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I had no choice and did this once. Hawaiian cancelled ALL of my flights into LGB for 4 months during the start of the pandemic. I was forced to stay in Hawaii (I know...haha). It was either fly in to LAX, arrive late at night, catch a ride share, that got me home at 12:30 AM or stay in HNL for another few months. Never again will I fly into LAX. Yes, if you are coming in on Southwest, the lot is across the ramp. If you come in on United, (Terminal 7) you will have to walk/bus across the parking structure. Any other terminal is a long haul (or bus it). It is a zoo/mess/"what was LAX thinking ?!. When Jet Blue deserted Long Beach, it created such a void. There are no direct flights from Florida. But LGB is a much friendlier airport and easier to get to the port. You are trading off convenience (Princess Hotel/transfers) verses do it your own. Only you can decide what is your comfort level.

@milolii Thanks for chiming in. I have been reimbursed for my at home test kits (including the proctored Binax Now ID). But that was in January. Hope it still applies. I have never had to pay for a pharmacy covid test (rapid antigen) in the US. Have never tried to claim an out of country test. My insurance company may sound an alarm for that (lol).

Thank you for clarifying the above. But, if I understand you correctly, you used the test to get back into the US not to get ON a ship? Yes? Another backup. How hard was it to book an appointment with rapid test and trace?

Welcome to Princess. In my opinion, I feel you will fit right at home with these passengers. Unfortunately, since the pandemic, there hasn't been a lot of socializing. You may find some to be cliquish. You may have to step outside of your comfort zone and initiate a conversation. Most often, if people are in a public area, they want to talk (unless buried in a book). I have traveled solo and with a cabin mate, but wander off to meet new people. Be prepared, this trip entails many, many, many sea days. A good time to reconnect with your spouse, meet new folks, and just enjoy the fresh air. Have fun.

Those are my concerns: Will these "over the counter" home tests results be enough to get me ON a Princess Cruise. Right now, my best option seems to be with the Binax Now ID proctored tests.

Always good to have options.

I do have iHealth over the counter "free" tests. Can I use my own tests with this company? Or do I have to purchase from them? I have "learned" to travel with additional tests. Wish some of the boxes were not so large. Takes up valuable real estate when you are limited in space. Thanks.

I guess I will have to order additional BInax Now ID / Proctored tests. My last set/order was reimbursed (but I haven't used them yet). I will place another order as soon as "I" am eligible for more "free" tests. Thanks for your recommendation.

But there is no financial advantage.

I surmise that you are flying into LAX. Princess has contracted with 2 hotels (LAX Marriott/Hilton in Long Beach). I would personally pick Hilton in Long Beach. There are things you can walk to and do for the night (just be aware of your surroundings). NOTHING near Marriott. If you booked a hotel through Princess, it will include all transfers and baggage handling. https://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-destinations/cruise-ports-and-hotels/ They will pick you up in the baggage area AFTER they drop off previous cruise passengers and deliver you to your hotel. You will need to claim your baggage from the carousel. That translates to after 10 AM. A bus will pick you up in the morning and take you to the cruise terminal. NOW...if you really prefer to do the planning, that's a whole different ball game. Most passengers stay at the San Pedro Crown Plaza or DoubleTree. But getting there is a real hassle from LAX. If you hire a private service that will pick you up at curbside/baggage claim, and transport you to San Pedro, it will cost you about $100 - $150. If you plan to take a shared ride...you need to get yourself over to the shared ride lot off site by bus or foot.

Only 10% of regular merchandize and not combinable with any other promotions. 50% off internet (pre-book/receive as OBC). 50% off rack rate if bought on board ship. 10% off some SPA services.

@rabin1it would be helpful to know which port you are leaving from.

Someone suggested on the already long (65 pages) thread that someone start another thread. So here I am with a couple of questions and comments. I have always been successful in finding a local pharmacy to do a rapid antigen test. This time, I am looking at a cruise that will not allow me to do the testing from my home location. Part A: I looked at the reviews for OnPoint Testing. Has anyone successfully boarded a Princess ship using this company? Claims: Certified Teleservice COVID Testing Test Anywhere with a Video Appointment Using Any Over The Counter Approved Home Test and Receive Lab Certified Results! Reviews: https://www.yelp.com/biz/onpoint-covid-19-testing-san-bruno?sort_by=date_desc https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-mateo/profile/covid-testing/onpoint-testing-1116-929915 Part B: I just had an interesting email conversation with eMed. I have seen reviews on CC that one should take an extra Binax Now ID proctored test with them to use before embarkation. So I sent an email to eMed regarding this issue. They suggested that I take extra kits (just in case). I replied asking if I could take an over the counter Binax Now ID home kit and use the pieces from that kit to replace defective items in their Proctored Test.....while the proctor watched me doing the exchange. In not so many words...she said "NO". Part C. Does anyone in the Vancouver, BC area know of a place I could have as a backup for a rapid antigen test? Would this be covered by an American Insurance Plan (not medicare)? Thank you in advance. Please feel free to comment or add your own questions.

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For me: cashing out I’d-cruise, I am generally given just the dollars. When I cash out at the end, I receive the change. I have always gotten a receipt. So t you have to sign and acknowledge cash out? As others have asked, if you got $380 for $340.80, then you are way ahead of the casino.

YOU may order an "extra" lunch/dinner to be delivered to your suite. If he just happens been in your room, it would be a shame to waste a perfectly good dinner.

I am not sure how shp specific the mini-bar supply is. On the Grand, you get 10 alcohol (it was always 2 vodka, 2 beer, 2 cognac, 2 gin, and 2 scotch). On my last cruise, I was surprised to see Jack Daniels instead of scotch. I'd love to see run and Chivas. With the drink package, you really don't need the mini-bar (hush...I'm not making a suggestion to Princess). Had more than I could consume or cared to take home. Most went to the crew.

@ChimneyTenders Thank you for starting a live on the Crown. It is refreshing to hear from the new posters. Don't discount the more seasoned posters. They are sometimes a wealth of information. Hope the Crown meets all of your expectations and you have a delightful cruise.

Wow...that was simple. Who would have thought that a direct connection would be less stressful? Thank you very much for this link. I have bookmarked it for future travels.

I did not see this option before, so gave it a try. Lo and Behold: Download the MedallionClass™ app Don't have a compatible device? Try our web version(opens in a new window) Your booking is not currently available in the Medallion Class app. Please try again later. Your booking may require payment or additional guest details. Use this web site or contact your Travel Agent to review payment and guest details. This cruise is paid for and I am in the Green Lane on the app. Ha Ha

Yes, you will need to request a baked potato. I was able to get it every time I remembered to order one.

The simple answer is no. You can do a few tings on the web. If you have used the medallion since post covid (is there such a thing), some of your information is save (passport, credit cards, etc). Otherwise, you will have to use the Medallion to complete several functions. I am disappointed that they dangled this in front of us only not to make it happen.

Thank you for sharing. I am curious as to what the chocolates (replacement for awful canapés) looked like. Any photos? I really do miss the first night and last night shows in the Princess Theater. But that happened a very long time ago (pre-pre Pandemic). I was on one ship that had the London Pub interactive show in the explorer's lounge. What a hoot that was. But later heard it was very CD specific. Missed Dave Cole's "Upon the Sea" finale. Plus the over the top pre-show by the cruise director staff with balloon tosses and YMCA! Miss the Talent Crew Show. One of the best programs Princess had. So many talented crew members who just loved sharing their talents. Entertainers' solo shows in the Aft Lounge (oh, I forgot...that's been removed). I saw the Crooner's Piano players do a tribute to Sinatra and on a different cruise, a tribute to Gershwin. Not to forget to mention Tiki Dave Surf Show. And where did the classy trios/quartets, violinists, go? Dance bands in the Wheelhouse have been replaced with a mic'd acoustical (now that is a oxymoron). Not all of these cost Princess any money. But a lot changed when Princess decided to split the Cruise Director assignment to create an Entertainment Director and Front of the house Cruise Director. Someone needs to let Princess know that some things do work and should be left alone.

All speculation without fine tuning the sample.

Itinerary T-shirts have been on the Grand, but only on voyages she has been on (Alaska/Mexico). The quality of the T's have gone down. Not as thick and the printing is terrible. I don't know when or already has, changed ship/shop vendors.