ginadis2002

I am wondering if the sheer amount of passengers on these huge ships has just become too big for smaller ports and excursion operators to handle. 

We are beginning in Venice and ending in Rome with ports in Croatia, Tunis, Sicily, and Sorrento. I am toying with the idea of doing a food/wine tour and a history tour one day during the cruise. I am not sure I would do this more than one or two days throughout the cruise. One of the ports in which I would book two is Tunis. Another might be in Croatia. I’m really just kicking around the idea at this point looking for opinions.

Hi! My travel agent has indicated that as long as excursions do not overlap, more than one excursion can be reserved at a port. I’m wondering about the feasibility of this. Has anyone done this? Is it too much time in a bus and too little time to explore the port area? Exhausting? We are youngish and capable (I think, lol). Your thoughts?

Thank you very much for all for your opinions. Although it is more pricey, I think we may go through the travel agent using the Allianz Journey policy. I did call the Trip Insurance Store and felt that the service was good. However, I’m a total novice at buying insurance. Strange how illness, advancing age, and Covid has changed my outlook and needs. Again, thank you. 

We are first time cruisers on Silversea. We’ve never purchased insurance before but age now dictates that we should. We are thinking about using Allianz either through our travel agent or the cruise line to meet our needs. I’ve read other threads about insurance but am uneasy about agencies I haven’t heard of. Any guidance you may have would be appreciated.

Last week we sat in Crooners, close to the forward port door and at the window, ordered a few drinks and popped outside whenever we wanted to take a picture or enjoy the brisk air. There were some people on deck but we were really able to take advantage of wildlife and glacier  watching all morning. We then sat on our balcony in the afternoon. 

We were able to really see the glaciers and enjoyed Glacier Bay. It was our first time cruising with Princess and our first time in Alaska so I cannot compare our experience to any other.

We also wandered over to the sushi bar for lunch......

One member of our group will probably be cancelling due to health issues. I have a few questions that others may be able to answer.

1. The booking was done through a travel agent. I am assuming the proper procedure is to inform the agent who will then inform Princess.    Or does this not need to be done at all?

2. Originally, there were three adult passengers in the suite with the onboard credit split between the first two (one of whom is the cancelling passenger). Will this onboard credit be then redistributed to the two remaining passengers evenly?

3. The passenger in question received a gift of onboard credit from a friend. Can this be regifted or returned to the person who gifted it?

I am greatly saddened by this turn of events. Thank you for your help.

Is there a store to purchases toiletries near the port? I'm considering purchasing rather than carrying shampoo, conditioner, etc. Thanks!

How well is the unlimited internet service performing in Alaska? Is it spotty or is  the internet usage/streaming reliable and fast?

After viewing a video on the Ocean Medallion sticky (thank you for the information, idahospud), I am rethinking purchasing internet service.

Any more recent Royal Princess travelers who can update?

We are so excited for our first and probably only trip to Alaska. I'm the planner and I'm trying to choose options that each traveler will love. I've scoured the internet looking for private tour companies in Ketchikan without a lot of luck. Trip Advisor lists all sorts of tours but doesn't name tour operators. I feel like I'm flying blind not knowing with whom I'm dealing. 

In particular, I'm looking for a combination tour that includes George Inlet Lodge for my crab loving sister. That restaurant seems to be well regarded in reviews. Am I wrong? All tours that include this restaurant seem to be ship sponsored. I'm looking for a less hectic, more personal experience. 

Any not-to-be-missed tour companies in Ketchikan? Thanks!

It comes down to basic employee training.

 

It pays to invest in your employees-reduces staff turnover and increases revenue and profit.

 

I still smile when I purchase something at the dept. store where I worked part time as a university student 45 years ago. My card is handed back and the clerk thanks me by name. Still doing that basic training that I went through. When I buy a dress shirt, etc the sales clerk offers to take me over to select a tie. Makes me smile even after all these years. And guess what....it is one of the last surviving dept stores in Canada. I guess they are still investing in training. Not a place to cut corners.

This exact experience happened to me today. The clerk smiled, thanked me, and called me by name. I, in turn, thanked her using her name. It makes a business transaction memorable.

Why has our human interaction deteriorated to robot status? What has happened to our humanity?

Any parasailing at Atlantis? Surfing? Sunfishing equipment? I am looking for reliable operators and websites as well as price quotes.

I have a water rat who loves the slides....and the ocean.

I'm beginning to think it doesn't have to be Atlantis. Any thoughts?