shootingstar07

I looked up your cabin on the deck plan. No wonder no one can hear you. PLEASE let us know when they find you!

I think he is on the bow corner, correct?

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I sent an e-mail. You'll probably get it in your cabin tomorrow! lol

I too sent email. Now he will have 2 notices that he is stuck on balcony.

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A bit breezy. I'm sure there is going to be a fuss. No, I shouted and no response, several times.

 

I'm not clear on that email format, can someone assist please?

Wehwait

I just sent that email according to what was given. It did go through. Will let you know when I hear from them or should I say, if I hear from them!! You know, you might make the DVD Reflections.

Got my fingers crossed for you.

Kathleen

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If they need convincing, the four digit code on my cruise card starts with a 1.

I think they believed me!!! Just posted on Pia's live from. Hopefully someone will be there soon!!! How's the weather - cold?

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Welcome aboard the Ruby Princess as we begin our short 5 day Eastern Caribbean cruise, which will be followed by another short 5 day Western Caribbean cruise. It seems like only yesterday that we were on this ship. :) Hey, it was almost yesterday. ;) We got off on December 26th. Boarding was quick and easy; pier 2 and in our cabin by 11:40. And what a cabin this is. Since this cruise is a promotional one wherein we get all our money back, we happily grabbed a PH suite. Let me tell you, I could learn to live this way. But not having unlimited $$$, we will be very happy in the future with our usual balcony and/or obstructed view cabin. In fact, we need to move after these first five days.

For those who are interested in the wine situation, I carried on 2 bottles in my wheelie and one more in my big purse. They asked after xray screening how many bottles I had in my wheelie and I told them two. They didn’t ask about my purse and I didn’t offer info. Then they told me to go over to the table to officially tell about my wine. I didn’t.

Ship’s Officers

Commodore Giuseppe Romano

Staff Capt. Tony Ruggero

Hotel Mgr Guenther Kopf

CD Lee Childers

Maitre D’ Nicola Furlan

Customer Services Jeanine Whitehouse

We’re about ready to do muster, and I wanted to get this started ASAP.

Other than the usual Welcome Aboard Show, tonight’s entertainment is The Wolverine on MUTS. Nothing going on in Fusion except Bingo. Craig Andrews is in Crooners, Icon is in Explorers and G & V Duo in Wheelhouse.

Nothing else to report. Later

Pia

There is another thread by Wehwait cabin L107. He says he is locked out of his cabin and stuck on his balcony!! I called Princess CA in the hopes they will get a message to the ship. If you read this anytime soon (now 6:50 eastern) can you call pax services to see if Wehwait ok. Thanks and enjoy your cruise. I will be on Ruby feb 20. Looking forward to testing the short cruise.

Kathleen

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Sorry about this but either my cabin attendant locked my balcony door when he turned down my cabin or its stuck but I'm in L107 and can't attract a response by shouting. I'm not in any distress, but would like to be let in. Thanks all. Sorry to be a bother. Will stay online.

Just got off with Princess CA. he is contacting ship to request they send someone to your cabin !! Also, I see Pia is doing a live. Will post something there. Good luck. Pls report back that you are ok!!

Kathleen

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Sorry about this but either my cabin attendant locked my balcony door when he turned down my cabin or its stuck but I'm in L107 and can't attract a response by shouting. I'm not in any distress, but would like to be let in. Thanks all. Sorry to be a bother. Will stay online.

I am on line with Princess. Will try to have them contact the ship. Back shortly to let you know

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Do you remember what movies were on MUTS?

Pia was recently on the Ruby for a short cruise over Christmas and did a "live from". She covered movies, daily activities, shows etc. here is link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1958950

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Nice review and blog!! Brings back fond memories of 2 cruises my sisters (2) and I did with our Mother. Great memories - my mom and 1 sister gone, but I remember 4 over -60's in a quad cabin. Hysterical. Literally it was a game of "mother, may I?" We had to alert everyone if you were opening the door to come and go from cabin, bath, etc.

BTW, was Ruby sold out?

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Booked inside cabin, Island Princess.. Dec. 10 sailing upgraded to mini suite so happy.

Congrats!!! Very nice upgrade. I was just wondering - is this your first cruise with Princess? If so, you may be "hooked". Always happy to hear someone getting an upgrade. Just figure my luck is actually no luck. I book the cabin I want and have a great time. After all, I am not cooking , don't have to do the dishes or make the bed!! Heavenly!!

Wishing you fair winds and a following sea.

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ok, I will admit that perhaps "shame" was a poor choice of words. It wasn't arrogance, it was the wine talking.

 

However, I hand wrote eight invites and no one showed so yes, I was disappointed. Perhaps I do have high expectations, but it would have been a nice gesture on their part to send someone! Jobs to do? I didn't expect an hour of their time, but I didn't think five or ten minutes was too much to ask. I just won't ever ask again, that way, no disappointment. :)

 

TY to the one person who understood what I was saying.

 

Didn't ruin my cruise, won't ruin my cruise, I will say that I do not like the CD at all, didn't like her on the Ruby and don't like her now. She just doesn't seem very personable and I AM comparing that observation to other cruises and other cd's.

 

Dino Sagani is our Captain.

 

Whatever!

Sorry you had a disappointing M&G. But I like them for the opportunity to put a face to a name after so many months of correspondence.

I have organized several meet and greets on Princess cruises. I do the hand written invite just as you did. I am curious - what time and day was your M&G? One officer told me afternoons, especially at sail a way they are too busy. Also, afternoons are the time of day that they have a little free time - so they will sleep!! He did say the best time to get a few officers was a sea day mid morning. And that is the time I organize my M&Gs.

BTW: Capt Sagani attended a M&G I organized in 2012 on the Diamond. A truly nice man. He was very accessible at the M&G, giving a speech and walking around the room, as well as throughout the cruise. My guess is the same as what others have said - he was truly busy doing what Captains must do - run a safe ship and get us to the port on time!!

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Do you mean popping into the individual wine farms? If so, then you are absolutely right, no need for reservations, just arrive during open hours and wine taste away! Some special items may need a reservation on certain wine farms eg. Cellar tours, but they normally clearly indicate this on their websites.

 

If you start early (I assume you will be here in summer, which means the sun rises around 5:30am and sets around 9pm), you can indeed do the coastal drive in the morning, then do some wine tasting in the afternoon. It will be a busy day, but definitely doable. A peninsula tour, with a couple of stops for pictures and to admire the views, will probably take 3-4 hours. The Constantia wine route is actually the end leg of a typical peninsula tour, which means you can grab some lunch in the Constantia wine region, then spend a few hours in the afternoon sampling various wines on the farms in the area. Alternatively, you can take a longer drive out to the Stellenbosch, Paarl or Franscchoek wine regions. Takes about an hour drive outside of Cape Town centre to get to these areas, but they also have fantastic wine farms, and are beautiful areas to visit in their own rights.

 

I grew up in Zimbabwe, so know it very well. You will love Victoria Falls, it is spectacular! I have also been to Botswana. In my humble opinion, there is no better country for safari game viewing in Southern Africa. A beautiful country. Any particular questions, will be happy to help as I can.

 

 

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We will be in Capetown early May, 2015. We want go do a photo safari then on to Victoria Falls. You say Botswana is probably the best location for a safari. Can you recommend a place to stay? Or better yet, do you know of anyone I can contact that would do an all inclusive package that includes the safari, Victoria Falls and airfare?

If mentioning a company poses a problem, you can email me at:

ka4293 at gmail dot com. Just put safari in subject line.

Thanks so much for your help.

Kathleen.

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Every cruise is different with different numbers of Platinum/Elite, B2Brs, etc. so take the chance. Get there early (10:30am or earlier) so you can board among the first general boarding. Go directly to the Sanctuary and see if you can book. I've taken BVEs and checked the Sanctuary after lunch and there were still plenty of "full cruise" loungers available.

Pam, do you know if someone else can book it for you who is already on board?

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I LIKE that idea! Elite always sounds kind of snobby to me. Jewels are always appropriate!

But "diamonds are a girls best friend". Seriously, I love the jewel naming convention. Are you listening, Princess?

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Anyone know the best way for me to get from the cruise pier on Grand Cayman to Camana Bay?

What would the taxi rate be?

Is there public transportation available? Cost of that?

 

We're renting a private boat and have to get to Camana Bay to meet them. They offered a round trip transportation price of $50 per person, but that sounds steep to me, and I assume they want a tip on top of that. Just checking for other options before we book.

 

Anyone have useful information for me? :confused:

Reenwad

Any chance you are using cayman luxury? I am trying to get information about possible tour with them in February. They are located in Camana bay and we have to get there on our own. $50pp is expensive on top of tour.

Kathleen

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After reading a lot of threads, Elite and Platinum passengers are mentioned. I presume it is a 'frequent flyer' type category. How many cruises are accrued to reach these levels? Are they different lengths or just number of cruises. Just out of curiosity - obviously - as have just booked our first cruise.

Welcome to your first Princess cruise. I hope you have a great time. Where are you going and what ship did you choose?

Yes, platinum and elite are the highest levels of the Captain's Circle awards. You earn platinum when you complete your fifth cruise or 50 cruise days.

Elite is after completing 15 cruises or 150 cruise days.

The other 2 levels are Gold for your first 2 cruises followed by Ruby. You attain Ruby upon completion of your third cruise or 30th cruise day.

Good luck. Wishing you many happy days at sea.

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On the Grand class ships I like to book an inside cabin either very far aft on Aloha or forwad on Emerald. Aft you have access to the open stern deck, the aft elevators and are right underneath the buffet. On Emerald you are very close to the covered promende deck at the bow, great for Glacier viewing.

 

If possible I would pick an earlier sailing, the weather in Sept can be very changeable and it gets dark early. You would miss lots of sights by sailing in the dark. Much better IMHO woul be a late May sailing and you would still get some lower pricing, but it would not be close to your birthday. Even moving up to the end of Aug would be a much better choice for weather

Must preface my reply with I have never been on the Grand, but on many grand class ships!! I second Emerald deck forward. We sailed 30 days on the Diamond in forward cabin. Loved being able to slip out forward door (says crew only but can use) to forward observation area. It is covered so will be nice if weather doesn't cooperate.

BTW: take hat, gloves, scarf and hand warmers. Also something for rain. Perhaps a poncho with hood.

Happy 70th birthday cruise. You will LOVE Alaska!!

Question: does the itinerary do Glacier Bay

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As far as the lack of a promenade on deck 7, from what I understood, all new ships will no longer have a full promenade outside the ship. This is due to the Costa accident and the need for full access to the lifeboats no matter what. If you remember the Costa could only use the life boats on one side due to the tilt of the ship. Also no changes will be made on the Regal.

Timetravler, or any sailors out there:

Am I missing something re lifeboats? If ship is listing 20º (Concordia was ) is there a significant difference if lifeboats are on deck 7 or 8? If Concordia's starboard lifeboats were on 7 instead of 8, do you think they could have been launched?

Thanks

Kathleen

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I agree it doesn't seem right but I am not in PA and get $649.

 

There are many factors in your passenger profile that we are not privy to which may affect pricing.

 

Just like airlines there may be 20 different fares for the same accommodations.

 

Mike:)

I am not from Florida nor PA. Just little ole Delaware. But I am signed up for last minute sales. Wonder if that is the common denominator.

Kathleen

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Still showing $649 balcony for all December sailings with the exception of New Years cruise.

I just signed in and got $649 pp for a balcony for the dec 22 sailing. Crazy part: inside is $1099pp!!! A mini I $949. Nice price whenever a balcony is less than $100pp per day.

BTW: not sure demographic Princess is targeting. I am elite and 65+. Guess just lucky. Would go if I didn't have conflicting plans.

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KATHLEEN.

I think Amelia said Dolphin and Baja aft balconies are fine. It is the uncovered ones that have the problem (Caribe).

Do you have my email. Would like to talk to you off line.

I don't have yours. Don't want to post it here.

Joyce has my email but as you know she is cruising on the Royal.

Gloria:D

Gloria

You've got mail!!

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My friends are in that deluxe dolphin balcony and are not having any problems, but if they do I will report it! ;)

Hi Amelia

So sorry to hear about your "cruise from hell". Here is hoping it gets better and that you get some satisfaction from Princess.

If you have time, can you report on D729 - aft facing cabin. My friends are on this at the end of Nov. Of course, final payment has been made, so I am not sure what, if anything, would be accomplished by telling them about your soot problems.

Thanks in advance. Feel better and enjoy the upcoming ports.

Kathleen

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From Messina.

For a new ship , the bridge cam is not transmitting a very good picture. The ones from Venice were so bad I did not post them.

 

Thanks once again for the pics of Royal in the Canal.They were excellent .:)

 

Agree 100%!! So over exposed. Hard to tell weather and could not appreciate beautiful Venice.

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Dave, I really don't do reviews as a lot of things are subjective and everyone's cruise experience can be different.

We are not foodies so talking about food not my thing. I will say the presentation in the dining room was nice. Food really there just like on all the other Princess ships. The big difference was the great layout of

Horizon Ct. and Bistro. So many food stations with lots of variety.

I was sick on most of the cruise so to review food not a good thing as nothing tasted good to me.Last night of cruise, Rui had asked if we wanted a special Indian dinner . One of the Chef's was Indian and he said it would be outstanding. And it was really special .Even with my bad cold, could savor the flavors.

Room Steward was really good. One of the best we ever had, so efficient. Never had to ask for anything as he really did his job well.

We had a fixed dining table in anytime dining room Deck 5 (Symphony).Very doubtful that our female Waiter will be around long. By far the worst we have ever had and she was reported. One night

we waited one hour before our first course appeared. When we complained to her she said"Well, you do have your bread".

There were six of us .I usually view dinner as a place to relax and visit with friends so normally slow service wouldn't affect me. But this was beyond bad. This was not normal service for this dining room. This Wait person was the exception. It appeared like the other waiters were efficient . We experienced better service when we changed tables the last night.

 

Gloria

So sorry to hear you were sick most of the cruise!! And then to fly home. Following Pia's live and it seems you had to deal with cool temps and rain in several ports. Did you have any sunny nice days? Take care. I believe you have a family event coming up. If my memory hadn't totally gone south, do have a great time. Hello to Lou. One of these days our paths will cross again

Kathleen

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I saw them waiving goodbye. Did you miss it?

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