WisCruiser2

@blue_water, a small bus, which I assume was the ship excusion, did show up an hour or so after we got there. They didn't stay very long. As I said, we were the only ship (as first time to Tortola I don't know if that's typical) so it didn't impact us much. Here's a few photos. No clue why the last one is upside down! That's the shack we rented lounger from, free wi-fi was included, too.

We brought sheet detergent and dryer sheets as I need unscented. As others said, you get tokens, $3 each, charged to your onboard account. One token per load.

We had intended to go to Brewer's Bay during our first stop in Tortola, however, the taxi driver said that the water was pretty rough there that day and recommended Long Bay Beach, on the eastern end of the island near the airport. Whether this was true or not (about Brewer's Bay) we were very happy with Long Bay and would go back there, it's a beautiful beach! As ours was the only ship in port, it wasn't crowded. There were several bars/food shacks in a row, renting loungers and umbrellas. We were told there were rocks along the one end of the bay but people said the snorkeling wasn't very good that day, not many fish seen. It was nice to just float around in the water, though. Just wanted to add it as another option for someone wanting a beach day.

We were just on Enchanted and still had to use the tokens in the laundry room ($3 per washer/dryer).

Tried searching but not too successful. How is snorkeling at Emerald/Lindbergh? We want to try a beach closer to port. Thanks!

Oh, storms had gone through a couple days before and washed up seaweed, which is very unusual there.

We were at Secret Harbour week before last, it's still as nice as we remembered. Try to get there as early as possible to get chairs and umbrella - $30 for 2 chairs, 1 brella. You can also just rent loungers if you want to be under the one tree area. Snorkeling is best to the left side and out a little ways - dead coral ☹️ but saw fish. Sunser Grille is still good, lunch for two around $45, I think. Staff in the lobby will call a taxi for you when you'r ready to go back.

We did a Cruisetour in 2018, with Coral as the ship - loved it! We went from late May to early June, so there still was snow in the higher elevations. We joked about going from spring to winter and back to spring again as we travelled between lodges on the land portion. You can also get a clear view of Glacier Bay, etc., from the Promenade Deck.

We have always picked up a carton or two of seltzer in FLL and taped a luggage tag to them, delivered to our room with no problem. I"m hoping the Boost that my husband will bring along (due to some swallowing issues, he supplements with it) will not be confiscated due to being in plastic bottles.

If the stateroom you want is available for both legs, you can book it as a back-to-back (BTB) and have it for both.

You can't still download the old app?

I have both the old and new app installed - I used the old app to do Check-in and was able to exit the payment page without putting in the Shoreside cc info, and the app now shows my "boarding pass" (still Blue lane because picking up medallions at port). The new app says I have to "complete" the Check-in (6 of 7 completed) but my husband is "good to go." We'll see what happens when we get to the port next week.

I am still able to access our upcoming cruise with the old app.

I ditto Harv and Marv - smaller boat, great crew! We only saw backs and tails, but one flipped its tail about 20 feet from the boat (the whale had decided to come to us, not the other way around!). You can then find a place to eat back in Juneau if you wish to do so.

Yes, do check fares, although I don't know how often there's a price drop for Alaska ones. You can do so by checking the cruise date on the Princess website. If you booked with a TA, they will have to do the re-fare. Also, some "sale" prices are for new bookings only - you can cancel and re-book but may lose any benefits (reduced deposit, OBC) that you originally had.

We had a wonderful TA that we used for years but I think she was winding down during pandemic, and then we moved. I had booked a couple cruises directly with Princess, then found a good TA through a friend. TA happens to be in Canada 🙂 I like that I can contact my TA directly, and he's very responsive in getting back to me. Also, the TA can handle things expediently - that's what they're paid for!

Thanks, @riffatsea - he plans on checking with cardiologist as to whether he can even take it with the meds he's on (or if changes would need to be made). We're just trying to cover our bases, along with doing what we can to avoid getting any respiratory illnesses on the ship. Our MA plan does cover some "out of country" medical expenses, and, we do have travel insurance.

Yep, always have a complete list of meds along. Also, I just checked, and there is a way to get a voucher from Pfizer if you are on Medicare (once you have a prescription) to get for no charge. Not sure how that would work on the ship, though...

Yes, I'm asking because DH is in high risk category -- actually, I thought anyone over 65 is considered so, but he has additional medical factors. So it sounds like we would be billed full price on the ship, and then would have to try to be reimbursed. Thanks.

Are the ships' medical centers CUURENTLY providing Paxlovid for those testing positive for Covid? I know that it may not be free, but wanting to know if it's available if needed.

If you right-click on the email address and then click on Properties (on such), it may show a different address...

I'm disappointed that they don't offer Bass anymore - that was my go-to! I'm picky - don't care for IPA and refuse to drink "light" beers...

We're doing a port stop on Martinique for the first time. What have those of you who have been there before found is the best way to exchange dollars for Euros (for taxi, etc.)? Our bank charges a $20 fee to do so, or is that what we can expect to pay regardless how we exchange? Are there ATMs that are convenient in the port, thinking that may be the best way.

I was able to change our email preference address in my profile, but couldn't change our log one "name" that was the old address or password as Princess sent the verification email to the old address, which we can't access anymore!

Also, if you choose to be completely naked, the massage therapist will not (or shouldn't!) touch the area that would be covered by underwear.