Coral

So glad to hear! Thanks for the update.

She did if you read it carefully. It was a chip and pin which requires a pin code sent to a phone or tablet. This is pretty standard in Europe and Australia. In the US we use a signature card mostly.

This is correct.

This has got to be confusing because of the UK/European medical relationship. We are all hoping that she improves and is able to get the medical care that she needs. I am glad you shared your experience with us. It should make us all think about what would happen if someone we are traveling with gets sick. Especially if not a spouse.

How is your aunt today?

Someone mentioned that travel insurance companies have people that can help (who I quoted). It doesn't help if no one can get through. I once tried to call travel insurance to arrange for a flight home with an illness and I have to say it wasn't that helpful. Thankfully it wasn't an emergency situation.

Did you read that they could not get through to the travel insurance company?

I have done RT Seattle, RT Vancouver and several one ways. The one ways have far more time in port, often have 2 glacier days. I have never done 14 night cruises out of Vancouver for a true 14 night. Tracy Arm is best via small boat. I prefer a shore excursions out of Juneau for it (AdventureBound).

They don't have the cards anymore.

European credit cards use chip and pin technology. It is more secure than cards that are issued in the US. Some in the US use chip and PIN also but most US cards are signature cards. Europe has been using chip and pin for probably 20 years. https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money/chip-pin-cards

Port side will fill up quicker as it is the side that faces land. Though I agree it doesn't matter.

Stopping to pay the bill would have slowed down her travel to the hospital. It literally could mean the difference between life and death. She had difficulty breathing and was probably having a heart attack. They could have sent a bill to her home through the mail. The niece mentioned they had travel insurance.

I was on the Grand in December. I did have fresh orange juice in the dining room daily for breakfast. I also had the Princess Plus and do not drink alcohol. I had no problems ordering non-alcoholic drinks anywhere. I did not try to order smoothies.

Though how are you supposed to pay when you are having a heart attack? ------ @Megabear2 I am truly sorry. I sure hope your aunt recovers soon. This should never have happened this way. I am extremely disappointed in how this was handled. I would be furious.

It is the Passenger Vessel Services Act.

I have had both good and bad internet on the same ship. It is inconsistent. My point is - if internet is important to you, a cruise vacation is probably not the best vacation for you. Same with land - though on land, you can often use your phone as a hot spot. If you follow these boards - you probably know this.

There are plenty of COVID on all cruise ships right now, not just in New Zealand. Cases are up everywhere, sadly.

I hate to say this but I would not count on internet on any cruise ship being good. It is a plus when it is but it really is too much to expect it to be good at sea. It does appear when people do press the point on this, they do seem to get a refund. If you do need internet on vacations, I would avoid cruise ships in the future. Despite their marketing, it isn't like land trips.

I remember the date specifically as I booked a cruise that day (and final payment was that day) and went up higher than I usually do to book a cabin and added Princess + to use up all of money only to find out I could have applied it to other things.

FCC from COVID cancelled cruises changed on December 4th to cover taxes, air and I think insurance.

I had an air conditioning issue on a 2 week trip to Norway a few years ago. There were no other rooms available. I had to call multiple times. I did not make any monetary demands. The last night they offered $200 I believe and it was sent to me about a month later via check. I had no balance on my account so it was refunded that way.

Best paid shore excursion IMO! All day beauty for a reasonable cost.

While I have bought a few things (mostly things made in Alaska) - I don't consider myself a shopper either and rarely bring home anything. My pictures are my souvenirs. I do find tours more expensive but I do book independently and not through the ship as much as possible.

It is kind of funny. I got a free cruise and chose Alaska as I thought I would "never pay to go there". Boy was I wrong! I have paid a ton of times to go back! I don't find Alaska relaxing. You are right there is no late nights on the ship or bar crawls but in ports - I am gone all day long and not sitting on a beach chair. On glacier days - I am outside all day long enjoying the scenery.

I have been following the thread and am sorry for those who have tested positive. Hoping they are mild cases.