New Princess "Secrets"??

[highflyingrealtor]

I have a few to add:

-Duct tape! (wrap a couple feet of it around the middle of a sharpie).

-Safety pins, needle & thread kit.

-Binoculars - small pair. Especially if you're on a balcony.

[ILVTX]

We have found that "chip clips" normally used on potato chip bags work well keeping the shower curtain down. The wide ones are the best.

 

Patsy

[n2scuba]

Did not have the time to search all the way through but one thing that has really helped us in the small stall showers. Go to your local bait shop and you can get a weight that has an alligator type clip on the other end. They are called sounding weights. Put 3 or 4 on the bottom of the shower curtain and it prevents the "attack of the shower curtain" while keeping it inside the stall. Some use clothes pins but the weight is better. Don't forget the air freshner spray. :D:D

 

I use small clip-on picnic tablecloth weights.

[mailmama]

Learned a new secret on our trip last week.... you can order onion rings in the lunch dining room instead of french fries. No where on the menu however!

[CaribbeanH2OLover]

We like to bring along clothes pins and Boca Clips. The clothes pins come in handy to dry out your bathing suit on your balcony when in port - we clip them to the chair and bring them in before we set sail. We find that they never completely dry in the bathroom. The Boca Clips are great to clip your towel to your chair on the pool deck. It is always windy and you can guarantee your towel will stay in place.

 

Another item we always bring is candied ginger. Helps settle your stomach after a rich meal or when you feel a little seasick. :)

[JanetAlice]

My 1st cruise EVER is in Nov so I'm obsessed with this site! I read everything I can, I come on here at least once a day to see if I missed anything....It's kinda sad, I know ;)

 

Only once a day. Welcome to the club.

[cruisdog]

There is also a night light that has a motion detector on it so that it only comes on when some walks in front of it, and turns off when motion ceases. If you angle it just right, your movement in bed will not turn it on. About $10-$15.

[hansolosmom]

We take a highlighter to mark things of interest in the Patter. :)

 

We bring 3 different colors, that way dh, the boys and I can all highlight our interests

[gkkapp]

I've bought a number of BT watches on cruises and have changed the batteries in most of them. Maybe they are making them differently but I think all you have to do is remove the back. My DH does it for me but stores like Walmart can do it for you. I just replaced the battery in one of the first watches I bought maybe 8 years ago.:)

 

<<<Karen>>>

[GreenValleyDogWalker]

We use a night light in the bathroom that only works when the lights are off. At night, we leave the bathroom door open so the light acts as a soft green beacon and provides adequate light when the door is closed. You could plug in another one in behind the TV if you wanted a soft night light in the cabin.

 

The cost was $2 at Big Lots.

 

 

This is going to sound dumb -I always take a night-light - but have

NEVER found a place to plug it in - in the bathroom - where is

that plug-in located ???

[swom]

Not a new one, but worth repeating. Go to the casino and ask for a lanyard. They will punch a hole in your cruise card and give you a free lanyard. That's the only way I can keep up with my cruise card.

I love this "freebie". It's the first thing I did after we set sail.

[socaljo]

Thanks Maraprince regarding the extention cord/power outlet idea. Both DH and I need CPAP machines. We're booked on the Island in a mini-suite and I was wondering how many outlets would be available. It might help alleviate some issues if I brought my own ext. cord.

 

Hi NewYorkNana

 

DH uses a CPAP & right before our cruise in Feb, some wise CCer mentioned that he always traveled with an old mask stashed in his suitcase, after his broke during travel. DH thought that was brilliant! He travels alot for business too, and now always has his spare, just in case...

 

Happy cruising to all!

[sandi & fred]

On one of the formal nights they have lobster tails for dinner and they come with Scampi. We were disappointed on one short cruise that they didn't serve it.

 

We have the waiter keep left over wine for us in the wine locker. We have anytime dining and they keep it under your cruise card or name and bring it out the next night or whatever night you request it. It helps to know what dining room you were in when it was stored.

 

The e cards are like sending a postcard to anyone through email. I think you can send several and they are done on the free page in the internet cafe so you don't have to use up your minutes.

 

We usually put our empty cases under the bed unless they are too big.

 

This will be #16 on Princess and we are still learning new things.

:D

[caribill]

This is going to sound dumb -I always take a night-light - but have

NEVER found a place to plug it in - in the bathroom - where is

that plug-in located ???

 

The shaver outlet near the sink. See it on a shelf above a glass in the picture below although it could be in a different spot in your cabin.

Edited April 21, 2011 by caribill

[cruiseron36]

This is going to sound dumb -I always take a night-light - but have

NEVER found a place to plug it in - in the bathroom - where is

that plug-in located ???

 

A night light in the bathroom is useless when the door is closed. We plug ours in behind the TV so we can find our way to the bathroom.

[Bobed1927]

We just leave the bathroom light on and the door slightly ajar. Works fine for us.

[Maraprince]

We just leave the bathroom light on and the door slightly ajar. Works fine for us.

 

 

Make sure you put your waste basket, chair, or something else that is sufficiently heavy as a door stopper to keep the bathroom door from completely shutting due to the ship's motion.

 

MARAPRINCE

[yogi]

Not mentioned yet..but the thing I never forget is a small bottle of woolite to

rinse out bathing suits in the sink after a day at the beach/pool.

Hang suit out on balcony or on coat hanger and ready to go in AM.

[IECalCruiser]

I totally agree that the other thread got wayyyy off topic! There where many many non-secrets there that I had to filter though. Here are some tips I found (BTW it took me 8 solid hours of reading 48 pages and 951 posts) These are the things that caught my eye and I made note of:

 

• We take our empty water bottles up to the buffet and fill them from the water spigots there (late at night just before we go to bed) oh and we might pick up some desserts to eat too lol!!! There was a sign on the water dispensers on the Sapphire stating that you should give your water bottle to a waiter to fill. You should not refill because you might touch and contaminate the water spigot.

 

I hoped this helped and I really hope this thread stays on topic instead of fighting with each other like the last one :)

See my comment about filling water bottles

[Iamcruzin]

The 50% three hour sale is mostly a ripoff. The 50% is off the original retail price. Many of the items have already been marked down more than 50% and can be bought for the cheaper markdown price in the stores at any time.

I have been in Retail almost 30 yrs now. Even the One Day sales at home are nothing but smoke and mirrors advertising. It's all an illusion.

[latebloomer56]

My 1st cruise EVER is in Nov so I'm obsessed with this site! I read everything I can, I come on here at least once a day to see if I missed anything....It's kinda sad, I know ;)

 

Thank you I thought I was the only one with my first time after finding this site. Everybody is great on here with lots of tips. Last year I joined the Roll Call for our Oct. TA cruise on the Ruby. It is wonderful getting advice from seasoned cruisers. Look on the princess roll call site for you trip I'm sure the folks there will have great info for you as well.

ENJOY ENJOY ENJOY cruising is great. :)

 

Laura E.

[KansasCityTBone]

As much as I love the Princess menu, it is a "western menu" made for western people, cooked by (usually) Asian cooks.

 

My secret or tip is to ask the waiter who the best chef is and ask if tomorrow that chef can prepare you some entrees (or family style) dished from his home country.

 

After so many cruises this is a great way to switch it up and to see what the chefs can really do. They always appreciate compliments on these dished and usually come out to see how you like them!

 

(This is "above and beyond," so be very polite and not demanding and try to schedule in advance or for the next day).

[Bernbun29]

Has anyone mentioned a small night light for the bathroom?? Although after you trip over the sill several times, you'll remember that its there.

 

We are sailing in 7 days!!! Mexican Riviera.

 

One tip that someone gave out was to bring a battery operated candle and put it in the bathroom at night as a night light, great idea!!

 

Also, this was posted on our role call, there may be some duplicates, but this is some awesome information!! Especially write the island's name in the sand and take a picture!!

 

Extension cord or power strip (may not be enough outlets or outlets close up for your use)

 

clothes pins (to clip your wet bathing suit outside to dry so it wont blow away)

 

Duct tape or clear packing tape (for fixing anything or taping things)

Also cable ties to lock your suitcases should your locks break.

 

Pop-up sticky notes (to leave the note for the room steward)

 

Extra ziplock bags for wet clothes or for sandwiches to bring along maybe?,

 

Also: sharpies marking pens, highlighter pen, pocketknife/pliers (Leatherman), small sewing kit, eyeglass repair kit, nail repair kit with glue, moist towelettes, hand sanitizer,

 

Another great idea: cheap shoe back to hang on the back of the bathroom door for organization of toiletries.

 

Make sure your credit card is usable overseas. Call them to make sure and inform them that you will be using it abroad.

 

Small or big binoculars whether you have a balcony or not.

 

Bring quarters for the washing machines.

 

Bring extra singles for tips for room service, dry cleaner drop offs, etc.

(someone suggested to bring mini chocolates or candies to wrap with bills for tip and it will be .greatly appreciated by the staff! ..and they’ll remember you better)

 

Rubber band for your wallet! It won’t slip out of your pocket easily!

 

Chewing gum (for take off ear pressure) and neck pillow for plane.

 

Bring business cards (or print your own) to hand out to all the new friends you will meet and make!

 

Extra camera batteries! Or the battery charger.

 

Beach mesh bag.

 

If cruised before, remember to bring your Princess Passport to collect the port stamps from the cruise! (free cards @ Pursers desk)

 

Pack two suitcases, but split your clothes with your spouse just in case one gets delayed so both will have clothes.

 

Use carry on for a change of clothes and all medications. ie. Bath suit, too.

 

Pack a foldable duffle type bag should your luggage weight exceed… or you need to carry on plane that extra fragile item!

 

A suitcase scale. Try BB&B for $19.99 minus 20%. Worth every penny!

 

You can bring wine on board- limited to two bottles.

Preorder bottles to be delivered to your cabin as a gift if concerned about bringing booze on board.

 

A disposable water proof camera for those underwater excursion trips.. Or beach trips.

 

Ask doc for scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) for motion sickness. Put one on the morning of the trip. Works like a charm, although may make you a little “loopy“.

 

Bring small bottles/containers or empty medicine bottles. It’s fun to collect the sand from the different islands. Slip a piece of paper inside the bottle to denote which island the sand came from so you don’t confuse them when you get home.

Be sure to buy cheap shot glasses from each island with the island name on them. At home, place sand in shot glass and place a tiny piece of ‘press and seal’ over top. Instant souvenir and interesting to see the difference in sand color and texture.

 

The email to the cruiseship should you need it or for others to get messages to you is emerald@princess.com . Emails must include your name, cabin number in subject and urgency of letter.

 

In case of emergency: ship #1-900-329-7447. Have caller provide name and cabin #. This call will be charged to your credit card at $8.95/minute.

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Cabin:

Even number cabins located on Port side = left

Odd cabin number located Starboard=right side facing forward.

And remember the catchy phrase “Port wine should never be LEFT out.”

 

Carpets are different on each side of ship-

Port side=red stripes on blue CABIN NUMBERS will be EVEN -left side

Starboard=blue stripe on blue CABIN NUMBERS will be ODD -right side

 

Free Princess robe will be available for use during stay. (Choose this option through the cruise preference link)

 

Remember to request an eggcrate foam pad for mattress ahead of time. You may fax request. I need to locate #. (anyone have this number, please?)

 

Ask steward for feather pillows on arrival- they are only available upon request.

And also ask steward for 4 towels daily. (although most pools have enough towels)

 

Absolutely a must: Extra white wire hangers as they’re never enough. Or ask Cabin steward for more. Pack your clothes WITH these wire hangers (they’re so thin!) and you just have to take them from your luggage to the closet rod!

 

Small alarm clock- no clock in cabin. Or if you forget, leave your TV on in cabin on the ‘view from deck’ and the time should be displayed. Not only does this help with the time, but when the sun comes up, the room will brighten up with the sunrise!

 

Mesh laundry bag or those pop up ones from the dollar store for dirty laundry. OR we bring trash bags and pack the dirty clothes in these. We presort whites and colored for easy laundering when we return home. Whites go first for those underwears! ;o)

 

Night light for the bathroom! A ‘bluish’ one is best.

 

There’s a card in your cabin so you can request fresh fruit delivered to your cabin daily. For FREE!

 

Purchase soda card... and a coffee card (one) Well worth the money.

 

Each partner takes a different credit card for trip. Leave one of the two credit cards locked in safe and take only one out on excursions. If one is lost or stolen, you will still have a usable card safely stored.

Remember to either Photostat front and back of all your cards and documents and leave a copy at home, or with a trusted friend or relative (that you can call should you need to for your info). You can also choose to keep one in your possession should they be lost or stolen, the info to call and stop them will be a phone call away.

 

Remember to take Patter with you- Get two. One to highlight, one to keep.

Remember that highlighter.

Take your Patter with you at each port. It has the phone number of the ship and emergency contact information, such as which port your ship awaits should you get disorientated or lost.

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MISCELLANEOUS

Write the island’s name in the sand… and take a pic of it. If not heading to a beach, then take a pic of your Princess Patter to ensure knowing which island your pics belong to (it gets confusing sometimes).

 

While on board put down a deposit for future cruise for $100 good for 4 years. You can get a refund anytime. The following future cruise of 7-9 days you book you will get cruise credits of $25 pp inside cabin or $50 pp for outside.

 

Free deck of cards at Pursers desk. Must request. These are GREAT! (supply limited)

 

Lanyard for your room key. They will punch hole in your key to hang on a lanyard.

 

Princess has freshwater pools. (Most others are salt water.)

 

Liquor can be ordered from room service by liter for cabin consumption.

 

Double tag your luggage in case a tag falls off. Put same colored ribbon on each of your luggage pieces to easily identify at airport! Place name & contact info and itinerary INSIDE luggage for identification, should that need arise.

 

Make copies of all those passports, credit cards and keep in safe place.

 

Wash hands often to avoid cruise flu. Bring hand sanitizer with connector hook (available at CVS drug stores).

 

DINING

If you are waitlisted for Traditional, you will be in anytime until spot opens up off waitlist.

 

Traditional diners cannot go to Anytime dining or you will lose your scheduled table. There are two anytime dining rooms.

 

At open dining, you can call ahead the night before to make a reservation.

 

Free ice cream!

 

Ordering room service:

If there is something not listed, we would pencil in French toast, pancakes, muffins, eggs, bacon, hash browns and can have breakfast in every morning except debarkation day.

 

Also, order room service sandwiches the night before when doing an excursion so you can take with you on your day’s outing!

[Janet Foster]

Enjoyed reading your tips and secrets...

 

I had "heard" that Princess no longer accepts faxed request for egg toppers.

 

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1396501

 

 

 

 

#15 April 12th, 2011, 03:44 PM

Stephy0519

Cool Cruiser Join Date: Feb 2010

Location: CT

Posts: 15

 

 

 

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For our upcoming cruise, I booked directly with Princess--and asked about the egg crate option as we did have to fax that form in last time. However, the very friendly agent said they no longer take fax forms and that she could add it over the phone, as a special request.

[scmexico]

I take a hand punch to punch holes in our cruise cards. When we go to the Pursers desk they often don't know how to get the punch in the right place. I always bring my last cruise card to use as a template for the new one. We have lanyards we always use. My wife lost her cruise card 3 times before we got the lanyards unpacked.