Cruise Raider

It seems as though it’s either feast or famine for roll calls. Several officers have shown up to our last several sailings … sometimes to only 15-20 passengers. If nothing else, we’ve gotten the opportunity to get to know some of the officers and they’ve been very kind through the trip, having recognized us from the initial meeting. Pre-pandemic, we had a roll call with over 500 passengers … it was spilling out of the meeting place into the hallway.

I remember the Pub Lunch being served there in the past. That’s now in the MDR as far as I know,

They were even telling about how much they loved those face shields when we were on other cruises with those staff. We found out one guy was an artist and we got him a sketching kit. There were tears in his eyes when he got that gift! And yes, that was m favorite restaurant manager .. he was absolutely giddy when we brought him a nice hot lunch that we knew he loved! Like @HaveDogWillTravel , we take the time to get to know the staff and truly appreciate them. Sometimes, all they want are chips and chocolates but some also liked that flavored coffee mix, some like organic trail mix and some like really spicy foods. We have also kept in touch with some of the staff long after the cruise is over. We find out where they will be sailing and love surprising them by booking a cruise on the ship where they work or meet up for lunch when their ship is in the same port.

You do you! I will do me! When I see the happiness of giving the crew a more personalized gift, I will continue to do just that! Why does everyone think it’s their way or the highway?

Sometimes it is cash and sometimes it is just a bag of treats! We oftentimes ask what they want from shore or from home, if we are coming back soon. Another idea is to pay for their WiFi up at the front desk. It’s $2 a day for them so, a week’s worth Is only $14. Some give cash and sometimes I give that, but honestly, I prefer a more personalized approach!

First of last, I never tip them with cookies and never said we did. Secondly, we ask them what treats they might like that they have a hard time getting onboard! Most say chocolate or chips. We always have plenty on hand to give them if it’s per their wish. We also have cash but let me say, they are always happy if they get a little treat that they have requested. It’s not childish … take a step back to learn what they really like!

We love the one on the Ruby. I happen to really live the white tomato soup and the chicken burger. the calamari is just so so … I’ve never been able to eat the dessert as it is just too much food. Not everyone green with me on how much they like it.

We tip at the end if we get the same barista throughout the cruise. You can do it with cash or a bag of nice treats, like chocolates or chips.

Once onboard, you should be able to purchase a plan through your medallion class app. Go down to Medallion Net and you can purchase it on there. If it’s close enough to your cruise, you maybe able to get it set up before you go. Someone mentioned they were having trouble with that, though. If your cruise is before Feb 20, 2023, it should be $10 a day for one device .. if after though, I believe it’s going up to $15 a day for one device. You can use more than one device, you just won’t be able to use the, at the same time. If you run into any trouble, you can find where the Ocean Navigator team is onboard and they will help you. It is usually by the photo section on the ship.

As someone who cruises frequently out of San Francisco, I can tell you that nobody has ever checked our arrival time. You can choose one if you wish, though .. it’s easy enough so, why not? everyone, regardless of their room type is in the same line going through security. After your security check, you will be directed to the priority line for check in. They will provide you with your medallions there at check in. It really doesn’t take much longer if you don’t have your medallion mailed to you. If you are in a full suite (not a mini suite), you will be given the opportunity to board first, along with any elite passengers and club class mini suite passengers. Lately, embarkation has been a breeze! Actual embarkation onto the ship, after security and check in, has started around 11:00 - 11:30 AM. The room ps may not be ready when you first board but we’ve been allowed to drop off any carry on luggage in our cabin. BTW, embarkation lunch is held in the MDR on deck 6 midship. You will have a club class entrance if in a full suite or club class mini suite. Otherwise, just go to the entrance on the opposite side of the ship. It beats having to eat up in the buffet. Enjoy …

I understand they have limitations on what they can achieve but, if you read earlier in this thread, I also commented about how some friends almost didn't make the ship as their EZ air flight was cancelled. They actually chartered a jet to take them to the ship departing out of LA earlier this year. The ship actually waited for them, too. Those same people would have been stuck missing their cruise if they hadn't booked through EZ air. If it's the same flights at pretty much the same price, I would think you'd have a better chance at joining your cruise at some point of the itinerary using EZ Air vs going it alone.

Such a good point.

We’ve had it on several different ships on our many cruises since the restart.

We were on the Ruby Princess last year and picked what we thought would be a decent cabin. OMG, were we ever wrong. We begged to be moved after two sleepless nights. I was willing to be downgraded into an inside cabin just to get some sleep. Well, they found a stateroom (the cruise was at high capacity) in our same category .. it was just missing a mini fridge but we didn’t care. it was obviously being refurbished for some reason as it also had brand new carpet. We didn’t care what happened in that room in the past but we suspect it was something. Like the OP, day and night in terms of noise level between the old and new cabin. We slept so great after that.

I don’t read this as you do. If your flight is canceled, they can’t hold the ship indefinitely but there are provisions (or at least have been made) to get you to the cruise ship, even if in another port. A friend told me about missing her embarkation up to Alaska due to a canceled flight. They flew her up to Alaska and put her up in a hotel in Juneau so she could catch the cruise in progress. Although, others have shared different experiences, I also have seen the other side of this.

I don’t see why you couldn’t. We’ve used them up at the guest services desk in the past.

Variety is a good thing. I have always loved Celebrity but Princess has been very impressive since the return to service. We’ve also cruised on Royal Caribbean and thought their ships and entertainment were top notch. Their food, not so much, except in their specialty restaurants. No matter what you choose, you are likely to have a great time. It is rather nice to explore other options.

Hmmm .. is that right? I suppose it depends on multiple factors but, for the most part, our outside TA’s OBC has almost always been refundable.

We have an Alaska cruise booked for August next year and I’m currently only showing $39 for the Crown Grill and $35 for Sabatini’s.

Are you sure the OBC from your TA is not refundable? Much of the OBC given to you by your TA is refundable.

wow .. you finally got it! Still waiting …

I would go to the Michelangelo or the DaVinci if you'd like a nice meal that is already included in the fare. I am not fond of the Botticelli, even though their menu is the same as those dining rooms mentioned above.

We've only had it twice as we had upgraded to the premier package on those two sailings. Each time, we won $25 obc and both times it was on the last day of the cruise. We were happy enough with that. It went onto our account as obc.

The PDF is linked early in this thread. I believe it's on page one.

I get everyone piling on the complaints on EZ Air but we’ve also seen where EZ Air has chartered a flight and the ship was held for arriving passengers. I know it can go either way but booking through EZ Air can also be of benefit at times whereas they have no further responsibilities if you don’t book through them.