John99

We (retirees) booked an Alaskan cruise on July 16^th with Princess.  Currently, looking at 3 SeaTac hotels for 1 night pre cruise. 

Our Delta flight arrives around 10:30am on Saturday, 15^th of July. 

Prefer a hotel that’s clean, safe, access to Light Rail, etc. 

Early check in before our cruise would be a bonus. 

Baggage storage would be ok if we can’t check in early. 

Hopefully, someone who's stayed at one of the hotels will chime in.

Hampton Inn and Suites Seattle - Airport / 28th Ave

$272 with breakfast

Best Western Seattle Airport Hotel

$249 with breakfast

Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Airport

$275 breakfast included Cancel 1 day early

$245 Cancel up to 5 days early – no breakfast

After check in (or baggage storage) -- take the Light Rail downtown for some sightseeing Pike Place Market, etc.

On Sunday, we plan on using Seattle Express from the hotel to the pier. 

I think I read somewhere it cost $25 pp one way.  Is that about right?

Any comments or ideas would be appreciated.  John

Thanks for the replies.

There's Uber, UberX and UberXL.  

The price varies for the same ride but depends on the time of day and the demand for the service.

Different size vehicles with different pricing.

We never used Uber.  We’re old school. 

Our kids would like us to use Uber for our next 2 cruises.

We would like to try this service.

Down load the App to your smart phone.

Add your profile which includes your credit card number.

When using Uber – will the cost of the trip appear on your smart phone?

How do you know what’s the cost (before hand)?

Next month -- the charges appear on your credit card statement.

Does any one have problems with incorrect charges?

What is UberX?

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

John

13 minutes ago, azgrandmax3 said:

Has anyone have suggestions for a private transportation from Heathrow to Southampton 

Thanks 

 Besides this thread - how about using the Ports of Call Board.  British Isles/Western Europe. 

You can post your question(s) there also. 

The British Isles/Western Europe which has page after page of comments, questions, ideas etc.  Plus info on:  Independent tours, rental car, shuttle service, hotels, etc.   Check it out.  John  

Could the “tides” play a role? 

A high tide could mean a certain deck while a low tide dictates a completely different deck.  I’m not an expert.  May be someone else can chime in if this could be possibility. 

PRINCESS - Reservation Transfer Request Form

I need to transfer my booking from Princess to a Travel Agent.

This would be a “Direct Booking to an Agency”.

I preformed a search on the Princess web site to locate the Transfer form.  No luck!

I finally found 2 transfer forms (on the internet) which state different addresses for mailing. 

What is the correct email address to use?

            revenuessupportdepartment@princess.com

            adminsupport@princesscruises.com

Also, it states at the bottom of each form:

You can fill this form out on your computer, save, and print. Please sign where indicated and return via email.

Has anyone been able to fill out the form on your computer?

Any ideas or suggestion would be appreciated.  John

@turquoisestarchild  

Kristen, when are you planning on sailing – in 2023 or 2024 calendar year?

Looks like you already made a decision on the Sapphire as your choice.  That would be my choice as well.  Below I provided general info on the ships sailing in Alaskan waters.

Princess Cruise Ships scheduled to cruise in Alaska 2023 & 2024

Grand (Grand Class) – refurbished 3/2019

Guests – 2600

Length – 949 ft

Tonnage – 107,707

Sapphire (Grand Class) – refurbished 3/2018

Guests – 2670

Length – 952 ft

Tonnage – 115,875

Majestic (Royal Class) – built 2017

Guests – 3560

Length – 1082 ft

Tonnage – 143,700

Royal Princess (Royal Class) – refurbished 12/18/2018

(Sails in 2024 calendar year)

Guests – 3560

Length – 1083 ft

Tonnage – 142,229

Emerald (Crown Class) – refurbished 4/2019

Guests – 3080

Length – 951 ft

Tonnage – 113,561

Ruby (Crown Class) – refurbished 10/2018

Guests – 3080

Length – 951 ft

Tonnage – 113,651

Discovery (Royal Class) – debuting 2022

Guests – 3660

Length – 1083 ft

Tonnage – 143,700

Princess Classes of ships:

Royal Class

Grand Class

Crown Class

Sun Class

Sun2 Class

Source:  Princess Cruise Line & cruisedeckplans.com web sites

Have fun planning you cruise.  John

  @turquoisestarchild     Thanks for the question.  It’s good to hear from you again. 

Your question is hard to answer -- Do you think this stretch of the Inside Passage on a smaller ship would be "worth" giving up a balcony for since it may be cost prohibitive for us?

I really do not know your personal financial situation. So, it’s hard to say.  Alaska can definitely be a little on the expensive side, but the experience is worth the cost.

No matter what you choose you’re guaranteed to see amazing wildlife in their natural habitats. You’ll have memories and stories to share for years to come.

Traversing the Inside Passage takes many hours – usually during day light.  For us, When we cruise Alaska, we always prefer a balcony which does cost little more than an inside stateroom but well worth it in my humble opinion.   This summer DW wants a Deluxe Balcony.  Ok with me!  For us, seating on our balcony is relaxing.  In the past, we always observed marine life in the waters -- never been disappointed.   Gray whales, orcas, etc.  In fact, the captain will come on the PA to point our marine life. 

There’s a book I would recommend on Alaska is titled:

The Alaska Cruise Companion - Complete Book and a detailed Map

(A mile by mile guide with “cruise routes” and “mile marker” numbers)

Author – Joe Upton

2008 Edition – 287 pages

I purchased the book in the sundry shop “on board” during one of our early Alaska cruises.  The new addition is available on Amazon if Cruise Critic members are interested at a vey nominal price.

The author has spent over 20+ years exploring Alaska and the Northwest coast, catching fish, making maps, taking photos, and collecting his award-winning stories.  The book “The Alaska Cruise Companion” was originally published in 1997 for Princess Cruises (only) and then later came The Alaska Cruise Handbook, available in bookstores and aboard most Alaska cruise ships.  I believe these are very similar books.  Just the title changed.  The “Companion” book covers routes, Alaska cruise ports, walks around the ports, shore excursions, and much more. But the enduring quality of Joe’s book is (in addition to being a fully informational Alaska cruise guide) that it’s filled with Upton’s wonderful Alaska stories.  

The “Alaska Cruise Companion” is an excellent book in my humble opinion.  I must admit I did blow past some sections that were not on our last trip!  But it’s a very good read since it reminded me of things I needed to follow-up on for future Alaskan trips.  Love, love the maps!  Very detailed.

When we stated to plan our last cruise/tour I remembered that I had the book and dug it out for research and/or references.  It's fascinating!  Full of tidbits of information, beautiful pictures of wildlife and scenery coupled with lots of history of the cities and locations the cruise visits.  I sure wish I had the book for our 1st Alaskan cruise many years ago.

John

4 hours ago, turquoisestarchild said:

That was one of my original concerns with Majestic.  However, from what I have read, people have reported being close to the glaciers.  

 

How would you expect Majestic to be different in terms of the Inside Passage?

Looking at the Inside Passage (which is over 600 miles long) – there is a difference in the route these big cruise ships take.  For me, the “Inside Passage” going south from the southern tip of Alaska uses the Grenville Channel.  The Grenville Channel is possibly the most dramatic part of the Inside Passage.  Large cruise ships (Royal Class) do not take this route. The channel narrows to about quarter-mile at mile 518.  Just beautiful!!  The Northern Canyons is especially dramatic 100 mile stretch of the Inside Passage which begins at Boat Bluff Lighthouse.  The almost 90-degree turn is too sharp for large cruise ships like the Majestic so they use a modify route.  Once you approach the Queen Charlotte Sound large ships (Majestic, Discovery, Royal) traverse west of Vancouver Island and smaller ships (Emerald, Grand, Sapphire) enter the Queen Charlotte Strait then the Johnstone Strait with very beautiful scenery as you head toward Seattle or Vancouver.  Farther south at Seymour Narrows – all ship traffic along the Inside Passage must pass through this narrow gorge.  There are swift tidal currents in this area.  Again, very beautiful!  From here you enter Gerogia Strait which has more open water to navigate.  Vancouver Island will be on the starboard side.  John

If I remember correctly, the problem with these very large Princess ships (Royal Class) is their rudder/propeller configuration – especially at slow speed.   So what might set the Royal Princess ships apart from other megaships?  They use standard propulsion: propellers and rudders.  Azipod propulsion (used by Norwegian, Royal Caribbean) performs better at low speeds when big ships need to maneuver in tight spots.  The Azipods can rotate 360 degrees to give you thrust in any direction.

Plus, the fact that Princess Royal class ships (Majestic, Discovery, Regal, Royal, Sky) have somewhere around 3.1 acres of sail area (the amount of surface exposed to a wind blowing on the side of the vessel), and Southeast Alaska Pilots Association were concerned about getting cruise ships through narrow parts of the Inside Passage. Also, British Columbia, Canada -- made the decision that they would not be allowed (Princess Royal class ships) to transit Seymour Narrows, which meant that ships had to sail west of Vancouver Island.  It should be noted that Princess is in talks with BC to change this decision.   

Currently, “Green Lane” for both DW and myself. I tried over the last 4/5 weeks to access Medallion Net to purchase wifi for 1 device. No Luck.  "No Plans Available to Purchase".  Also, I cannot order our medallions to be set to the house.  I think there a glitch in the app.  Going crazy!  I deleted the “old” app and downloaded a “new” app. Still -- no luck. 

I see the reply from philv @philv  stating he talked to princess.  “The error message is due to enhancements to the system”.  Good to know.  Again, this problem has been going on for over 4/5 weeks.  Princess -- please get your act together!  Some cruisers suggested I contact askoceanmedallion@carnival.com.  Is this correct?  Any suggestions.   Or should I contact someone else? John

Thanks for all the replies. 

@Shelly97060  I will try the email address you suggested.

@ldtr  good point about the new price change implementation.

Also, I was thinking Princess is not offering internet availability for devices (at this time) because their trying push you into taking the Plus Package.  For us, DW cannot drink alcohol because of open heart surgery and meds. The Plus Package does not work for us.  John

@t&atravel  On my smart phone -- I try "MedallonNet".   The next screen shows my booking number in the upper lefthand corner of screen.  In the middle a message states, "No Plans Available to Purchase".  Again, I'm trying to purchase wifi for one device with no luck.  As stated before we're both Green Lane.  I'm little frustrated. 

22 hours ago, startedwithamouse said:

Log into the Medallion app, scroll to Medallion Net and purchase.  

Both Green lane.  I tried what you indicated.  No luck. Log out and log back in and tried again.  Still no luck.  Deleted the old app and downloaded a new app. Still no luck.  Who do I call a Princess?  John

Currently “Green Lane” for both DW and myself.

I tried to access Medallion Net to purchase wifi to obtain the discount (Elite). 

No Luck.  Also, I tried several early this times week.  Not successful.

Has anyone else been able to purchase wifi recently?

Also, I cannot order our medallions.  Any ideas what happening?  John

Currently Green Lane for both DW and myself.

I tried to access Medallion Net to purchase wifi to obtain the discount (Elite). 

No Luck.  Also, I tried several early this times week.  Not successful.

Has anyone else been able to purchase wifi recently?

Also, I cannot order our medallions.  Any ideas what happening?  John

1 hour ago, darinscruising said:

I just got off the enchanted princess on Dec 19th, 2022. Went from cruise terminal to fll airport. The meter said $14.46. Gave him a 20 and called it good.

Please re check your date.  I think you mean Nov. 19th, 2022.

You posted earlier.  This is your second thread on this subject.  Why?

Please check Royal Princess III Riviera Deck Plans (cruisedeckplans.com).

Chose Royal Princess deck plans.

Go to Rivera deck.

There is a YouTube video of cabin R427 very similar to R407.

R407 is just forward of the mid ship elevators.

Riviera deck is below the Marina deck and above Aloha deck. 

Noise should not be a problem.

Princess EZ Air department is causing trouble for cruisers.

Princess has no idea what their doing.

Late Princess payments to airlines (after 45 days) seems to be one of many problems.

After reading this thread, I checked our EZ Air on the Princess website.

Also, I checked Delta website a few minutes later.

Our seats on EZ Air do not agree with Delta website.

Has this happened to anyone else?

The flight confirmation numbers still remain the same.

Princess EZ Air:

Delta DTW TO FLL (departure) – seats 32c & 32d

Delta FLL to DTW (return) – seats 34e & 32f

This is wrong.  Why did Princess change our seats?

Delta Air website:

Delta DTW to FLL – seats 32c & 32d

Delta FLL to DTW – seats 34d & 34e

This is what we booked 4 months ago.

Who do we believe:   Delta Air or Princess?

Our TA is doing a follow-up to clarify.

Bottom line -- If you have EZ Air please check your flight arrangements.

John   

I just checked or EZ Air on the Princess website.  Also, I checked Delta website.

Has this happened to anyone else?

Seats on EZ Air do not agree with Delta website. 

The flight confirmation numbers still remain the same.

Princess EZ Air:

Delta DTW TO FLL (departure) – seats 32c & 32d

Delta FLL to DTW (return) – seats 34e & 32f

This is wrong.

Delta Air website:

Delta DTW to FLL – seats 32c & 32d

Delta FLL to DTW – seats 34d & 34e

Oh yes, this is what we booked several months ago.

Who do we believe:   Delta or Princess?

If you have EZ Air, please check your flight arrangements.

John

@mell76    Beside this thread you can post your questions on the “Cruise Air” board.

The Cruise Air board has page after page of comments, questions, ideas, etc. specific to air travel.  Check it out.  John 

I emailed my request on Wed. August 10th.  Posted to my account on Tue. 16th.  Things are improving at Princess.

Alaska Discovery Princess 7 day Inside Passage 2023 Season

I checked the Princess web site for a Deluxe Balcony (all levels) for the months of June, July and August -- the following appears on the screen:

We're Sorry

There are no longer any stateroom available in this area. Try another deck, or a different section of the ship.

Capacity control because of labor shortage? 

Possibly holding back cabins for the new bidding process?

53 minutes ago, kywildcatfanone said:

My email to padgett and swartz both bounced to me.

What was the email address used?

43 minutes ago, Pink-belle said:

I am posting this, I am in the UK, but hope some still find it helpful.  My husband and I were able to logon to our accounts at the weekend, raised a query and had this reply.

 

“Thank you for your email to Princess Cruises Captain's Circle Please accept our apologies for the late reply to your email. We are currently experiencing a high volume of emails in our inbox and are replying in order of date received.

 

Unfortunately, the process in which guests need to follow in order to update their website login has been recently changed, to which I further apologise for the delays in responding to your query.

 

Due to GDPR reasons, we are unable to update a guests login details on their behalf. In order to update your login email, please visit the following link and 'register' as if you are setting up a new account. https://www.princess.com/my-princess/register/

 

Please ensure all of your details remain the same, apart from your email address and password. Providing that all of your other details match (including your address and date of birth), a duplicate account will not be generated & your login email address will automatically update.

 

In the event that a new account is created in error, please let us know by return of email and we will get the 2 accounts merged for you - keeping the one with your new login details.

 

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance or if you have any further loyalty related queries that we may be able to assist with.”

 

Basically we needed to change our password to fit the new criteria, no issue with our accounts now.

 

hope this helps

The rep I talked to recommend changing my password and never use it again.  He changed it while I was on the phone.