RLBlack

When we were leaving ship in New Zealand they had food sniffing dogs checking out bags and people- earlier in the day I had chocolate candy in my bag, that I left in the room, and the lovely little beagle dog smelled it- and they checked my bag- in New Zealand- they are serious about absolultely no- food of any kind, pre-packaged or not- nothing to go off ship.

There was lots of food to purchase off ship if needed

I think that there are "groups" and "groups"- some just book together, without specific "activities"- and some do use the public venues, which can make it unhandy and sometimes just plain annoying. We have cruised with 500 German folks- no apparent activities that we were aware of- just fun folks to get to know- also groups of singles- where their day time activities were closed- but their evening "party" time was open to all -(and we were all tucked in our cabin by the time the real party started).

I have been a member of a 150 people group- and Princess allowed private uses during the day- but evening activities in public areas, were open to all. And it did not conflict with the Princess scheduled entertainment.

And we just finished a cruise where there was a group of over 500- that was concerts at sea- that caused evening activities to be changed around- one public venue not available- The theater schedules were changed to accommodate- and cut down the Princess normal evening entertainment or it was rescheduled in inappropriate venues. Princess handled in poorly in my opinion. If I know that there is a group i.e. concerts at sea- or anything like that - we will choose another cruise.

I would not call is a "special bag"- non-sturdy- not cloth as they use to be

I just checked on this for our last cruise. First, Princess at this time does not have an agreement with AT&T for service on the cruise ship- other companies do have packages- but I did not research- if you use your phone on the ship- I am not sure of the cost- but it is really high. As for the ports you are going- they have a "special rate"- for Mexico- $30.00 for 80 minutes monthly, and extra minutes are 0.50- or $1.00 per minute without the monthly plan- and Europe- $30.00 for 30 minutes- and "the rest of the world"-$30.00 for 15 minutes-

I would check directly with AT&T when you are close to leaving since they change their plans all the time.

I always call Princess 800 number- and ask for the phone number for the actual ship that you are on. We have a very elderly parent- (97 years young)- and have always been given the number of the ship. I am sure the price to call directly is very high- but, it is worth it if it has to be used.

Ok- now one more question- how did you find the price compared with booking directly with the airline? Was the main reason use it for the comfort of knowing if there is a problem, Princess will get you to the ship as soon as they can? Or did the price and schedule enter into your decision. We have never used EZ air- but are looking at it seriously for next adventure.

thanks for your help.

Since we are discussing EZ air- does anyone know if you can you also get air miles for you flights from the airline you are traveling? We have been avoiding doing it since air miles are very important in our world.

Would be nice to be assured that we could get to the ship if air travel is delayed.

Thanks for any information.

If you book Ez Air- do you get mileage points with the airline?

We were on the same cruise, and in a balcony stateroom. I think the unfortunately the premise of the review, started with the fact that cost of the cruise was comparable to Celebrity's Aqua Class service, not taking into consideration that the cost paid included the "extra entertainment" of the concerts.

We were not members of the group- Concerts of the Sea- when we were deciding on the cruise I researched joining the group, and decided against it, because the cost of the cruise would have been 4 times what we paid and made our personal decision that the entertainers offered were not worth the additional costs.

Unfortunately, due to the large group on the ship, and the use of some of the physical venues at night for "private events"- the our overall enjoyment of the entertainment was not up to par with some of our other cruises. And at times appeared to be a bit disorganized and the venues were not a good fit for the entertainment. We will still travel Princess- enjoy it overall, just will be more careful in choosing the dates and take in consideration of there is a large group or groups that we are not participating.

We would sail again out of Houston. We have relatives there- went a couple of days early- they went with us on the cruise- drove to the port, about a 45minute trip- in traffic about 15 minutes- parking was a dream (Truck was right across from the terminal) the Princess staff were very efficient- in quick moving line- on ship and in our cabin within 1 hour- Disembarking was again non-stress- sat in elite lounge until our number was called- luggage was in right area- rolled it to customs- had lots of custom officers- we left the ship- and were in the truck in under 1 hour. Easiest on and off we have had.

The trip was also a pleasure- crew was helpful and cheerful - food was good- weather was decent-( we knew it was winter)- Hope that there are different itineraries since would like to other ports-

When I have traveled out of country (Mexico) I only use my IPAD on wifi at our resort- I can send and receive text messages on my IPAD- I also put my iPhone on airplane mode- then hook up to the wifi- I can send and receive text messages- on wifi there is no charge- have AT&T- don't know if that makes a difference.

I have not tried to use it on a cruise- the internet seems very slow on them so am not sure if it will work as well- but will be trying in a week.

Dropbox is wonderful for lots of purposes- for your personal travel- using the private area- individual "folders"- I store all my travel documents, itinerary- instructions for house sitter- etc- and then I can access them on my phone, ipad and computer- plus can share them with family and friends when necessary-

and.. for business purposes, can put large documents in separate folders- and share them with clients and customers- and you have with you what you sent - so when you get a call while you are away from your computer- you know what you sent-

one danger- once you have shared the folder- the person you have shared with can delete or change the document- just something to keep in mind-

Most of the time, umbrellas are of no value- due to wind- pack a rain coat with a great hood- spray your raincoat with water repellant (should be able to get it either at your grocery store or sports store)- and you will be ready for anything, and your hands will be free- rlb

We sailed on the Ruby, on the Plaza deck- did have a cabin with a window- but those are very small cabins. When we arrived, the bed was in the queen configuration - and had the steward change to twins. When in the queen configuration is no access to the bed one side and no bedside table- only one side had access - so the person sleeping on the "inside"- has to climb over the other- should a bathroom run be necessary in the night. I can not imagine adding a crib to that room- unless the little one is sharing the queen size bed.

You may want to talk with your travel agent and see if possibly a larger cabin might be a better choice. rlb

We were just on the Golden, the cocktail hour (really 2 hr.- 5 -7) was held at Skywalkers- every day, except one, when that venue had a private party. We got a invitation with a schedule in our cabin.

There was a drink of the day- or you could have a different drink (possibly one that was the drink of day from another day) - and the drinks were all $5.00.

The hor d'oeuves were not fancy or served with lots of imagination, mostly it was fresh veggies, some sliced meats, cheese (some very good)- crackers, and cocktail bread. Every night was a "feature" i.e. cocktail shrimp, blue cheese, cold-smoked salmon, Mexican- chips, salsa guacamole, etc. don't remember them all. Having said that, they were great for a little snacking with a drink & conversation prior to dinner.

The servers were very good, and friendly. We enjoyed a nice quiet drink with friends and normally saw about the same folks there, so visited with them. The views would have been better if the windows had been cleaned anytime in the two weeks- but on the whole had a very positive experience.

We would definitely go again, and check it out. Would never discount it out of hand since all ships crew and venues are different.

It is a very steep, sharp curves- and narrow. When you drive in a nice great big 4 wheel drive truck- you have to pay attention. I know, just drove it 3 weeks ago- on dry pavement, with no R.V.'s on the road.

On a bike, with no protection, except maybe some little helmet- that is crazy. Find a different adventure.

I would suggest a compromise- he wants an inside cabin- you would like a balcony- get an ocean view- at least you will know what the weather is and see the views. rlb

My daughter is a single parent. Our grandson's birth certificate has only her name- and he has a passport. His birth father, has never had a role in his life.

We have all gone to Mexico 6 times and there has never been a question about her custody rights. Airline agents checking documents- they have not commented- At immigration she always hands over the birth certificate, and passport. The agent on the Mexican side- says " have a great vacation"- and on the U.S. side- says "welcome home".

I would not worry about it at all. rlb