chapultepec

Luckily I'm wearing my flame retardant pants so here goes . . .

I read on the Princess website yesterday (News Centre) that children staying in the same cabin will now be eligible for all of the perks as the parents get.  Can you imagine if both parents have Elite status, that could potentially get them 3x everything including the mini bar set up, as the article didn't exclude alcoholic beverages.

Even though the parents paid for their children's fare it shouldn't qualify them for the same benefits.  According to the article, even the colour of the Medallions the children wear will reflect their parents loyalty level. I could understand if Princess offered to extend benefits to children for a nominal charge, but to give it away free . . . that's just wrong.

I have been sailing with Princess since 2004 and have spent many thousands of dollars to achieve Elite status, yet I wouldn't expect my child to receive benefits he never paid for.

We're on the Regal for the New Year's cruise and will be in Falmouth (Jamaica) New Year's day. I asked my Princess Vacation Planner what might be open in the port area and was told, it's at the merchant's discretion whether or not to open but she said it would be in their economic interest to be open. If you are on a Princess excursion that includes shopping, the merchants have to remain open.

I can't speak for the other ships, but the Regal remains decorated until the New Year's sailing (Jan. 05, 2020) has concluded.

I would think twice about bringing those on board. If they are the crackers with the strip inside that ignites when pulled on both ends, I doubt you'll even make it past airport security.

Depending on where you board, you can probably pick some up locally. Ft. Lauderdale has a 24 hour Walgreen's a few blocks from the terminal that sells them as well as the Publix market.

On the Regal, they have Christmas carols in the piazza on the 24th, and Santa has gifts for everyone. There is even a snow making machine. Christmas day has the traditional items in the dining room . . ham turkey etc.

Have a wonderful time!!!

Colo Cruiser,

I wonder what ship you were on. I have cruised the Regal 5 years in a row including their New Year's cruise this year and have frequently taken 1/2 eaten desserts or pizza from there with no problem . ..  they even wrapped it for me.

What would make you think you can't take food out? after all, you paid for it Over the years, I've taken food from Horizon, Intl cafe, Trident, Prego, Crown Grill etc and never been stopped.

We had the Owners (R730) Suite on the Regal in April out of Ft. Lauderdale. After clearing security and getting our Medallions, we were directed to a separate elevator and taken to the Elite / Platinum waiting lounge. Once the assisted boarding and wedding parties were on, a waiter in a tuxedo escorted us on board via a different gangway than everyone else, through the Casino to elevators near Club 6. The waiter then took us directly to Riviera deck and into the Concierge lounge where we were allowed to leave our bags as the Suite wasn't quite ready.

I don't believe escorted boarding comes automatically as we had to ask one of the Princess shore staff in the terminal and it may not be offered at every port.. Regardless, it's a very nice touch and I highly recommend you inquire at the port when staying in a full suite. We're on the Regal again for New Year's (Dec. 29) and look forward to the extra service.

Our prayers are with all of the victims of Dorian. 

Hi there,

If you would like a new CVP (cruise vacation planner) call their toll free number 1-800-901-1172 and follow the prompts. Princess will assign one to you.

I have used the same planner for my last 6 cruises. I find her helpful with any questions I have especially concerning Ocean Medallion and she is always willing to adjust the fare if a better deal comes along prior to final payment. I do agree that because they are super busy, I often have to wait a few days before getting a response from her because  as she explained to me, new bookings are their number 1 priority. The other issues I have is they keep regular business hours and so are not available evenings and weekends. I find calling the main number frustrating as you'll never get the same answer twice.

Just got off the Regal Apr. 08. First time in a full suite. Loved the many perks especially the Elite lounge. One of the unadvertised perks is that instead of standing in line you can register for the UST with either the Concierge in the lounge, or your room steward although you might not see your steward in time.

We were going to sign up in the lounge until we learned the UST was being held on the last sea day and we had other plans. Oh well maybe next year.

RE: Specialty Dinner,

I can't speak for other Princess Ships but if sailing the Regal, if you sigh into your cruise personalizer, you will see a tab marked "Specialty Dining where can book a table in either Sabatini's or the Crown Grill. The only drwback, is that you have to pay in advance.

I asked the same question to my Princess cruise vacation planner and she confirmed that the ship will not let you book for another night, so it's use it or loose it.

Can't wait for my sailing on April 1st. Looking forward to seeing the renovated Princess Cays.

mamaboss,

Something I just found out from my Princess cruise vacation planner. Since I'm sailing alone in a full suite, I'll get (3) credits!!

That puts me just (1) sailing away from Elite.

Ciao

A belated Merry Christmas to all the CC menbers, and I hope 2018 brings many new adventures for us at sea.

I'll be on the Regal (5th time on her) Apr. 01, 2018 and was wondering for any cc members who have sailed out of Port Everglades since the upgrades on Terminal 2 if you can fill me in on any changes to line ups, entrances etc.

In previous years, there were (2) lines along the side of the terminal . . preferred and non. Does Princess still queue the passengers that way or is there a new entrance. . . can you still arrive early to the pier? Last year I got there at 8 AM, and to my surprise there were passengers already lined up.

I'm opting out of the medallion, (too set in my ways to embrace the new technology) and in an email I received from Princess last month, the option of using a card instead of the medallion isn't going away anytime soon. The ***** is supposed to make it easier to board, but how does Princess process the passengers so that a first timer can't bypass an Elite / Suite guest because they have the ***** versus one who doesn't, and is there a dedicated pre-boarding area for full suites, this will be my first cruise in a full suite, is there a separate waiting area for that? Can't wait to experience all of the perks that come with a full suite.

Thanks in advance for any information you can pass along.

Happy New Year!!!!

I have a USD credit card through the Royal Bank (Alberta) and if you call Princess directly (won't work online) and speak with a travel planner, they will accept the card and charge you in USD.

I saved almost 1000.00 CDN on next years cruise by paying this way. Plus as opposed to a CDN card, there is no conversion fee applied. I just pay the card with my USD savings account.

Sadly, US airlines won't accept the card because I have a Canadian billing address. It's like were are being punished for living on this side of the border.