ckb63

Thanks to all for the replies and info. We've used the program numerous times, but those times were all pre covid. Our upcoming Sky cruise will be our first with Princess (post pandemic). That being said, on our recent MSC cruise, EZ Check was greatly missed by us, and we're certainly looking forward to having that convenience again.

42 minutes ago, worldtraveller said:

But it isn't on all disembarkations, up to CBP.

Understood. FLL is our main concern. Thank you

5 hours ago, Shelly97060 said:

I used it when disembarking in Fort Lauderdale 3 months ago. 

Very good. Thank you!

Does anyone know if this program still exists? Thank you in advance for any assistance. 

Curious about this also, as we will be on the Feb 18th sailing. 

Thank you for the review and pics. We will be on board in Feb...also in YC.

Yeah....kinda messed that up!

My wife and I are wanting to book a day pass at Secrets Wild Orchid. Has anyone used cruiseexcursioneer.com to do this? How was your experience using that booking agent for this? The reviews point toward this company being less than dependable, but we all know the pitfalls of reviews. Thanks in advance.

CK and Stephanie

You are correct. I was getting the beach/lunch specifics mixed up with the Go East Express excursion. If you find out which beach you go to on this excursion, please let me know.

If i find anything, I will. However, I had given up on looking until your post caught my attention. I will tell you this...this is the exact same tour that shoretrips.com offers, but at a cheaper rate. I would have to believe that cayman in a nutshell is the actual operator. I emailed CIANS to get specifics (some undercover spy stuff!!) and the reply came from Capt. Marvin's???? That is also a popular tour operator, so perhaps it's one operation with multiple facets. Anyways, with all of that said, we're excited to try it and find out. Worst case is that its half a day on a beautiful Caribbean beach in the middle of winter. Likewise, if u find anything, we would love to know...even if it's after your return.

CK and Steph

My husband and I are on a cruise this September and one of our ports is Grand Cayman. We are looking to book the Cayman in a Nutshell-Chill on Beach with Lunch excursion. This excursion is to Rum Point and is only 3 hours long. Would love to get any feedback regarding this excursion.

Are you positive that Rum Point is the destination? I have this excursion booked for January and have never found an exact location. What i have found is vague, but interesting. Thanks for any info you may have.

CK and Steph

I haven't done it, but it says that the beach is at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach. I have used Shoretrips a lot and have always had a wonderful experience! They usually have small groups and they do it right!

Thanks for the quick reply. Yeah, I read that it was the northern end of SMB, just curious as to where. I've already booked it, so it's too late even if someone says it's terrible. We've never used ST before, but so far, they've delivered as the info says...very prompt and direct.

Has anyone done the "Beach Break with Lunch" offered by shoretrips in GC? Was it as promised in their info? Where was the beach day actually at? Were there many other people? The only reviews that I can find are on their own website. Thank you in advance for any replies.

CKB

Recently had the same issue. The luggage valet is priceless if you take the later flight. I can't vouch for RCI's program, but it was flawless with Princess. In addition, we also booked the ship's excursion for the Everglades to take up the day. It was much better than sitting in the airport all day. I should add this...the reason we decided that we HAD to book something was that last year (for another late flight) we walked off and couldn't check our luggage until after noon. Hope that helps in some way.

CK

Well, here's my 2 cents. After reading these tips, we tried them in Jan on Crown...both were successful.

1. Write in breakfast choices on the room service card. No hassle, no problems with any item...hot or cold.

2. Order a side of lobster tails with steak of choice at Crown Grill for surf and turf. Again, no hassle or questions.

Hope someone gets some use from these. I had my doubts about both, but both worked flawlessly.

Question 1: What is the story with cell phones on P.C.? We have the old flip phones (not smart ones), yes we are dinosaurs lol. The phones are Verizon. Would the charges be similar to calling on the ship? (our phones will be shut off on board)

Question 2: We decided to treat ourselves to the Sanctuary cabana for the day. Does this also include early am tender? ( I want to max the time, since it is so expensive.)

Question 3. Does the P. Cays Sanctuary cabana shower have warm water? Only because, I would rather do a quick shower there before getting back on ship, if possible.

Question 4: For those who have rented Sanctuary cabana on P. Cays, since 11/2013, are there servers, who will bring food and drink from barbeque to the

cabana? Just want to know what to expect

Question 5: How many beach towels are provided in the cabana?

 

I hope this helps...we rented a "normal" cabana not a sanctuary cabana on 1/26/14. I think they are the same with the exception of the sanctuary area.

 

1. I don't know if we tried our phones here, but I do know that the only signal we had that didn't send an international tolls text was in St. Thomas. So, my guess would be ship's service at best.

 

2. With our cabana, we received vouchers for priority tender. They stated that you should proceed to the front of the tender line and present the voucher to the attendant for immediate boarding. Boarding began pretty early also...I'm thinking 8 or so.

 

3. Our shower was cold water, and it was more of what you'd expect at a resort beach entrance/exit. It was elevated so that you could stand under it if you wished, but it appeared to be mostly for feet washing.

 

4. As for servers, they were available for us, but at a per person fee. I think the fee was $25 each, but I'm not positive. We didn't opt for the servers as it was only about 100 yards to the BBQ area. Also, it was close to the same distance for the sanctuary area.

 

5. I think there were 4 towels inside the cabana. I can't swear to that, but I think I'm correct.

 

With that said, my opinion is that for us it was a waste. The water in front of us was solid, sharp rock, no beach (just rock), approximately a 4ft ledge to the water, and it was cold. We didn't need the A.C. (which was one of the reasons we got it.) There were plenty of available chairs and loungers by the groomed beach area...some in sun, and some in shade. Also, the priority tender was only for the ride to, not from. So, the lines were quite long to board for return, but not intolerable. Hope that helps. Please feel free to ask if there are more questions.

 

CK

I guess my problem is that I agree with both of you. Honestly, I would rather do this tour in a small group, or even just the two of us. However, I also recognize the risk involved. Thank you both. Ive got plenty of time to research and decide.

First, let me apologize, as I'm sure this has been asked before. My wife and I are beginning to search for a reputable tour operator for a tour of these ruins. Preferably either a private tour or a very small group. Looks like we will have 9 hours in port, so that shouldn't be an issue. Anyone have particularly good or bad experiences that you'd care to share? Thank you in advance. :confused:

CK and Stephanie

I've not had this happen, but I agree on the Dolphin minis. I think I would opt for a Caribe balcony over Dolphin. Just my opinion.

It is finally here. We got to the ship around 1030. Embarkation was slowed because the computers were down. Got in line around 1030 but didn't get onto the ship until almost noon. Ship looks great. The room is comfortable but we have it set as cold as it can go and the blinds drawn. Other parts of the ship are freezing.

So far, so good. Looking forward to a great vacation.

Hope you have a wonderful trip. Thank you for the update.

We were next door, in E725.

 

Chris

Thank you again Chris. My parents will be staying in E725, so that's particularly good for them. :D

CK

Hi-

Myself and my family had a great Christmas on the Crown Princess. No plumbing issues but at times the toilet had a delay from pushing the button to flush (no more than a minute or two). No a/c issues, I thought the service was great, as was the food, in my opinion. My 3rd time on the Crown, 14th Princess cruise.

This was my first time in a mini (covered on the Emerald Deck) and loved the room. No noise from Club Fusion. Also the first time, after 10+ cruises on Princess ships with a balcony, to have the new balcony furniture which I give mixed reviews. Used Pam from Ca.'s tip and put one of the extra pillows when sitting for a while, thanks!

 

Chris

CW, were you port or starboard? That's exactly where our room is on the 25th (723). Thank you for posting, I have been stressing these issues.

CK

Sorry, Jan 25.

My wife and I will be departing Jan 24, and are somewhat concerned about the reports of A/C and toilet issues...specifically on Emerald deck (aft starboard). Anyone stayed in this area recently? Any issues? Thank you in advance. :confused:

Just watched Ruby sail away. Enjoy your cruise Pia.

It really was a great cruise with great friends and family. Made my donation to Princess as I'm sure many others have also.

We go home tomorrow morning but will be back Sunday morning to get on the Ruby! :D

Hi Lynda and David, good to hear from you. Someday we will all sail together again.

What am I going to do with 150 minutes each for 4 days :eek:

Tme for bed, we have to get up really early.

Did you continue to have shower problems? Emerald toilet problems?