blkspy

As it says in post #15 above:

 

Question: What if I don't want any alcohol in my Elite mini-bar?

Answer: If you do not wish to have any alcohol in your mini-bar we will be happy to exchange your mini-bar for one of the following:

•Alcoholic beverages may be exchanged for non-alcoholic beverages on a one-for-one basis

•Full mini-bar may be exchanged for two (2) Coffee Cards

•All water mini-bar setup will consist of eight (8) 1.5 liter bottles of water

 

So anyone who told you you could not exchange half for one coffee card was 100% following the policy and rules.

 

It has nothing to do with the logic some would like to apply. This is the published policy.

 

And this is a much better policy than before when trading for coffee cards was not an option at all.

Glad rules aren't written in stone.......water...beer...booze....soda.....what ever you prefer while cruising.....hopefully everyone enjoys themselves with whatever adjustments they may obtain to satisfy their beverage needs. Glad I still have parts of the 2 coffee cards I received on the Royal and CB for the half Mini bars I exchanged.....Happy Cruising.

What you experienced was correct.

The policy is not to split up the coffee cards.

 

Every ship puts their own spin on everything.

My experiences may well be different than others....as ive noted......I will continue to 'call' and make my personal arrangements prior to boarding my next cruise. Getting satisfaction once on board seems a lost cause....

Good luck and Happy Cruising to all.

May I ask you who contacted at Princess to arrange this? I had tried to use the same logic on the Coral last year and was told a definite NO. I even went to the Capt. Circle host and he told me the same thing. All or nothing, no splitting. :(

As I stated.....I called Princess directly and eventually connected with a Customer service manager at the corporate offices......waiting until on the ship always proves fruitless......

Captain Circle host are really only good if you need pins.

I travel alot as a single. I dont drink. It makes no sense for me to trade mini bar for 2 coffee cards--32 coffees. I called Princess and finally landed a reasonable manager at the corporate office.

I wanted to trade in one half of my mini bar...2 bottles of Gin...2 vodka. ...3 soda...1 beer....1 water...1 perrier. For one coffee card.16 punches......This was on the Royal.

I was told YES......a notation of this was placed in my reservation. ....once onboard.....I was told to speak to a supervisor at the purser deck---which I did....the nice lady said she would get back to me.

About 4 hours after sailaway I received a call to come to the pursers deck.....The Supervisor handed me an envelope with one coffee card:) She call the room service people to pick up the half of the mini bar...which I had set to the side on top of the fridge.

Im not saying this will happen for anyone else. ...but it happened for me......I plan to repeat the phone call prior to my upcoming cruises.

I called Princess BEFORE the cruise not puting my faith in a call to room service. .....

This worked for me because I was a solo traveler and it made sense........Happy cruising.

Which lounge are we talking about? Embarkation? Disembarkation? PES nightly? I am confused.

I thought Early Boarding made things clear. Sorry for your confusion.

The conversation was only about Boarding......at least thats what it was when I joined it.

IMHO the other included perks for Elite or Platinum do not collide at all. The Disembarkation lounge is no big deal one way or the other. Lounges like New York feel at times like a cattle pen its so small and crowed before a cruise.

Not once in the original question was eliminating Platinum perks mentioned other than a 'Dedicated' Boarding lounge for Elite members in departure cities world wide as a loyalty reward.

Let's be fair..

 

Under the current system the chaotic and jam packed Elite-Platinum-Suite disembarking lounge is a benefit to almost nobody.

 

As it is now, unless you arrive at the crack of dawn and get a early departure number, except for the coffee and rolls there is absolutely nothing "Elite", Platinum or "Suite" about being jammed in with 3 or 4 hundred other passengers. On my last few cruises it was absolutely faster and easier to just stick with your colored tag and disembark when your color is called .

 

So.....

Why not spread out the groups a bit, have a smaller lounge for "Elite" and "Suites", (yes a separation by status) and in a somewhat larger lounge with all the same goodie's as you have now, for the "Platinum's" .. Everyone would be less jammed in and more comfortable and everyone's departure's will end up being alot less chaotic, and a smoother departure for everyone befitting of your hard earned loyality status.

 

YMMV

Srpilo

The discussion I LISTENED to, this was the same conclusion that was brought up. The New York lounge is always over flowing. Myself? Im Elite and I always arrive early:) Happy cruising everyone.

Heard this discussion recently.

With so many Platinum level cruisers and Private Early Boarding lounges small and over flowing in some cruise ports. Would it be welcomed if Princess made the lounges a strictly Elite level benefit?

I've sailed the CB 11 times!!! She always feels like home.....She's old, but she's no Battle Axe:)

If you're looking for New, she's not the one. But if you're looking for a great crew and good service.....sail the CB with no worries.

Just happened last month on the Ruby. One spouse Elite; the other not. Everything laundered, but non Elite spouse incurred charges on their account. Could be only the Ruby doing it, but if one ship starts it, you can expect it to happen on the others.

Just asking......How would they determine that I DON'T wear women's clothing in the privacy of my cabin at night. Or that a wife hasn't slept in her bubbys PJ's. This is silly.

I just recently did a b2b--Royal and CB. On the Royal the wait was 3-5 days to have laundry done. I ended up having dirty clothing as I boarded the CB. I sent out my laundry the First morning. Obviously I didn't have that much laundry the first night,. Was I wrong to have my laundry sent out??? 24 hours later my clothing was brought back and I had clean items for my 2nd half cruise.

I wish my cabin stewart would question anything I send out. He's a stewart, not President of policy dept of Princess:eek:

like many of us in the Elite club. We've cruised and spent thousands of dollars with Princess ($40, 000 plus) for me. What needs to be done is close the door on getting to Elite status by taking as little as 8 West Coast one day cruises for as little as $39 TO COLLECT the points. This is something for another day. But it has the Company over run by Elite members.

I dont believe they are sorting laundry by sex.......what happens if you are a single traveling man and all your unmentionables are lacy items:D Id like to hear that conversation. :rolleyes:

STILL??? This air conditioning problem on the Caribbean Princess is one I've been reading about off and on for ages. For this reason alone I'd never book it.

Never had a problem on my eleven trips. Which ship in your opinion has the best AC?

I've cruised on the Caribbean Princess 11 times and love the ship. She feels like home :)

Things which cost on the Royal/Regal and a few other Princess ships are still free on the CB.

I enjoy using the steam room which is free in the locker room. The Thermal Suites actually have heated beds and was at a reasonable price.

The separation of the MUTS area and the other main pool area allows you to really watch a movie.

The spa pool area is free and eliminates the need to pay the overpriced fee of the Sanctuary.

No it doesn't have bumper cars and rock climbing walls or robots making drinks. If these are things you're lookng for, Princess isn't the cruise line for you :)

The CB is fine ship

I am newly platinum on our next cruise, and am familiar with what the Captains Circle tells you what benefits you are eligible for. However, I found a thread from five years ago that said that there are other benefits on board that aren't common knowledge, like a "happy hour" nightly.

 

We are sailing the Regal and if anyone could tell us what kind of perks should we be looking for and/or who should we be asking about them.

Is that you Grace:) ? We can answer any Regal Retreaters questions :)

Come over to the Regal thread.

Roland

I grabbed a great deal on boardwalk balcony, and saw the 75$ drop, but I would have lost $75 obc from my TA since total booking went below $1500 and lost the bogo50 drink package....so I left everything as originally booked. Checked today for friends and WOW, prices are way up, like 200+pp on all categories.

John in NC

JohnBoy. ...wanted to say hi.....hope things are going good for you guys.....say hi to your friends for me.....like you...im still cruising :) Our annual Halloween cruise is coming again....the Inside price is down to $569 per person for the 10 day Regal Princess cruise October 24th

wish you could make it again.

A group of us are doing the RCL Jewel of the Seas Transatlantic cruise on April 28, 2016....15 days. .Ft Lauderdale to ROME for $699..Amazing price....

Looking forward to sailing with you guys again soon. ...

ROLAND

How about some more reasonable pricing.....this nickel and diming on the Regal/Royal is getting old quick....How about giving Elite members access to ALL cruise promotions......All the other cruise lines have attractive offers many times during the year.....with FAR MORE interesting new ships.....

A 3rd Regal/Royal type ship would sail empty in this pppart of the world. ...Far East sounds like a good place for it.

Hi, ive been on the CB 12 times...Recently last November.....

There is NO CHARGE to request Glass and Table Cloth service as an alternative for a small group not going to the MDR...

The $20 charge is for the NEW CRAB SHACK Menu.

All that you need to do is speak to the Head of the Café Caribe--during lunch--and he will take care of everything for you:)

We did this for a group of 20 last year.......very nice---its just in the buffet:cool:

We will be on the Grand Princess. Is one Thermal Suite better than others on different ships?

Ive sailed on 26 Princess cruises....here's my take...

the Thermal Suites were at a time--excluding Royal/Regal--great buys...not really any more...here's my Humble Opinion.

The Enclave sells 40 spots on the Royal class ships at $179 plus for a week long cruise....There are NO HEATED BEDS....Huge Hot tub, Steam/Saunas and variety of showers.....IMHO way over priced.

The price on the Grand class ships was roughly $10 a day----and the BEDS ARE HEATED....but in Dec. on the CB the price had rose to Enclave levels---BUT----there is still a FREE STEAM ROOM AND SAUNA in the locker rooms...directly out side is the Spa Pool with padded seats.....take advantage of this still FREE option.

As always....make your own choice and decide. :)

My March 2nd cruise will be my 12th time on the Caribbean Princess.....I cruise ONLY princess....its a choice.....IMHO I would never cruise Carnival again over Princess......Im retired and past the drink till I drop stage. the ONLY thing the 2 lines have in common is they are owned by the same company---and liking that is another story.:eek:

H, we are first time cruisers with Princess :)

 

Can you tell me if Caribbean Princess has free sauna and steam room in its mens changing area? (or elsewhere ??)

 

Thanks a lot :)

YES IT DOES....I just got off the CB last month after a B2B with a cruise on the Royal. The steam room on the Caribbean Princess was smaller of course..... but it was so much better than one of the steam rooms offered on the Royal. Matter of fact....the $200 price per person to use the Enclave on the Royal is MORE than the cost of my next month 5 day cruise on the Caribbean Princess:eek:

You will enjoy the FREE steam/Sauna rooms. I hope they don't change it.

Seriously? Cruising is a bad choice for those who don't want to socialize??

 

Is there a rule that you have to talk to people and socialize on a cruise? There are plenty of people with busy, high powered lives who cruise to "get away from it all".

 

That's one of the best parts of cruising; you can do as little or as much as you wish and interact or not interact with others.

Didn't say that.....with cruising people tend to be real friendly....As far as high powered jobs, thats an overly used term......Any job, especially if ts yours has its pressures and everyone looks forward to vacation time.

Table for one, two or 30. Enjoy your time onboard and continue to cruise Princess.

We'll be at the tabe for 10 enjoying the 3 hour dinners. As much or as little as you want. YES, thats the best part about cruising :)

Im a long time cruiser and im always amazed at folks who sit alone. I've seen a solo cruiser request a table for one. Honeymooners-maybe. Its a cruise ship with 4,000 people. Part of the fun is meeting new people. This is IMHO.

If you dont want people to talk to you, cruising seems a bad choice.

To the lady with all the questions:D. Hope im next to you on one of my next cruises, talk and ask all you want :)

Thanks mate. :cool: Do you know if the cash has to be "cash" or if I can just use my debit card to put an initial balance, e.g. $500?

Most bank debit cards act as credit cards.....This is what you could do. Let's say you expect to spend $200 total on board including tips....

CALL PRINCESS and prepay your tips and give yourself an OBC for expected expenditures. This way.....your debit card WONT BE CHARGED anything as your expenditures will be deducted as you purchase things onboard.

hope you understand.

Thanks Ray. Then I have one more comment. Ok two more. First I want to thank you for your great and detailed review.

 

Second, (this isn't directed at you Ray or any specific person) and believe me I tried to talk myself out of this, but .. the hair stands up on the nape of my neck when I read what I perceive as a derogatory comment that things are 'revenue driven'. OF COURSE THEY ARE! Princess et als are not benevolent benefactors. They are in business to make money. They cut corners so it doesn't hurt too much. They add minimal amounts on occasion to certain charges or reduce perks that have been abused. They reconfigure the ship for safety and fuel conservation. But they are also very fair when things go wrong (like Superstorm Sandy). So if there are those of you who think that being revenue driven is a bad thing, I suggest you do a reality check. And I'm disgusted when I hear people talk about how to 'beat' various charges. Ok I'm done.

 

Loved the ship, the cruise, the food, staff, everything!

Hi Maureen. ..... :)

The Royal IMHO would have been a Great ship if some things were taken care of.

The 3 day wait for laundry or pressing was a joke. It was blamed on a large number of Elites-551 on the 10 day repo cruise. Last year on the CB we had over 700 and we receved 24 hour service.

$200 to use the Enclave is way over priced, coupled with no seating in the men's locker room. Older gentleman fell but escaped serious injury prompting 2 plastic chairs mid cruise. On my b2b cruise on the CB the FREE steam room was much better than what the $200 Enclave offered.

As a Diabetic it was a big deal, for others not so much......The lack of sugar free ice cream in the Gelato or any place other than the MDR.Not a big deal unless you're a Diabetic.

Internet Cafe was too small, lines often 10-15 deep waiting.

Fountain show. A real waste of space......A large pool is needed as a replacement.

Seawalk turned out to be a sailaway day curiouasity. ....hard pressed to find many who walked on it more than twice.

Horizon Court while nice, too much walking to find certain items, you never knew where anything was located. Very frustrating at times.

I just completed my 26th Princess cruise. ...Ive seen alot over the last decade plus of cruising. One thing about this ship. ..Most people are just so excited and happy to be on the ship that the WOW factors over shadow the What were they thinking elements of the ship.

Ask 10 people and youll get 10 different views.

Would I sail her again? Only if the price was low and the OBC'S are high. Too many items are still included on other Princess ships and many are still FREE.

These things are IMHO and I wish all who sail, wonderful cruising.

.

One thing about cruise lines.....all the ships sail :) I tell people who are first time cruisers to try Royal Caribbean first.....they have by he bigger ships and youll disover what you like or dislike about cruising.

The thing is to find the cruise line that gives you what you like at the price you like.

im no longer interested in being on a ship that features a hairy chest belly flop contest. So unless its FREE, Carnival is out for me for ANY other price.

Princess gives me what I enjoy in cruiing....Great food, good shows......no fights.......not much crazy drinking........not to mention the industry's BEST cruise perks for Elite members.

Why sail Princess? Sail her after a Carnival cruise and you should be able to answer the question ourself.

I was only summorizing what I read from an Alaskan search I did re laundry, so I cannot answer your questions. From the replies here it looks like there should be no problems, in fact the laundry service may even be a faster if there not so many elites onboard.Thanks everyone :).

Ive been on a cpl of NY to fla repos where 25%-800 plus- of the ship was Elite and no problems with Elite Laundry-returned in 24 hours ....yet last month on the Royal with a stated 551 Elite members laundry was held for 3 plus days.

I think Princess is looking for a way to change the laundry perk, to bring it more in line with other cruise companies. If we buy into the notion of there being too many Elites and go quietly when the benefits are reduced--the company wins.

Ive been on 26 different Princess cruises and have never heard an announcement of no laundromats or laundry service due to full tanks of grey water. But I cruise again in January, February and Alaska in May.....Maybe then.

I've done the search on the Alaskan thread and those who board in Whittaker were able to use the laundromat after their land tour. Water shortage and environment concerns look to be the main reasons for closing the laundromats.

If the passenger laundromats are closed, what happens to elite passengers laundry?

Are you saying there is less water available on an Alaskan cruise than a Caribbean cruise????

Also environmental issues are concerns only on Alaskan cruises also?????

Im an Elite circle member and the only problem ive ever had with laundry is aboard the Royal recently. Laundry took 3 plus days to return.....A week later on the CB laundry was returned in 24 hours.