GeoffH

Yes, it's short walk from the ship into the town of San Sebastion.

There are shops, bars, churches and museums to see.

We did this last year and enjoyed our time on shore.

They were pre-punched on the Sea Princess in November.

We disembarked from the Sea Princess just over 7 weeks ago.

I was told by Customer Services on the ship that my OBC would be refunded with a cheque in 5 to 6 weeks.

I rang Princess in the UK today and when I told the lady what my query was, she asked "Were you told that this would be automatic?" I said that is what I was told.

She said it as if she asks this question many times.

She then told me that I had to request my refund by emailing PCUK.GuestRelations@princesscruises.co.uk

I have done this and await their reply.

I am on an OZ cruise in November. I queried the 'no gratuities on Oz ships' and found that this it true for OZ/NZ passengers but not for anyone else e.g. US/UK passengers.

I priced up the cruise I am on using the Princess websites for US and OZ (hiding my IP address using VPN so I would not be re-routed to the UK site.)

My findings (after doing the currency conversions) were that UK and OZ/NZ passengers pay around the same amount and US passengers pay more.

Go figure.

I will be removing auto-gratuities when I get on the ship.

We are on the Sea Princess on the Fremantle to Brisbane cruise on 18th November.

Have been watching the price and terms of the AIBP/PBP over the last few weeks.

Today I have checked on my CP and it now says this:

"Premier Beverage Package £46.91 per person, per day

The Premier Beverage Package includes any individual beverage item such as fountain soda, bottled water, cocktails, spirits, wine by the glass, beers, coffee and tea, up to $16 AUD (retail value). A 25% discount is also offered on all bottles of wine when purchased in bars, dining room or specialty restaurants."

That works out around AUD79 per day.

The Terms & Conditions say:

"The Premier Beverage Package is offered at $59.99 USD per day plus a 15% service charge (totaling $68.99 per day) for all itineraries except Australia. For all Australia-based vessels, through October 31, 2017 the package is available for $77.00 AUD per day including the service charge. Starting November 1, 2017, the package will increase to $86.99 AUD per day. Pre-purchased package pricing is converted at the applicable currency conversion rate from the US base price, is subject to fluctuation and may vary from onboard pricing. The full amount due for the complete voyage will be charged at the time of purchase. 


Maybe they have had a change of heart and are gradually putting the prices up.

I always remove my jacket and tie and sometime change my shirt and trousers.

Just me, but I don't wear shorts and t-shirts in the evening.

We are sailing on the Sea Princess on 18th November.

Was looking at the AIBP last month and noticed the difference in price

between paying in GBP beforehand and in AUD on board.

Decided to wait and pay on board!!

Now that the price has gone up I don't think we will bother now.

Price differences are still there.

£55.10 per day works out (at today's exchange rates) additional AUD7 per day (compared to AUD86.99)

and additional USD5 per day (compared to USD68.99)

OK I understand now.

Not been on a Thomson cruise for a few years.

Last time it was early or late sitting with same table every night.

Thanks

Did you have the same waiters each day?

I thought Majesty had open sittings, so you go at any time and are seated in a different place each night.

Have I got this wrong?

We are on the Majesty this Friday.

Check out cruiseadvise dot org. They have info on all the ships.

Think you meant to type cruiseadvice dot org

What do you mean by this? I'm booked for the 8:30pm dynamic dining and looking forward to being with the same wait staff in the four restaurants.

 

Are you saying the dynamic dining does not work or are you speaking because of the illnesses. Maybe some of the wait staff got hit with it as well.

Not sure what the person means when they said that it does not work. However, there are 2 types of Dynamic Dining; Classic and Choice.

You appear to be using the Classic option. maybe it's the Choice option that is not working. Difference is explained below.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/anthemoftheseas/dining/

Thanks for update; where did you go instead... or just drifted slowly along to next port and arrived there on time.

If this question was directed to me, then I'm sorry that maybe I did not make my post clear.

I was not on the ship when this video was taken, I just found it on youtube.

I will be on Anthem Of The Seas in May and hoping to berth at Labadee on 11th May.:)

A short video of the protesters taken from the ship.

96ZhW-nbXMA

I have just found the following fact sheet for Labadee from royalcaribbean.com website.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/shared_assets/pdf/port_explorer/Labadee_EN_RCI.pdf

For vendors it says:

"Bargaining at the open-air market is common.

Some local vendors may seem a bit persistent to the uninitiated,

however courtesy and firmness will be respected."

For tipping it says:

"While the use of the beach chairs is complimentary, tipping the beach

attendants for their service is always appreciated."

That does not tie up with the previous document posted on this thread, that we have all read.:confused: