Arwen

23 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

Those buses are National Park Service concessionaires and are the absolutely only way to go past mile 12 into Denali park. Denali park is very regulated, this is not the policy of the cruise line, it is your government .  The accommodations and transport by HAL are very good.  One must be aware that they are not going to get NYC luxury hotels as they don’t exist in Denali yet  they are very good and the food at the lodge is excellent 

 

 

there are two rest areas, one stop on the way in,  one stop on the way out    Again this is a government regulation 

I understand there is government regulation, but I still would hope someone would answer about the school buses and what their opinion of the tour.

I do not mind being on a school bus for an hour or so...but six hours?  Nope.

I have found an alternative called 'Fat Truck' Tours.  I would imagine they have to comply with the government dictats?

Hi everyone!

We are about to book our fifth cruise to Alaska.

This time, we are going with another couple and we also want to book a Denali tour through H.A.

I have done some research about the two to three day options for Denali.  I have read mixed reviews on TripAdvisor about these tours.  The complaints were about the old school buses used for the tours.  Complaints were:  couldn't open windows, claustrophobic, blocked views, dirty windows....etc.  No mention of potty stops for a trip that apparently is about 6+ hours.

My husband and the wife of the friend, both have balance issues,  They can walk but limited and best on level paved ground. 

That is why we thought this particular shore excursion via bus would be best.  Also, being in the 'older' group, and with active bladders, not having an option to use a potty during a six hour trip is questionable.  I would imagine the bus driver does make periodic rest stops for that? 

Please advise me if you have already done this tour and your thoughts.  

Price is not an issue, if we need to upgrade to something better.  Just want some honest opinions.  I did read about the 'Fat Truck' tours.  Anyone taken that tour?

Hi everyone!

We are planning to book with Princess Cruises for an Alaska cruise.  This will be our fifth time to Alaska.  This time we are going with another couple and we want to do a pre cruise land tour of Denali. We would like to go in June.

I know that Princess offers these packages. But it is difficult to find the specific information I need.

Both my hubby and his friend's wife have mobility issues.  Neither one needs a wheelchair, but walking long distances or short ones that are difficult are a no-go.

We thought that booking the Alaska Denali Train tour would be good, and would book the Gold Star category.

Is this worth it?  As I understand it, we would spend each night in a hotel?  I have read mixed reviews of the hotels.  

Do you see much or is there a lot of boring stuff?

Just trying to figure out which is the best way to see the scenery and catch a glimpse of wildlife in a reasonably comfortable manner.

Thanks everyone who chooses to respond.

Recently, we were on the Crown Princess for a 10 Day Mexican Riviera.  I did not notice all of the things that the OP pointed out.

What did stand out:  no chocolates on our pillow each night.  And yes, that was missed.  Tradition becomes a strong point with loyal cruisers.  That is really being 'skint'.  

They definitely have cut down on staff.  We had a lovely room 'stewardess'.  But the first few days we had to request TP, room not cleaned.  No big deal.  Later on, our steward, was able to do what was necessary, but it was definitely not the same as before COVID.  Not her fault.  

Horizon court.  Food was excellent (IMHO), but again, fewer staff to serve coffee/tea/juice. Port days were the best for overall service.  

The light to the bathroom door is awful!  Too bright!  Please Princess, put a lower watt light in!

Just for info..Zumba instructors are "licensed".  They have to have a license to teach it and all that is necessary is to take the Z workshop...only one. Anyone can

purchase the license.  However, whenever I have watched Zumba on the cruise ships it is always taught by a crew member with previous experience...like one of the dancers or a talented CD like we had on the Ruby.

 Certification is given to those who complete an in depth course to become a personal trainer, or group exercise instructor, or Yoga...or Pilates.  I at one time had a group instructor certification, and then went on to pay a fee to get the license to teach Zumba (which I ended up not doing).  To keep the license...the person teaching has to be a member and pay the fee monthly. 

On our very long 7 week South America Cruise on the Royal we had Zumba.  The instructor was "Matt O", the Cruise Director who was a very talented guy.  He was one of the best instructors I have ever watched.  And then the assist CD took over on days Matt was not available.  

The cruise lines are also now offering line dancing...mostly happens in the evening, sometimes in the afternoons.  

We recently returned from an Alaska Cruise on the Ruby Princess and there was no Zumba.  Likely there was a crew member but they were busy doing other required duties.

On 7/3/2019 at 1:49 PM, gngrbas said:

My husband and I are first time cruisers set to sail on the Ruby Princess July 13th.  We were referred to Princess by a trusted family friend, but after reading some of the reviews - I'm extrememly concerned.  We paid a pretty penny and saved a long time and are hoping for a positive memoriable experience.  Someone enlighten me - we are on the LIdo Deck . .  ??? WE KNOW NOTHING.  Embarking - Disembarking???? Lots of friends have said to arrive early and we can tour the ship, however, according to a great majority of reviews - the ship is old, out dated, and the staff isn't friendly.  Please put my mind at ease and tell me (truthfully) that it's going to be alright. . . . please.🙄

hi...we just returned home a week ago from a cruise on the Ruby.  We sailed from Seattle to Alaska for a week.  We all enjoyed ourselves as we were with many family members this time around.  The Ruby is a tired looking ship, but we found it to be clean and the crew and staff to be wonderful.  'Service was excellent and we have taken over 25 cruises, most on Princess.  

We found the food to be better than average.  The entertainment better than average.  And our granddaughter and her cousin loved the kid's program called "Discovery".

Everything from embarkation to debarkation was so smooth

What was different?:  Well, our daughter, hubby, and DD had a mini-suite.  It was tired looking and definitely not up to the new mini-suites like on the Royal.  However, if you have a child, it is nice because the room has a type of divider that gives a bit of privacy and play area for the child.  My DD and SIL liked that feature.  

The International Cafe was nice but they did not have the sugar free syrups that I like for my iced mochas (not a huge issue unless on a long cruise)

The Horizon court is an older design and it is a bit more of a challenge to find a table.  However, we always were able to.  We made sure to secure a table first before getting our food.

I would sail on the Ruby again for Alaska.  I would rather be on the Royal for a longer cruise.  We took a seven week cruise around South America on the Royal a couple of months ago.

2 minutes ago, Potstech said:

Great idea but verizon service is so bad at FLL outside that it has been impossible to use Uber.  We just grab a taxi.  Least trouble.

2 minutes ago, Potstech said:

Great idea but verizon service is so bad at FLL outside that it has been impossible to use Uber.  We just grab a taxi.  Least trouble.

Good to know.  Hubby has AT & T and I have the Google Project plan.  So, we are hopefully covered both ways.  We have not had problem with cell service at the airport, though.  

16 minutes ago, c-boy said:

49 days ! ya get a Whoop  Whoop ! your gonna need something bigger than uber 

Indeed.  I would like to order an SUV or even a limo.  Hubby doesn't want to do that.....Sigh..But I am always the one that has to have the luggage "all over me"...Ha!  

11 minutes ago, trbarton said:

 

YES...Use UBER...I have used them & they’re excellent. They do have a specific area for pick up. Easy Peasy. 

 

Tom😎

Can you give me a general description of where the designated Uber pick up area is?  And is there a way to order an Uber that can handle that much luggage?  We have ordered used Uber before but often the person that shows up has a small vehicle and I get squished by my own luggage...;-))  I know at Sea-Tac has an area for ubers and they line up and you have to wait...and wait....but my big concern is getting a vehicle that can handle all of our stuff (49 day South America cruise here we come!)

10 minutes ago, c-boy said:

 Good question op & I'm with ya. I'm done with packed like a sardine in a shuttle. 

 

Being an anxious person (anxiety disorder) being packed into a van like that is horrible.  The last time we took a shuttle, the slider door was blocked with luggage. UNSAFE.  :-((

We have been to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International airport numerous times.  One thing...is that getting picked up from the airport is a crazy experience.  One of the worst airports for that that I have ever been to.  Now, that I have vented....which shuttle service would you recommend for easy pick up?  Often it is a guessing game as to where to meet the shuttle...done that...been there, got the Tee shirt!  So, which shuttle service is stellar...is not into overpacking  their vans with humans and baggage (been there, too!) and can handle three pieces of luggage plus two carry-ons and two adults?  We will be going from the airport to the Embassy Suites on 17th and Front St.  Thank you all in advance.  I am making last minute arrangements while pulling out my hair....;-))

3 minutes ago, Arwen said:

 

Thank you for the suggestion of a Deluxe Balcony.  Right now we are working with our TA to get six staterooms booked for our family members.  Our TA said that the mini-suites are in short supply for this cruise.  So knowing about the Deluxe Balcony as another option is helpful.  

Sorry to have taken so long in getting back to thank all of you Cruise Critic members for the helpful advice!  I have been consumed with getting ready for our big cruise with Princess for the 49 day South America itinerary.  Packing has been stressful but I am almost done, thankfully.  We leave next week.

Right now we have our TA working on booking our staterooms before we leave for our big cruise.  All of your suggestions were considered and it looks like we will go with a mini-suite for our daughter, SIL, and grandchild.  Our second choice would be the deluxe balcony.  Eva's parents likely will take along their own Pack N' Play because that is what "Eva" is used to sleeping in when she stays here with us.  Eva does not take well at all to drastic changes.  So the familiar is what we will go with.  The other option we will consider  is the inflatable toddler bed (Amazon.com)  as suggested by one of the posters.  

Most important for Eva's parents, is for their stateroom to have a curtain/screen and we let our TA know that. 

Again, thank you all for your prompt and helpful responses!

3 minutes ago, Arwen said:

 

Thank you for the suggestion of a Deluxe Balcony.  Right now we are working with our TA to get six staterooms booked for our family members.  Our TA said that the mini-suites are in short supply for this cruise.  So knowing about the Deluxe Balcony as another option is helpful.  

Sorry to have taken so long in getting back to thank all of you Cruise Critic members for the helpful advice!  I have been consumed with getting ready for our big cruise with Princess for the 49 day South America itinerary.  Packing has been stressful but I am almost done, thankfully.  We leave next week.

Right now we have our TA working on booking our staterooms before we leave for our big cruise.  All of your suggestions were considered and it looks like we will go with a mini-suite for our daughter, SIL, and grandchild.  Our second choice would be the deluxe balcony.  Eva's parents likely will take along their own Pack N' Play because that is what "Eva" is used to sleeping in when she stays here with us.  Eva does not take well at all to drastic changes.  So the familiar is what we will go with.  The other option we will consider  is the inflatable toddler bed (Amazon.com)  as suggested by one of the posters.  

Most important for Eva's parents, is for their stateroom to have a curtain/screen and we let our TA know that. 

Again, thank you all for your prompt and helpful responses!

On 1/6/2019 at 9:07 PM, rnff2 said:

Hi Arwen!  I would suggest you book a Deluxe Balcony or a Minisuite.  

  

My son was 3 1/2 on his first Princess cruise.  We booked a regular balcony cabin with an upper bunk because a minisuite was just too expensive for us at the time.  Our room steward provided us with a roll away bed instead of pulling down the upper bunk due to his age.  The roll away took up way too much space in the cabin so we chose to let him sleep in bed with us for the week.  Not ideal, but it was the best option for the size of the cabin. 

 

If you decide to book a regular balcony with the upper bed/bunk you could ask the steward to put the mattress from the upper bunk on the floor for your granddaughter to sleep on.  It might be tight as far as floor space but would probably be the easiest option.  Or one parent could sleep in the upper bunk and the other with the child in the regular bed, not ideal but just a thought. 

 

Also Princess has the best kids clubs!!!  Hopefully your granddaughter will be able to spend some time there.  My once 3 1/2 year old is now 13 and really looking forward to the teen club, although I'm not sure I'm ready for that.   

 

Happy cruising!!!

Thank you for the suggestion of a Deluxe Balcony.  Right now we are working with our TA to get six staterooms booked for our family members.  Our TA said that the mini-suites are in short supply for this cruise.  So knowing about the Deluxe Balcony as another option is helpful.  

Hi All!

We are planning on taking a family cruise to Alaska.  Our granddaughter is 3.5 yrs old.  Her mom and dad have not cruised before and we are 

trying to help them figure out the best sleeping arrangement for DD.  

DD is a fairly tall 3.5 yr old and her parents have now transitioned to a junior bed for her. 

Hubby found an inflatable junior bed on Amazon that is recommended for travel.  It has good reviews, but wonder if that is the

best option?  I worry about it getting holes and deflating..:-((  This would be the option if the stateroom does not have a sofa/pull out, but we worry

there would not be enough room.  

Do all categories of staterooms have dividing curtains?  That is really necessary for their privacy and so she can sleep easily.  So only a balcony or mini-suite should be booked?

Grandpa thinks that a choice of a mini-suite would be the best option and then getting rails for the couch/bed.  

Thank you all so much in advance.  I want to hear all of your suggestions.  We are trying to keep the cost reasonable but also to make sure that

"Eva" is going to sleep okay, too.

lawyers lining up for when the first kid gets a burn from the boiling water..by pulling the kettle off the counter...

 

might as well add irons , too...:rolleyes:

If a parent is that irresponsible...well. Most parents know that hot water can burn small children. But do most parents know that sitting in the Piazza with a cup of coffee or hot tea and spilled accidentally on an infant or small child also causes burns?

I used to work in a trauma hospital, on a burn unit. It was sad to see babies and toddlers brought in with serious burns requiring hospitalization due to pulling a hot cup of coffee down on themselves or mom holding baby and spilling it on them

Unless you are swept over by waves like just happened on P&O off the Australian coast. Lady was seasick and I guess tried to feed the fish.

another account by a passenger witness said that was not the case at all as did one of the P& O officials. Highly unlikely

We are thinking about doing a 15 day cruise out LA or San Francisco to Hawaii...if I recall, it makes stops at 4 islands. I am looking for thoughts from anyone who has done this similar cruise. Did you enjoy the stops and all the sea days? We haven't cruised on Princess in awhile but do have done some 7 day and a 10 day cruise on the line. This past year we cruised on another cruise line out of New York City (convenient train ride for us) but didn't enjoy it as much as our cruises on Princess. Please feel free to share your likes and dislikes about this cruise. Thanks.

We have done that very same cruise. You do get so many sea days and that is really nice. My disappointment had nothing to do with the ship or what Princess has to offer, but rather the weather going over and coming back.

Unlike the Caribbean sailings, the days at sea are rather cool. At least it was for us. Pleasant but not like tropical. Quite frankly I was surprised, but my husband, the "egg head" explained it to me...about currents, blah blah.

If you enjoy spending a fair amount indoors on the ship and the activities ...no problem. Would I do the trip again? Not likely. The port stops were okay.

Our favorite on Maui was the Maui Ocean Center...however it took about a half hour to get there (I think) and we had about 2 hrs (my memory may not be correct). There is much to see and we actually did not get to see it all and enjoy the concessions, exhibits, etc. Of course if you end up there on a Sat or Sun it will be crowded.

We also did the Hawaii and South Pacific Cruise nine years ago...and the South Pacific islands were AMAZING!!! Bora Bora and Moorea are incredibly exquisite and out of this world.

That cruise of course was 33 days when we did it and I think now, it is offered as a 29 day?

Anyways, my two cents is that I prefer the 10 day southern Caribbean cruises. The weather is warm for most of the cruising, and the ports are interesting and it is truly a tropical "feel".

I would never fly out of Newark again. When changing planes we had to go back thru security as the new terminal was outside the secure zone. Many people missed follow on flights due to the long lines. Worst airport we have ever been in.

Same here! We were on a land tour for 16 days and flew home from Tel Aviv to Newark. Our flight from Tel Aviv was delayed on the tarmac by one hour!

We had no idea that we had to go through security again and that included picking up our bags at the carousel and checking them back in!!!!!

We missed our connecting flight from Newark to Seattle. No more flights that evening and we luckily found a hotel to stay in (last room available)

Warning to anyone with a connecting flight....never accept a 90 minute layover, especially when it is international. And yes, it was a travel agent who did this (hubby ignored the time consideration). Two hours is a bare minimum for international

Thank you to all who have given me advice! I so appreciate it! Well, checking prices for the Embassy Suites in Ft Lauderdale...it looks as though their prices have gone up!!!

Looks like we may choose the Hyatt Place as the prices are around the same and the reviews are better overall. I would love to spring for a 4 star hotel, but doubt hubby will go for that. :-)

We have stayed at the ES for 15 years but I have not been happy the past two years and am also thinking of changing. They want $249 per night for our upcoming trip. And that does not include taxes. I just don't know if I want to spend that much for two nights. Last cruise we found a cockroach in the room and the next day, found one inside the refrigerator. I wrapped it in a tissue to take to the desk but somehow the little guy got away from me. Not sure if the gal behind the desk believed me.

Oh my!!!! Yikes!!!

Our longest so far was 23 days to Norway,Iceland and TA to Brooklyn. We are booked for 49 days next February also.

Perhaps we are on the same cruise that leaves Feb 2,2019? Retired now and excited. Only 301 more days:)

Longer is better!

 

 

Howard

Hi Howard!

We also enjoy the longer cruises. We started out doing a few 7 day ones and quickly moved up to 10 days and then the longest one...a 33 day Hawaii & South Pacific.

But hubby and I are also going to be going on the 49 day cruise on the Royal Princess next February of 2019. I assume that is the one you mention?

So, here we are, hubby and I ready to "live" on a ship for that long. Hope it works out..not sure as it is an awfully long time to be away from home and family.

Ideal time for me...a 14 day cruise, but always with a two night stay in a hotel before and if a long flight home...a one to two night stay after the cruise. Perfect!

Hello All!

It is time for me to book a reservation for two nights at a Ft. Lauderdale Hotel. We are now booked for a 49 day Caribbean and South America cruise on Feb 2nd of 2019, on the Royal Princess (YEAH!)

Our favorite hotel to stay in Ft. Lauderdale has always been the Embassy Suites on 17th and Front Street. We love everything about it...the pool area, the big complimentary breakfast, and the manager's cocktail hour. It is also fairly close to a lot of shops.

So, I am ready to make a reservation and before I do, I go check out the most recent reviews. I do this knowing that things "can change".

To my disappointment, I find the most recent reviews gave the hotel bad marks. Apparently some found their rooms to be dirty and even some found that the sheets had not been changed or the room cleaned!!

I have no idea if the manager for the ES has changed, but we have always enjoyed our stays there.

Oh, the big worrisome mentioned by TripAdvisor's peeps is that there are often big parties held in the atrium area. Loud booming and rattling music until well past 11:30 p.m. that actually shook the window of the room of one reviewer. Another complained (on a different date) of not being able to sleep due to the atrium racket!

I am looking for a hotel close to the cruise terminal and one that has enjoyable amenities.

And have any of you been at the ES lately? Are these reviews just "exceptions" or the rule now?

Thanks in advance!

Arwen

If I understand this right, you are already in Club Class. An M1 mini IS Club Class.

 

Jim

Jim, THANK YOU so much! I have a great TA for sure, and she kept telling me we were in the top mini-suite category but never mentioned Club Class.

I take your word for it and will make sure that we take advantage of all it has to offer!!!! The Princess cruise website was not too clear (IMHO) on which Mini's are CC.

We took a cruise on the Royal in Nov 2017 and had a nice mini-suite (Aloha 208), but no one ever said that we were CC and completely unaware if we were or were not.

Do you know if the CC is marked on the documents or our key card (when we get them) or are we just supposed to "know"?

An upsell is usually to a better type of cabin--mini to full suite' date=' for example. I don't recall seeing them moving from one location to another, but mini to CC mini might be another possibility.

 

The lower your cabin type, the more likely an upsell offer can be simply based on the numbers. If I book an inside cabin, there are hundreds of cabins that might be offered as an upsell. If I book a mini, there are relatively fewer cabins that would qualify as an upsell. But, if there are full suites that go unsold, an upsell offer from a mini is certainly possibility.[/quote']

 

Yes, I believe because we are already in a high category and prime location that it will be unlikely we will be offered a sweet deal. However, for the right price, I would go for the CC part.

 

This cruise is super popular and it has basically sold out...11 months ahead! We called our TA (who is absolutely fabulous) and she found three M-1 Category mini's available. We grabbed the one of the three she suggested.

 

Very little to chose from now. The best part is that the Royal departs from Fort Lauderdale and returns to L.A. We are here in Seattle and no international flight is a huge plus!