dundeene

My understanding as well.. . . 

Explore 4 is 50% off deposit, but mine is still refundable. (  I just booked a cruise yesterday with Explore 4 and the price, perks  ($500 OBC and lower deposit were just what I wanted).

I did not think any part of the process was misleading. The price was also lower than listed originally on HAL after I put in my mariner # to log in.

Thank you for the reply.  We are not complainers and enjoy traveling so much that we will have a great time even if we are not in 5 star hotels;)

It is always better to have realistic expectations. 

Is there any way to upgrade to nicer hotels?  There are some pretty bad reviews of the Westmarks.

Slightly off topic. . . If I book the land cruise combo and booked a Neptune suite, are my hotel accommodations upgraded or basic? 

Really nice video, thanks for posting:)

If you do not want to pose in a certain way .... then don’t.

However, getting on and off the ship I now ALWAYS let them take my photo (although I never purchase them) because (I have been reliably informed) that they have a quota and have to meet that quota or stand there for another hour or so. This is sometimes in the freezing cold or scorching heat and sometimes in a stupid costume. However this is not their fault. So how about pausing for a quick moment, let them do their job and then scurry away. Photographers do what they’re told, not necessarily what they want ..... so be kind and take a minute out of your day.

 

 

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First you sound like a very kind and genuine person. You are putting others before yourself:)

These people have chosen this as their job and are being paid, just like the persons in port who are trying to push a flyer into your hand or drag you to a timeshare presentation. I do value my time on vacation more than the people who are hired to inconvenience me in order to take my $$:rolleyes:

I think a quick "no thank you" as we pass is sufficient. The sales people at the art auctions and jewelry stores also have quotas. As in almost any sales position, if you do not sell enough to justify your wage you are let go.

I am sure there are photographers of varying skill level who take very nice, well posed photos. We usually cruise on Oceania (they don't have photographers onboard) we have not been impressed by photos on HAL or Celebrity.

Thank you for all of the replies.

I have been on 11 prior cruises (none on Princess)

I had only seen meeting points for disembarking for tendering or final day. I was confused by the prior posters description.

I think she may have been at meeting spot for a specific Princess group tour.

Thank you for your reply. We are very excited to try Princess and the Royal! We have heard great reviews from family and friends. I am a bit leery of such a large ship, but I am sure we will enjoy it!

A quote from a reviewer currently on the Royal on the same cruise I will be taking in 12 days.

"A word about disembarking: it seems to be pretty happenstance. For Cork, we docked pretty much at 9:00 am, instead of being docked at 9:00 am. This makes a world of difference in getting off the ship to meet any planned adventures. We went to our assigned disembarkation area, which I think was the Symphony dining room, about 8:50, and were not able to disembark until 9:25. This would become problematic other days as well, so please be aware when making reservations on your own for tours that timing may be dicey. Have your tour guide’s number, or any phone number dealing with that tour, available, as you may be making a call to ensure them that you really are there, the process is just running long."

We are new to Princess and never on a ship over 2000 persons.

I thought you could just walk off in any non-tender port, as we have always been able to do on previous cruises. (smaller ships)

Are you assigned a place to sit and wait to be called?

I guess it would be ridiculous to assume 3000 people are waiting in line to use one exit (in a very long line!)

How well does Princess handle getting off in port. How much time should I allow?

We do have priority boarding and disembark priviledges from our MS.

Do you make a reservation in the evening for Alfredo's or just walk up? Did you have a wait?

Also who is the captain? We join this cruise the 30th.

thanks

I have a question about currency. Can I use US dollars for food purchases, taxis, and gratuities when in port?

Sorry if I misunderstood, but are you asking about using US dollars in UK and Europe?

If so. . . no, you must use the currency of the country you are traveling in (either pounds sterling in UK or Euro in Europe).

It might seem more obvious if you imagine walking into the grocery store in Texas or New York and asking to pay in euro. The clerk would be confused.;)

The best option is to use you credit card and the currency will be changed by the bank at the best exchange rate vs. other options. You can also use most US based debit cards to take the currency you need from atms in each country you visit. We once took a 3 week trip where we needed 10 different currencies:eek:.

Thank you for the quick reply!

I have never used slots to take out OBC in cash. For me it is part of the ertertainment quotient on a sea day.

I am a light slots player and usually use OBC on the other lines I have sailed. I did not get my OBC from the landmark sale.

Can I assume that I can use some of my OBC in the slot machines. or am I going to have to buy casino credit?

There are some huge balconies on M6 club class on the front of the ship on M and L decks. They have metal lower railings but can hold 20-30 people for a sail away party. They are not locked when at sea (as description implies) but can be rather windy.

This may be a silly question, but can you get a large with a punch?

Bible verse for free coffee card

In The Morning;)

Psalm 30:5

Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.

We will have 2 of these coupon books on our June Royal cruise from our TA. They also include BOGO on slot and blackjack tournament entry and 15% off wine purchased at wine tastings. They were part of a special sale promo. If they are not in our room when we arrive we will ask customer service to get it. BOGO specialty dining is only valid first night.

My undestanding is everyone does not get one. Only from TA promo.

I think most people realize there are so many cameras on a cruiseship and in the ports that they would surely be caught. First they already have photos of everyone onboard. Second, with video cameras always watching, you only need to compare the video footage to the photos. I can't think of an easier case to solve. This is probably the reason you don't hear of this happening often.

The person trying to steal a piece of luggage also has no idea what it contains. Why risk jail for someone's dirty laundry. It is best to keep any high value or important items in your carryon on any vacation.

In my understanding this is only possible if specific cabins in your category are still available.

If balcony prices fall and all specific cabins sold (so guarantees only left) you cannot get your price lowered on your preselected cabin. You could only cancel your cabin and get a guarantee.

To avoid extra headaches . . . .carryon only if possible. That way no matter where you are, at least you have your luggage. The most likely chance of lost luggage is changes and cancellation to your original flights.

We flew to Barcelona a few summers ago and a thunderstorm caused havoc for hundreds of flights. We had planned to fly in a day early. We ended up barely making the ship because of delays and changes. Many people missed the ship, and a large number were in the ship stores the first day buying toiletries and a change of clothes. The second, third and even fourth port, we saw more of the lost luggage "catching up" with the ship.:eek:

Good luck..

We were upgraded well in advance on another cruiseline. We later found out a huge alumni group had booked a block and wanted all the balcony cabins midship on our floor.

Enjoy the good luck and upgrade!

Which dinngroom has the section for club class dining?

thanks

Christine

My understanding is that you must pay $15 corkage and can enjoy it with dinner if you buy it in port.

The first two 750 ml bottles are no charge if you bring them on at the start of the cruise and drink them in your stateroom.

I just used EZAir and added our premium economy about 4 days ago. You do have to pay EZAir in full and ask them to make sure the flights are ticketed. After EXAir is ticketed it is no longer cancelable, and the fare is locked in.

The cruiselines don't ticket otherwise until closer to the sailing.

The wine is per cabin!

Just adding .... We very much enjoyed Club Class Dining! :)

I understand Club Class includes champagne for sale away in the cabin. Is that a split?