chisoxfan

Let's be honest here. For years the cruiselines have surveyed cruisers on embarkation asking if they had any symptoms prior to boarding, ie, have you had fever, sore throat, etc. I am surmising that some of the more fervent Covid testing advocates have at one time or another not acknowledged a 'symptom' so their cruise was not impacted. We are excited about the return to more common sense restrictions but realistically do not think many will bother to test without symptoms and no need for test verification. JMHO

In defense of Ms. Midge...... it was my understanding that she did not demand a four top but simply refused a jammed in two top. The host should not have rolled their eyes but tried to accommodate. We prefer a more private table and will make this request but also try to be pleasant and understanding. If there is a short wait for example we can understand that. I agree with her that seating arrangements and the host 'management' aren't always logical. After decades of cruising I was always amazed the many times on formal nights the host would often seat 'black tie' diners in cramped tables and seat a couple who arrives dressed sloppily at a prime table. JMHO

I agree with your comments.... the only caveat/concern is that it must seem rude to people who are at the adjacent table when you wave off the host - as if they were the reason you did not want to sit there. Perhaps best to state your preference immediately. We try to have some patience and understand that it is not practical to expect to have an isolated table in a prime location every night. My wife probably did the best job (which we still joke about) when I requested a table for two and she added with authority 'ALONE'.

Just to throw in. I would agree that YC on MSC is an extraordinary experience highly recommended. Word of this has apparently spread as prices subjectively have increased and availability decreased. Ironically it was disappointment with Princess that caused us to cancel a cruise with them and try YC. That said I would be nervous to try the MSC 'steerage'- while the ships were amazing we were not blown away with the rest of the ship (dining, drinks, entertainment). Because YC was so great we only spent a few evening hours in the 'back of the ship'. I had their highest tier (Black now Diamond I believe) through a match and outside of some discount opportunities it did not offer much so I wouldn't be too concerned. It was funny at the time that seasoned 'elite' MSC Cruisers were so upset that MSC was offering free status matches (can't say I blame them) but again not a big deal as most elite status programs do not offer much.

Just to chime in.... we mailed our request in three weeks ago without response and followed up earlier this week with e-mail stating SECOND REQUEST. The credit was applied a few days later. Reading the posts it seems letting them know this is not the first request is helpful?

Ultra safe that you will get dollars back...not sure what their future purchasing power will be. Even so if purchases weren't limited to 10k a year there would be a run on these. Have to agree with posters that the cruise industry is facing incredible headwinds and it seems as if their pricing power is already strained.

If the app appears to be working and you want a table for two and receive an error message or no availability try booking a group table which should confirm. Then you can edit the time and change to table for two.... at least that was my workaround after fooling with this app for several days. Good luck.

Yes, I agree. Bought and sold within an hour and gained a few (12 )dollars. Only messed with this since our cruise was longer and 250 OBC offered. Probably would not do this for the shorter cruise credit (100).

Have to disagree with you.... Paul Pelosi and Jerome Powell have been very astute with their stock picks 🙃 Maybe I am missing something but there appears to be no requirement regarding the time period to hold CCL to qualify for OBC. So while buying and holding CCL just for a credit is likely fraught with uncertainty one could easily and cheaply buy and sell to prove holding and apply for credit. I know this is not what CCL is trying to promote with the shareholder credit but I do not see where this would not work. JMHO

If it helps anyone, perhaps another workaround. It appears if a booking is made for shared table you can make these without issue. It is then possible to edit to different times and private tables. When we tried to book these as posted we always had an error message. We are not fixated on having dining times for every evening (Kind of defeats the anytime dining concept) but are in dread of long waits to have dinner. I think we will book main dining for the cruise and go back and adjust/add specialty dining. Good luck.

We had no issue also making a first night and I thought we were home free but have since fooled around for three days unable to book ....early, late, different days....what a pain. Get the error message always. (both on phone and i-pad). I guess I will call Princess but doubt they will be able to help. Technology strikes again! Any other ideas anyone has would be appreciated.

I have been trying to follow the Medallion App posts but with 130plus pages it tells me something is wrong. We have a Sept. cruise and just made final payment. I was pleasantly surprised to make a dining res. on the first night of the cruise without fanfare (usually a hectic dining night). I told my wife we should sit down and schedule some dinners since apparently this app was functional. No dice. Additional attempts in the following days show an 'error' despite multiple times, dates, and venues. We downloaded the app in an I Pad also without any difference. So now I am concerned as the app seems to 'work' (it made one res and this rese does seem to stay on my record (ie. I went to the same evening and it said we had a res and do we want to cancel). Is one supposed to spend endless time just logging on and seeing what happens? While I would not be happy if it said times were not available at least I would know things were working and I would adjust my schedule accordingly. I cannot believe calling Princess will give me any knowledge or satisfaction as their input in the past on this cruise has been non helpful. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. My cynical side (supported by past Princess experience) will be that we will show up for anytime dining every evening and be told there is a one hour wait and we should have made reservation.

The shareholder credit form is easily found and we mailed ours in yesterday. Hoping for (expecting) a credit (250). That said I cannot believe this policy is still in place.... once upon a time we would buy stock and receive credit (it was never an easy process). In those days there was a cost to buy and sell stock. I made some money maybe holding for 6mos-year and selling when I thought it appropriate. Now with 'free trading' there is nothing preventing one from a quick buy and sell, showing the ownership on a statement. As a sidebar with the strong winds against CCL stock (debt, fuel cost, Covid)I cannot see a viable trade here. There is nothing I can see that refers to requiring ownership at time of cruise, etc. and regardless it would be difficult to support if CCL demanded. I know CCL is trying to promote long term stock ownership but cannot believe many do not take advantage of todays cost and technology to grab a no risk credit? Of course Royal Carib is also in this space. JMHO

OK, in the future I will check with you as you apparently in a unique position to clarify things. Thanks.

So what exactly do you mean... the verbiage means nothing? You seem certain as to what the package includes..... do you have an inside track? Can you speak for Princess? I am just trying to figure out ***** the package that I purchased and was confirmed represents.

Summer on Savings/Princess Plus: rates based on a discount off applicable Launch Fares on a space-available basis at time of booking on select categories and sailings. Launch Fares are offering fares and may not have been in effect for the past 90 days or resulted in actual sales in all categories. Intermediate discounts may have been taken and fares may remain at discounted levels after this promotion. Some exclusions may apply. Beverage Package (ages 21+) not applicable during land portion of cruisetours. Includes beer, spirits, wine by the glass and cocktails under USD 13. Well maybe there was a 13 dollar limit- cruise summary is quoted above. Also my TA confirmation still calls out Premier package. Verbiage on travel summary makes no difference?????

Thank you! Obviously did not frame this post accurately. We booked with Premier (must of had my recent premium gas purchase in mind since I took a loan out for it). The initial booking calls out for a 13 dollar limit. My booking now shows the Plus Package with 12 dollar limit. My only complaint then is the one dollar diff. Doubt there are many drinks that skirt this and my understanding is that you can pay the difference in higher priced drinks.

Hello everyone. Tried to research this a bit....... I see new Plus Drink Package and Premium now offered. We booked our cruise some time ago and received the 'Premium' drink package. My question is if this is the 'new' Premium package or something else? I believe that drinks limits were 12 dollars on our package when booked but the name Premium remains the same. Anyway seems like another Princess confusion barrage. Hoping our 'Premium' is the same as the new 'Premium'. Any education on this would be helpful (sadly CC boards seem best source for info on this). Many thanks in advance.

Yes, I did see it. I was frustrated that in my several discussions with Princess it was never mentioned (although asked about) UNTIL we received the exemption letter from Princess. This letter does not mention testing frequency or cost however and no one there could answer this (amazing since it is clear on your copied web page). I am thinking your info is on a UK site not a US site and it was an 'eye-opener' so thank you for that. Just saying info should be clearer.... still am not sure that 'guarantees' tests will be provided by Princess on embarkation.... Based on how dining was handled on our last Princess cruise I am not confident or surprised that this (Covid vaccination/ testing ) will be handled better. Peace.

Has nothing to do with catching Covid only preventing severe outcomes ....CDC does not even make this (prevention) claim or else they are hiding it when they speak of the vaccine effectiveness....preventing the disease with vaccine was what we all were hoping for..... thanks for caring but I will access my own concerns about hospitalizations, etc. From CDC Website CDC studies published in March and April on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness among adults found: Among adults with previous infection, COVID-19 mRNA vaccination provided protection against hospitalization from reinfection, with estimated vaccine effectiveness of approximately 70% during the Omicron-predominant period. (MMWR 2022;71(15);549-555) The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, were highly effective at preventing hospital admissions for Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants (BMJ 2022;306:e069761). Two doses of an mRNA vaccine lowered the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization by 85% during the Alpha variant predominance, 85% during the Delta variant period, and 65% during the Omicron period. Three doses of an mRNA vaccine lowered the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization during the Omicron period by 86%, which was similar to the protection provided by two doses during the Alpha and Delta periods. Receiving two or three doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was associated with a 90% reduction in risk for COVID-19–associated invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or death. Vaccine effectiveness of three mRNA vaccine doses against IMV or death was 94% during the Omicron period (MMWR 2022;71:459–465).

Great info. Apparently the US personnel have not been updated on this since on three occasions they have not advised nor could they tell me the cost of the test. I could not find this info anywhwere on the US web site. Additionally there seems to be a three day prior to boarding test required as exempt people, plus a day of boarding test... don't see this mentioned on your web site but it did come up on Princess exemption e-mail despite their assurances that 'additional testing' (beyond known disembarkation test) will NOT be required. The exemption letter states 'additional on board testing may be required at our expense' again no cost or frequency mentioned. Not trying to be argumentative or overstate my frustration but simply want to get the FACTS of what will be required. Appreciate all the efforts to supply info but do take exception for the implication that I am some moron who cannot understand what is required. Talking to Princess, my T/A and reading these boards has not provided clear cut enlightenment- it has probably added more confusion. Thank you.

Just to update here. After spending time with a T/A and Princess we received an exemption for being 'fully vaccinated' for this cruise. Despite the fact that we got the J and J (which was at the time a one shot deal but since it was 270 days ago it does not count -apparently 269 days ago is OK but not 270). Unfortunately this brings about a whole new slew of testing requirements like..... test 3 days before....then at embarkation....then during the cruise. But of course nothing is spelled out and nobody at Princess has any idea about the cost of testing. Since the vaccine and booster apparently do not prevent Covid I am not sure why we would be honored with this extra regimen of testing. We had asked specifically about the need for extra testing before receiving exemption and were told this would not be required. We are happy to comply with test at disembarkation which we knew clearly upfront would be required (even though Princess could not promise availability or tell us cost). Apparently as 'unvaccinated' people they will provide testing at Port (at our unknown expense) so that is great news. We should be happy they did not make us wear a scarlet medallion..... well we haven't received one yet so who knows. Anyway the search for facts accuracy and

Great tip. Thank you.

Thank you. Will check on this. When I searched I could only find limited testing (mostly clinics, hospitals). I believe Boots is a chain pharmacy which is exactly what I would have hoped for and we are staying right by this mall.

Thanks for the link to Doc HQ. We are leaving from Southhampton in Sept. and share concern about how best to test. Supposedly there are 60 dollar tests available upon boarding (not confirmed by Princess despite my inquiries) but then phrases like may not be available based on demand....throw everything up in the air again. We will be in London prior to cruise and first thought was to test their but initial inquiries looked as if this testing would be 90-120 dollar equivalent. We also looked into Southhampton testing since we will be there the night before but these appear non existent. It seems as if the covid testing facilities have drooped off precipitously but a few of us fortunate travelers still need them. At 38 pounds I would try the on line proctored test mentioned. Also thought we would bring a few tests with us..... assume if they 'run out' the qualified people could do a proctored test with our kits. Who the heck knows anymore.