hugger

Also is there a sweet spot (you get a better value) where we should use our points

for the cruise credit on our statement.  I know it's best to do it after a cruise if we are attaining the next 10,000 increment of points.

I see people talking about getting a free cruise - how do we do that?

At what point level?

I was just reading an older post that mentioned that the points earned on HAL credit card expire after 5 year's.

If this is true many of our points have now been put into expiration period being we've not been able to cruise for 

a couple year's. 

If, in fact, they do expire in 5 year's.  I thought I'd read somewhere on the BarclayUS site that the points don't expires.

Does anyone have insight on this?

Also, I read on the site that it is possible to use the credit for all Carnival Corp. cruise lines?  \

Wondering if we still get 2.5% exchange rate at the higher levels on the other cruise lines. Asking this because we do have a Princess cruise that we just made final payment on.  Our next cruises on HAL are paid for as we'd left the money on the books for cancelled cruises.  In order to gain the 25% bonus for doing so.

Wondering how to spend or save all our points?

Thank you ALL for your sharing your experiences with testing.

The information and and links to the sites.

I think we may order six of the Abbot Binax to have on hand. As we have three cruises booked and a trip to Michigan.  

For our first cruise - I was able to make an appointment with a local pharmacy 3 months out to have the antigen test performed.  Being we're going just after a holiday weekend.  And, our two day period happens to  falls on a Sunday.  I think we'll feel safer having both options available to us.

As the labs won't be open on Sunday - which leaves us with one day to get the test done and results back.  

I truly appreciate all of your help with this issue.

On 8/23/2021 at 10:19 AM, Happy2cruise said:

Also read for over 75 it only covers one trip per year. May want to verify with medjet to be sure. 

WOW that is interesting INFO thank you for the heads up - I ran into that age 75 restriction on Life Insurance when my father passed away.  He'd been paying for a policy that no longer covered him as he was past 75.  When I did his estate and found the policy.  I applied for the payout and was sent a check for the payments he'd made after the age of 75.  As opposed to the amount he thought he'd been paying for - so sad as he could have used that money.  We kids were fine without it - he'd wanted to leave us something. Scrimped and saved to make those payments which were accepted by the insurance company.  It's OUTRAGEOUS that this is allowed to happen.  Talk about age discrimination.

THANK YOU AGAIN for the heads up on this

10 hours ago, jwattle said:

Get one of the self-done rapid tests that they monitor via video call

Can you explain more about this option.

Is it accepted by Princess?

How do we know it's a legit site?

I had planned on going to the airport for the rapid test. 

However, we are going to run into the Thanksgiving weekend returns. 

13 hours ago, pms4104 said:

Not wholly true about needing annual evac policy to be flown to hospital of choice.  I have had coverage for evac to hospital of choice WITHOUT annual policy.  One needs to read what particular policies cover ... and buy an appropriate travel insurance product.

I made the choice to go with the Princess upgraded policy. 

Now I'm wondering if I'm fully covered. 

Is anyone here familiar with the Princess policy on this Issue. 

We would need to be evacuated back to Florida from the Caribbean.

I truly went with the cruise line policy so we'd be fully covered. 

we also were notified of the Zaandam being cancelled for 10-31-2020

Hoping to get it rebooked on the Eurodam - wonder how they're going to handle the Vista Suite Bookings?

I appreciate this thread as I hadn't found my email about the per diem and the amentities remaining the same until I saw the post and went looking for it

THANK YOU

2 hours ago, DaveOKC said:

All Vista suites are treated the same.  Basically no extra perks that I can recall (just off the Amsterdam on a 2 week cruise in a Vista).  Big difference in cabin size and perks between a Vista and a Neptune - maybe you will get lucky and be offered a last minute upsell (we got one a year ago on the Rotterdam, only 4 days prior to sailing and the Neptunes had been sold out for months!  You never know - keep your eyes on your email box!

I'll keep my fingers crossed that is what we wanted! They did offer the Pinnacle for 3100.00 more for the week about 3 weeks ago.  I just couldn't quite justify for a short weeks cruise.  We've had the Vista Suites before but on lower floors not up with all the suites.  

3 hours ago, CAVE MAN said:

We sail on the April 7th and received our cabin assignment yesterday, and it was an upgrade. Very thankful !!!!

Congrats on your upgrade!!!!

We were upgraded too and are THANKFUL - I'm now comparing boarding passes and luggage tags to see IF I can tell any difference between them.

I thought maybe an AA suite on Rotterdam counted for something additional - guess not - we're up close to Neptune Lounge would have enjoyed the fresh Iced tea and having coffee close.

Just received our Cabin assignment.  

We're happy with an upgrade from BC Vista Suite to an AA Vista Suite.

great location for elevators and getting around 

Now I feel like we have a home 😎

In full on Cruise Mode now!

We haven't received our's yet either.  I just keep hoping that means GOOD THINGS to come ☺️

We sail on the 7th too

so maybe cabin will be assigned today. 

I thought I remembered using one like that on HAL

thank you for confirming for me 

Thank you for such an informative review.  

And, answering all of the questions for us.

We are sailing the Rotterdam in a couple of weeks.  I'm happy to see that they have USB plugs.

Can anyone tell me IF they have hair dryer's available that can be used in the main room - not in the bathroom? And, if they're decent to use.  Thank you

2 hours ago, utahtea said:

 

So happy to hear I’m not the only one that over packs!  Whenever we can we’ll drive to a port.  We even drive from California up to Vancouver, Canada  which means I really over pack!  Our upcoming cruise starts in Ft. Lauderdale so that means we’re flying and we’re really going to try and cut out one suitcase this time.  Wish me luck!

 

We’re going to make 4 star during our upcoming B2B cruise.  By the time we start the second part we will have our fee laundry and the other perks!  We’re so excited!  Our very first cruise was on the Zuiderdam so it’s fitting that we will make 4 * and get to reap the benefits on her as well!  

 

Utahtea

Congrats on your upcoming 4 Stars!!!

WE ARE SO BAD AND NORMALLY DRIVE TO PORT - we are looking to do some west coast cruises or repositioning cruises from FLL to the West Coast.  We are making our Elite level on Princess with a B2B on The Regal this fall.  Then we'll have the free laundry and pressing on both our Favorite cruise lines (unless Princess changes the requirements yet again) it seems every time We've been within reach of getting Elite they've added another cruise over the years.  

We are going out of our home port next month - it's just for a week though.  We'll still overpack I'm sure even with the free pressing and laundry - but, if we can get it down a couple of suitcases I'll be thrilled.  

Have and Incredible cruise aboard the Zuiderdam 

6 hours ago, Moriah said:

I just pulled a yellow tag off a shirt this morning when folding it after doing laundry at home... I always like finding those little reminders of a cruise! 🙂 I agree that the laundry and pressing is the best thing about being a four star mariner.  It makes it possible to pack much lighter, and they do a great job on the laundry.  One thing I've learned, though, if you don't want your jeans or other pants creased, you must write "DO NOT CREASE PANTS" on the form... 🙂 Also, as others have noted, I say "Please wash in cold water."  I use cold water at home on clothing, and I don't want to risk any shrinkage or other damage. Everything always comes back great.  And don't forget to let them know whether you prefer hangers or folded laundry. If you fail to specify, their default will be wire hangars, which, IMO damage clothing... Enjoy your cruise!

Oh if the day would finally come that I could pack light!!!  I was in the travel industry several years ago you'd think that would have been one of my take aways 

We are both bad packer's - hoping that having the laundry and pressing available to us will reform us once and for all 

it's embarrassing always being asked how long of a cruise we are going on - mind you not enough that we didn't keep overpacking.  We can drive to port which doesn't help the cause LOL

13 hours ago, knittinggirl said:

We request two bags, one for regular and one for delicate (indicated on the form).     You have the option of requesting folded or hanging.

 

Great service!  We've always used it, even when we had to pay.

 

 

Another Awesome idea - I didn't know that you could also request them hanging or folded - WONDERFUL

14 hours ago, DaveOKC said:

We had the same issue once.  Ever since we started sending out our whites separately (different day).  Works great.

GreAT advise THANK YOU

On 3/18/2019 at 9:54 PM, DeeniEncinitas said:

Congratulations!

Everyone  has already told you your questions!

I love the benefits as a 4 STAR and on The Eurodam right now enjoying

them! 

Denise😊

 

Have an AWESOME cruise!!!

The Eurodam is one of our all time favorite ships.  We have sailed her three times now.  Doing a back2back each time.

Yes, we were thrilled to attain our 4 star status on the Veendam in the December of 2017.  We love the Veendam to - the best staff we've EVER experienced at sea.  

On 3/18/2019 at 9:23 PM, sevenseasnomad said:

Congratulations on achieving this milestone.  Exciting, isn't it?  I rarely send anything to the laundry as I wash most of my clothes on delicate cycle, using a special liquid that preserves the clothes and prevents fading.  But, I do send items to be pressed or steamed.  It's wonderful.  Like others, I don't iron at home.  I wait and send those items out.  Everything, including my formal gowns, have been returned wrinkle-free.  I indicate on the laundry form that I'm 4*, although I doubt if this is necessary.  We were once charged for my husband's shirts and underwear, which we did send to the laundry.  I went to the Front Desk, politely pointed out our 4*, the charge was promptly removed, and HA sent us a bottle of wine.  Not necessary, but appreciated.  My husband enjoyed it, but I rarely drink wine. 

THANK You

I to wash my clothes in cold water and dry them for just a few minutes - then hang to finish drying.  It helps them to last year's longer.  May I ask what you use to preserve your clothing.  I have learned to use a small amount of liquid detergent and white vinegar to set colors and not get a build up of fabric softener it works great to make clothing soft and odor free.  

I am so looking forward to having our clothing pressed as we need it.

On 3/18/2019 at 6:37 PM, DaveOKC said:

As to the wine package - we always book it while onboard from the MDR wine steward.  I was told by them that they get some sort of credit for "selling" the package and they seem to appreciate that we waited to buy it from them.  Also, I always get my 50% discount that way.

 

We will certainly wait to purchase it in order to give them the sales credit.  I know how important that can be to them.

Thank you for the heads up on this

On 3/18/2019 at 3:43 PM, Been There, Planning That said:

We're not four star but make good use of the 'blue' bag.  I've now begun to store once white but now grey cotton underwear just cruising.  It's worth the inconvenience.

 

I bring along a small spray bottle of spot removal which I use before sending things to the laundry.

we have enjoyed using the blue bag on our way up the loyalty level's.  In fact,  have a few of my husbands shirts hanging in the wrappers from HAL waiting to go on our next cruise.

It's so worth it = especially for the guys items.  I wash my things in cold water and dry them for 8-10 minutes.  Helps to keep them from fading etc.  

I'm so looking forward to no ironing for hours prior to our upcoming cruise 

We are sailing on the Rotterdam out of the Port of Tampa in a couple of weeks.

In Ft Lauderdale we always take bottled water and cans of soda onboard.  We normally just tape it all up and use a luggage tag to have the luggage porters bring it onboard to our cabin.

About 3 years ago I sailed out with RCL from Tampa and the luggage porters said that they weren't allowed to take the soda and water.  But, that we could carry it on ourselves.

Wondering IF anyone has done this out Tampa lately and if you could have it sent onboard with checked luggage? BTW I know the drinking water is drinkable onboard.  However, I drink tons of water and it's nice to have the bottles available to me.  I tend to retain water on a cruise and the bottled option seems to help with that.

Thanks for your input 

😃

We are sailing on the Rotterdam in a couple of weeks.  This will be our first time after attaining our 4 Star's.

I'm wondering how the laundry and Pressing benefit works?  We will be coming from another trip - clothes will be clean - but normally iron for days prior to a cruise.  Then I get to port - unpack and we're still wrinkled.

Can we send them out to be pressed?  

How do you other 4 Star Mariner's find the laundry service to be?

this is the one perk I've really looked forward to attaining 

Also, wandering about the Wine Packages for a 7 day cruise.  

What package do you prefer?

And, do you pre order before the cruise or once onboard - it appears you get your discount either way correct?

One more question - is bottled  water included in the mini bar set up 50% discount?  

Does anyone happen to have a price list for the mini bar?  

Thanking you in advance for your help.

I  have a question regarding the 4* Mariner discount on the mini bar set up.  Does that include the bottled water that is often sitting outside the frig?