mtnesterz

Your title is about a boarding pass, but you ask about a Medallion. Boarding passes are no longer used. If you don't get the Medallion in the mail, you will get one issued at the pier.

We have been to the Mauna Loa factory. Your notification was a bit hard to read, but if you are the type to take a nature type tour, then I think you might also enjoy the drive through the plantation to the factory. It is in a natural area and not a downtown factory as you might have expected. We found it relaxing and interesting. I don't think you can plan when they have it, but as it happened that day, they were selling chocolate covered seconds in the gift shop at a great price. Never saw a table empty so fast.

We have been on both, but Carnival was a one-and-done for us. Forty years? Congratulations! Screaming kids, water slides, high energy and loud color schemes on Carnival is too draining to be around at our age. We did our 40th on Princess. Go down a cabin grade to even the price difference. Stuffy? The odd individual, but not the line or majority of passengers.

Agree with cr8tive1. When you book, you leave a deposit, not add the deposit later. You can buy an FCD onboard and immediately apply it. That way you get the OBC. Some prefer the discount when using a TA, but have to say it's a good feeling to have your next cruise booked then and there.

I would think it would be hit or miss on the Sky. The only predictable noodle service would be on the Majestic Princess, at the Chopstick Noodle Bar. They did offer a noodle bar "night" on the former Pacific Princess, but it was a disappointment. We had higher expectations.

You will not find luggage tags on the app. They are found in the Cruise Personalizer. You may print them within, I think it's 45 days of sailing, but I may be off by a couple weeks either way. Wish you better luck with the app than we had. If you aren't able to put in your preferences, then do what we did and call the dine line once onboard. Get the number from the MDR desk.

Personal experience. Went on Alaska cruise. Came home and house had been burglarized. Long story, but involved the mail.

Whether one minute or two, no reasonable amount of time spent is worth the anxiety created if you don't receive it in the mail before departure. Someone goes through you mailbox and knows you are on vacation. Best to get it at the port.

We have done a trans-Panama on both Princess and X. A thousand things make up a cruise. So what we say we like, may not be things you like. One pleasant change from X, in the past, seemed like disembarkation was disorganized. Princess is a well oiled machine. Perhaps Celebrity has improved this though. There is a pizzaria poolside on deck. They offer a rotating selection of pizzas daily and I think its pretty good.

To the best of my knowledge, only Carnival sails from Long Beach, near the Queen Mary. Rarely, Princess also sails from berth 46, which is due south as far as you can go, but you can check this out on the port schedule. I mention it, but it is rare so don't sweat it. Online map this to get a feel for the area.

Then I suggest you might re-read the last two sentences of my post: "Same if you do not plan to use the internet or prefer to be an envelope tipper. On Princess, the tronc scheme is automatic, but adjustable." Now you could say, the term internet is not the same as WiFi, but you did know what I meant about buying internet/wifi service on the ship? Of course you did. Tipping takes different forms. The OP claims to be from Scotland. When we visited the UK, they used the term tronc scheme to describe the Princess use of a tipping pool. Tipping, as most Americans do it, is less common in the UK. We don't use this term in the US, but understand the post was directed to the OP in the UK. If it caused confusion to you in Florida, it was not intended.

Being Elite, we have noticed this too. While not for everyone, we find the best food is to order off menu in the MDR the night before. Order Indian food, chef's choice, at whatever heat level you can stand. I'm told the chefs are often Indian and to our tastes, it is much better than the buffet line Indian food.

Point taken. Not a wine drinker at all, so don't know the pricing on the ship. Happy you have something that works to your advantage. I also forgot about the coffee, It's early here, better go make some.

Thanksgiving dinner. The chefs are from other countries and have no idea what American food is supposed to taste like. Turkey was a salt lick, who salts turkey? Everything else was cooked to mush... and salty. We walked out and had a hamburger on deck. Happy Thanksgiving!

The others here have answered your questions, but just a couple of small points I would add. You mention loss of Elite benefits. If you new to Princess, it won't matter, but if you are looking to build loyalty with another line, then I assure you Princess has also ceased several loyalty incentives, as your cruises accumulate. Also, you mention you enjoy a drink before dinner and wine during. Unless you drink roughly 7 or 8 drinks per day, it makes no sense to buy the Plus package. Max drinks per day are 15. Same if you do not plan to use the internet or prefer to be an envelope tipper. On Princess, the tronc scheme is automatic, but adjustable.

Was watching videos today of failed resorts and theme park projects. Disney, especially, has made many blunders anticipating what customers want. I believe this new Sun Princess will be a failure... Too much of what nobody wants. There will be some that only care if something is new. Like those that trade in a car rather than change the oil. But those who love the things you mention plus the Princess hallmark of classless cruising will stay away.

I know you like fleet history. Here is the video of the Skywalkers removal. The Grand was too heavy at the stern. Later Grand class ships used more aluminium, lighter. https://youtu.be/lFGrWMug9sA

When I clicked submit, your post showed up. I tried to edit, but I guess you still got the email. Maintenance on Carnival has been mentioned by others, but it is just that. Not related to age. What you mention, finding something low key and the passengers is more down to marketing. I think everyone is shocked by the violence on ships lately, Carnival has been mentioned there more than once. It's a quieter crowd on Princess for sure. You mention the Crown's problems. This month, the Crown went for major dry dock. Possibly engine replacement. That should take care of the issues. The Royal is too big for the inside route to Alaska. If going to Alaska, smaller is better. Which these days, usually means older. Based on what you write, just my two cents, look at Oceania to Alaska.

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I intend this in a kind way. Sounds like you're dancing around the issue. You posted a problem, received a solution, or workaround, from five caring people in two hours and now decide to live with a problem that costs you nothing to fix. Take this small risk and get a other. Ask for someone popular, it means they're hard workers.

I sometimes wonder if the Mods should make about the first page of the Princess board answers to frequently asked questions. Finding a good CVP would be one of them. (They like to be called CVP now.) You're so not alone. At one time, you could go to the FB CVP page and see how many followers each had, as a suggestion of how good they are. Not anymore. So, luck of the draw. Just call 1(800) 901-1172 and request another. What's that you say? You don't want to try for another? Then you are contenting yourself with things as they are, which you post you're unhappy about. Fine, sit around on hold for hours. Or maybe you will get someone you like who had a direct line for your needs. Sorry we can't give you ours.

The answer for which ship is the smallest. The disembarking passengers can equal the population of a port town. Try to avoid that. So, absolutely stay off the Royal, Majestic and Discovery. Also no wraparound Promenade deck on these three. Since you posted on the Princess board, you're looking for a Princess ship, yes? The Sapphire is the best of given choices of the Princess fleet for Alaska, as it has an intact Skywalkers for viewing scenery. Grand had it removed. Can't speak to kids programs, but there is a kids area. Very few kids on Princess. Last cruise, none, zero!

Sorry, but don't understand your reasoning. Interested in your thoughts in more detail. Why and which ones?

You will likely also see the same servers at breakfast or lunch in the buffet. This is to say they are in the pool of those in the tronc scheme... unless you opt out. Is that what you meant by added tip? If instead you are an envelope tipper, then if so inclined, tip then and there. Can't predict seeing them again on the last day.

Looks like the Alhambra, Monterey Park locations are close to us. Thanks for the tip. We drive to Monterey Park and stock up on non-perishable home goods occasionally. Nothing is cheap these days!