goofy559

9 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

 

Is there a designated meeting place for the ride sharing services?   I think we are using berth 93 on an upcoming cruise.  

It seemed to know we were at Pier 92 when I ordered the ride.  We stood under the big sign and just kept an eye out for our driver - lots of folks were waiting for cars but it was quite orderly

We used it recently (end of Feb) - sent hubby to pick up rental car.  No issues at all.

8 minutes ago, JF - retired RRT said:

HUH??

Wrong thread....there was one asking about views sailing from San Pedro....the response was likely meant for there.  

I've done it.  Bring as little as possible - make use of laundry facilities  It will be tight. Also, it is possible to shower at the spa, which will make getting ready for dinner etc easier.....be patient, be flexible and have fun.

Don't plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin.....

All balconies are the same size except:

Deluxe obstructed balconies on M and L decks at the very front of the ship

Mini-suites under the skywalk (they are angled and larger) and minisuites on M and L at the very front of the ship

For 3 adults I would book a deluxe obstructed view as the deluxe cabins have a pull out couch, which is easier than a drop down bunk for the third adult.  They are also slightly larger.

If you can, take the train - its' a gorgeous trip.  We left around mid-day and had time to take a tour in whittier that we found right beside the ship.

If you've never toured the USS Midway in San Diego you should - its an amazing experience.  It should be right beside where you dock.

If you buy those packages in advance you will forfeit your free minutes.  On board, you can use your minutes first, then buy additional unlimited internet for the days remaining on your cruise.  That's how it was on the Ruby cruise I just finished.  

15 minutes ago, jtdlmc said:

If you don’t use all the OBC do you go to Guest Services the last night of the cruise to get the cash or how does that work on Princess?

If less than $25 you can get the balance at guest services, otherwise you will receive a cheque in 4-6 weeks.    

We sailed on the maiden of the Royal - minimal issues. We had no issues getting into specialty dining and didn't  experience any disappointments - there was nothing we wanted to experience that we couldn't.  The only glitch we encountered was with our cabin - we had booked a cabin for 4 for the maiden.  My daughter and I ended up on the 2 day preview as well - good thing!   When we got to our cabin on that cruise, it actually only slept 2.  That gave them 3 days to figure out where my mom and her sister were sleeping....This was only an issue as it was the first ship of that class. We laugh about it now and the girls actually ended up in a mini-suite, so they were very happy.

 The kids clubs on Princess are great - my daughter actually preferred them to Disney.  

Hi - for $125 CDN you will get $100 US.  The rate to buy OBC is the rate that Princess was using when you booked you cruise.  Given how poorly our dollar is doing, a 25% exchange rate is a good deal! 

We always buy as much OBC as we think we will need on board, pre-pay our gratuities (as this is at the same rate).  It's a good deal.

Elite:  Look for a bargain on our cabin (prefer a balcony), try to book during sipnsail.  If we can't we will use OBC to buy the drink package.  No photos, no bingo, no ship tours.....will do specialty dining because we enjoy it.

Yes.  If the cruise is also sold as 2 segments you would be replenished at the start of the second segment regardless of how the cruise was booked

Just now, Colo Cruiser said:

I received 2 used bags on the CB in Nov.

Chapstick was open and hairs on the small loofah.

Disgusting.

You probably got a recycled bag.  

Interesting (and gross). Everything was new in the bag, and I received a gel eyemask which was new to me.  No hair conditioner.  

Bag also had nail file, shower cap, chap stick, 2 moisturizers.

On 3/2/2019 at 3:47 PM, cruzsnooze said:

I just use the linen spray that comes in the amenity bag in the bathroom.

Except that on our trip on the Ruby last week, there was no linen spray in the amenity bag.....

4 minutes ago, Colo Cruiser said:

I am sure there will still be those that do it anyway.

It only takes one.   

There is no enforcement.

Actually, there was on the Ruby.  People were smoking beyond the designated area on 16 forward by a couple of feet.  Security came by and told them to move back into the appropriate area.  First time I've ever seen them care.

If there are more than 2 of you i suggest you look into a car service - will save you money and be a much more civil experience.  Blackberry Cars and Blacklane are 2 I've used but there are many others.   Also, count yourself lucky that the Princess hotels were full - the prices are greatly inflated.  Many, many good reasonable hotels in London and its an easy city to navigate by bus and tube.

Just off the Ruby - there is no longer a smoking area at the Aft on Deck 16 - only deck 7 and deck 16 forward by bar.

Stonehenge is easy (and quick) to visit.  I've seen many airport transfers include a stop there.  No personal recommendations for operators though - we did it on the local bus from our B&B.

You will be able to bring one bottle per adult on each leg of the cruise.  You can bring more for a $15 per bottle corkage. The enclave is likely to be bookable for just the first 5 days as it is being sold as two separate sailings.  

Can't help with the other 2 Qs.  Enjoy - sounds like a great trip!

You can share your internet minutes with him, take him to the Platinum lounge, and as you noted enjoy priority boarding.  He will receive no specific perks himself.

Just order an UBER.  They have a specific pick up area and are far cheaper than a shuttle.

It is a great tour.  I will note that you don't visit the Engine Room itself but do get to see the Engine Control Room, which is quite interesting.

Here is a good map of the terminals at SFO.  You should have plenty of time.  Are your bags going right through to Singapore?

13 hours ago, teachtocruis said:

Thanks for the opinions and suggestions! We took the standard. Reason being that the deluxe is in the front of the ship making the balcony unusable while at sea due to winds. If we're going to be in a balcony we want to go out on it at all times of day and night. 

 

Thsnks again, Kayla

I would have taken the deluxe - those balconies are huge!  And the wind really isn't an issue.....we always try to book those.