HiCCCs

Call it what you will.....I call it a delay in getting my drinkie!!!!! Cheers!

Outrageous!!! But funny...CruiseCritic is like a big family....nice to see it all in good fun! Cruising folks are the best of folks!!!

You are correct, sir. I meant to say the MedallionClass app...not the medallion. But interestingly, on board the Island Princess for our recent trip through the Panama Canal, we forever had to give our room number with each drink order to all the bartenders....and at all the Stores....or at the Spa...... I thought the whole purpose was that it would recognize you and all the information would pop-up on their screens so we didn't have to give room numbers.

It all does work itself out once you're on the ship. And whatever isn't right, Guest Services will make it right!! I just wish the Medallion worked as well off the ship for the majority of people as it seems to on the ship. Part of the cruising experience is the anticipation, the pre-cruise planning, and the Medallion could be much more instrumental in all of that than at present.

Probably not you...but the app. Try calling the Medallion help desk. That's what I did and they were able to correct the errors. Good luck.

It's a great shot! And an even more spectacular harbor. It's great fun walking across the bridge. So much there to do and to see. I took one of the water taxis from Parramatta (suburb of Sydney) to the Harbor and before coming right into the harbor you see the other pier (I didn't realize it was called the Overseas Passengers Terminal. There was a cruise ship docked there, too.

Disappointing....but I'll still be boarding a ship for a GREAT vacation. Sydney to Melbourne...then on to Kangaroo Island and Adelaide before turning back to Melbourne. Counting the days!!!!

Did you sail out of Sydney Harbor? When I was there back in December one of the cruise ships was in the Harbor...it's the perfect backdrop for a cruise ship...and I imagine so easy to hop off - explore the downtown area or beyond - and then hop back on. I pray that I'll be embarking the Grand Princess at the pier right there in the Harbor and not at the other pier.

I am forced into the experience of picking up the medallions in Sydney this Fall since mailing them to me here in the USA won't work as I'll be in Australia in early September until the cruise starting October 21st. I have a feeling I'm going to like it....one less thing to worry about losing...or forgetting to pack!!!

Best answer I can give is "who knows"? I was able to secure specialty dining reservations over a month ago for a cruise in Australia set for late October. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason.

That sounds like a steal of a deal!!! I'd have you negotiate on my behalf any day!!! 🤣

Well.....I'll just say, "Better luck next time." It's really a gamble. I hope you hit it big in the casino while enjoying your cruise!! Happy sailing!!!

Lesson learned. I've also done a little sleuthing into another travel-travel-travel service that books cruises. From the few sailings I compared, their prices aren't big savings over Princess' website. They seem to build their perks back into the cost of booking through them over booking directly with Princess. In most cases, a couple hundred $$$ or even more!

There you have it!!! I have not seen that response when I've tested out whether my bookings are eligible. Sounds like the "fine print" is always something to be aware of. But your DW is right, you're fine...because YOU'RE GOING ON A CRUISE!!!!

Thanks, Bemidgi Ty!!! Much appreciated. It certainly warrants further investigation before I would look to use a "big box store travel department. I was thinking to use the company I use for roadside help...the same company where, when we were kids, my Dad would take me along to get maps and their helpful tripguide before our family vacations. I wonder if they would have restrictions, too. It's worth asking before using them...and I will.

And I hate to tout my ignorance and do so publicly, but would you please educate me on the difference between a TA and a "big box store travel dept." I have heard these used so much....and I don't completely understand. Many thanks!!!

Dear BimidjiTy.....many thanks for this information. I don't believe I ever heard this or that it was previously reported/posted. That's a very interesting consideration....but I guess I don't understand why bidding for upgrade wouldn't apply when booked through a big box store. I would think Princess would want to grab our money no matter how we booked it. 🤔 Anybody else out there have this experience??

Keep us all posted....love the anticipation and excitement to hear how you came out!! But above all -- YOU'RE GOING ON A CRUISE!!! Wonderful!!!

Thanks....was that total or pp?

Great for you!!! Love the suite experience! Do you mind, how much was the "weak" bid per person to go from a mini to a suite?

Possibly....I wonder if some of that is doing "research and design" for the program. I don't mind being a test subject.

Here is a response from Princess' ACCESS OFFICE. I sent my email to them on April 4th and it read: Greetings and peace to you! I have a question about the new Princess Bid to Upgrade Program. Are the ADA staterooms/bathrooms included among the pool for possibly being awarded as an upgrade? I ask because I would not want one of those rooms as someone who really needs it should be given the chance to win the upgrade....but primarily because it simply won't work for my travel mate and I because of the bathroom design. IF they are included in the pool as a possibility for an upgrade, I will never participate in the program--which would be too bad since it's potential lost revenue for Princess. Perhaps there is a way to "check a box" stating not to upgrade to an ADA stateroom/bathroom so that the program overrides an award of that type of room if selected. I look forward to hearing your information and feedback before considering whether or not I will participate in the new program. Peace and all good! I received this response from the ACCESS OFFICE today, April 25th: The bidding program is offered to all guests. Should an accessible stateroom become available, it will be offered to guests requiring the adaptive features of an accessible stateroom outside of 60 days prior to the sailing date. Within 60 days of a sailing date, all staterooms will become available on a first come, first served basis. This is accordance with the guidelines of the Americans With Disabilities Act, a United States federal law. Princess has procedures in place for this process. We advise the guests accordingly. We have Mobility Questionnaires and attestations for guests to review upon booking into an accessible stateroom. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Guest Services Desk or Shore Excursion Desk once on board. Bon voyage and safe travels.

Patience....just wait and see!!!

ENJOY!!! Those are the best kinds of stories to hear where you're getting something extra without having to break the bank. You'll love the royal treatment of Club Class dining!!! ENJOY!!!

When you go to bid, the balcony "obstructed" would be one choice among the other balcony's for which you can bid. Just don't place a bid on an obstructed balcony.