denisey

I'm pretty sure we won't sail Princess again.  Our cruise was canceled 5 times, 2020 and 2021 I get, the three this year are a little much.  The Diamond princess was canceled after final payment and they will not be giving us our money back for 45 days.  None of the cruises on the very limited replacement list would work in our schedule and they would not let us book a different cruise off the list with our FCC. 

Our FCC expire at the end of this year and they won't extend them.

And, they are now saying WE canceled the cruise and will only get 50% of our money back as a FCC that has to be used within a year.

My TA will be arguing with them come Monday, but this is really sloppy on their part!

On 8/1/2022 at 2:01 PM, scottca075 said:

Best is a judgment call obviously. The "best" would be a limo stocked with bottles of Dom Perignon Brut, vintage 1966, but I don't think that is what you are asking. The best combo of convenient and cost is Uber or Lyft.

Oooooh!  where do I book this one?  It would probably cost more than the cruise, but it's only money, right!

Thanks for the chuckle!

The porters can help you with the luggage tags when you first get to the port.  The will give you the bands when you check in.

It is really easy and you don't have to do any more running around than the normal cruise check in.

Have fun!

Our friends opened the shower door and used it to block off the opening to give privacy.

But it is an odd arrangement.

We booked one on our recent cruise, and it was nice.  Our reasoning was that one of the friends going is not a sun person, and we were concerned about having enough shade.  There wound up being a lot of shade through out the beach club.  We did have a dedicated waiter to bring us drinks and food, if we wanted it.  She also helped us drag more chairs to the cabana.  The cabana's are very close together, so you get to be best friends with your neighbors.

Overall, I don't think that is was worth the price we paid.

On 12/5/2021 at 8:14 PM, spacedognj said:

I'm trying to activate my band in the app and it says it failed, with an error that says "we can't seem to find you, check your wifi"... Anyone have this happen@

It did that to me for my cruise, and I tried again a couple of days later and it worked.  One of my friends could get it to activated and they did that at the port during check in, no problem!

On 12/3/2021 at 12:03 PM, WanderlustJourney said:

I've been booked for quite some time, however I've heard and read very mixed reviews about how and when sailors are receiving their bands and luggage tags (if they even receive them in time for their sailing). Just curious on others experiences with receiving/not receiving them before hand. My newest challenge has been that I can't seem to upload vaccination proof in the app? The step is just missing and it's saying I still need to complete something in my check in, but there isn't anything further for me to complete lol

They make it really easy at the port.  If you didn't get bands in the mail, they will give you them at the port.  My husband's vax card loaded, so nothing needed for him.  Mine didn't, so I just showed my card.

My friends' cabin changed at the last moment, but they were able to get their new cabin number at the pier. 

16 minutes ago, MarinerBoy said:

 

Problem is that when you click on the map under directions on your Virgin map for day 1 it takes you to pier C not F. This is still as of today 12/05/2021.

Somewhere I saw a date for when they were going to make the change from C to F, but wasn't able to find that this morning, and I don't remember off hand when this was happening.

7 minutes ago, jodiella said:

Did the Uber bring you right to the terminal?  Our hotel is saying that they cab only drop us off at the entrance and that only shuttles cab take you right to the cruise ship…

We had a private car service and they took us right to the door of the Terminal.  There was a Private car/taxi stand just a few feet away from the entrance/exit.

I want to start by saying that as able-bodied people, we would never book a Handicap cabin intentionally.  We had some issues with our first cabin, so one week prior to the voyage, they moved us to this cabin without telling us it was Handicap.  If I had known I would have taken requests on Cruise Critic for information.  Hopefully this will help anyone who needs a Handicap cabin.

I also don’t normally travel with a tape measure but had one this trip for a craft project.  While I made every effort to measure accurately, please note that I may be slightly off on some of these measurements.

Virgin marks this as an Ambulatory cabin

This is a XL Sea Terrace and as such is five feet longer than a regular cabin.  Ours was the end cabin and it was easy to see the difference in the hallway.  The cabin door opening is 26 inches and felt like a standard cruise ship cabin door.  The Hallway is 32 inches wide. There are two sets of two hooks in the hallway, one high and one low for jackets, etc.

The bathrooms are different on all XL cabins.  There is not a bathroom door, but the toilet and shower are in separate cubicles with a door/curtain.  The opening into the bathroom is 26 inches.  It is flat going into the bathroom, but a step up for the toilet and shower.

The sink is longer than a regular cabin at 57 inches.  I did not measure the height of the sink, but it felt standard.  There are two sets of two hooks, one high and one low for robes, etc.

The shower and toilet cubicles are 22 inches wide by 42 inches deep.  The toilet has a door, the shower has a curtain and fold down bench.  Both have two grab bars.  The second toilet grab bar is behind the toilet seat, and it was hard to keep the lid/seat up.  The shower has a “rain” shower head that can be moved slightly not to be raining straight down on you.  Standard cabins have a shower wand, but this one has a sprayer, like you would find on a kitchen sink.

The closet is 28 inches long, and had two hanger bars, one high and one lower.  There is a shelf above the higher bar.  There are seven shelves on the side, five are 17 inches wide by 8 inches tall, one had the safe.  Two are taller, but one has the life vests.

The desk height is 28 inches.

The space between the bottom of the bed and the wall is tight.  It is only about 18 inches, and the poofy comforter takes up some of that space.  The door to the balcony is 34 inches and there is a step up to get into the balcony.

Our cabin had a spare bed, which looks like a big ottoman when folded up and a chair that was fairly wide. 

I took pictures, but haven’t figured out how to upload them here.

I think most of the OP questions were answered (no receipts, carry cash if you want to tip for each drink/meal)  except room service.  They leave your food (in an insulated bag) ring your bell and leave.  It would be a challenge to tip those folks!

Overall, I would say this was the happiest crew I've had on a ship.  As well as pay, Virgin treats their staff really well...free wifi, great laundry room, one mess to make all the crew equal (most ships have an officer mess, a staff mess and a crew mess) and the food is really good in the mess.

Lucy on YouTube as Cruising as Crew raves about working for Virgin.

17 hours ago, btregoning said:

Can you tell me which cruise terminal they were using?

8 hours ago, MarinerBoy said:

What cruise terminal in Miami?

We were at Terminal C, but I know they were getting ready to change that to Terminal F.  The website does say Term F in the FAQ's

3 hours ago, Sportsgirl12345 said:

What kind of Covid test is it? Swab in nose?

Very gentle swab in the nose.

On 11/30/2021 at 12:15 PM, Lurdes777 said:

 

Question about breakfast - I love good breakfast.  What are the options for eat?  I read Razzle Dazzle has brunch?  I also see The Wake coming up with being available in the morning - what do they serve?

The Brunch at the Wake was fairly limited ...some appetizers, three Benedicts, steak and eggs, and a steak and not much else.  The food was very good, just not a big selection.

There was more choices at Razzle Dazzle, but they are heavily vegetarian.  You can get a "bucket" of bacon on the side.  Again the food was very good.  The apple cruffin was out of this world!

We ate breakfast in the Galley most days.  They have a really good selection at breakfast.  My eggs were cooked absolutely perfect every time (which rarely happens on land!)  They have the standard fair (eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, hash browns, sweet potato hash browns....) as well as other stuff, chorizo burrito, salmon and cream cheese, a bagel bar, lots of yummy pastries. 

Just a note, a paper schedule is available each day at Sailor Services with a list of times, if you prefer paper over the app.

Any upscale brand of alcohol is more expensive.  My G&T at the Dock House was $11, my Aviation G&T at On The Rocks was $16.  Most drinks were in that range.  

Ahoy Sailors!  (get used to that!)

We were on the Nov 26th sailing of the Scarlet Lady.  We signed up for 2 PM embarkation, which was the earliest for non-Rock Star Suite Passengers. Originally,  we were told to come an hour earlier than that, so I arranged my transportation for that time.  Just before we sailed, they changed it to have you come to the port at your embarkation/arrival time.

We got to the port at 12:40.  They had signs out for 12 and 12:30 embarkation and one for Too Early.  We went to the Too Early sign, but I asked a Virgin Rep if we should wait.  They instructed us to go on in the terminal.

First you scan a QR code to sign up for COVID testing.  It did not work for 2 of the 4 of us, and I was having trouble completing the on line form.  No problem, they have paper forms to sign.  They were 2 pages of COVID testing rules, regulations and information.  We then went to a counter and talked to a representative who collected information for the COVID test (confirmed name, DOB...).  She then sent us to the COVID testing area for a quick swab.  We got purple wrist bands to show we have been tested and sent us to the check in counter.

Quick note, the paper forms, counter and testing tables were all just a few feet apart.

At the check in counter, our information was confirmed and our wrist bands were activated.  Since we filled in the information online prior to the cruise, this took a very few minutes.  My COVID vaccine card didn't show up on their records, so I did have to show that.  The hubs didn't.

We then went to a seating area and waited for our negative results....which came in for all four of us right after we got there!  Note, they send an email with an attachment with the results.  On our phones the attachment is hard to see, so you have to look for that Negative result.

We then went to a waiting area to wait for 2 PM to embark.  We got to the waiting area at 1:08...so a half an hour to go through all the steps!  There were no lines at any of the stops when we were there, so I imagine it takes a little longer once more people show up.  Everything was done very efficiently, so I don't think the lines would have been too long.

They seat you in little groups and give you information on boarding.  We were group 6, but were sitting right in front of the entrance, so we got to go first!  My cousins, who were also on this cruise, came later, but I was allowed to bring them into our group to board with us.

They let the Rock Stars on slightly earlier, and right at 2 PM we were boarding the ship.

The staff we ran into during this process were all friendly, helpful and lots of fun!  There were a couple of reps in wheel chairs guiding us through, reinforcing Virgin's all inclusive policies.

I know there were some hiccups in the boarding process for earlier cruises, but this couldn't have been easier!

6 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

Unfortunately, I'm not staying in any kind of suite... I'll be staying in what they call an XL Sea Terrace, which appears to be slightly larger than a "regular" Sea Terrace. I do hope to try and get some pictures of Richard's Rooftop though, if at all possible...

Ooooh!  We have an XL Sea Terrace and I have not seen a lot of specifics on it.  I'd love to see pix, so I can compare to the Regular Sea Terrace!  Thanks!

I think my biggest question at this point is what is going on with COVID testing!  I know they did it at the port for UK cruises, but suspect we'll have to come armed with our own.  

Have a lovely trip!

Thanks for the great information! It sounds like you really enjoyed your cruise!

9 hours ago, desire882x said:

 

Sure, I'll let you know as soon as my full review is published, I submitted it yesterday. My review is just my honest opinion and whilst some may not agree with some of my points I am just trying to provide details on my own experience.

I don't see how you can do anything but give your honest opinion, and I appreciate it.  While it is possible and likely I'll have a different experience than you, I am enjoying hearing about this new ship and cruise line!  I look forward to your review!  Thanks!

A YouTuber called Visit with Us did a review where they said the bed could be put in eight different configurations, but didn't specify.  You may have to ask your first day on board.  Have fun!

Ship:  Constellation

Cabin: 2134

Deck: 2

Class: eg., OV

Area/Location:  Midship

Bed Location / View: Wall-facing, away from Window

Quiet? No

Porthole View: Good

Porthole Size: Standard

Wind a Problem?  No

Soot a Problem? No

Problems / Comments: We were on a port intensive cruise.  The opening for the Pilot boat was just below our window, so we were awoken each morning with clanging and banging, with opening the door for the pilot.  It was typically 2-3 hours prior to docking, so quite early.  The gangway was also at this location, when we docked on this side.  We didn't find it a huge problem, and enjoyed watching the pilot leave in the evening (front row seats!)  It was nice to come back to the ship and only have to go up 1 flight to our room.  It was convenient to the dining room, Martini Bar and Cellar Master bar.  There was lots of storage in this room, but some of it was tucked away in odd places.

On ‎1‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 7:19 PM, mskaufman said:

 

Good question.  I think just be prepared for the crowds and to move with them and not let them pass you by.

We went to a talk at the Rick Steves Travel Center over the weekend.  The speaker's advice for crowds was to be polite and gently use your elbows to get through the crowds.

On one crowded airport adventure, we got behind the guy who was pushing his way through and rode in his wake to get there.

10 hours ago, John Bull said:

One time when we went up by donkey (mule), the one next to my girlfriend lifted its tail and emptied its bowels - all down her leg.

Everyone though it was hilarious  *

 

JB 

* well, almost everyone 

I can see how most people would find that funny! 

I think the donkeys were especially, um, regular on the day we were there.  But there were also 5 ships in port, and we were the early arrival/departure.  There were still a lot of folks going up when we were going down.

I dress a little nicer in Europe, skirts capris slacks, rather than shorts.  Nice t-shirts or blouses.  I also throw a "pashmina" type shawl in my day pack, just in case.  Good walking shoes are essential, and if that means white tennis shoes, don't worry about it!  Whatever you wear in a church, would be fine for anything else.  I usually take a "fancy" necklace for evening dinners where I want to look a little nicer.

We use a money belt for cash and credit cards, and have a small backpack for water, camera, tour books, pashmina, sweater if we think it will be chilly.

But mostly, be clean and polite and have a fabulous trip!

On ‎9‎/‎19‎/‎2018 at 4:56 AM, JohninDC said:

When we were there in late June the crew members estimated that the wait was 90+ minutes. :eek: We opted to walk down, which took about 30+ minutes, and was not bad except for dodging a few donkeys.

We walked down also, great views from the steps!  The steps are wide (it takes 2 steps to clear a step) and exposed pebble concrete.  Note, donkeys do not wear diapers! so the steps can get slick.  We were there on a clear, sunny day and saw several people slip.  It isn't a problem, just something to be aware of.

Once at the bottom, they made us sanitize our hands before getting on the ship.  We joked that we were head-to-toe donkey poo, but we had clean hands!

My husband still calls my foot wear from that day "Your Donkey-Poo Shoes!"

It was one of our favorite "cultural experiences!"