Lady Arwen

LHR is a huge airport and extremely busy. IF your flight is on time at 11:30 am, count on at least another hour to get to baggage claim and to meet up with the Princess rep. Flying into Europe the same day as the cruise is really risky and I doubt if most folks are that brave. We usually stay 2-3 days prior to the cruise in the embarkation city. Can you at least do one day before? This is too close for comfort for me.

Sorry, but “eve of dismemberment” made me giggle. Thanks!

I actually like what you do. It’s not presented as a gift for services, but more of a hospitality treat to help yourself to if you so desire. Great idea!

CDG is a very busy and large airport. We were on a two hour layover and it was very tight. This was pre-Covid, so I’m not sure if it’s better now or then.

We like Princess for some itineraries and embarkation ports that are more attractive to us. Especially, British Isles cruises out of Southampton. We’re willing to accept the negative aspects, and there are a few, to enjoy certain itineraries. If we’re sailing just to enjoy the ship, then other cruiselines suit us better.

I would think any of those things are readily available onboard. The crew is on a cruiseship not a rowboat.

We’re the same in Canada. Tap and go! I can’t remember the last time I had to sign a credit card receipt. Cash? Why would anyone use cash these days? Thank goodness the UK, New Zealand and Canada are utilizing available technology.

I honestly believe that some people don’t realize how insulting it is to give someone an inappropriate gift. The crew must feel demoralized when handed a magnet, or socks or other totally unwanted “gifts”. They’re forced to show gratitude and good manners, which makes the giver feel good, but the receiver, not so much. We leave on auto gratuities, give extra in cash, give them a high rating on their comment cards and we give them the gift of time. We tell them on embarkation day that we only require their service in the morning. We keep our cabin neat and tidy. And, every few days, we give them the entire day off. We’re totally capable of taking care of ourselves and it gives our room steward extra time for themselves. Our last Celebrity cruise we talked to our neighbours on either side of us and they did the same. You can’t imagine how much they appreciate that small gesture of kindness. We’re not looking to be remembered or called by name on future cruises, just to feel important. It’s about them, not us.

Thank you. Very well said.

You are being silly, now. Have a lovely day.

Generic chocolate is wonderful and is loved by mostly everyone. They haven’t tried bourbon balls before because the majority of the crew cannot do so. If the generic chocolate is given from the heart the recipient will be even more pleased that they are able to enjoy and share. It’s important to take everything into consideration before giving a gift.

Perhaps it would be more considerate to give a box of chocolates that everyone could enjoy.

Keep in mind, that for religious reasons, many crew members cannot consume anything containing alcohol. Your Bourbon Balls will end up being given away to someone who you never met.

I know you’re joking about the socks, because literally nobody would do that. Good one!

Skagway. White Pass Railway excursion into The Yukon (Canada) and passports are required for the excursion. We’ve done it three times and US passengers showed their passports, which were verified prior to boarding the train/bus.

A number of years ago we did the bridge tour on Diamond Princess. I noticed a unit of cubbyholes with the officers caps placed in each one. I playfully grabbed a cap and put it on. Immediately, an officer came over and said “Madam, you are wearing the Captain’s hat, but if you’re quick your husband can take of photo.” Of course we got the picture and I thanked the officer and he said “You are very welcome let me introduce myself. I am the Captain!” Every time when we saw him out and about during our cruise, if he saw me he tipped his hat and smiled. Great memories!

We do the same, except we have a travel folder with labelled dividers. Goes in a carry on bag. I know it’s extreme, but it makes me feel more confident travelling.

Thank you for correcting me. I was totally thinking of another cruiseline we sail on that does have card rooms and or libraries on all ships and my senior brain mixed them up. Too bad that Princess doesn’t provide one on all of their ships. Correction noted.

I’m hoping you’re being witty and including us in your joke. Nobody would ever do such an obviously selfish thing, since there is a card/games room on every ship for just that purpose.

I agree that pool chair hogs are extremely inconsiderate and selfish. I also agree that some of our members fall into this category. However, I think saving your chair and table in the buffet is another story. Most people leave the table periodically to refresh their drinks or to line up for their next plate of food. Sometimes those lines can be long and take up more time than we like. This is completely understandable and I would never judge anyone for doing so. However, if you eat and then remain at that table and pull out the playing cards or mahjong board, then you’ve crossed over to the dark side. Not nice!

Oh, my goodness, I have never heard of such a thing! Please keep us informed as to your outcome. This can’t be right!

So true. If people would just have some consideration for others, then this wouldn’t be an issue. If you want a lounge chair then use it. Take a swim, get a drink or bring back a snack, visit the restroom….all of these are good reasons to save “your” seat for a reasonable amount of time. Just because you sat there, doesn’t mean that chair or lounge now belongs to you for the day, even if you’re not occupying it. Some people are just so unaware that other people matter as much as they do. Or, they just don’t care.

My arteries are clogging just looking at that photo lol

Also, check the upgrade price against the price difference you would have to pay doing it yourself. Often times, the upgrade price is no bargain.

I always bring my own shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion. We do use their hand soap. Their hair products just make my hair feel icky, even when I triple rinse. I like my body wash because it’s pure without any chemicals or artificial fragrances. I have no idea what’s in those bottles in the shower!