Georgie562

I called it !!

Late last year I said they would raise them again this year!!

Up next... 25% dining and beverage service charges. Just wait for it 😉

I sailed Bliss in November (Panama Canal Cruise) and will Sail Royal In April.

Been on the Mexican Riviera cruise many times.

How off in difference are the price? If you look closely at the itineraries, Princess has more port hours in their itinerary. For instance Princess has 9 hours in Cabo, NCL only has 8,  Princess has 10 hours in Mazatlan, NCL only has 9, Princess has 11 hours in Puerto Vallarta, NCL only has 9.  (I prefer more port time)

NCL will probably have way more as far as entertainment and and nightlife. If you are traveling with kids NCL will probably soot them better. . Alot of the good stuff on NCL cost extra though such as the karts, laser tag which can add to your expenses. NCL has plenty of extra pay restaurants. If it were me, I'd make my decision based on price.

On 3/6/2019 at 12:42 PM, Loreni said:

 

November 2018 Panama Canal Cruise

these folks made sure they got good seats for the transit 

It just found out about this promotion Today. Sadly it was over on March 11th.

Had a coffee maker in my cabin on NCL Bliss this past November. Honestly did not make much use of it with having to get up early and rushing to get ready for port and excursions. Half of the time we ended up getting coffee in Lido since we were already up there getting breakfast. I even brought my own coffee pods (those coffee makers are not KCUP compatible) and  even with that did not use the coffee maker as much as I thought I would.

11 minutes ago, blcruising said:

Lots of people can afford it, but make a decision to forego based on benefit received versus cost paid.

I rather put those $209 in a slot machine and try my luck or elsewhere even. I refuse to pay $209 for a lounge chair and hit and miss personalized bar service on an empty spot on the ship. If I want quiet time then I go to my stateroom, a plus if I have a balcony..

Buy pre-board as from what ive seen you save 50% if bought online before. My upcoming cruise on Royal the MedallionNet is being offered at $59.99 online before boarding. On the ship it will cost $119.99

I'm not Elite so I can't comment on that.

My first ever Princess cruise was on Pacific Princess in November of 2014 when it was doing the Tahiti runs. She was my first ever small ship experience and I was amazed how less crowded it felt and how the crew took their service more personal and recognized you by name by day 2.  It felt more like a small hotel experience rather than a cruise ship.

38 minutes ago, Sky111 said:

At $400 for two people? You might just have the place to yourself, be sure to get your drinks lined up early as the bar closes at 7, never heard of a bar closing at 7PM before. Also bring a weighted cup holder and cover to keep your drink from tipping from the wind. I had to hold my hand over my Mudslide to keep the contents from being blown out of the cup from the wind all over the deck. Yeah, it is that windy up there. And if you would like a snack it is a long walk down a flight of stars and a long walk to the opposite end of the ship to get to the buffet.  No, its a major inconvenience, a long walk to get there and was not worth it to IMO. The bartender(s) up there were great and was fun when we all did group shots but to be honest I think it is better to go on an upscale cruiseline than paying extra for an oasis away from the heard.
For the added fee of the Vibe, I think the cabanas should be included, not one was rented, there should be some Hors d'oeuvre's, and a wait staff or something.  We had to get up and go to the bar to get a drink at the Vibe everytime were were there except for the first day. At the main pool someone came and brought us a drink no problem.

 

 

Seriously!!

On my upcoming Princess cruise I plan on buying the half day Sanctuary Pass and also add on the the Half Day cabana Rental

Access Pass to the Sanctuary: $20

Cabana Rental : $80

Total Price: $100

Sanctuary Cabanas – Within The Sanctuary, Sanctuary Cabanas offer an even more exclusive and special experience with amenities such as a personal television with noise-reducing wireless headphones, cushy sofas, luxurious robe and slippers, a welcome cocktail, and healthy snacks including nuts, and dried and fresh fruit. The cabana also features a fully stocked mini-bar with refreshing waters and sodas, as well as a choice of alcoholic options, including beer or wine. Sanctuary Cabanas are available beginning at $80 for a half day.

17 hours ago, kessel815 said:

My 14 year old daughter and I are traveling together - are we able to alternate using the MedallionNet between our phones?

Yes as only one device can be signed at any time under the same log in account.

On 3/9/2019 at 9:48 PM, thetaro said:

The world is big. I am not going to stay in Florida just so I can visit some similar islands multiple times for cheap. Most of the islands are quite boring to me. 

I only get a few weeks of vacation time per year and I refuse to use them up just staying home or  by doing a repetitive cruises.

11 minutes ago, mjkacmom said:

What mainstream cruise line would give you compensation for price drops after final payment?

Carnival, in form of onboard credit  😃

The internet on NCL is so crappy because they give minutes away as a perk.

They  are already losing money that way so they are not going to improve the speed so that customers could enjoy the faster speed without paying for it.

I'm on Royal Princess next month and will have MedallionNet internet which I've heard nothing but good things about. All for a whopping $59.99 for the 7 days.

The "free 😂" perks promotion will never go away. It is way too popular and they are making money off it. That's why is still around.

1 hour ago, david_sobe said:

Yep but I fear the spa pass is next 

Vibe doubled $200

Unlimited go karts doubled $200

Is the spa next?😞

I have a feeling the kart prices will increase again right before the start of the Alaska season.

It was never worth it for me at the cheaper price. Having to stress to get boarding zone 1 then rushing to buy the pass once onboard hoping there are passes left... No thanks.

I learned my lesson last year with NCL when after final payment they were offering Interior rooms on brand new NCL Bliss 14 day Panama Canal for as low as $599 (plus taxes and fees) when i paid almost 3 times that amount. Multiple phone calls to NCL about compensation and they could care less. Lesson learned, book after final payment or book another cruise line altogether.

5 minutes ago, Lolo4564 said:

We are on the 20th and I experienced the same message...when I phoned to see what's up, they told me to try back a couple of weeks before sailing...we will see!

They need at least two weeks to mail out the Medallions. Although I've heard you can also get them at the port, but I am sure that will add to your check in time.

46 minutes ago, voljeep said:

WOW - what a crockofcr!p

 

without ANY notice ????????????

 

come on Princess - I just checked my onboard reservations and my PBP ( which admittedly was still in the cart )

 is now OUT OF STOCK !!!!!

 

and the only thing I saw listed was the bottle water package -

 

refills drink..popcorn on hold... settles in for 200 post minimum thread ....

 Cant be any worse than Norwegian's constant price gouging

Some TA's are advertising the perks. One TA has this:

Offer is valid only for new individual bookings on select 2020 and 2021 sailings made between 3/7/19 and 5/1/19. Signature Beverage Package has a daily limit of 15 beverages, which includes all beverages priced at $9 or lower. Package excludes purchases made in Signature Shops, Mini Bar and In-Room Dining, or beverages on Half Moon Cay. Pinnacle Grill dinner: Guests receive one dinner per person. Offer excludes Specialty Dining Events in the Pinnacle Grill such as Le Cirque, De Librije, Master Chef’s Table, and Sommelier Dinner. Free or reduced fares for 3rd/4th guests are based on sharing a stateroom with 1st and 2nd guests, and valid on select sailings. Suite offer: Onboard Spending Money is $100 per guest ($200 per suite), is non-refundable, non-transferable, not for cash value, expires at the end of that cruise, and may not be used in the casino. Offers are capacity controlled, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply.

Leads me to believe this promo will run until 5/1/19.

31 minutes ago, cruzn fun said:

Hello were on the April 13th sailing on the Royal and we still dont have our medallions. Told by Princess about 2 weeks prior to sailing 🙂

I'm on the 27th and I spoke with a girl specifically in the Medallion Department (dedicated medallion #) and she insisted that the Royal will NOT be ready for Medallion starting 4/13. I think she was clueless and reading off a script yet you work in the Medallion department.

Princess announced and it's listed on their website that Royal will be Medallion Ready 4/13 cruise. So I don't even think she knows what's going on.

I called because I downloaded the Ocean Ready app and when I enter my reservation # it said it cannot be found. So who the heck knows whats going.

7 hours ago, Cruisinmimi321 said:

What is the cost of the braclet or other items that hold the medallion?

Courtesy of a Facebook user

Same issues with the West Coast rust buckets (Inspiration and Imagination) sadly they just don't put enough money into them anymore. They are showing their age and I wont be sailing on any of these ships anytime soon. Got Royal Princess booked from CA in April and Panorama April 2020. See ya.

On 3/3/2019 at 7:12 AM, MrFunInTheSun said:

 

He's sailed on her and loved her in the past, why would he pass her up now, even if she is 28 years old.

Though I do agree, its almost time for them to be totally revamped, poor girls are getting tired.

 

 

Not sure he said he didn't like Carnival, I'm not seeing that in his review. He's just stating his observations from a seasoned cruisers viewpoint from some of his past great cruises he's had on this ship.

 

 

My first cruise ever was with Carnival Ecstasy back in 2000 for a three night cruise out of Miami. So she always has a special place in my heart, even with it being only a three night cruise which got me into this cruise addiction thing. 🙂

 

That said I went on many cruises on many ships and ventured past Carnival after a being very loyal to Carnival then a brief transition to Royal. These Fantasy class ships are amazing and surely easy to get around, but this doesn't mean they don't need some new loving.

 

My last cruise with Carnival was back in 2012 on Carnival Ecstasy for a five night cruise. Kind of nostalgic with my last Carnival cruise going back on the ship where my cruising adventures began. I did a "Live" trip report from that time period.

 

 

 

Will say, even back in 2012 when walking up on the upper decks and going between certain floors there was always that "Poop" smell. Can't imagine how it is now seven years later. I remember standing up on the upper deck in certain areas and the stench was so strong it made your eyes water. However that "poop" smell certainly isn't exclusive to Carnival as I've observed that smell on a Royal Caribbean ship too, mostly the older girls though.

 

Hopefully they have some plans for these ships, they must be bringing in some cash to not retire them, though not enough to totally revamp them. A few weeks ago I was on the Symphony of the Seas and whilst we were docked in Cozumel, Carnival Triumph sailed in. Know she is now going for her revamp to become Carnival Sunrise, but boy did she look like they have stopped any upkeep on that ship from a distance. Poor girl, hope she comes back better and perkier than ever. 

 

 

 

Looking forward to sailing on Carnival Mardi Gras in 2021!

 

Carnival Triumph, the official poo ship

Don't forget to tack on the "gratuity" as an added extra when purchasing the RedBull .