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Please, If you are going to quote someone and then post a reply, PLEASE read ALL the posts in the thread first. Pam's information that you quoted was in regards to the "Burial-at-Sea of Cremated Ashes".

Also, the last most of us knew, Pam is a she, not a he.

I guess I missed that. There are over 110 posts so you can't expect all people are going to read every single one.

They were talking about some guy who wanted to live on a ship and one of his alleged benefits was that when you die they will do "burial at sea" for free. "Burial at sea" is a specific term that means you are placing the entire body into the sea for burial. This, and the fact that ships do not have a crematorium on board lead me to believe that we were talking about an actual burial at sea, which no cruise line does. Then some other person commented that they did look into this and said it is allowed as long as you are 12 miles out and the remains are in a biodegradable container or put directly into the water. Which is even more ridiculous than the original claim.

Not very funny and quite inappropriate.

I would agree. That is why I am sure the information can't be correct. I've never heard of a formal burial at sea where they just directly put the body into the water.

Burial at sea is rather uncommon, but when it does happen the body is normal inside some kind of bag. I am guessing this is what he meant when he said “bio-degradable container.” And there is also some method of adding weight to it so that the remains remain at the bottom.

It's actually very simple. You need to request prior approval from the Princess Marine Department, the ship needs to be at least 12 miles from shore, and the remains need to be in either a biodegradable container or distributed directly (which is what we did.) I contacted the Purser's Desk after boarding, they consulted with the Navigator and then gave me some day/time options. A little bit of effort and not complicated at all.

Wouldn't you want to weight the body down so that it does not end up floating back up and maybe in to shore?

On the Coral last fall our staterooms cards were checked the first night to assure we were entitled to be there. It really is a very nice perk and we enjoyed going. The chef was very friendly, made it a point to come around and speak with us every time we came in.

 

 

I too would be a little disappointed to hear that people are showing up and partaking of this lounge when they have not earned that privledge. Sad to think that people always have to feel entitled to something they don't deserve.

 

In 2010 we sailed on the Celebrity Summit and were often up in the lounge where they did their cocktail party. It was a great place to spend an afternoon reading. Not once did we try to take advantage of someting we had not earned, although we were offered drinks and canapes. We simply said no thanks, we are not entitled to this perk.

That is why you say you are in suite. Those cards look just like all the other ones.

Was talking to friends who have just returned from one of their MANY Princess Cruises and they mentioned going up to the Elite Lounge most afternoons for drinks.

 

Any information on the "Elite Lounge"?

 

Is it open to suite passengers as well?

It is pretty much open to anyone who shows up. Usually there is just a sign on a table somewhere that says elite lounge. If there is someone there just tell them you are in a suite as you walk in.

4 Friends of us are cruising with us but they are not Platinum yet. Can we take them to the "Elite Lounge" and also, how many guests can each person take?

 

Theo

Yes, most of the time no one is there checking so anyone can just walk right in. Or tell them you are in a suite and go in.

I saw this question on the Royal Caribbean board and wanted to ask the same thing over here. The RCI thread is giving me lots of ideas for what to order on my next Jewel of the Seas cruise, but it doesn't help me much with my upcoming Caribbean Princess cruise unless both cruise lines serve the exact same concoctions with the same names.

 

I'm not talking beer or wine, but that special mixed drink that you just can't wait to order once on board.

 

On my Star Princess cruise I discovered the Bahama Mama which was delicious, but I'd like to know what else is out there that you like.

If you like chocolate, you should order a chocolate choo choo. Tastes like candy.

On the other hand, if you're there for the booze special as well as nosh, I wonder what would happen if you handed the bartender a blue or gold card.

He might think that you came with an elite.

Suite cards can be blue so he might not notice anything.

He might notice and charge you the extra 2 bucks.

He could notice and just not care.

He might take the drink out of your hand and throw it in your face.

My expereince with most bartenders is that they are not interested in arguing with customers and will do whatever is easiest.

And even though it is suppose to be reserved, anyone can go. Most of the time no one is there to check access. And if there is, just say you are in a suite and they will let you in.

OK Here you go. On a December 2010 Island Princess Cruise there were 10 deck/navigational officers including the Captain, Staff Captain, two 1st officers, two 2nd officers, three 3rd officers and one deck cadet. Of the other 1000 or so Officers, Staff and Crew on board, my estimate is that only about 100 or so wear traditional Navy type class "A" uniforms, as their everyday dress. All others wear uniforms that fit their jobs. Regarding the Pursur's staff, which is now called Customer Service, the managers and supervisors do wear Navy type uniforms. The front desk staff wears more of a suit, similar to what you would find in a nice hotel, but you can still tell they work for the company.

Of those 100 or so, how many wear boxer vs breifs?

You are confusing the "Officer Rank" with jobs on the ship and the uniforms worn. The staff you see walking around are not usually the deck or operations officers. They are too consumed manning the bridge, engine room, and the operations of the vessel to be out and about. You very seldom see a bridge officer by the pool or in a lounge, but be assured they are always on post where you would want them to be. The hotel staff, which is the largest portion of the ship's company, has many employees that have officer status. Some are uniformed in traditional "whites" or "blues" with a rank shown on their shoulder, and some are not. For example, the Cruise Directors staff are either officers or petty officers. This staff and others from the customer service area take command of crews in different emergency situations. During the muster drills and during training drills, held on port days, you will see this staff preparing for different situations. The security staff is out and about, and you will see them in uniform doing their rounds.

Hope this information is helpful and calming to your concerns.

I don’t think he was concerned. I believe he is looking for a number per ship.

A hundred or so.

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I entirely do understand the whole "bigot" thing.

 

Per Merriam-Webster: big·ot - : a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance

 

I stand by what I said 110%. I don't subscribe to the us vs. them attitude and don't spend any amount of time with those that do. On the occasions that my partner and I would attend the FOD gatherings, I'll still bring along my straight friends and family should they want to join us.

I would agree with the other guy. He is saying that when he goes to a GLBT happy hour that he prefers the people there to be GLBT. How does that definition of bigot apply here? I also don’t think it has anything to do with “us vs. them”. It’s a happy hour, not a political strategy session.

How do you feel about them scheduling the meeting in the first place? You mentioned in another post that bigots are responsible for making minorities feel “compartmentalized.” It seems to me that the existence of a fod meeting also compartmentalizes people.

I would be ok with a bi bringing their partner. However, I do think there is a certain point where the aim of GLBT happy hour gets lost. If I attended one and found that 50% of the people attending were straight women, I would probably choose not to attend again.

Why does this only happen with GLBT meetings? I never see any teenagers angry they were turned away by the Red Hats, drinkers wanting to crash the AA meeting, married couples wanting to play the singles matching games….

One of my best friends owns a jewelry store so this purchase was so unlike us but here is how it went down. She was shocked when I told her about our purchase. "you did what?!!!!!!" And we had been on many cruises before this.

 

I had been taking care of both moms for several years. Both in assisted living - dh is an only child and my one brother lives far away so I took care of everything and went to vist both at least once a day. If any of you are caregivers, you know how exhausting and frustrating it is. Lets just say I did everything possible to make their last years very comfortable, etc. So my husband wanted to treat me to a relaxing cruise.

Every night before dinner, we had a glass of wine in the hot tub and there were two other couples that we talked with every night. In Jamacia we decided to just walk around town. I also had walked past when they were doing to shopping talk as they were discussing their gaurantee and thought that's it was a good deal but never figured I'd be buying anything. We came to a jewelry store and the two other coupes were inside so we went in. It was 90 plus with matching humidity and it felt good in the ac. Then they offered us beer. It was so cold and tasted wonderful. The guys were having a great time talking, drinking and joking around while the girls looked around and we also had a few more beers. The sales staff were really nice and kept bring more beers out.

I tried on a necklace and everyone thought it was beautiful ( large tanzinite in center) and then to my shock my husband says "would you like it?" Then he added "why don't you look for some earings to match it - you deserve something nice after what you have gone thru the past couple years" - his mother was really difficult to deal with".

So, I can't believe I said yes but I think the alcohol had a lot to do with it!!!! and that's probably why the store offers it to you.

After we got back to the ship and it sailed, I was very upset with myself for buying it but never said anything to my husband. So this is very very unike us.

I can't remember the name of the store - I have lots of errands today but will look it up later and post the name.

ANd yes I used my mastercard and did contact them BUT they said they couldn't help us since the purchase was made OUT Of the country - WHAT!!! I couldn't believe that and I did call back to confirm it.

 

SO, don't say you would never do something - The jewelry is in the safe and everytime I see that box, I get so upset with myself. My jeweler said you wouldn't believe all the people who bring in a purchase from some island and find out it's not worth what they paid or in the case of pearls - they aren't real. And the majority of time, they do nothing, don't want their spouse or anyone to know that they were taken.

Your story, while having a lot details, never mentions what was wrong with the jewelry. Or were you just angry because you bought it while you were drinking?

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I always take a picture of my itinerary, cabin # and cell phone numbers.

 

I find it interesting that you are able to "lock" these photos!!! I've never heard of that before. But then again, I don't fully read instructions either.:o

 

So, how do you do "lock" photos???

Right click on the filename, goto properties and select read only checkbox.

Just got 2 more food tips-suggestions (enjoy):

 

 

• For a variety of other items, or smaller portions - some adult eaters also prefer the children's menu to enjoy (at times)
   
  

• If you love creamy Alfredo pasta ask for it to be served as a side dish with the bowl
  

:)

My tip would be to try to post tips that most people would not think of on their own.

If you like Alfredo pasta then order Alfredo pasta... is not much of a tip. Anyway, my experience is that no matter what you say, most of the time you get the entree sized version anyway.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what Princess could substitute for the much heralded "Champagne Pour" on first formal night?

How about one of those sumo wrestling matches? The ones where you wear those sweaty heavy padded costumes?

Google the following:

 

"detox hoax"

 

and see what comes up.

I am so happy that some other people get what is going on here. Your body does not have any toxins in it. And if for some reason it did, like you ate some poison or something, none of these products will do anything for you.

The benefit comes from the time you spend releaxing while you are using the product. But you can get some much cheaper bubble bath or massage oils that will do the same thing for you.

The questions that haven't been answered are the ones I posted:

 

I really want to take some good pictures in Alaska. Are there any digital photography sessions/enthusiast groups that meet during the cruise? If so, can anyone share experiences and associated cost?

 

For any other photographers out there, what was your best/favorite shot?

 

If so, I apologize for bothering you.

I don't remember anything like that. You could try to set one up, but prolly not worth the effort.

I think you are going to find that most places will have too much water vapor in the air to get really good photos. So if you try to take some photos of the mountains you are likely to get a lot of grey in the photo. I think you will find the photos that come out best will be the ones that have some kind subject matter in the foreground as well as off in the distance. So try to find a spot with some trees that open up to a nice view or something like that.

You might also want to try to carry your camera around while you are on deck. We saw about 30 – 50 whales during the trip, but by the time you go get your camera they will be gone.

Stevesan, says

 

 

• Excellent gelato is available at the cafe on Plaza Deck for a mere 50 cents/scoop. Minimum serving is three scoops.
  

The sapphire does not have a cafe on the plaza deck.

I think these tips need to be cleaned up a bit. Many of them are wrong.

I wish they would close this thread. Or at least stop posting nonsense. "Bring Clothes"... What kind of a tip is that?

Please stop posting the "tip" that people take water bottles up to the buffet and fill them there. This spreads germs and there is a big sign on the ice machine that says it is not permitted.

This seems to be random. I was on the Sapphire last week and the laundy room on our floor was open every time I walked past it.

Due to environmental restrictions in Alaskan waters, the laundry facilities are closed during most of the cruise. There is another thread currently active on this now. So plan on having stinky clothing.

The ships aren't designed with the long term capacity to store volumes of untreated water. For a day perhaps they could do it, if there was a reservoir, but I am pretty sure I recall that laundry drainage feeds right into the wastewater treatment system.

 

The average washer uses 43 gallons of water per load, so assuming 100 loads a day (easy to do on a larger ship) for a 7 day cruise they would need storage of around 30 thousand gallons. That's about the amount of water used in the ships pools (a 20' by 40' pool 5 feet deep is 30,000 gallons)

What happens to all the toilet, shower, sink and other water then? Are they dumping the poop overboard, but not the water to wash clothes?

I believe that Princess has no choice in the matter. It's state law that governs if their laundries will be open while the ship is in Alaskan or Washington waters.

Of course they have a choice in the matter. They can hold the water on board.