New York Nana

On 12/4/2020 at 12:00 PM, Desert Cruisers said:

The reason that there is currently nothing on the website might partly be because Princess must first transfer current cabin bookings from the Sky to the Caribbean.  This includes figuring out what to do with cabin categories from the Sky that do not exist on the Caribbean.  We have been told that we probably will hear about a cabin assignment for our October 16 cruise in mid-December.  We are booked into an obstructed view balcony which does not exist on the Caribbean.  Our cabin number on the Sky is an obstructed oceanview on the Caribbean.

 

The Caribbean is due to leave NY to Fort Lauderdale on a repositioning cruise on November 6.

We had the same category on the Sky (obstructed view). We received 2 cabin changes. The 1st was December 4th and it was a Guarantee/BE cabin on the Caribbean. I received an 'upgrade' on the 9th for a B2 cabin on Caribe deck. 

Looks like they're moving things around pretty quick!

We were on last month and it was open 24hrs. The treadmills/bikes are not set up yet with TV, so you'll have to bring your own entertainment if you like to exercise that way.

11 hours ago, Colo Cruiser said:

Yes it was posted about a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks, I wasn’t aware of that since I was cruising!😀

1 hour ago, flamomo said:

What port did you disembark in?

Port Everglades, Terminal 2

We just disembarked from the Sky P. On Saturday. When we got through the luggage collection area, everyone was directed to 4 lines of facial recognition cameras. You looked at the yellow light and the screen lit up green and you were good to go! No passport to show, no stop at the C&I desks. Not sure what indicated some people fbeing told to go to another line. Maybe declaration?  We have Mobile Passport app and completed the questions prior to leaving the ship, but that didn’t seem to make a difference. 

27 minutes ago, Redwing55 said:

I keep asking and the answer has been not yet, but do you recall if the TV's in the gym had shows on yet?  Word was that there was some compatibility issues.  Not a huge deal since I'll be on her Saturday😊

No TV set up on any of the equipment yet. Bring your own!

2 hours ago, Colo Cruiser said:

Yes it would be any 4 devices.

They would need the log in info.

 Does that mean a name/cabin #? Would they have access to our account information or is that only through the IntrAnet?

2 hours ago, BigJohnL said:

I was on the Regal Oct. 31 through Nov. 10. Saw this concert and I agree it was outstanding. Probably my second best experience ever on a cruise. Yep, the ship was rockin'. 

yes, us too!  I was so glad to see Martyn Moss and Dan Falconer on board! They are a dynamic duo for sure!!  Great addition to the ship’s entertainment!

14 hours ago, Ferd Berfle said:

 

Did you have to be connected to the Internet to have WhatsApp function for calls and text?

Yes, WhatsApp can be used on the MedallionNet only. The only way to communicate on the ship's INTRAnet is with their messaging system. We didn't find that too user friendly because there is no 'alert' to let you know you received a message.

On our Med cruise this summer, we each (7 of us) had WhatsApp on our phones. While on board and using wifi, we were all able to call and text each other without any problems. MedallionNet was not yet activated on the Emerald P.  
While on the Regal last month, with Medallion Net, we were again able to use WhatsApp for calls and texts. We were also able to use iMessage because we all had an iPhone. 

We board the Emerald on July 6.  Around June 17 I went into our personalizer and just happened to check the available internet packages. We're Elite, but our granddaughters are coming with us and I had previously purchased them the 'social media' plan for the week for $59.99.

I was surprised to see a "MedallionNet" plan for unlimited internet for the week for the same prince of $59.99!  I purchased 2 packages and cancelled the the social media package.

When I went back in the next day, the MedallionNet plan was no longer showing, but it still shows on our itinerary and I have the receipt for the purchase.

I contacted my PVP and she was unable to find out if this is legit or not but thought they were perhaps offering it to certain cabins(?).  Anyway, I plan to bring my receipts with me when we board to show Pax Svcs to confirm what plan we will be credited for having purchased.  

I'll let you know how it turns out!

We just got off the CB on Saturday. I made my own mailbox to take on board and my cabin steward loved it!

2 magnets, a hole punch and a plastic expandable folder that doubled as my document folder pre and post cruise.

Most evenings, however, he put the next day’s Patter on our bed at turndown. 

I agree that sliding papers under the door are a hazardous and uncomfortable delivery system!

I am onboard the Caribbean Princess right now. When I logged into Medallion Net, I was given 2 options. Select my 150 free minutes or purchase unlimited with a 25% discount. I selected the unlimited and my account was charged 49.99. My OBC easily covered the expense.  I’m glad I didn’t pre-purchase for $59.99. 

This was for one device usage at a time. There was also an option to use 4 devices ( I don’t recall the cost). My DH cost to just use his free minutes. 

The speed is unbelievable! I have been able to stream shows from HBO Now without any delay or slowdown. And no need to logout. 

17 hours ago, caribill said:

 

It was refundable on the Emerald on a cruise that ended in early January this year.

 

I never had a problem spending it in the past when pre-reserved shore excursions could be paid for on board using the loyalty OBC. Now that you have to pay for pre-reserved excursions, the loyalty OBC cannot be used for that anymore.

17 hours ago, caribill said:

 

It was refundable on the Emerald on a cruise that ended in early January this year.

 

I never had a problem spending it in the past when pre-reserved shore excursions could be paid for on board using the loyalty OBC. Now that you have to pay for pre-reserved excursions, the loyalty OBC cannot be used for that anymore.

I have been able to reserve excursions and ‘pay’ with my OBC with no problem. It gives that option when you select to reserve the excursion. It continues to show the full OBC available on the summary, but the excursions Reservation page shows it “paid”. 

We’ve taken 5 cruises with Princess to Alaska. 4 of the 5 included Glacier Bay NP, one ‘tried’ to go to Tracy Arm but heavy ice floe prevented a safe passage and we diverted to another glacier (sorry, I can’t recall which one). We always go in late May and early June, so ice movement may be different in September. 

I can say without hesitation that Glacier Bay is worth it. It’s almost a full day’s cruise into and out of the park passing by some beautiful sights.  NP rangers join the ship near the entrance of the park to provide informational lectures, commentary, table displays and one on one interaction with passengers. Additionally, the ship has a destination expert on board throughout the entire cruise. 

While in the park, shipboard activities are limited to allow everyone to experience the park without distractions. 

Once you reach the Marjorie Glacier, the ship cuts the engine and allows you to just watch and listen to the Glacier.  Large calving activity will literally make the ship rock and you can hear the passengers  ‘ooo’ and ‘ahhh’ in response!  After about 30 minutes, the ship slowly makes a 180 so passengers on the other side of the ship can watch. Of course, the upper decks offer many viewing opportunities. We’ve been there on bright sunny days and overcast, drizzly days. The experience was not affected by the weather. 

Also, if anyone in your group has served in the military, they get a $100 OBC!  You just need to send Princess a copy of the DD214.  They also will offer various sales that may offer the drink packages (Sip and Sail).  You can rebook anytime before final payment to take advantage of these sales. Just be aware of any limitations.  

I don’t believe you will regret it and will cherish the experience shared with your parents!

Barb

Oh yes! We had Olimpio as our steward on the Caribbean P. in October!  He was hands down, the BEST cabin steward we’ve had! I don’t know where your cabin is, but we were hoping to have him again since we’re in the same cabin in a couple weeks on Baja mid-ship. 

I’m enjoying your ‘live from’ with all the updates on the Medallion. We were on the last cruise before it was going full bore (free internet!). 

Just received our new Medallions today in the mail and I’m anxious to try out the additional features besides it just opening our cabin doors. 

Safe travels!

Barb

On 2/14/2019 at 11:23 PM, Dreamer115 said:

We have an excursion booked in Skagway called Klondike Summit, Suspension Bridge and Salmon Bake booked through Princess.  My question is, is the fee for the suspension bridge included?  I would not have even known there was a charge but was looking at pictures of the area and there is an $18. charge for adults, $14. seniors.  That brings the price up quite a bit and may change to a different excursion if they don't. Can't seem to see a place to contact Princess, other than phoning.  I understand that can take a while with being on hold.

 

Any suggestions?? 

May I suggest something?  Being so close to being near the Yukon, I really recommend taking a tour there rather than just to the summit and the bridge.  We’ve been to Alaska 5 times. We’ve taken 3 tours with Dyea Dave. There is also Chilkoot tours. It will be on a smaller van (12 to 20 pax), travels as far as Emerald Lake (which is as beautiful as the name sounds). We stopped along the road to see wildlife right up close (bears) and were able to stop at photo stops without the big charter buses loading or unloading pax. 

We stopped in Carcross for lunch and some shopping.  They offer, for those interested, to stop at the train station on the way back if you want to take the White Pass railway back to town. 

It was a very personal type tour. We highly recommend them or Chilkoot (we’ve never toured with them, but have heard great reviews).

The Yukon has some stunning vistas. You really want to see it!

On 2/6/2019 at 7:01 AM, -Lew- said:

 

If your itinerary does not include non-EU ports, there will be no customs/immigration disembarkation requirement.

That’s helpful to know! Thank you!

On 2/6/2019 at 3:04 AM, caribill said:

 

see above in red

Thank you!

Never did a Med cruise before and headed there this July with family. We’re booked for 2 nights post-cruise in Athens after departing the Emerald P.

My question(s):

1. Does Princess allow us to do self-walkoff carrying our own baggage or is luggage required to go through local customs/security prior to collecting them in the terminal?

2. We’ve booked a tour/transfer to pick us up at the dock.  What is the layout there? Is there an easy location to meet them?  

3. Family are all 1st time cruisers except for me.  If we are unable to do self-walk off will we be able to depart together if I have priority departure privileges? We’re in 3 separate cabins.

I’m sure I’ll think of more questions, but I appreciate all the help from you experienced CCers!

Thanks!

Barb😁

Boarded CB on Sep 28.  No outside priority line.  Once inside the doors (which opened shortly after 10), everyone went through security and were then directed to priortiy line or regular line for checkin. We were then directed upstairs to Priority lounge.

Also, no more filling out health form - just lots of signs reminding you to wash your hands!

Just boarded today. Platinum and Elite are back to free minutes rather than unlimited.

Wow! That was quick! Did they offer additional minutes at login at a reduced fare or an reduced unlimited plan for platinum/elite?

Just an FYI. Get the Mobile Passport app on your phone. We literally walked through customs with no line. We were directed to the Global Entry line, he glanced at our passports and we were done.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thanks for the reply.

 

Since they give a $250 Platinum/Elite perk for a 10 day cruise & charge $9.99 per day per device to anyone, I'm thinking the unlimited internet might be a thing of the future. (wishful :D)

It’s 250 internet minutes per pax, not $250 value.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

So you had unlimited internet for the whole trip as a Platinum member?

I guess they just applied the dollar value to the unlimited package similar to anyone who made the purchase.

Yes, Platinum/Elite guests had free unlimited wifi. For others, they offered a reduced pre-embark purchase of $6.99 per day per device. I believe onboard it was $9.99 per day per device. Extremely fast (I posted earlier the results of my speed test). We were able to watch live the NASCAR race yesterday on my iPad.

I asked about when the free internet would be over but no one was able to confirm.