Liz

I’m sailing on X Edge soon, in a “Single Stateroom with Infinite Veranda”. I have read comments about lack of storage, etc.and plan to report back with details when I return.  Do any of my fellow solo cruisers have any concerns/issues that I can investigate while onboard? 

Liz

Thank you! I have been trying to call Princess to ask, but their phone lines have been busy. I always know someone on CC will have the answer!

Liz

I haven’t sailed with Princess in quite a few years, and have lots of onboard credit for an upcoming (summer) cruise. Can I use the OBC to book shore excursions now (similar to Celebrity), or must I wait to use them once I’m on the ship?

TIA -

Liz

On 4/13/2019 at 3:17 PM, C-Dragons said:

Just to clarify, the emails we both received advised us that there had been a “change to the status of our application”. We logged onto the DHS website where we found our approval notifications. This happened 2 days after renewal.

As the saying goes: your results may vary.  I have friends (married couple) who applied for GE at the same time.  She was approved within two weeks.  His approval took two months.  You just never know...

1 hour ago, jelayne said:

 

How long did it take?  We applied for renewal in late February and were charged the fee immediately, it has been 7 weeks now with no word.

I did not receive an email confirmation for my conditional approval.  On a whim, about two weeks after I applied, I logged on to the website (DHS?) that I used for application and learned I had conditional approval.  I completed my interview at ATL (without an appointment) when I returned from Switzerland three weeks ago.  Did not receive a confirmation email but learned I was approved after logging in (again).  Received my GE card about a week later.  Word of advice: if you plan to interview when you return from an international flight, make sure you have a long layover between flights.  I waited for almost 45 minutes to speak to an officer.

Liz

Try again after you make your final payment.

A lot of us had trouble with the cruise planner recently when accessing with an iPad or iPhone. Switched to a desktop running Windows and no problems. Just in case.

Liz

I'll be following your adventures closely, as I'll be boarding REF on May 7. Smooth sailing - calm seas - fair skies - enjoy!

Liz

If you purchase foreign currency from your bank, ask if they will buy-back any paper money you bring home. Most banks will do it but the rate will probably be slightly lower than the rate they used when you purchased the currency. Most banks will not buy-back your leftover coins, so spend them at the last minute or bring them home for souvenirs (or as gifts for the kids!)

Liz

This is a long shot, but maybe you can do an online search for pharmacies in St. Bart's, then email them and explain your situation. They should be able to answer your question and might get your "order" ready ahead of time.

Thank you for rescuing furbabies!

Liz

I sailed with Holland America for the first time in January and was also pleasantly surprised. I think the entertainment options on Eurodam were outstanding, especially Lincoln Center and BB King's. I was impressed with the crew - they were very personable and genuinely took an interest in the passengers. I've recommended HAL to many friends and will definitely sail with them again.

Liz

Thank you for your positive review! I'm sailing on Eurodam January 7 - looking forward to my first HAL cruise!

Liz

Thank you!

Liz

Once on the ship you can buy the Beverage Package. Then at the end of the cruise when you haven't used that $25 Beverage card, it will be credited to your shipboard account and then it will help defer the cost of the Beverage Package.

If you buy a bottle of alcohol to take home, it will be charged to your shipboard account either from the boutique or the cabin service if you bought it that way. Again, the Beverage Card will be credited to your shipboard account at the end of the cruise and then used to help pay off that bill.

I have lots of onboard credit and a $25 beverage card for my upcoming Eurodam cruise and plan to use the obc to purchase a beverage package. Can I also use the beverage card to pay for the beverage package? Or can I use it to purchase a bottle of liquor to take home?

Thanks in advance!

Liz

Many thanks for your review! I'm sailing Eurodam on Jan. 7 - my first HAL cruise, after 60 cruises on different lines. I'm looking forward to the entertainment, even more so after your comments.

Liz

Thanks! I knew it would cost more onboard, and originally planned to purchase pre-cruise, but my obc will almost pay for the package so I decided it made sense to wait. I'd forgotten about the cruise day credits - so much to learn about HAL!

Liz

It really doesn't help the person you buy it from.

The 15% service charge is split among all the bar staff.

Good to know - thank you! I think I was on a Princess ship that was giving points to the servers who sold a certain number of packages. I like to help the crew whenever I can.

Liz

After 60 cruises on other lines, I'm cruising HAL next month. I have lots of onboard credit and plan to use it to purchase a beverage package. If I purchase it from a bartender or server, rather than a table staffed by ship personnel, will it "help" that individual? In other words, will the person get an extra spiff for selling a package, or does everything get credited to "the house"? I'll probably purchase shortly after embarkation.

For recent Eurodam cruisers - can you recommend a server or bartender from whom I should purchase the package?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Liz

Fellow Quilters, beware: the last time I was in Alaska I bought so much fabric that I had to buy a rolling duffle bag to carry on the plane, in order to get it all home. It was just so hard to say no to the beautiful batiks...

You've been warned...

Liz

I purchased "Frommers EasyGuide to River Cruising" from Amazon. Great info about the major (and some smaller) cruise lines, ports, itineraries, etc. it might help you narrow down your options. Then refer to the cruiselines' websites to find a local travel agent - they can be a great resource! Enjoy!

Liz

I'm scheduled to sail on the 11/27 cruise but did a ten day on Equinox last year, with an overnight in St Maarten. It was fun to see the city after the ships sailed away. Visit Grand Case for dinner or drinks if you can!

Liz

I enjoyed visiting Grand Case on the French side during our overnight stay. I took a ship-sponsored excursion that was supposed to include drinks and snacks at several local bars. Instead, we were treated to open bar and dinner at one location, with plenty of time to explore the cafes and boutiques. I think they made the switch due to a miscommunication - it was one of the first overnights for Celebrity. I'd do it again, given the chance - it's a completely different vibe compared to daytime!

Liz

This post might be deleted but check out princesslodges dot com for nice packages. You can join their tours in Anchorage regardless of the cruisline you used. If you are working with a travel agent have them get information for you. They might have a little more flexibility as far as dates and options.

Liz

Hi

 

We would be very interested to join any private tours in any of the ports. It is myself anad my husband. We are from NJ in our 60's. We have cruised before and not taken the ships excursions because of the large group size and price. We hope to join a small group and open to any options.

Looking foward to hearing from others. Best.

You'd probably be better off posting this on your roll call. Enjoy!

Liz

The Persian Garden and Relaxation Room* is complimentary for AquaClass guests only.

 

A limited number of passes (on a first come, first served basis) for access to the Persian Garden and Relaxation Room are offered to other guests onboard at the following rates:

 

• 1 Day - $25.00
  
• 3 Days - $50.00
  
• 6 Days - $75.00
  

Passes will be sold to guests with and without treatments booked.

 

*Please note that the Relaxation Room is ONLY available on Solstice Class ships, it is not available on the solsticized Millennium class ships.

I'm hoping you see this question: what is the cost of a pass for a ten-day cruise on Equinox, please?

Thank you!

Liz

I'm sailing March 25th and had a few questions for the Equinox "alums":

Did they offer a spa pass for your entire sailing and, if so, do you recall the price?

There are several culinary-themed shore excursions listed in the cruise planner - has anyone taken them and if so, do you have any recommendations? I know I could do some of the same activities independently but as a solo woman traveler I'd just as soon let X take care of things.

Thanks in advance!

Liz