cruzsnooze

The reality still remains that the OP took a gty in Category DF , gambled and isn't happy. When the cruise opened up after the build wasn't it available to OP to look at the cabins and book then letting the GTY go? I suspect the price of the GTY was too good to give up. GTY'S sometimes work out and sometimes not. OP booked a DF GTY because it was all that was available. OP knew he might end up with a DF cabin Because that's what they Chose to book. Hoping something else opens up isn't a given. I hope for the OP's sake something opens up and they can move to a different cabin.

What category did you reserve when you made your GTY reservation?

You knew you were bidding on handicap balcony so you knew that you could end up in one if I'm reading your post correctly.

That's your choice not mine. I believe the OP is entitled to know the options re tipping.

It's not a charge you need to pay. It is a suggestion they put daily on your account "for your convenience". You can adjust that ridiculous amount down or eliminate it and pay cash to those that actually serve you.

It would be an anomaly for them to change it but of course they keep the right to do anything.

I read that not all TA's are included in the process to bid for an upgrade. Is there a way to find out who is excluded. I booked with a big box company who gave me different answers. I can't name the TA but would like to know if anyone has some definite information about this caveat in the bidding process.

Maybe look at this in a different way. You cannot get reserve class if you're not in a reserve class mini suite or full suite. Reserve class typically costs $50 PP PD. For $25-$39 per dinner you can eat in a specialty restaurant for dinner every night and come out financially ahead. As for eating with your friends who have reserve class it won't happen and shouldn't happen to anyone who's not entitled to it.

I was on the Island Princess TA in Dec 2023 from Rome to Florida. The internet worked 90% of the time and the speed was acceptable. I used a laptop if that makes any difference.

I would stay home before sailing in an inside cabin. Others may not agree of course but you asked for opinions. There's a reason inside cabins are the cheapest ones on the ship.

Princess does not really enforce any dress code unless you are outlandish. YES shorts are fine on the last night. Most people have their bags packed even if not put out in the hallway so it's anything goes the first and last night.

You can get a key card at guest service but note that it will inactivate your medallion, you can't have both functional.

Last month we sailed and parked. You pay on your way out. On your way in they don't know what to charge you.If you go over a 24 hour period you might have to pay for an extra day. As an example... if you enter at 8 am and check out 7 days later at 10am you would owe an extra day. Using a charge card is the fastest and easiest way out.

It depends on the gift card. If you buy a discounted gift card such as from AARP it has to be redeemed through a web address.

The concierge is there to "cater" to the suite guests so I don't know what is above and beyond. The concierge lounge is a very quiet and nice place staffed by the concierge to help the suite passenger enjoy their journey in way they can help.

I'm glad to hear there is Japanese food to try. I enjoy trying foods from other cultures as long as it's not raw fish. I found it interesting that there is a Brazilian Ridizzo on the Diamond.

I was hoping to try some Saki or something authentic to Japan. Did you try any of the specialty restaurants?

Is there nobody on the Diamond Princess currently that could tell me what's in the mini bar? I wonder if they do anything different for the Japanese market.

Not a comparison because the perk of a concierge isn't available to a balcony or an inside cabin. People can tip or not, individual choices and luckily it's an option not mandatory.

I could see why you thought that. I try to follow the custom of the country I am visiting. Multiple articles have been making the news this month about how tipping has gotten out of control. Once in Australia as a newbie I left a tip in a restaurant. The server confronted me and said she didn't need money to do her job. Of course I apologized and learned to do my homework before a trip abroad. That was decades ago but I learned a lesson.

I will be sailing on the Diamond next month in Japan. I'm curious if the mini bar (as elite tier) is any different in Japan? If anyone is on the Diamond would you share with me what little liquor bottles are in the mini bar please.

I feel that I've already paid for the concierge service by paying a significant price for the suite. This is a suite benefit. No more tipping is how I feel. Tipping is out of hand and I resent everyone with their hand out.

Most people just go through the motions of washing their hands. My observation is that most don't use soap and water and friction for a full 20 seconds which is required to wash effectively.

I was on a 28 day cruise last December. I prefer salted butter so asked the waiter about this. Every night he brought a small plate of salted butter to our table. It's available if you want it.

I usually take a croissant or muffin which is not fresh fruit or meat and have never had an issue