Raisinette

I was on the Emerald Princess for 14 days recently, in an inside cabin that was right behind the aft elevators. (The Emerald and Caribbean are almost identical in size) I never felt/heard any elevator noise. Once in the blue moon I'd hear the 'ding' announcing an arriving elevator, but that noise came in through the grill on my door, not through the wall. What I will add however is that I heard much more engine noise than I've ever noticed previously, particularly as we'd be docking in the morning. I'd be woken by what I assume was the thrusters. But didn't stop me nodding off again!

I've been able to book excursions on board that were showing as sold out prior to boarding. I think they hold back a few tickets per excursion for this purpose.

If you know which future cruise you are interested in prior to boarding, buy a minimum of one Future Cruise Deposit per person the first day of your current cruise, wait for the email advising the transaction has been processed (usually within a day or so), then have the chat with the future cruise rep on board. Assuming the price is the same as you'd researched, you may decide to use one of your new FCD's (each) to book the new cruise and receive the FCD OBC, and then transfer the booking to your preferred TA when back home. For possibly more OBC or a better price or other benefit(s)... Just my 2 cents worth!

A different reason but similar result: I was recuperating from a knee injury and brought a hot water bottle on my cruise...I explained the situation to my room steward who checked with his supervisor, and voila! I received a kettle.

I have a different kind of observation regarding the Princess transfers from Victoria Coach Station. I've used the transfer service from Heathrow a number of times - sometimes having flown in that day, and sometimes having been in London for a while and taking the tube back to Heathrow to get on the transfer. Last November I was again in London pre-cruise for a few days and for the first time ever I booked the transfer from Victoria instead of Heathrow. Victoria was just 3 tube stops from my hotel. This seemed a no brainer compared to the approx 45 minute ride on the Picadilly line from my hotel to Heathrow. However, I will not book a transfer from Victoria in the future...nothing against the station itself. But I'm sensitive to motion sickness and was starting to feel green (despite taking Bonine ahead of time) as a result of the roughly 45 minute ride through what felt like twisty-turny streets in London before we connected with the motorway. (It was maybe only 30 minutes, but felt like forever to me!) I was still queasy when we arrived in Southampton. When we leave from Heathrow we are on the motorway in minutes, and have a smooth ride the whole way down; at least that's been my experience.

Thanks to everyone for their information - now I know what to expect!

Hello, I'm booked on a Majestic cruise next year, and just realized there is no pizza location - my favourite 'go to' for a quick lunch! Anyhow, I see there is a 'Chopsticks Noodle Bar' instead. Can anyone give me an idea of what is served in the Noodle Bar? Thank you

I did this about a week ago, so don't remember all the steps...however I remember that I was able to input my investment firm name into a blank field. It worked as I got an acknowledgement type email from Stockperks. And today I went into the site, selected Carnival Corp, then scrolled down to select Princess, then entered my booking number etc. So far so good! Site says it will take up to 5 days to process. Good luck!

I don't know when this cruise was released to the market and don't know how to figure that out. This was my first HAL cruise so I doubt I have any loyalty...? The new cruise is a transatlantic in April 2025.

Thanks to everyone for the replies so far! As additional background, I was on the Rotterdam in Sept (a few weeks ago), bought the Future Cruise Deposits while on board, then a few days later we booked the new cruise. Prior to boarding we'd already discussed a potential future HAL cruise, so knew the pricing. We've never booked while on board before on any cruise line. Anyhow, we booked a 15 day (Oceanview cabin) cruise using a Future Cruise Deposit and have each received OBC of US$262.50. I'm trying to figure out the breakdown - how much OBC for using the FCD, and how much for the booking promotion. (We occasionally re-fare our cruise depending on the lost/gained benefits in addition to hopeful price drops) I tried the Princess Chat, but was told to contact my TA as we'd transferred the booking to our TA when we got home. Our TA will investigate for us but is legitimately occupied in the short term. So I thought I'd see what I could figure out with your collective assistance! Becky

I have this same document, but believe this is detailing 'booking promotion' OBC rather than 'using your Future Cruise Deposit' OBC...

Does anyone know the breakdown of OBC received (by cruise length/cabin category?) when using a Future Cruise Deposit as our deposit? Thanks, Becky

You are fast, thanks so much! Love the link too!

We'll have the 'Have it All' deal that includes drinks - will the package cover those cups too?

Hello all, I have another easy first time question! I mostly cruise on Princess, and enjoy getting tea in a takeaway style disposable cup with lid from their International Cafe on a daily basis. Keeps it hot and I don't spill it... Does HAL also have takeaway cups with lids? If so, where? (If not, I'll probably bring an insulated travel mug with lid instead!) Thank you, Becky

Dobby and Crystalspin - thanks for the info, just what I was hoping for, and am now looking forward to!

Hello all, I'm an experienced cruiser but going on my first HAL cruise in a few weeks, on the Rotterdam. The 'Crow's Nest' has been mentioned a few times in this thread...but what is the Crow's Nest? Can anyone go there? Is it basically a lounge - comfy seating, maybe a bar or light food options? Thanks!

Based on my (few) photos and recollection, their is no full sun unless your lounger lines up with one of the gaps in the roof covering. Here's a recent photo...possibly the far left area is more exposed.

Ruth, thanks so much for the quick reply! I'll contact our TA. Regards, Becky

We are seasoned cruisers, but first time on HAL, sailing in September. I have a question about selecting our evening dining time. We prefer traditional dining (same time, table, tablemates every night) if possible rather than 'Anytime' style dining. I have the Navigator app and have found sample menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner (they look wonderful!), but cannot figure out how/where to select a dining time. Can anyone tell me how to do this, or can this only be done on board? Thanks!

Thanks for the info re purchasing a Norwegian sweater! I haven't done the forum search yet but will try that as well as the links provided. Thank to everyone! Becky

I'll be visiting Norway for the first time this September, visiting various cruising ports - Alesund, Bergen, Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger and Flam. I realize this thread is specific to Oslo but figure someone reading here may be able to answer my question! I'm considering buying a nice Norwegian sweater at some point during the cruise, and am wondering if the prices are fairly consistent in all ports or if a particular port is known for generally having better prices? Or better yet, does a specific store/chain have greater variety and prices? I'm trying to avoid looking in sweater shops in every port and then wishing I'd bought in 'X' port instead! Any info would be greatly appreciated... Becky

Thank you!

Hello, I have the pdf of the Legend deck plans and can't see the self-serve laundry locations. Does anyone know where they are? I'm specifically looking at deck 4, Main, if that helps! Thank you

Yeah!!!