kstrittm

All, It would be nice of Princess to create a FAQ document discussing timelines. However, we won't hold our breath for that. Here's what I've experienced so far - feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken. First, you check in online by using the Princess app or the web version. As part of check-in, you can choose the pick the medallions up at the port or have them mailed. I opted for mail (understanding not all have that option or care to pay for shipping - that's a subject of many other threads). There is no mention of when they will be shipped, and people may wonder... The medallions aren't actually shipped until about 3 weeks from embarkation. I received an email stating it was being shipped, and then I received subsequent emails as the medallions were transported and ultimately delivered (about 5 days for me - from Los Angeles to Phoenix). At 8 days prior to embarkation, my Princess app magically displayed a barcode (which I assume replaces boarding passes), with instruction to proceed to the Green Lane signs. I am told to have my medallion and travel documents (they don't say what those are; I assume passports) upon arrival. Hope this helps some who are curious about the "who's, what's, and where's" of their shiny little medallions and how to gain access to the ship on embarkation day. In summary, medallions are shipped 2 - 3 weeks prior to embarkation; the barcode appears about a week out. Happy sailing...

I sail on the 20th, and I received an email today telling me that my medallions are being shipped. If it is USPS, they should arrive within a week.

If memory serves correctly, the usual inventory is 8 50ml bottles of booze and 2 beers (which equals 10 alcoholic beverages). 6 cans of soda, 2 club soda or sparkling water, and 2 plain water, which is 10 non-alcoholic beverages. You can exchange the 10 alcohol for other alcohol or non-alcohol. You can exchange the non-alcohol for any non-alcohol. Just call Room Service when you get into your room, and they'll handle it for you.

I understand that people don’t like having to pay for things that were previously free. However, all of the competition is doing the same thing - Oceania calls it “Simply More”; HAL calls it “Have it All”; and some others have been doing this for a while. I’m actually a bit surprised that it took Princess this long to come to the party. So, what do you do? I watch prices of many cruise lines, and I think Princess still provides a lot of value for the money. You can jump ship - but you’ll end up paying more and may not be as happy. I view this as inflation hitting the cruise industry. I’ll just buck up and pay it - and I’ll still enjoy myself! I do cruise other lines, but that is because I select my trips based mostly on itinerary. I continue to cruise on Princess periodically, though… It has a special place in my heart.

It is my understanding that the R class consists of Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, and Sirena - not the other 3 ships (Marina, Riviera, and Vista). Please correct me if I am mistaken.

All, Thanks in advance for your assistance... I will be sailing on the Marina next year in a Penthouse suite. I saw on the Oceania website that I will have unlimited access to the AquaMar Spa Terrace. However, I couldn't find anything about access to the sauna and steam rooms in the spa. Does anybody know if I can use those as well as the terrace? Or do I need to purchase a spa pass to use them?

Does anybody know how many laps around for a mile on the jogging track on deck 18? Thanks in advance...

I completed the check-in process today for a cruise 21 days out. Upon completion, there was a message stating that I would be notified when the eDocs are ready. Does anybody know how long that typically takes? Thanks in advance…

Just to close out this question... one reader recently cruised on the POA, and she attached the Daily news letter in the NCL forum. It clearly stated that only Jefferson Bistro has a dress code. All other restaurants do not. Thanks for everybody's responses - appreciate it!

Does anybody know if it is acceptable to wear nice shorts for dinner in the dining rooms (main and specialty) aboard POA? I'll post this in the NCL forum as well. Thanks in advance...

I've looked high and low and cannot find anything on this topic - sorry if it is a repeat, though... Can I wear nice shorts/polo shirt and sandals to the dining rooms (main and specialty) on POA? I cruised her in 2017, and I did then. But I don't know if I was violating policy or if it was accepted! LOL... Thanks in advance

I'm sorry - a tad confused. Are you saying that Avis/Budget had a shuttle at the port that took you to the airport to get your rented car? Or did you have to take a taxi to the airport?

We’ll be docking in Honolulu on NCL Pride of America to end our cruise. Does anybody know if there are ample taxi cabs at the port these days?

Add one more to the list for 14-day Alaska itineraries - and a stop in Homer. It's my favorite spot in all of Alaska. I did this on the Zaandam a few years ago, but nobody seems to stop in Homer anymore. The trip I took was R/T Seattle, but Vancouver would be fine, too!

We had a Neptune Suite underneath the ping pong table. Those dang kids played it day and night, and the noise drove us crazy... There are some Neptune Suites under the Canaletto dining area, which I believe is carpeted. I would select one of those if I sail on Zaandam again.

Greetings, all - I will be traveling in a Neptune Suite on the Nieuw Amsterdam soon. I know this ship doesn't have a separate Club Orange dining room, but does it have a designated spot to check in for dinners? In other words, if I am any-time dining, is there a spot on deck 2 or 3 with a maitre d specifically for Club Orange guests? Thanks in advance...

I could be wrong (as you see above I can't even keep these apps sorted in my mind), but I read that Canada no longer requires a quarantine plan. One poster (somewhere on here) said the ArriveCAN app has been updated and does not ask for it any more... somebody please correct me if I'm mistaken.

Does anybody know what capacity Holland America ships are currently sailing at? I'm boarding the Nieuw Amsterdam in June and am curious... Thanks in advance for your help.

Thanks for the clarification. I got my VeriFLY and ArriveCANs mixed up. I meant to ask about ArriveCAN - you answered my question. 72 hours prior to embarkation. I guess I just pick a date within those 72 hours, even though it isn’t the actual arrival date.

I'll be embarking in Anchorage for a 7 day cruise that terminates in Vancouver. I understand that I need to complete the VeriFly app prior to embarkation. Does anybody know if there is an edit for the date? Or do I just pick a date (only allowed 3 days forward), even though my cruise won't actually enter Canada until the 7th day? Thanks in advance for your help.