What I would love on board

[srpilo]

Some more than others. At about $1M/ship, the demand would have to be pretty darned high and other than an occasional wish here on CC, I've never heard anyone asking about or bemoaning the lack while onboard the ship

 

Well RCCL & Celebrity and their 30 some ships seem to think the investment is worth it.

 

To see the hundreds of people in line at pursers desk on the last night and embarkation morning to look at their bill's is simply a nightmare, and unecessary IMO when the technology exsists to make the process painless. Many here will attest to the last minute surprises encountered too late in the cruise to do anything else but suffer the hours of waiting inline to take care of something that could of been handled easily if they had been made aware of it eariler in their cruise.

 

As far as your opinion that only the occasional person here wishes for it, perhaps that because many posting here on the Princess board are simply unaware the technology exsists and is available on other lines.

 

This was my wish list list as per the OP original post, and not something that requires the approval of a CC poster's opinion.

Srpilo

[msk1]

As Princess is part of the Carnival "family" I'm unclear why the cabin TV's are not equipped with the daily menus, personal account access, etc. as they are on the Carnival ships. This would be a tremendous timesaver for the purser's desk and so many of the ship's staff. A win-win it would seem. Was any of this addressed when the Grand was refurbished?

 

msk1

[raz455]

Since this is a wish list . . .I want somebody from Publishers Clearing House to knock on my cabin door on the last day of the cruise to tell me I just won $10,000,000 . . .oh, and a shower curtin that didn't try to get intimate with you . . . :D

[OhioDogLover]

I would like being able to see the account on the TV and Tim Horton's coffee!

Ohiodoglover

[curiouscat]

Interesting responses...and a lot of those wish lists on here do exist on RCCL and X....

 

We had a suite on Rccl and we had a concierge and X has one too for suites....

 

Since X is most comparable to Princess I wish they had concierge cabins and the Aqua class cabins similiar to X. It comes with free bottled water an extended room service amenities...etc etc.

 

and the mini suites on Princess had more amenities.....:p

 

I like both lines but I do see the need for Princess needs to evolve their amenities:D

 

CC

[owensamo]

Too bad as it would be nice to be able to access info this way; also if the photos were accessed this way instead of all those prints in the gallery that most likely get dumped in the trash after the cruise. I guess it would be a pipe dream if the photographers had a device that could scan the cabin card of their subjects.

 

I've only sailed Disney so far, but am planning on Princess for Alaska next summer, and just wanted to comment...

 

Disney actually does this. They scan your key card for probably 90% of the photo opportunities, and use facial recognition to add other photos to your account. They also have computer kiosks that you can scan your card into, and see all the photos on your account. They do still print the photos (big waste in my book), but you can get all of them on a CD at the end of the cruise, which is how we tend to do it now. Easy and painless! Scanning the card takes no extra time at the photo ops - and with all of the character ops on the Disney ships, I've known people with 1000+ photos just on one cruise!

[Woobstr112G]

Something small, but I would like to see Princess reimpose a small fee (yes I'm wearing my flame retardant suit) for ice cream at Scoops, Tapas, and Sushi. With the small fee reinstated, the selection variety and quality (IMHO) would improve.....

 

Bob

[The Dragon]

Not sure why people think that paper and plastic isn't recycled on Princess because it is. So, you can all rest easy on that score. Your steward does the recycling after emptying all baskets in your cabin. Something learned from the Ultimate Ship's Tour.

 

But if the paper etc goes in the bin followed by something unrecyclable which 'contaminates' the recyclables doesn't it all become unrecyclable?

 

I suppose another approach would be to allow us to opt out of all the utter rubbish flyers which the cruise ship bombard us with, okay, fat chance!

[wilfros]

This post comes from a cruiser with limited experience but a love of Princess Ships.

 

The one thing I would love would be a forward lounge, somewhere you could go and watch the bow of the ship as it cuts through the water on way to your next destination.

 

Personally, if I were running Princess I would take the Gym area and move it to the Skywalkers area and turn this area into a pleasure lounge. This might also encourage more night time attendance than Skywalkers is presently getting.

[lovevacadays]

This post comes from a cruiser with limited experience but a love of Princess Ships.

 

The one thing I would love would be a forward lounge, somewhere you could go and watch the bow of the ship as it cuts through the water on way to your next destination.

 

Personally, if I were running Princess I would take the Gym area and move it to the Skywalkers area and turn this area into a pleasure lounge. This might also encourage more night time attendance than Skywalkers is presently getting.

 

Oh, that's a great idea! I love the lounges at the back of the ship where you can see the wake, but you are right, it would be lovely to have one looking forward.

 

I would also like to see better pillows. I don't mind the mattress' at all but the pillows are so flat.

 

Would also love it if Princess had Starbucks or Coffee Bean coffee on board!

[ldubs]

Well RCCL & Celebrity and their 30 some ships seem to think the investment is worth it.

 

To see the hundreds of people in line at pursers desk on the last night and embarkation morning to look at their bill's is simply a nightmare

 

Srpilo

 

It would be convenient to be able to review the statement via TV. However, I'm a little confused. I understand people standing in line to pay or to correct a billing error. What I don't understand however, is why anyone has to wait in line to see their statement. The statements are delivered to your cabin.

[JimnKaren]

We sailed to Alaska from San Francisco on Sky Princess - an old, but wonderful ship. There was a lounge forward and high. In Alaska, it was the perfect spot for watching, particularly whenever the naturalist was pointing out stuff.

 

A forward facing lounge would be great, better than the gym things now.

 

Jim

[GlobalGypsy]

It would be convenient to be able to review the statement via TV. However, I'm a little confused. I understand people standing in line to pay or to correct a billing error. What I don't understand however, is why anyone has to wait in line to see their statement. The statements are delivered to your cabin.

 

Yes, the statements are delivered to your room, but not until the morning of disembarkation. If there is a discrepancy at that point there might not be time to wait in line at the Pursers Desk. I always go on the last port day to get a copy, then basically try not to charge anything else to the room so there will be no surprises.

 

Seeing your statement on the TV would be fabulous. Princess once told me the reason they don't do it is because the passengers don't want it, for privacy reasons. Maybe if they knew more of us wanted it, they might listen. :)

 

I thought the way Disney did the pictures, thanks to the OP, was great. With technology today, the card scan and facial recognition is a great idea. Also buying a CD rather than all 8x10 prints. I cringe at the end of the cruise when I see all those photos going in the trash. Not to mention all the chemicals to print them. Snapfish now even has facial recognition. :D

[MustangGT]

Well if it is longer you can just go in the regular line! I sincerely doubt the PES line would ever be longer. Don't be jealous, you will want it too when you reach Platinum status. :)

 

Yes! I'm sure I will enjoy the perks soon! It's just that I have read discussions about the % of passengers who are Platinum and Elite on some cruises being very high. :)

[RickEk]

I've only sailed Disney so far, but am planning on Princess for Alaska next summer, and just wanted to comment...

 

Disney actually does this. They scan your key card for probably 90% of the photo opportunities, and use facial recognition to add other photos to your account. They also have computer kiosks that you can scan your card into, and see all the photos on your account. They do still print the photos (big waste in my book), but you can get all of them on a CD at the end of the cruise, which is how we tend to do it now. Easy and painless! Scanning the card takes no extra time at the photo ops - and with all of the character ops on the Disney ships, I've known people with 1000+ photos just on one cruise!

 

 

I thought the way Disney did the pictures, thanks to the OP, was great. With technology today, the card scan and facial recognition is a great idea. Also buying a CD rather than all 8x10 prints. I cringe at the end of the cruise when I see all those photos going in the trash. Not to mention all the chemicals to print them. Snapfish now even has facial recognition. :D

 

Yes, this is a lot easier for Disney because they are a technology company AND they only have a fleet of three ships.... :)

[jrzebird]

I say it all the time, but darn it, I mean it -- decent hair dryers!!!!

 

And as long as we're in the realm of fantasy, I would be very pleased to see the IC specialty coffee replaced with a Starbucks franchise (not the food, just the coffee/tea drinks). I enjoy my afternoon mochas onboard but they really don't taste nearly as good as Starbucks. Of course, enjoying it on the Promenade Deck gazing out at the sea makes up for a lot of that.

 

Ooh, and more chairs/loungers on the Promenade Deck! That'd be very nice.

 

This would only be a good thing if you actually LIKE Starbucks coffee. I've always felt a bit embarassed, but I'll say it ... I don't care that much for Starbucks. And believe me, I'm a coffee snob.

[Times Prince]

I'm sure we all have a wish list of things we would love on board...after 18 cruises this would be my thing( among others)

 

If I could just check into my room and have a concierge to call or visit and I can pre arrange my spa apts,Chef's table,Sanctuary space, and ressies at the specialty dining restaurants... I 'd be good to go... and he could bring some champagne with him/her:D

 

What would you like to see?

 

CC

I'd like to see more live bands - like the Calypso bands poolside during the day.

 

I'd like to see the Sanctuary area turned into a nice dance floor for evening dancing on deck, again with live band.

 

While we're on wish lists - how about first run movies (those still in theaters) for MUTS at night.

[captainron]

Some more than others. At about $1M/ship, the demand would have to be pretty darned high and other than an occasional wish here on CC, I've never heard anyone asking about or bemoaning the lack while onboard the ship.

 

Good suggestion.

 

FYI, I hate the mattresses on HAL. I put up with them but I get a sciatica flare up every time on a HAL cruise. Way too soft without much support. I would much rather have the Princess mattresses. This is a matter of personal preference but I sure hope Princess doesn't get those awful mattresses.

 

 

Pam,

I have seen this concept used for general boarding whereby they use the main gangway as well as the crew gangway for reboarding passengers.

 

While it was three years ago, (in Victoria BC) the boarding lineup extended from Golden's main gangway to the Ogden Pier entrance. In an extended effort to board passengers for an ontime departure, they eventually opened up the crew gangway for use by passengers. This did entail however a diversion through the dry-foods storage area on the vessel, eventually coming through adjacent to the Medical Centre for the jaunt topside.

 

I agree with you that with the ever increasing number of Platinum and Elite cruisers on Princess this concept could have it's advantages for both going ashore and returning to the vessel at ports of call.

 

I don't feel that Princess needs this for embarkation at the originating port, as I have never encountered problems in the main reception hall, be it FLL, LAX or even SYD.

 

Counting down 34 days til we fly to LGW for our Crown jaunt in August. Have a great summer.

 

Ciao for now!!!

[karatemom2]

I can't think of much to ever complain about in regard to our Princess cruises, but after some thought I was able to come up with a few things I would welcome.

 

It would be nice to be able to order a full hot breakfast from room service including items like eggs, pancakes and oatmeal.

 

I would love to see some new and improved production shows that were more like abridged Broadway shows. Something like the shortened Phantom that's playing in Vegas.

 

And perhaps some new theme nights other then just the 50's, 70's and Country Western nights.

 

And new trivia prizes please!! I have enough luggage tags to last a lifetime!

[curiouscat]

Yes, this is a lot easier for Disney because they are a technology company AND they only have a fleet of three ships.... :)

 

 

RCCL has online accounts on the TV and photos on line as well....it's all about what you want to reinvest back into your co./product... and Princess is part of Carnival corp which is the single largest cruise line by revenue and fleet:rolleyes:

 

just sayin...

 

CC

[BratDet]

Loved the new flatscreen in my last week on CB (on it three times in three years)- but Carnival in April had room service ordering on the screen in addition...to account info....really nice features...

Princess should do it! All it takes is a software upgrade..

 

IC coffee great- wish dining room could have fresh brewed available and serve it (with the card)...I will not ask a server to go get it from IC....I hate Starbucks, but love a cup of fresh brewed...

I wish it was easier sometimes to figure out where a charge originated...they need to upgrade their POS,

 

We were in need of water getting off the ship..they said something like 350 for water....6ish for the thermal cover....so was expecting a charge for just about 9.98...

Saw a charge for just under 12$ from the Casino Bar- when we had never been in there,,,but it turn out it was the water from the desk set-up getting off...on Deck 4- they added gratuity...so the amount didn't match what I was expecting...nor the source of the charge...

Wish it just said water/case- even if it still said Casino bar also...then I would have recognized the charge...but instead I had to enquire...

 

Same thing...Room Service charge of about 12$...we were told there was a charge for a pitcher of orange juice with our Ultimate Balcony Dining...we were never told how much...we had to assume the 12$ charge was for that,,,if it simply said OJ pitcher- on the correct date...we would have been sure....

That is why we pull a bill 1/2 thru the cruise- before we have no memory of what small things we ordered when....and to check the OBC are correctly applied..

In these days of cost-cutting and improving efficiency...making it easier to travelers to access their information and understand it easier..gets people off the customer service lines...and speeds service for those who need more help....

 

I warned my kids they go thru your garbage to sort it for recycling (learned from the Ultimate Ships Tour).

Since we drive to port, I just take paper home and sort it when I get home...they really have cut down on the sheer amount of paper we used to get...

I like the idea of TV screens in key busy areas- like the food court, photo studio, pool areas-so you can check event time and location if you do not have a patter available.

Wireless headsets for MUTS if desired. People on CB with me commented it was very hard to hear on one side....

 

Bernadette

[BruceMuzz]

I would love to have a special gangway for Platinum, Elite & Suite passengers to board at every port, not just on embarcation day. Nothing worse than returning from a long hot excursion and having to wait in a giant line to reboard. This would be a perk that would cost Princess nothing.

 

Cost Princess nothing???

 

To have an extra gangway set at a port:

 

The port will charge a rental fee for the gangway they furnish; $500 to $2,000.

 

The stevedores will charge to set it up and take it down; $500 to $1,000 in a US port

 

We need 4 more Security Guards to man the gangway. There are no empty security guard cabins or beds. Building a new crew cabin for 2 security gurards costs $100,000. Converting a passenger cabin for crew loses the company $150,000 in revenue each year.

 

The ship needs to purchase and install additional security equipment for the additional gangway. Computers, scanners, and x-tay machines for one gangway cost $100,000.

 

Not going to happen........

[BruceMuzz]

But if the paper etc goes in the bin followed by something unrecyclable which 'contaminates' the recyclables doesn't it all become unrecyclable?

 

I suppose another approach would be to allow us to opt out of all the utter rubbish flyers which the cruise ship bombard us with, okay, fat chance!

 

Princess - like many cruise lines - has a "Garbage Room" below decks.

Every bit of refuse from anywhere on the ship is delivered to this room.

There are stainless steel tables in the room, each surrounded by color coded waste bins.

 

At each table are two garbage sorters, dressed in rubber aprons and long rubber gloves. Every container of trash is emptied onto those tables, and every bit of trash is hand sorted into the appropriate bins for recycling, incineration, or off-loading.

[Rejeana]

Doughnuts

[chrysalis]

Doughnuts

 

Sail on a ship with an International Cafe, and head there in the morning.:D