melodyina

2 minutes ago, wrongwaywatson said:

I'm glad you asked, because I have been racking my brain on this one!

yes so true, thanks for the correction

6 minutes ago, DavidsNana said:

@melodyina Just a hint about soft side luggage and rain.  Maybe this will help.  I use large trash bags and line my luggage with them bottom, sides and top so that if they are sitting out someplace in the rain, the clothes inside stay dry even if the outside gets wet.  So far so good.   So sorry about your problems on the Caribbean Princess.  Sailed on her with my grandson and his wife the first week of April and had none of your problems and we had a full ship.  I am wondering if they have had an extensive crew change since then. 

We sailed on the same ship a year ago, though we were in a different dining room last year, I didn't see anyone familiar, but that's not surprising as I'm bad remembering names. 🙂  Its a fun ship and we enjoy this class of ship.  I will say the cruise director Jodi is fantastic. 

5 minutes ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

Your DR neighbors apparently booked using the Princess "No Class" fare package.

love it!  That's good, but I will say that he was with the gal, and the gal was embarrased. He was just a jerk.  I hope their cruise went better for her, or she saw the true personality of him before that relationship got to far. 

3 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

I always print an extra tag and throw right  inside the suitcase.  If the outside plastic sleeve comes off (never has) then they will open the suitcase for identification.  They can easily see our cabin no.

 

That was the confusing part.  The ID luggage name tag was very visible on the outside of the luggage.  Someone could have matched the name up with the passenger list, but  - perhaps later later later?  They just hadn't gotten to that yet.

19 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

A pre-paid reservation should be honored before "free" with Premium Package.  That is not a good policy.

 

I misread your timing of Skywalkers.  You had mentioned dinner first, then sail away, then disco.  Several have mentioned that you would not have been turned away from the lounge...but I would have done the same.  

 

You just have to take another cruise from my side of the world (San Pedro).  Nothing goes wrong on a Grand Class from here (lol).

I should have placed events in chronological, but I didn't I just typed away as i was recalling them.  But I did have the topic there.  1st day was rough but there is always something.  I'm ok with it, I was more embarrased than anything, as I've felt a decline. The app is new, all the people with drink packages is now a new norm, and the waiters and waittresss aren't very visible like they were 'years ago'. 

9 minutes ago, Thrak said:

We also use the plastic sleeves for our luggage tags. I simply don't trust paper tags to hold up - especially if they bags get rained on or (as has happened to some folks) dropped in the bay.

 

When we had two cruises booked back to back but different ships I printed both luggage tags and "nested" them in the plastic sleeves. After the first cruise I simply slid out the "outer" tag leaving the tag for the next cruise in place. No hassle.

I'm certainly going to get the plastic sleeves, they look handy.  I'm also going to rethink a bit as it sure rained in FLL and determine how water-proof my suitcase is. I believe the hardcase suitcases are the way to go.  I'll upgrade my suitcase in the future with more thought in mind.  But as I say.. 'you learn as you Go'. 🙂

4 minutes ago, ONECRUISER said:

I have always used the tough plastic sleeves attached to our Luggage. Also have always carried on changes of clothes, Ship and Airline, just in case. Then traveling with someone Wife, Kid, would split clothes up, half in each bag. Started this when one our Bags was flown to different State, arriving 24hrs later to our Hotel. Finally, last 20yrs am at Port 2 days early. See too many miss Ship due to Weather, Flights Delayed/Canceled, or car issues. Fly 12-14 times a year and see this happen more last yr then have in my 40yrs of traveling

Yes, us too on the cross packing.  Unfortunatly I didn't clue in my daughter-in-law that this may be an issue their luggage wouldn't be there by dinner time, or 9pm for that matter.  Just wasn't on my radar, especially when you have all your luggage with you checking in to the ship. 

2 minutes ago, Thrak said:

The Sabatini's reservation issue is one that has been mentioned lately. I think it's due to Princess offering 2 "free" specialty dining reservations for people with the Premier package and failing to understand that means increased bookings and workload. It's easy for someone to promise things when they aren't the ones having to fulfill those promises. Combine the extra "free" dining with the first night dining for Suite guests and you end up with reservations that aren't fulfilled. It really stinks.

Our Sabattins was reserved for the 4th night of our cruise.  7:20pm,  I was disappointed as we normally ate at 6pm in our MDR, but 7:20 was the earliest time we could grab a couple months in advance.  Paying for 4 people and it comes to $160 or so, and its paid at reservation time.  Couldn't even use OBC, or I didn't see the option to do so.. but 'oh well'.. We were talking about this reservation in anticipation.  But, I was disappointed since we had the reservation, and the APP that we weren't notified of the delay.  We showed up at 7:20 and it was just a no go.  So the Sabattin's manager phoned our MDR just to make sure we had a table for 4 available for us.  He was very kind and sympathetic, and sent us a bottle of wine.  

5 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

I see a huge recurring theme here....   drinks.

To be honest....  And honestly NOT complaining.

As for me, I would never want to order drinks, or sometimes even wine, on a cruise in the MDR or other venues where a bar is not available.  

Yes, this is issue is on Princess,  but I do KNOW their shortcomings with this type of drink service.....

We might walk in with a drink or wine from the bar, and perhaps have an arranged bottle of wine with the corkage fee.

Expectations are key.

I would never expect quick and efficient and correct service of drinks, especially drinks that a dining room server might not be familiar with.

 

As mentioned...  check your patter for times for bar and drink availabilities....

Know that venues without bar service at that time, MDR on first night, etc, ARE going to be something to know and work with.

 

And, have honest reasonable expectations beforehand.

 

This is the way we operate...  And have never had any of the issues mentioned.

 

 

 

So true, and I agree.  The most frequent 'bumps' were from the bar service which were hit/miss.  The staffing for bar service is certainly lacking, so I am thankful we had the app and phones with, even with the bar open and staffed.  Example - Explorers Lounge..  Thank goodness we could order from the app even while at the bar with bartenders and staff, it would have been a long wait.  (and me being short and non-aggressive - standing a couple deep at the bar really gets me nowhere., very convenient to just order on the app..)

8 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I do hope the rest of your cruise goes well.  Was this your second cruise (in the past year) or second cruise with Princess?  Thank you for sharing.

 

If the above is the worst of it all, you should have a great time on your cruise.  Settle in and enjoy the remaining days.  It will be over before you can blink.  

 

Just for your information:

Not all bars are opened. 

Skywalkers for Elite, Platinum, Suite lounge hours (5 -7 and late evenings)

Explorer's Lounge when there is a event there

Wheelhouse in the evenings

Casino bar and Club Fusion select hours

Check your patter for times

Hi- this was my 21st Princess Cruise, and the 16th for my husband.  We did not use the Elite, Platnum lounge in Skywalkers, but were there early before the event.  Our guests would not have been able to attend being their 1st cruise.  Sailway was at 4 so we were there from about 3:30 - 4:30 before dinner (and before the Skywalkers event).   Oh yes, there were other 'bumps' too and my most disappointing was our prepaid Sabattin's months in advance - and we couldn't get in.  NO tables available at our reservation time (7:20) until 8:30 or so.  Extremly disappointing as it was a prepaid reservation, but it was refunded as a shiipboard credit.  

Finally! My daughter-in-law and her husband (lets just say mid 50's) joined us this past week for their very first cruise ever!  After listening to us recap all the benefits and awe's, after showing them multiple vlogs to follow on YouTube - they booked and joined us on the Caribbean Princess.  (!) How exciting is this, and I will share with you, some of the bumps and joys shared during this past week in the Caribbean.  Note: This is our actual experience and yes, its not all Princess's related, but it is their first cruise day that we shared with them. 

First - we all arrived a day early.  Well, they were flying in from Alaska to FLL and arrived in the early evening, so it wasn't a 'spend a day in FLL' it was really a place to crash on;y.  A fantastic stay at the Tru by Hilton near the airport.  WOW - i'm impressed with everything available at this hotel and we Uber Food ordered and delivered as we all arrived past 5.  Best about the Tru - no carpet in the rooms! Lovely ammenities and just very comfortable.   We also use Uber to the cruiseport for 4 with luggage and it was wonderful and flawless.  What a great start to the day!   

Dropping off our luggage (and tipping) with the Porter, we were boarding!  Quick!  Easy! No wait, we were all Green Line - entering in the Piazza on the Caribbean is always breathtaking - the time - 11am.  (We did have noon for boarding, but really, we didn't need to wait). It was noted 'Stateroom note available until 2'.  Hello buffet and awe of the ship walking around.   What we take as normal they were amazed with the Int'l cafe and choices and 'Really its free?".. "YES"  (we all had the beverage package). 

2pm - Exciting - we parted ways as we all went our separate ways to our staterooms.  We had our luggage waiting. After meet-up - they had one luggage waiting but not the other.  Sure enough, even after dinner - the other luggage hadn't showed.  The room steward stated we have until 6pm to deliver luggage.  OK - our dining reservations were for 6pm.  After dinner they checked for the luggage - not to be found.  Sure enough - day 1 of their first cruise - no luggage.  Note we dropped off luggage to the port, with the porter and tipped. Yes, they knew how to attach tags as we even brought a stapler with.  So after connecting with the stateroom attendent to questions missing luggage, he was awesome and started the search for them.  Sure enough it was with the 'lost luggage' without a tag and soaking wet.  (I did rain for 10 minutes or so).  No problem, the stateroom attendent apologized for the luggage delay and was with them 100% in the search... 

Dining - we had a table for 4.  Well, next to us was a table for 2.  I will say that the male party of that table for 2 was RUDE to the server and it rattled her.  He ordered a 2nd glass of wine, and when it was delivered, 'it did not taste like the 1st glass'.  HE WAS ANGRY.  He said to the Jr Waitress 'this is not what I ordered', but believe me he was not nice about it, and he did not drop the issue.  (If it was you and you were reading this, I"m still giving you the evil eye!)...  The waitress apologized and he interrupted her demandng to speak to the head waiter!.. The gal he was with was just about shrinking in her chair!!..  I believe they were on a 'cruise date'.  He was loud enough that it interrupted our dining conversation at our table for 4.  It was first night dining!  All I could think of is 'thank GOD I didn't have same table each night as I sure don't wish to be near him!'..  Our waitress was so shook she actually had to ask me again what I ordered (Gin & Tonic) as she was flustered.  He was still ranting.  He threw the 'Celebrity' reference and how that would never happen.  The waitress stated the bartender must have made the mistake as she ordered what he asked for and delivered it to him.. there was not apologize for this man.. and he continued on his rant.  It REALLY disrupted our dining.  The gal with him also ordered her 2nd wine, but said nothing.   I apologized and said 'the dining room isn't really like this'. and on we went.   Our first night I also ordered "complimentary Birthday' on-line.  It was confirmed.. I was excited for the waiter/waitress singing Happy Birthday.. but it did not happen.  I didn't say anything,  as to take away the surprise, which i'm glad on as it just didn't happened and I had us linger a bit after dinner/dessert.  (A couple days later, while at the Purser's desk I brought my confirmed printout of Birthday celebration and inquired.  I was told I needed to inform the waiter that it was a birthday celebration and they would have the cake brought.  I said 'I didn't know this, in prior years it was always a nice surprise, and we didn't need to remind.  I was now updated that they most likely didn't check their sheet and it was first night so they were very busy).  Ok, I was a bit bummed but never did bring it up or mention it, or get birthday singing.. thats ok.. just a nice touched missed  - so why have it on your reservation?  I will say that the table for 2 next to us really had our team shook.  

Which brings to mind ordering drinks at the table - a 'Seven and Seven" was ordered by our guests.  The waitress was trying her best to figure it out.  I said (she doesn't know what a 7&7 is, you need to call out the drink by what it is, the servers aren't American and don't know our drink slangs.  She apologized and said she couldn't find the drink.. oh how it flustered her, (still shook from wine issue next table over).. drinks were obvioulsly something our entire table agreed on that we would bring in our own as to not upset the dining flow. 

Well, - sail away!!!  To me (imho) I enjoy the Skywalkers Lounge.  So we all 4 went there.  Note - non of us are interested in song/dance or disco or party atmosphere at sail away, we like to view the port in its departure in quiet awe  There was no bar open or waiter in Skywalkers at sailaway  so keep this in mind.  Shame on us - we came empty handed... We all took our app and ordered our drinks.  Wow how convenient!  We all sat together.  Drink progress viewed on the app is very convenient.  The waiter came - with ONE drink on the tray.  Mine.  Where were the other 3 we asked?  He never saw the ticket..  But they all showed the phone and what they ordered and he was really pleasant about going to the bar (who knows on what floor) and getting the drinks.  (We all had beverage package).  But I did feel a bit embarrassed as it was only my order delivered.   I said 'the app is new, i'm sure they are working things out..  )  This was our 2nd cruise in the past year with the medallion and app, and we have been happy with it in the past.  No problems, Glitch seems to be a word used by staff.  

After dinner on 1st night, we hit the evening show, the casino, after their luggage shake-down and unpacking, it was a night.  They ordered from the card and hung it on the door for the morning breakfast to be delivered.  Did it come on time?  Yes.  Was it correct?  No.  half of the items they ordered were not delivered.  So they used the app to order service, which worked fine.  It was a rough start for them on the first 24 hours on the ship.  

1 hour ago, voljeep said:

why does having a phone cause stress? - it's (can be) a camera, clock, stereo, or whatever you choose for it to be or not be - that on/off switch is amazing

For us- we dont want the tv or have to retreat to our room to order a drink off the tv or phone.  I really enjoy the app to bring the drink to me, where i am or the snacks 🙂.  For this cruise, it wasnt in our room. 

17 hours ago, mtnesterz said:

If it ever comes that we must use our phones on a ship, it will be our last cruise with that line.

I never want to have the problems the OP experienced. If I want a drink, I'll go to a bar, simple.

Hi i agree with you too and didnt plan on carrying my phone, but then  i realized the bars arent staffed during many times in the day (like vines) and id need to walk to another deck or  to explorers to get a drink as wait staff is not visible either.  Sure, self walkup works but you will wait their too.  All i can say is.. allow time whatever option you choose.

3 hours ago, Thrak said:

Princess stupidly gave all the Premier folks 2 specialty dining "chits" but didn't plan for enough staff to cover the increased demand. Stuff like this invariably happens when marketing people get to make decisions. They are fine with making promises that others simply aren't capable of fulfilling. I saw it a lot working for the state where the marketing people made grandiose plans and promises that IT was never going to be able to fulfill.

Agreed.. everyone with  reservations from 7-8pm were turned away. 

1 minute ago, Thrak said:

 

Actually we never use the app to order things for the cabin. Using the TV is vastly easier for us as it's much larger and we can both see it easily at the same time. It actually works quite well. We've only cruised twice since the restart and the main thing I've used the app for was finding others we were cruising with. I don't think I've ordered anything with the phone and my wife's phone was total poop so trying to use the app on it was a waste of time.

 

(I just bought her an unlocked Galaxy s10e - same as my phone - which is an older phone but it works very well with the app and anything else I might throw at it. Plenty of RAM, good storage, and a snappy processor with good graphics so the app now runs quite well for her as well as for me.)

Good to know, we havent ordered from our tv in the room, i will try this later! 

Hello, we are currently sailing on the Caribbean Princess and this is my, and my husbands experience with smartphones.  They are needed to enjoy the full experience. You will find staffing lacking and bar areas without table service to order. You need the app to order food/drinks delivered to your room.  Note: The Princess App is very hit/miss and “glitch” “buggy”, and i will post more details after our cruise is completed.  A beverage package imho is very beneficial, and with your app on your smart phone you can watch the progression of your order.  The crew chat ive used more frequently than i wished i needed to questioning charges, status of orders (like your drinks are marked delivered and twenty minutes later you still dont have them and its been over an hour since your initial drink order…). You need your smart phone to show you these things..

On 6/30/2023 at 12:18 AM, kasowell2 said:

I’ve only cruised Princess once before and have another one scheduled for September. I was just reading a Carnival Facebook page where the discussion was about 15 drinks per day. The part I didn’t know was they were stating after reaching the 15 alcoholic drinks per day with the package you can’t even purchase an alcoholic drink. So my question is does Princess follow this same policy? In case you’re worried about my liver I wouldn’t drink more than 15 but just wondering about the ability to have a drink after 15 especially if for some reason I consumed 15 by late afternoon and ten wanted a nightcap.

Im on the Caribbean Princess right now, yes 15 is a daily limit but water, soda, coffe, teas do not count in the total. Enjoy!   

Hello from the Caribbean Princess!  First i am not a walker… but, on the ship you walk!  Granted i have an arthritic knee but with the heat and humidity and advil / tylenol i was ok.  Heres my step journey on ship in one day.  

Hello from  the Caribbean Princess. I will post more after our cruise as we are still  sailing… and perhaps Princess will make it right, but heres our experience and the reality.   I booked and prepaid reservations months in advance for Sabatinis, tsble fir four.  Our earliest time was 7:20 .. ok. So looking forward to this highlight of our dining experience.  We checked in at 7:15 and was told there were delays, no tables available for 15-20 minute wait.  Ok we nodded and understood.. then 15 minutes we check in again and no tables had opened up and the manager Jorge was very apologetic and now said 60 minute wait …. Pushing to 8:30 perhaps??  We needed to cancel and retreat to our normal dining room.  We are so so disappointed.  So now we will try and figure out how we can get a refund. 

20 hours ago, Napagirl said:

Ah, I was thinking I had to get a formal outfit that is gold and white, but I would rather bring a really fun gold lame' blouse and change after dinner for the party. Still looking for something that is reminiscent of the 70s Love Boat! 

i'm certainly changing after dinner for the party as ... I don't do well in white, especially at dinner.  🙂 

On 6/24/2023 at 7:18 PM, startedwithamouse said:

We've been to Pure Barre and Yoga. Both are basic, you don't have to be in shape to join in. We belonged to Pure Barre a few years ago, and the ship class is a dumbed down version. 

Perfect just the answer I like to read.  If one thing a cruise does, is inspire you.  I do not belong to a gym or even have a workout routine.  I once used the WII fit and found fun in that, but that was 10+ years ago.  My upcoming cruise, will give me a taste again and I will join.  Me - out of shape, mid 60's with an arthritic knee, and plus size.  I"ll go there with a smile. 

23 hours ago, memoak said:

This capacity thing is just ridiculous. There is no such thing just more than the app can deal with

Most likely so, the programmers capped the event at 150 on the app.  There was also 'full' at a few other events I wanted too, but I got counted in on something each day.  I've heard you get a txt on your phone when your bookmarked event is near. 

13 minutes ago, Senga said:

I am trying to make reservations for dinner but the only options I am being offered is the Palm Dining Room which we're not interested in.  Any idea why?

13 minutes ago, Senga said:

I am trying to make reservations for dinner but the only options I am being offered is the Palm Dining Room which we're not interested in.  Any idea why?

The Palm Dining room is used for traditional dining.  I'm thinking you chose traditional at the beginning in the app same/time same table etc.  (?).   The other dining rooms also offer anytime (though you could pick the same time each night, but you might not get the same table and waiters).  Thats just my thoughts. 

On 6/15/2023 at 3:10 PM, hidden_relic said:

Been finding a lot of different information on this, most of it is YEARS old.

Short details:
US citizen
closed loop from Ft Lauderdale

 

I misplaced my passport, and I need to see if it's worth the cost/hassle of getting an expedited emergency passport.

 

Other ports of call I'm ok with proof of citizenship/photo ID to enter
St Thomas (US virgin Islands)
Princess Cays (Bahamas)

Am I going to be stuck on the ship in St Maartin while the hubby goes onshore to do things? Or will I be able to get off?

(i know... life will be hell if we end up missing the ship without a passport, it's a risk)

US Customs will not let you board the ship without a passport on file.  Doesn't matter if you are going to US ports or not. If you have your passport number or a copy, enter that in on your Princess information.  Princess feeds/shares US Custom the info prior to boarding.  I have always had my passport inspected both embarking and disembarking at FLL cruiseport, but not at any cruiseport stops.  I do hope you find your passport, and I would at least have documentation that you applied for a replacement or passport card. 

6 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

I’ve not seen the Elite amenity bag since the restart.  Only every once in a while, an item or 2 shows up.  I think these were leftovers of stock supply precovid.

 

 

Agreed - no longer a gold bag.  I did have (an am elite) 1 bottle of lotion.  Nothing else was seen. I'm packing my own now just to be prepared.