Rick&Jeannie

@riffatseais correct...and you can start reserving as soon as your booking has been made. Keep in mind that if your cruise is farther out then some excursions *might* not show up until closer to sail date. Not always...but it can happen.

Nice upgrade!

Thanks for the kind words! I try to evaluate anything that I post to make sure it's really "saying" what I mean to say and that it does not offend anyone. I enjoy the forum and hope that everyone else can enjoy their time sharing without a lot of the negativel posts that have become so common. We love cruising, after all!

Sorry! I just caught your question. Yes, this was a self-booked cruise.

I decided to "test" the system somewhat. I went in and simulated a credit card payment. (Different from what I want to know...I know.) Could not simulate a GC transaction because it wants to know the card number and pin on the same page as the amount. Anyway, of course the system defaults to the total amount due but it let me replace that amount with a higher amount. I did not submit that transaction so I have no idea what it would have done had I done so. So...I'm still looking for an answer! 🙂

That's not a bad idea. It accomplishes the same thing as what I was after...just in a different manner. Would still like to know if the payment system will let you "overpay". Has anybody "accidentally" keyed in an overpayment? What happened?

Appreciate the help...but my real focus of the question is not the purchase of a gift card...I have a good source for that. Can you "overpay" with a GC? I'm sure I can find any number of places to sell me a gift card at actual face value. I prefer the 10% discount through AARP.

Hey...no problem at all. I actually do not have the card(s) right now...but I have a good source for that (AARP w/10% discount). I always appreciate your comments! No, I'm actually more focused on the *process* of GCs and whether the system will let you "overpay".

I have never seen any GCs available other than $50 or $500 denomination. I've been doing the AARP bit so I get them at a 10% discount...would like to continue that route. But your suggestion *does* solve the issue (assuming that you actually *can* pick your own amount.)

I fully understand why you would want to pursue this...the "principle" of the situation...but, how much is your time worth? It's very likely that the *only* way you're going to get hard prints now is by doing it yourself.

Here is what we use: https://www.amazon.com/European-Adapter-Adaptor-Countries-Netherlands/dp/B008JCVF0U/ref=sr_1_115?keywords=european%2Badapter&qid=1674317769&sr=8-115&th=1

Can you not order from Amazon? Literally *hundreds* available...cheap! Is the shipping time an issue? (That's why we have Prime.)

I agree with you...I have no qualms about going to the buffet. DW leans more toward the MDR...(Hmmm...where do you think we usually end up?)

OK...I think we need a clarification. A couple of people have said it was $25 per person...others say $25 per bag. Which is it? (Are those saying $25/person assuming that there is only one bag in play?)

I second Blackberry car service. We've used them many times for runs around London itself...but never a long run like that. I've priced that out and it's rather expensive (although you would NOT be disappointed in the service!) We usually stay in London pre-cruise and just do the Princess transfer from Victoria Coach Station. Very convenient since we stay right around that area every time.

I know this sounds a bit strange...but hear me out. I've been paying for a particular cruise almost exclusively with gift cards. I'm down to the end now and a $500 GC would be overpaying by about $50. I know you can key in any amount in the dollar amount field...leaving that $50 on the GC...but will the system allow you to "overpay"? If so, what happens to that extra $50? Would it become available as OBC? I *know* everybody will have "an opinion"... but does anybody have first-hand knowledge?

Generally only one MDR would be open for lunch on embarkation day...I'm sure somebody can/will point out an exception, though! 😄

I would be VERY careful in booking anything on 15...make SURE that there is nothing above or below you other than cabins (whatever deck you choose). Anything under the pool deck and you will be awakened "with the roosters" when they start putting out deck loungers at the crack of dawn!

Just to point out...you could have totally left your reservation alone. With a table for 5 (unless they gave you a round table) you would probably have one empty seat at two four-top tables pulled together. That sixth person could have just walked up and joined you at your existing table. They would have gladly accommodated an extra person in that scenario.

This is what I usually do...

You must be on board a Princess ship!!! 😄

I guess this just goes to show that Princess has actually done *something* right! There seems to be an offering that fits everybody's preference. We generally go with Plus just so that all the extras we would normally get are covered.

Welcome to CruiseCritic!

This is absolutely not true.

You will receive an instruction sheet similar to what was posted above. It will have a very small sub-section involving those who wish to walk off unassisted. You may or may not be asked to go to a waiting area. We have seen it both ways. Regardless...you will have to wait until customs/local authorities clear the ship for disembarkation. While you are waiting for this to happen...you *could* go to an open area near where the gangplank is located and as soon as they give the go-ahead you could be one of the first off.