Shippy

1 hour ago, consmarci said:

Are come back and play offers limited to certain sailings? I've never had it happen before, but today was told certain sailings don't qualify when location and number of days fit the offer description.  I was told to look for sailings without an A in voyage number. I don't even know where to find voyage number. 

  We are sailing in April on one of those offers. The qualifying cruises were listed in the email.

8 hours ago, 20165 said:

No, just a regular cruise from the princess website. Thx

8 hours ago, Crookshanks said:

I did have to wait for final payment to be confirmed. So that makes sense.  Did you book with a casino offer?

  We usually book with a casino offer. It really surprised me the first time I got an offer to bid. You pay so little with casino offer in the first place I felt a little guilty having the opportunity to bid. We have won bids several times.

4 hours ago, jagoffee said:

As best that I can tell, there is no way (nor has there ever) been a way to make a 360 experience reservation on line without charging the cost to your credit card.  It is the exact same way on the free first night speciality dining reservation.  As far as I know, Princess has never allowed you to book that reservation on line or in advance.  
If you have the Premier package, you can book the two Reservations on line without charging it to your credit card.  I did this. 

 

This is part of the e mail that I received.

 

 

“And because you booked a suite before December 1, 2023, it won't cost you a thing! This epic, seven-course journey transports you to the Mediterranean.  We can’t give away the menu, but we can give you a sense (or five) of what to expect:    Seven courses showcasing the best of Mediterranean cuisine perfectly paired with cocktails and wine Dazzling imagery in a room wrapped with hi-def screens Stunning hi-res sound for a unique sonic element Enticing aromas pumped into the atmosphere  Captivating stories about the food you’re enjoying ? and the people who produced it   Space is limited, so secure your seat at the table with your suite concierge as soon as you're on board. “.   it does not imply nor suggest that I try to book it in line or  call Princess and try to have someone book it now in advance.   IMO Princess will set aside enough room for all of us booked prior to December 1.   I know that people are trying to beat the system and book without paying in advance.  I am not sure it is fair to everyone else.  And I know Princess has not implied that it is allowed.     I do agree that it would be a better process, but it contradicts what Princess is clearly telling us.     I have never had an issue booking my first night Speciality Restaurant when I embarked.   I am not sure the number of total suites on each ship, but I cannot image needing  to stand in a long line, so I am stopping in the lounge to see the concierge when I get on board.       If this thread starts to get me worried, I will just book, pay, and get a refund when I board.  I will not get frustrated that I cannot get Princess to change the process.  The process is going away for all booking after December 1 anyway.   Good luck.    I do not understand about the long line. you can see the concierge anytime.    We were in the concierge lounge a lot & most of the time the was no one waiting  for him at his desk.

 

1 hour ago, voyager1964 said:

Can anybody please clarify how you communicate the dietary restrictions for the 360 experience?

Thanks

Probably guest services if you are not in a suite.

We were so I informed the concierge that might husband was allergic to seafood.

The lady next to him was a vegetarian.

 You cannot change anything during the meal. Everything is timed with story lines. The waitstaff is very quick to put he plates down & leave as the story never really stops.

22 minutes ago, jagoffee said:

Just to clarify.  The suite concierge told you that Princess did not save enough spots to allow the invited suite guest (no charge) to be able to attend?  Some suite guests on board your cruise did not get to do the 360 experience, because there was not availability?  And this is the case for the next four cruise.

 

Really  hard for me to believe.  I trust if this happened that any rejected suite guest would have been well compensated for the screw up.

 

Here is what my e mail said:

 

”

And because you booked a suite before December 1, 2023, it won't cost you a thing! This epic, seven-course journey transports you to the Mediterranean.  We can’t give away the menu, but we can give you a sense (or five) of what to expect:    Seven courses showcasing the best of Mediterranean cuisine perfectly paired with cocktails and wine Dazzling imagery in a room wrapped with hi-def screens Stunning hi-res sound for a unique sonic element Enticing aromas pumped into the atmosphere  Captivating stories about the food you’re enjoying ? and the people who produced it   Space is limited, so secure your seat at the table with your suite concierge as soon as you're on board. “ Could not be clearer.  What did your concierge have to say?  Oops, you shoukd not have done what we said to do?

 

 

   I have no idea  if there were not enough spots for everyone on our night. But since it is limited. As people book, it will fill up. We did meet a couple in the concierge lounge that wanted to go. They said the concierge would let them know every night  if there were any cancellations. I did not see them the last 2 nights so I have no idea if the got  a seat or not..

They have no idea if you want to go or which night or what time.

They are not going to turn down people that book because you might want to go some night, some time.

The smart thing do do is make your reservation a soon as you can ! That is what we did because we wanted early dining. You can go on your app days  before you go on the ship & hit the reservation button for each day of the cruise for 360 & see what is available. I did everyday & watched times disappear so I went ahead & booked.

 

 The menu is no secret. The are even youtubes !

5 minutes ago, elisamarie said:

So, highly recommended? It's our anniversary and I thought this, or the Winemakers dinner, would be a nice celebration.

360 is fabulous. The technology amazing  The food incredible. Many waiters so everyone is served at the same time. You are in a private ,high tech room that only seats 20 people.

And the wine....I am not a wine person but is very good,and the stories behind them. The wines are not available anywhere else on the ship. One bottle of the red is actually aged in the Mediterranean sea.

You will see the full story visually.. $500. a bottle & after they poured every one a glass, they left the bottles on the tables if you wanted more !

  And then there is the story about the 'happy buffalos'  where the buffalo mozzarella comes from.

And more fascinating storys.  

  Although I would not do it again because I heard all the storys, I would Definitely recommend it.

  Unfortunately, it can vary from ship to ship....and even that can change !

We get the Plus package.

About a year & a half ago we were on the Royal. They would only include the sundaes someone pictured above AND they would not allow any variation.

Six months ago we were on the Regal. They included ANY ice concoction on the menu.

My favorites were the banana split & the Frangelico (liquor) sundae.

   Just off the Discovery last week. I ordered the Frangelico sundae & the said it was $8.00 !

They said ONLY the premium Sundaes were included BUT they would all for some changes.

SO, I ordered the Donetello & said hold all the cake & candies. They I went over to the bar & had them pour a shot of Frangelico on it.

Absolutely ridiculous. You could not even a $4. scoop of gelato without having to pay but if you

call the name of one of those $12. fancy ones you get it free.

 I did confirm this policy with guest services although it seemed that in the past they were more lenient about it.

  It looks like the back of the ship slants going down.

This gives the illusion that the lower the deck number the bigger those cabins and or balconies might be.

Anyone know if this is so ?

any cabin recommendations ? thanks

5 hours ago, New2cruise2022 said:

@Shippy Thanks for sharing this experience with all of us. As an avid cruiser as well as a chef owner, my product and service is better because of people like you that share experiences so improvement is possible. 
 

I’ll be on the Discovery in 12 days. Did you get a name by chance?

No. Probably because he was undercover    :O)

1 hour ago, HBCcruiser said:

I booked in the app for next week because I anticipated it would sell out. Do they automatically refund suite guests or will I have to speak to the concierge? I booked this cruise a year ago so well before the December 1 deadline.

  The concierge told me they could not refund to credit cards but would give you OBC.

That is what they did for us. I kept noticing that the available times were less & less. I really wanted to go & have the early show so I went ahead & booked.

I was surprised that they charged the credit card within a few days....before we were on the ship. But once on, we asked for & got OBC.

   Just off the Discovery. Did 360 ding which was fabulous.

VERY limited seating. Now that it has opened to everyone, not just invited suite guests, It will be very hard to get a reservation.

The man in charge of it told me he is sold out for the next 4 cruises, barring any cancellations.

He said there will be no wiggle room for changing days or times.

If you have a complementary offer, you may not be able to book  it as such on the app. It might want to charge you. The concierge told me to tell people to go ahead & book & they will make an OBC adjustment when you get onboard. Otherwise, even though you have it as an offer, you probably will not get a spot if you wait until you are onboard to try & get a reservation..

20 minutes ago, startedwithamouse said:

It's all about the survey on the last day. That's all that matters to them is a 10. 

 

BTW, why did you decline the Crown Grill trying to make it right for you, twice?

Sorry if I was not clear.

We DID go back to the Crown Grill. I ordered the exact same things and every thing was hot & perfectly cooked. I would not hesitate to go back to them as I love the menu & have been to them on 3 different ships.

I was going to wait for the survey to say anything but since the 'chef ' asked , I told him & all was corrected.

5 minutes ago, JGmf said:

That's terrific on the work to get your feedback, but I'm sorry, what am I missing?  How was he undercover if he was in a chef's outfit?

He was NOT a chef ! Just posing as one in the buffet so you would not think anything wrong if he came up & spoke to you. I have no idea what his real function on Princess really is.

  There is a reality show on TV that has CEO's & owners of big companies posing as actual workers so they can really find out what is going on not just taking the word of others. That is what this reminded me of.

I think this really shows how much Princess really cares. Not just your survey at the end which probably just goes to corporate !

    Just off the Discovery Princess

We were just finishing up our 3rd lunch in the Buffet when we were approached by a man in a white jacket & a chef hat.

 He asked how everything was. I said the variety, service & quality in the buffet was indeed impressive.

He then asked about the rest of the ship.  I said...you really do not want to know... He was insisted that I be candid so I started to ramble on.

Starting first whit the Crown Grill where expectations are high. I got the same meal I always get there. I get the scallops for an appetizer. Quite seared yet not cooked through. The seafood bisque....cold. They offered to heat up but I declined.  My husband got the Filet Mignon, med to med well. Again quite seared but it almost mooed when cut. The maiter 'd walked by & I stopped & asked his opinion. He immediately called to have it remove & redone but my husband declined.

  Moving on to the international cafe for my favorite Almond croissants. I tried 2 days in a row, both horrid. Dark & hard as a rock.

Room Service coffee. Even putting hot water in half the cup, it was not drinkable. Extremely strong. He explained that they just started a new powdered product from Italy & obviously need to make some adjustments.

Specialty desserts. Just off the Regent a few months ago & all gelatos off the menu included (we had the plus package). On discovery, not so. I tried to order the Frangelico sundae that I got for free on the Regent but it was $ 8.00. I got around it by ordering the Donetello & saying to hold all the candies & cakes & then going to the bar & having them dump a shot of Frangelico on it.

  I ended the conversation by saying the service & product appeared good but there appeared to by a problem with the preparation of the foods that had to be cooked.

HERE IS THE FIRST SURPRISE. HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE THE REALITY SHOW UNDERCOVER BOSS ? THIS GENTLEMAN REVEALED HE WAS THE UNDERCOVER CHEF. . BEING DRESSED LIKE THAT MIGHT MAKE PEOPLE FEEL MORE AT EASE TO SPEAK TO HIM.

  As soon as he left, we could see him typing away at his phone....and you guessed it...we went to the Crown Grill again. Same meals perfect.

International Cafe Almond Croissants, light & flaky like on the other ships. Morning room service coffee excellent.

   2ND SURPRISE

Seems a lot of people still do not know about the Dessert Extravaganza in the buffet on the last sea day. It not advertised or in the Patter. I think it is on all ships as we have gone on 3 different ones. It is the pastry shop or an entire regular aisle on ships that do not have a pastry shop.

  Candy sculptures for pictures. Giant assorted fancy cakes. Tiramisu, cheesecake, black forest, etc. they carve them for you. Do not get trapped in the long line with out a plate because those dessert plates will not do. Grab a large lunch plate before you enter. Starts at 11:30am. I go though the line then & get what I want & leave it on the table & then go back to get my regular lunch.  If I waited until after  I ate lunch, the line would be to long.

   It was enhanced this year by the chef going from tale to table with a cart with a giant pan of fresh Paella serving people. This was followed by another cart where they were poring Sangria to everyone.

21 hours ago, DavidsNana said:

Thanks for this "Live From".  I am not a big gambler but I have thoroughly enjoyed your style and candid report of this solo trip for you.  I have often wondered just how much and what it takes to get the good Casino Offers.   I also love the ones that you and your wife post when she is with you.  Hope you both can take advantage of that great offer and have a fabulous time.

Also just got off this cruise.  At 18,000 points, got a mini suite and $1500.

casino offer. Plus Package included

6 hours ago, coopco said:

Thanks for the update. I am still waiting to hear back.

Me too....but we leave tomorrow.....

4 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

I am still not sure why people insist on bringing anything onboard that they’ve deemed to be not allowed.  
oh well, it is what it is!  

I used to bring a steamer.....

bought it in the gift shop on a Royal Caribbean cruise      :O)

11 minutes ago, coopco said:

Can you post after February 2nd if you were able to get your money back? Our cruise is in late March so I’d be curious. Once on Discovery, I made reservations for specialty dining and paid because on the previous cruise on Discovery when I tried to make reservations the first afternoon, they said everything was sold out. I did finally get credited but got the run around for that to happen. Also if you wait until onboard to book excursions, often on Discovery, the good ones are sold out. I haven’t had this experience on other Princess ships and assume it because of the higher passenger capacity. We don’t need extra OBC because our cruise is short but if we got FCC, I’d be OK with that. I’m just curious to see what they tell you.

   I will.

You are right about the selling out part. I wanted the first sea day but just in case we decided to cancel,

  I booked 2 days out. I thought you we be alright to give 24 or 48 hrs notice. Now that I know we have been charged, I went back to change to the first sea day & there is no longer any availability then !

  Whatever the outcome, I am now sure we will go.

I think the original suite perk was to get people to understand what the 360 Dining was.. It served its purpose. I think it will get harder & harder to get a reservation for it.

Remember, it is now in a special room with only 20 people allowed to attend at a time. If they make it bigger,and I bet they will, it will just not be the same.

1 hour ago, Abercrombie2019 said:

OBC can only be used to purchase excursions before your cruise, everything else will be billed to your credit card.

 

If 360 does turn out to be complimentary for you, the ship will refund the cost.  Hope it turns out well for you.

We have cruised many times.

 I never have reserved in advance anything.

I though reserved for a restaurant was like at home. I wish that it said reserve & pay !

 I really thought I would be onboard before charged,

17 minutes ago, memoak said:

I have no idea why you are disappointed. OBC is”On Board Credit “. You are not in ship yet the only thing you can use it for at this point is excursions 

Good point...

  I did not even think about that. I just assumed I was holding a spot.

Does that apply to all advance dining reservations ?

 Some of you might have read my other thread about the possibility of having the 360 Dining be complimentary.

 I went ahead & booked because I saw many times were booking up. I was going to take it up with the concierge when we got onboard.

Our cruise is February 2nd.

If not complimentary, I figured we would use our onboard credit. Shocked to see our credit card was charged this morning.

I purposely made a reservation several days in to the cruise to allow time for changes or cancellation.

VERY disappointed they would do this.

4 hours ago, jagoffee said:

This is part of an email that I received this week.

 

“

And because you booked a suite before December 1, 2023, it won't cost you a thing!

This epic, seven-course journey transports you to the Mediterranean. 

We can’t give away the menu, but we can give you a sense (or five) of what to expect: 

 

• Seven courses showcasing the best of Mediterranean cuisine perfectly paired with cocktails and wine
• Dazzling imagery in a room wrapped with hi-def screens
• Stunning hi-res sound for a unique sonic element
• Enticing aromas pumped into the atmosphere 
• Captivating stories about the food you’re enjoying ? and the people who produced it

 

Space is limited, so secure your seat at the table with your suite concierge as soon as you're on board.”

looks like it is official.

I certainly would NOT wait until I am onboard.

On my coming up trip, there all already 4 nights with NO vacancies & only 1 with the second seating available.  That is why I went ahead & made my reservation awhile back & will deal with the issue of complimentary or not when I get onboard..

I always liked dining at a large shared table.

On most cruise lines, that is getting harder to find. Seems a lot of people do not want shared tables anymore.

I did a real booking just to same a spot as they are filling up.

I will let the concierge make the final decision. We sail in less than 2 weeks....I will let you know