greeted us each day with a smile. I would say that 100% of the staff were as professional and polite as they could possibly be. Not one complaint. Great job guys!

Dining - This is my major complaint. The "food" was tolerable and nothing more. The food in the Horizon Court buffet was horrendous - tasteless and basically the same day after day after day. The MDR was (again) nothing to write home about. These are supposed "Chefs" - and if that's the case, I am a CIA trained Chef (which I am not). Even the Crown Grill (8/5) was less than "great". You can get the same steak at most local eateries in any hometown. Those who have complained about the Pizza onboard are 100% RIGHT most god-awful pizza I have ever eaten. On the other hand, the Trident Grill (hamburgers, hotdogs, brats) was actually fairly good. The International Cafe was the same. Same tasteless food. I will add, however, that my "soda and more" card that was on the Cruise Card (as well as the coffee card) worked effortlessly and the staff never had a problem filling my "mug" several times a day with soda. One thing I would add, however, is that the coffee in the dining rooms and the buffets was nowhere as bad as many have complained about.I drank it many times and saw nothing "wrong" with it.

The Cruise - We left Seattle and headed North to rolling seas that night - or so I'm told :D Slept through the night on a wonderful bed - I understand that these are "new" - I WANT ONE! Arrived in Juneau the next morning to heavy fog and rain. Our Helicopter and Dog Sledding excursion was cancelled (the purpose of the trip for my Wife). I completely understood and agreed with the decision NOT to fly in that weather. Did a little shopping and headed back to the ship, a little bummed, but with the understanding that we had another dog sledding excursion scheduled the next day for Skagway. Nope. The next morning we are informed by the Captain that it was too "windy" to dock in Skagway so we would be just "sailing" the inside passage. So, we sailed around and around for the next 18 hours. Next day - Glacier Bay. About as "underwhelming" as watching grass grow. Nothing more to say about that - except that the weather for that was rain and fog. Next day - Ketchikan. Heavy Rain. I mean HEAVY rain. I'm an old Army Infantryman. HEAVY rain. Finished our "shopping" and returned to the ship, soaked to the bone. Played childish games in the atrium for the rest of the day, attended a ridiculous "art auction" and my Wife was kind enough to purchase a nice Citizen Eco-Drive Watch for me in the Jewelry store. Back to Seattle.

Debarkation - Again, effortless. Left the stateroom at 8AM and was off the ship by 9AM and headed to the Airport by 10AM. Absolutely no complaints, very professional considering they are dealing with over 3,000 folks!

Bottom line? This was our first cruise and will be our last. In my opinion, (and ONLY my opinion), We spent a great deal of money for (what we feel) was a wasted effort. Granted, no one can control the weather and that's a given. But for the amount invested in this "cruise" (or what I overheard one man say - a "comfortable prison") - there are much, much better alternatives. We are already planning our next adventure - flying into Alaska, staying in hotels and accomplishing what we want without the constraints of a "ship". Live and learn, I guess.

Wasn't on a cruise (My Sister and her DH and kids live in Anchorage) and we were visiting in 2011. Well, about 11:30 in the evening, we were getting hungry - we were staying at their house outside of town. I was chosen to ride back into Anchorage to grab a couple of pizzas. No big deal, right?

I opened the door to head to the car and there - not 5 feet from me, standing on the porch was a black bear. I looked at him - he looked at me and we both stood VERY still…I backed up, slammed the door and stood there (like Curly in the 3 Stooges) making all kinds of strange noises. :)

I told my Sister that I had just seen the biggest Black bear in the world standing on her porch….She and BiL started laughing, we all went to the porch, looked out the window and it was, of course, a bear. About 5 feet tall - a mere cub. They told me that the Momma and her cubs are constantly walking around the area….nothing to worry about.

I STILL waited until they had "shooed" the cub away before I left. Now, understand this…I live in the Rockies. I have seen (literally) hundreds of bears, Elk, big horn Sheep, a few Moose and many mountain Lions. But never stood eye to eye with one of them….Big Game hunter…..yeah, right. :)

Thanks for the info. I am also considering buying several sets as Christmas gifts when we go in Sept. and will look into having them shipped. When you say you 'bought directly' did you actually visit the store while in Anchorage? And could I ask what is a general cost for a basuc knife/bowl set? Thanks!

 

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No. We bought directly from the Ulu factory online.

http://www.theulufactory.com

Same merchandise that they sell in the ports. Our consideration was, of course the weight - 3 knife and bowl sets weighed in at around 9 pounds. We didn't want to have the added weight. That is reserved for all the other "trinkets" that we will no doubt purchase during the trip. ;)

We WILL, however, be picking up the sheaths for the knives. They aren't included in the "knife and bowl" sets - but 3 sheaths shouldn't be a big deal. And yes - all 3 sets were/are made in Alaska. That is the FIRST requirement that we have.

Cost? Each knife and bow set was $34…..actually a damned fine price! :)

Going on an RT Alsakan cruise from Seattle through the inside passage next week to Ketchican, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria. I'm looking for a suggestion on the best place to purchase Ulu Knives and bowl sets.

Honestly (and don't tell our kids) but we bought directly through the Ulu factory (Anchorage) and had them (3 knife and bowl sets) delivered directly to our house. Got them 4 days ago and they are wonderful. They ARE a tad heavy though. However, they WILL make great Christmas gifts!

The "main" reason for buying them now was simply WEIGHT. Those three sets would have added another 7? pounds to our luggage. :D

But just a cursory inspection shows them to be high quality and I HIGHLY recommend getting the knife AND bowl set.

We are using Nobel Transport for our service. Can't really tell you if they are any good. However, we are being picked up at the Airport the day before, picked up at our Hotel the day of - and taken to pier 91. Private car.

Some people feel that linking Elite status to others can be extended to more than just boarding.

ie. tender service, special lounge, free laundry.

Seems as though everyone on this board is "elite, platinum elite, gold elite, Super secret elite, on and on….

Me and DW will be in the first time cruisers line….apparently, we will be on BEFORE everyone else….because we will be the only ones in the "poor little fellas" line. :D

Now THAT'S what I call - PRIORITY boarding!!! :D

While I am guilty as charged for having actually sold ALL of my Elite benefit-sourced coffee cards, I applaud Princess for taking this decision.

It is insane to even think that any kind of package (coffee or otherwise) purchased on one cruise can carry on to another cruise.

Just plain insane and definitely a poor business idea.

Yeah you're right! I remember that one Christmas I received (from my employer at the time) a $150 gift card to a national restaurant chain…I used it once for $41.89 (lovely dinner) and then threw the card away.

I mean, it's only right, right? How DARE a customer think that they can spend X amount of dollars on a product and expect to use it in multiple locations of the same operation….shocking! SHOCKING I tell you!! :D

Well....it’s been stated previously that being caught sharing results in you still paying for the entire package for the length of the cruise but they remove it from your account so you can’t use it anymore AND charge you individually for all the drinks previously credited to your drink package. So there’s that to consider....if you’re thinking about sharing.

 

What happens inside your own cabin is up to you but it’s definitely an ‘effort’ to keep going back to the room to share a drink. Some will do it however...

 

(Note there’s no self serve fountains on Princess for pop. I know some other cruise lines do have that, however.)

 

Geez……And I thought the they would send me to the Principals office :eek:

NO. With the water package' date=' you have a fixed number of water bottles--yes, you can give them away. With the coffee package, you have a fixed number of specialty coffees--total 15 for the cruise. Again, fixed number, doesn't matter who drinks them.

 

In contrast, the PBP is clearly stated everywhere that it is for ONE person and is "UP TO 15 alcoholic beverages" + unlimited non-alcohol. That 15 re-sets each day. The idea is that one person can have as much as he chooses to drink up to the max of 15. Since the typical alcoholic beverage on Princess is about $10-12 including the gratuity, they clearly don't intend to sell you $150 in alcohol + as much non-alcohol as you wish (including all the specialty punch drinks) for $68. It would be different if they sold the beverage package as 75 alcoholic beverages on a 7 night cruise. Then, you'd have a fixed number and should be able to share.[/quote']

 

 

Wow…this topic has been going strong!

 

OK - My take. The "soda and more" package says the same thing. It is for ONE person. It is for the person that purchases. OK. Got it.

 

So I will head to the nearest fountain and fill my cup with soda. I will then, take it back to my room and either drink it myself (which is what will happen 95% of the time) or I will share the drink with DW. I paid for the package. I will do with it what I want. It may not (technically) fall within the "rules". However, I paid for it. It has been purchased. I will do with it what I want. It is MY property. :D

 

What is the worst they will do to me on the ship? The Brig? Half rations? :) Walk the plank?

No...just like your military OBC..it was given to you as a gift.

 

Elites are given perks/gifts, did I pay for the alcohol, no.

 

Even if you sail in a suite the mini bar is considered a perk.

I saw the prices of the suites and the mini-suites. That's why I opted for a balcony cabin. :D

Trust me - you PAID for the alcohol….. :cool:

But, in any event, thanks for all the info. I am leaving this topic now to those more "experienced" at economics than (apparently) I am.

Elite exchange perk.

I see…so they TRADED their mini bars for coffee card(s) - alcohol that they had already PAID for. OK. Thanks! :D

I do not know why I am even in this discussion oh now I remember, but does anyone else NOOOOO!:D;p

 

I'll say it again..almost all cards sold on ebay were NOT, I repeat Not Purchased. L:DL

Pardon my stupidity - but where did they come from then?

:D

 

 

Well, is all i can say is try the reg. coffee see what you think and if brewed is what you need, use a little of your military OBC to pay for a cup.

Oh, I plan on doing just that. Thanks!

They do offer coffee for free..if you hadn't come to Cruise Critic you would never had known "the type".

 

Sometimes ignorance is bliss.;)

 

Many people find the coffee on Princess cruises acceptable, I have yet to hear any guest in the MDR complain about the coffee, mainly the concerns have been where is my coffee or I need a refill.

 

You'll just have to see what you think of the coffee when you board....many who say the coffee is dreadful do get their coffee card from a mini-bar exchange, In the future will they pay for "brewed coffee" ???? or just settle for the free stuff.

 

2 weeks ago I returned from an Alaskan cruise on Ruby.....2/3s of the Pax were first time cruisers. At the International Cafe there was seldom a line to get coffee or specialty coffees and this was a cold weather cruise. A sharp contrast to several of my other cruises last year, where everyone was manned with a coffee card and the line could be 25 deep on some mornings.

This is probably true. However, my TA pointed me in this direction….and boy howdy have I learned a thing or two! :D

If I’m paying for a limited quantity, I should be able to share. If I buy a water package to have 12 bottles of water delivered to my stateroom, can I not share those either?

 

 

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You had better not!! They have a brig on those boats, you know. :D

This really Pixxes me off! We just paid nearly 8 thousand dollars to cruise on Princess again (16th time) and they act like "Brewed Coffee" is caviar and truffles and must be regulated and paid extra for. What next, a butter surcharge?

THANK YOU!!! (y)

Like you, we paid a great deal of money (at least for us) to take our first cruise on Princess. For us - it is "supposed" to be one of my DW all time bucket list events. We have traveled the world (repeatedly) and have never experienced paying for brewed coffee - which is why it comes as a complete surprise to us. It's not a "deal breaker" by any means - but we will think long and hard about ever cruising again.

I mean, My God - even Motel 6 offers free fresh brewed coffee each morning….. :D

I know that with some Go Pros - there is a tendency for the camera to become very warm when shooting high resolution videos. Now, I don;t know, but that may be your problem?

I don't drink coffee - so I don't have a beef in this.

 

IMO - how the coffee card was setup was flawed to begin with. Most take 7 night cruises and it was difficult to use all of it on one cruise which then created issues.

 

On a side note, when I first started cruising with Princess in the late 90's, they didn't charge for speciality coffee drinks and brewed coffee at the Patissere was also available at no charge. I honestly think these should be included free.

Indeed. I look at it this way…If someone who pays for a cruise buys too many coffee cards and decides to sell them on Ebay - how is that hurting Princess? I mean, they were originally paid for, right? So who is losing money?

Interesting - I didn't catch that before:

"Cards that have been purchased from secondary sources, other than Princess Cruises, altered, tampered with, photocopied or are expired will be retained by the vessel at their sole discretion and are considered void."

Stupid question here - How the heck would Princess know if they were bought from Ebay?

Goofy. That's why we decided to forego coffee that isn't "provided" in the buffet or the MDR. I'll be damned if I pay for their Brewed coffee.

Never stayed in a hotel yet where premium coffee ( brewed regular) wasn't provided. So much for the "all inclusive" cruise, right? :D

https://www.princess.com/html/global/personalizer/ssv/beverages/coffee-package-disclaimer/index.html

https://www.princess.com/html/global/personalizer/ssv/beverages/coffee-physical-card-disclaimer/index.html

Exclusions and Limitations

• CANNOT be redeemed when ordering Room Service or for Mini Bar items.
  

I am sure Princess will give a different interpretation of "redeemed" to mean "exchanged".

That's what caught my eye as well….So, if I order room service say, for breakfast, can I only get coffee if I am paying for it? Or do they deliver the continental breakfast and "swipe" my card for the price of the coffee?

It's a tad "confusing"…. :cool:

Why? Your going to not live your cruise to the fullest over the cost of a cup of coffee. That’s like saying I am going to pack Vienna Sausages and Sardines because I won’t pay for specialty dining upcharge. #youcanttakeitwithyou

 

 

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As long as you pack crackers for the Vienna Sausages - I'm all in! :D

However, I understand the thought here. Seems like every time we turn around, Princess is doing something to make a cruise a little more "challenging" for the customer. I mean, seriously. Why the heck does the passenger have to "pay" for brewed coffee? Is it really that hard or expensive to offer decent coffee?

I'm not talking about all that foo foo crap coffee - just regular brewed decent tasting coffee….nothing more.

I had asked a question about coffee cards the other day and Moki's Mommy was kind enough to answer me quickly. Now? I see (and have read) the "terms and conditions" of the "so-called" coffee card and I can't help but wonder why ANYONE would want to purchase one of these. My Lord - there are more "terms and conditions" for simple coffee than there were when I bought my first house years ago.

I don't understand the ideology here. It is a little unnerving - this being our first (and probably last) cruise…Shoot, I've never seen so damned many rules and regulations in all my life :)

Well, I look at it this way - I had intended to purchase the coffee card simply for the brewed coffee since most claim that the "regular" coffee is horrendous. Won't be doing that now. It's a 7 day cruise to Alaska. I can stomach the "free" coffee for a week I guess. Not really a good way to encourage "repeat" business from first timers, however.

Yes' date=' you can pay with OBC if you wait till you are on board.[/quote']

 

 

Thanks!