DuaneO

Well, we on the 32 day cruise on the Saphire right now, we booked 5 full days of the Sanctuary, we did that within an hour on board.   The problem you cannot prebook on line - like a spa time.  So once we go up there we managed to get a decent location locked in.  
 

surprising ti us there were many before who locked in places for the 32 days.  And it was told to use the Back 2 backs are generally the first to lock in.

but don’t fear, folks change their minds and as today only 20 were booked off and on today. Off and on is AM/PM and there’s entire day. PM had the vast majority.

btw I just asked the steward if there is a rate for booking the space for the entire length of the cruise .. the answer is no.

I understand, that a Medallion is required.  The reason for this item, is for security needs of boarding and location of an individual.  They are free and can be picked up at the port.

The Medallion, is used for everything from identity, to restaurant bookings (mDR or specialities restaurants), the on board shops, bars etc.  and it’s used as a tracking device on board the ship.  

keycards I understand we’re discontinued.  
 

You must go thru the Medallion app or the online web version to complete the required process. 

it’s rather painless and it’s rather useful.  I’ve on my 14 cruise using the device.

On 12/21/2023 at 8:43 PM, reedprincess said:

Deluxe Balcony cabins do not have bathtubs. 

That is correct, tubs are only in mini suites and suites cabins.

heres your cabin detail… note shower only

I’m on a 32day cruise, our upgrade is 115 before cruise start we’re in 10 days, and no offers yet.  So their chart they use….

is flawed.  I guess they may send an offer when they feel they have reached a specific % of bookings.

maybe this will speed up things… it did for me.
 

There is a web site called ID.me…. It’s generally used for military, vets and Governmental agencies including state county and cities… and teachers.

it’s a clearing house used by the Feds and corporate businesses who cater to the services of the agencies above.

Princess utilize ID.mefor access to the military discounts.  I processed the entire transaction with princess and was cleared in minutes.  I use ID.me for various needs.  I’m both a vet and an ex Fed.

the reason I preferred this process, no paperwork was passed on to anyone, Including the ID.me.  They have links to the DoD registry, including me past employer in the Feds.

might look into this to help clear quickly the Military/Vet discount/OBC… to my knowledge this is used accross the cruise industry.

38 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

They are not assigning arrival times.  The whole concept is gone.  What did you see?  What they are likely doing is showing the check-in time window.  This is per a PCL webinar for TA's on July 13 where this change was presented and discussed. 

 

There is no such thing as Premiere Plus subscribers.  Do you mean guest who purchased the Plus cruise fare option or the Premier cruise fare option?  If so, they have no special priority for check-in at the terminal.  Standard fare guests can also show up at their convenience. 

 

If a guest has Medallion in hand due to advance shipping, they are assigned to Green Lane at the terminal.  If guest is picking up Medallion, they are assigned Blue Lane.  However, the VP Sales also said folks can go in any lane and be served.  Sometimes the Blue Lane will be shorter if majority of guests have Medallions. 

 

Suites and Elite have top priority advance boarding onto the ship - which only means something if they have arrived and are checked in prior to commencement of boarding.

 

Platinum and guests who book Reserve Class cabins and are not yet Platinum or Elite also have a second priority for boarding the ship.  Other guests at the terminal prior to boarding follow after onto the ship.  Once the terminal is cleared, arriving guest simply proceed onto the ship after check-in.

Well most of us are not TA.  we just use the app and are at the mercy of PCL if it works.
 

So we don’t always get the big picture like you did.

I was on the app yesterday, went to arrive time, that kept telling me it’s too early for assignment.  Today at 8am I went to see if I can assign my arrival time and there was nothing.  I looked at the app (Apple) and they updated the app last night.  Called my PCL rep, she told me they did remove that option, but it wasn’t notified to the general guest. 
 

sorry, Plus

and I’m a Platinum member, going to elite on my next cruise… they allowed us for at lease 10 cruises thru that line that’s marked suites and Elite.

Two things happen today, the status went blue… a few minutes later went green…
 

Sooo I paid for the shipping when I order the medallions the day of booking. 
 

So each time you reload the app.. you will go blue… then a few moments back to green.  I guess they are checking for issues.  
 

But they are not open to tell you the cause, if you go blue… You have to search it yourself.

secondly today they discontinued the arrival group question.  Now they are assigning your arrival times.  Only folks who are not bothered, Elite, Platinum and the Premiere Plus subscribers.  You just show up when you like.

lots of changes… 

On 2/18/2023 at 5:32 PM, PacnGoNow said:

Here’s the latest I can find on Princess:

 

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

 

Is this new?  It’s not dated.

 

 

 

I went into the web editor and found the date of this post

content="Thu Feb 02 09:50:03 PST 2023">

so it’s recent.

I’m on the Crown Princess currently.  Hawaii 15 days cruise.  The only places you can get brewed coffee is the Main Dining Rooms free at meal times only.  The international Cafe sells brewed coffee to non coffee card carrying guests.  The bev packages I understand folks are included.

there is a second coffee on the grand class ships on the Lido deck.  It’s by the cones counter.  Tonight I asked if they have brewed coffee, the answer is the International Cafe has that on hand.  They can make a expresso version… see coffee card for free.

the lido deck buffets are the syrup style coffe only.  That’s on hand all day and night.

also, hot chocolate is not free anymore again International Cafe… but I understand you can get it for breakfast in the MDR.

I hope this helps… oh btw it’s $35 dollars for the card. My wife loves hot tea, without it it would be a charge too.  I tea is free in the 

lido area and in the mdr meal times.

The answer is northland cruise terminal.  It’s directly in the town area. So ease to get around.   
 

we were told the night before our trip started (May 10, 2022 cruise) of the change.  The reason given was mammal navigation issues of speed with the in flux of whales in the area.

the strange part, the local paper for the Prince Rupert town announced it May 4,  stating this specific cruise will be the first to arrive.  Hence no Victoria stop….

with the fun ArrivCAN requirement we have to cancel the stop to Victoria and re enter the new location.   But when we got in the ship they told us the CBP Canada will accept the canceled port… I just wonder if they will?

any ways yes, there are excursions for the location.  And being a new port, I expect it will have even more in the future.   
 

should be interesting, the town is bigger than Skagway so there could be more to do.

54 minutes ago, HappyInVan said:

 

You're referring to the ArrivCan app which is available free of charge from Google or Apple Store.

Thank for correcting the app name my apple iPad kept fixing it to arriveCAM…. 

3 minutes ago, sunsetme said:

If I drive to Whitehorse on a Tuesday  and arrive in Vancouver on a Saturday do I have to apply twice?

Unknown, guessing you may have to enter entry dates, then the QR code I.would best guess it would cover that...  but I haven’t had that situation given to me yet… I’m going to Whitehorse via train from the cruise ship. I guess I will find out rapidly.

The problem is there is little published about this app.

Your required “stated on the Canadian Border Service site” you must obtain a accessCAN QR code to enter the cruise ship, aircraft or vehicle entry into Canada.

the Ruby Princess was the first ship to travel to Alaska 23Apr from SFO.  They required every passenger to have loaded the app on site and complete the accessCAN process before you could enter the terminal.

you can also do the app using the web and print a receipt with the QR on it at home to save steps.
 

Another words Princess cannot let you on the ship without this process completed.  I checked with princess customer service they are aware but have very little details.
 

you will need the QR code on your smart phone or on a printed receipt… this when the ship docks in Canada or if you plan to drive or take the train to Whitehorse.

The Princess medication app doesn’t cover this subject. And their is practically nothing about this subject, except a brief paragraph in the health checkin 

also, be advised, the service is free.  There are folks selling this service for $65 each person, it’s fraud be careful.

I have posted what the card shows once you are checked prior to entry into the terminal.

On 11/24/2021 at 8:29 PM, Steelers36 said:

If a guest qualifies for the 50% discount (Platinum/Elite), the discount applies on ALL internet packages and rates.

On 11/24/2021 at 8:29 PM, Steelers36 said:

If a guest qualifies for the 50% discount (Platinum/Elite), the discount applies on ALL internet packages and rates.

Correct!

I purchased several days before for several of my recent cruises.  Since I registered under my userID, I get a 50% discount for 1 device*.  So this cruise for some reason I got 50% ($99. Put back on my OBC) off for four devices *(I always register the four device, wife and I link both iPhones and iPads).  The service in the coastal California and Mexico areas is rather remarkable fast.  

We’re on the Grand currently Nov 20-28… yeah we have 170 passengers, there are changes they did to reduce the losses, no dinner in horizon , crown grill, and sabatni’s was closed for several days, the Michael Anglo dining room is closed too.   It’s strange being in a large ship with so few passengers..

but I wanted to state so far the Hawaiian cruises to is still on, they the crew are talking about it all the time.  If you review the booking for the Grand, you will see very few staterooms open for Hawaii and other Jan/Feb.

They are holding 20% of space back due to CDC requirements.

not sure why the crown was dropped, I’ll ask around tonight.

I can say it’s super positive atmosphere on board with the crew.  The cleaning is going on all the time, everyone is wearing masks, and greets are being highly respectful of distancing.

this is my second cruise on the grand in less than month… both cruises were fantastic but both were low passenger numbers.

CVS is so cal, I’ll not allow you to schedule days ahead.  You have to make the appointment same day.  Problem the appointments go quickly.  I tried at 12:30, all were already taken!

we ended up using Sameday Health, they do days before appointments and are very professional.  
 

The cost is $95 each.. a bit expensive… but worth the hassle.  If you’re spending a ton for a cruise what’s an extra $95x2… 

and you get the results in 30-60 minutes.

On 10/23/2021 at 8:54 AM, PrincessLuver said:

 

Does anybody know how it will be handled if each you and your wife qualify for a 50% discount?

My best guess, we both had to separately order the WiFi access, but we would be limited to one device each.  The other option is four devices… but we wouldn’t need that added expense…. When you place the order you pay the retail charge, you’re refunded the “50%” as ship board credit.  So I highly recommend you purchase the package on board.  

Currently I’m on the Grand Princess in Cabo right now.  I signed up for four device internet. The process to connect was so smooth and the speeds are amazingly fast.  It’s all based on the satellite uplink area the ship is traveling in

to answer the question about the discount… yes I received a discount.  The purchase price for the four device linkup was $99 fir the five days.  On my statement in the app a refund was given $25.  Which isn’t too bad for a five day trip.    
 

I wasn’t aware how they were handling the discount but the single device was $45 fir the trip. So the refund reflects the single link price.

It didn’t account for my wife’s 50%,  but… it may have been I elected the option for two of us.

Just received the cancellation of my upcoming cruise on the Star.  Looks like the accelerated the transfer of these two ships.    I've been on both many times...  Sad they are moving on.  Wonder what will replace them here in California for Hawall, Alaska and coastal trips.

I'm sure it impacts many folks like us who were booked and paid for the trip.  Oh well it's the second cancellation on this ship this year.

Let hope for a speedy return to all cruising soon!

I’m guessing the excursions will be spread out too Limited seating, social distancing etc... due to that fewer buses because the pax per bus will be cut in half... making fewer choices too.

we love traveling to various gardens; in Hawaii.  We generally take taxi services and stay the entire time at a specific garden.  
 

im guessing those days are finished.  For at lease a year or two.  The vax is limited resource, limited results, etc.  and some folks cannot take the vax, due to different allergy’s Or reactions based on the chemicals used to create the vax.

im scheduled Feb 25 To Hawaii, but I’m guessing they will limit guests movement and activities on and off the ship.   So, let’s see what will occur.

but I agree, it’s going to make the journeys we all love, less interesting.

We’re booked Feb 24, TR from LA to the Hawaiian Islands 15night.  I guess we’re basically doing American ports, the required stoppage in Mexico could be a refuge stop only.

so far I haven’t heard anything from Princess.  I’m figuring they will react in late December early Jan, if they plan to cruise or drop the trip.

the rumor, is the ship is lite, that bookings are being restricted, to reduce the number of Pax.   But I got that from a TA friend.   Who really knows.   
 

in one thought, I would love to get back on the horse and ride the trip out... but in the other hand, is this going to be a nightmare?

we got experience to these waits COVID wise...

we waiting for our cruise March 13,2020... folks bailing all over, then March 12 the announcement.   Sure it took 61 days to get the refund... but I trust Princess to make good.

For the record, our cruise was canceled 13Mar2020 LA port to Hawaii via the Sun Princess 15 days.    
 

We filed for the refund/FCC option.  The next day — 100% credit card/100% FCC...

Approx 32 days later we received our FCC’s 100%.  We booked a replacement cruise.   The rep told us approx 60 days for the refund to occur.

We received an email from Princess 01May,  letting us know they are extended out staff, system wise.  All due to the length of time due to the CV19 issues. and they are trying to get returns out ASAP.  
 

Our 60th day was 13May.  Nothing showed up money wise... Did I get concern; yes a bit... but i realized it’s difficult time for all of us.  And I figured if 90 days occur... well then I’m going to look at a legal solution.

So today I checked my credit card statement, and surprise on 15May,  they Princess full paid back everything.  This included, Insurance, port fee/tax, booking and the tips...Including the extra items of coffee card and water too.  We are full recovered!

Basically 62 days.  No complaint, no issues,  they met their commit.  So I hope for all of you the same resolution.

As far as I’m concerned, Princess is being honorable in there intention to recover the refunds.  Thank you to Princess.

I hope this helps everyone.

I received my fCC for me canceled cruise March 13.  Received the FCC’s last week.  I utilized them today for a new booking in late February 2021.  I received a option of A take 225% FCC or B 100% refund and 100% FCC.  I took B.

so, the booking was higher cost vs the original. But basically I’m only spending a fraction of the refunded portion in November, when final is due.  And if CV19 still causing issues, they just put it back in the FCC pile for another try to rebook.

the key, is the wait for the FCC to be handed out.  It took about Three to four weeks from my cancelation to getting the FCC.  Cruise was March 13 Princess stopped operation March 12. Received the FCC on April 10th.

hope that helps!

No word yet, at this moment, we’re all still on.   I’ve seen folks stating they individual guests —  are canceling the cruise.   
 

Both my wife and myself are still looking forward to the journey.