Matcodixon

Personally, I like the new regulations. I am an ex smoker myself so I know how hard it is to quit. I enjoyed smoking for many years.

That said, I respect and thank those of you that smoke and obey the new regulations.

I believe that the trend towards fewer and fewer places to smoke will continue as time goes on. It certainly has been true here in California as well as many other states.

I simply cannot wait to here the reports of how it actually went after all the fear and loathing that has taken place here.

Hopefully it was truly "Much ado about nothing"

Hey, I could be wrong. You should hope I am right!

BTW, I have never had a problem boarding either, but I have not been on nearly as many cruises as some of you have. I just find it hard to believe that there was not some problems that Princess was trying to solve by instigating this process. I am a real believer in "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

I also believe that if this creates more problems than it solves, it will go away soon. Princess is not stupid.

Also, It seems, like someone else mentioned, that those that like to get there early so that they can be the first to book up the Sanctuary and have lunch in the MDR are the ones that object the loudest. Perhaps some of them objected loudly to the early long lines I have heard about. If so, perhaps they created this?

The entire tone of this discussion simply blows my mind. Take a moment and really give it some thought. Then answer the following questions.

1. Why would Princess do this?

2. Is it for their benefit?

3. Is is for the benefit of their passengers?

4. Was it designed to eliminate a problem or create one?

5. Was there a problem there before?

6. If it turns out to create more problems then it solves, do you think it will be continued?

7. What about continuing with some modification?

Now my answers;

1. To make the boarding process smoother with less standing in line waiting.

2. To make for fewer impatient upset customers who complain loudly.

3. Same as 2.

4. Defiunately to eliminate a problem, as there is no cost benefit.

5. Not always or in all locations, but sometimes yes there was.

6. Absolutely not, since the only benefit is to the customers, if it does not provide a benefit, why would they continue it?

7. Perhaps, I believe it is still a work in progress.

Any good company is always trying to make things better for their customers, especially in the competitive marketplace. If there was never a problem, this process would never have been attempted. Princess is not a company known for making stupid decisions.

IMHO this is much todo about nothing.

I just booked the 30 Euro package with St. John. They pick you up at your ship and you have your own beach chair and use of their gym, sauna and pools. It looks beautiful!! My question is about beach access- do they have a private beach? They responded to my request for a shore excursion form immediately and were just as quick confirming my purchase. For anyone interested, their web address is: www.saint john.gr and email is info@saint john.gr

 

We will be in Mykonos on August 26th on the Ruby Princess. Please, anyone who has done this excursion write a few lines about your experience! Thanks!

A couple of things.. First, We are on the same cruise, so sign onto the roll call here on the board, as there may be some excursions we can share.

Second, we are also looking at that same resort for our time in Mykonos as well. It looks beautiful and, as far as going to a beach, it seems to be an excellent option.

Third, and possibly most important. We will be there with you on August 28th not the 26th, when we will be in Kusadasi. I am hoping the your post was just a simple mistake. If you have booked the resort for the 26th, better let them know of the correct date!

Ok, forget the first and third items. I just realized that the OP was talking about 2011 not this year!! OOPS..

I have used transfers more often than not. I have never had a bad experience. Our next cruise to the Mediterranean, we are using our own transportation to the hotel in Venice where we are staying at for 2 nights before boarding. The hotel is close to the cruise terminal so this is not a problem at all, however when we land in Barcelona, we have to get to the airport for a morning flight and since we also booked the air through Princess, a ship transfer is a nobrainer as it will make sure that we get there on time.

I would not use a Princess transfer if we are arriving a day or two early or are staying an extra day or two afterwards.

Great Photos, Thanks for posting them, Very glad that the ship is ready to go as I am sure all the passengers are! It must have been difficult not knowing if it would all come together in time. Now you can relax and enjoy! Have a great cruise!

While in Old San Juan, did you get a chance to visit the fort? It is an interesting walk out there. We stayed in at the "El Convento" hotel right in old San Juan pre cruise.A beautiful OLD hotel converted from an OLD convent.

Anybody else notice how the first drink when first arriving on the ship tastes incredible no matter what it is? :D

Advance entry to St. Mark's cost one euro and is sold for a 10 minute time slot during which you are supposed to enter. You specify the time slot at the time of purchase. This past spring, the advance purchase door was actually a separate door just to the left of the main entrance door (the one with the big, long line). There was a person at the advance purchase door checking your paperwork and letting you in. To me, it was worth 1 euro even if something came up and I couldn't make my time once there. At least I had that option.

This was a great tip! I just purchased 2 tickets for our trip in August. What a bargain! Thank you for posting this!

We have 2 nights in Venice before boarding in August and are purchasing museum passes and transit passes from Venice connected. I like the discounts and the convenience of doing it beforehand.