First timers Princess Alaska

[Working 2 Cruise]

It is NOT customary to tip room service since they are in the daily tipping pool. If I had all my meals in my cabin I would definitely reduce my suggested daily tips because if you didn't use the dining room why would you tip ( waiters, assistant waiters, head waiter and Matre D) for service not rendered. I would suggest you don't take assigned seating or they will hold your seats at a table and then you've tied up seats someone may have wanted.

Some people want to shame and bully people on these boards to tip more thbhaien customary. I sincerely doubt if everyone who states they hand out all this free money really do. If they really do tip all the extra they brag about then the staff gets more then enough to compensate for those of us that only tip the daily amount as suggested and placed on our account no more.

 

 

It's one thing to be limited financially, however, the crew, including room service attendants rely on tips. We're, unfortunately, on the same cruise in 2018. I really hope you readjust your attitude!

 

As to the original question, please do try to leave your cabin... Even with your father. Fresh air on open decks is wonderful. I'm pretty sure he and your grandchild would enjoy the shows. You'd be missing out on so much if you stay in your cabin at all times!

 

During Skagway, puppies will be onboard in the atrium. Not to be missed! Just allow plenty of time for your father to walk down to the atrium and find a good seat. This is what I do with my 83 year old husband who has mobility issues. Can we do everything? No. But with a bit of planning, we can do and see plenty!

 

Please don't waste this time. Many great memories can be had. By the way, we also hate crowds! We normally have traditional dining so waiting in line is avoided. So many great meals can be had in the Main dining room, including crab legs in Juneau.

 

In Ketchikan, we got a taxi for $75 for an hour for 4 of us.... very inexpensive, we saw bald eagles (there's a reserve close by) and also saw bald eagles in the wild. It was great and something your father and grandchild might enjoy.

 

Please try not to limit yourself... It's a fabulous cruise and it would be such a waste to just stay in your cabin!

[Jessejo]

If the wedding is on the day of embarkation you might consider the BVE (Bon Voyage Experience) where you can get on the ship, take a tour and have lunch in the main dining room and then stay on the ship until 1 hour before sail away. The cost is $39 per person and must be booked the same as the cruise -at least 7 days in advance. The BVE folks and the wedding parties are the first ones on the ship - approx 10:30 AM. We have arranged to meet friends who live near Seattle for the BVE prior to our Alaska cruise in August. You didn't say when your cruise is - do you still have time to cancel without penalty?

[4cats4me]

This cruise is a family obligation, a wedding we very much wish to attend. Looking forward to the scenery but have little desire to see yet another city so will likely remain on board when in port. The cost of this trip is already nearly three times what we have ever spent on a vacation so adding expensive tours while in port is out of the question. Frankly, just hoping to get to the end of the boat ride without having a panic attack. Appreciate that all you folks truly appreciate a cruise, but we hope to survive it.

 

 

 

You should be able to do what you want. I think many posters are kind of missing the point that you don't necessarily desire to see the various ports. I think what many posters are missing is the fact that this is a potentially stressful environment for you for which you have indicated that you will feel most comfortable in your stateroom

I have good friends who stay in their cabin the whole trip and have just as enjoyable a time as those who go out and about every day. A cruise means different things to different people

Panic attacks are no joke, and you should do what makes you most comfortable.

 

 

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[eandj]

It's one thing to be limited financially, however, the crew, including room service attendants rely on tips. We're, unfortunately, on the same cruise in 2018. I really hope you readjust your attitude!

 

 

 

!

 

Or.... if the OP ( or others) feel differently than you, you could shrug and not expect them to "READJUST" their "Attitude". :rolleyes:

I'm sure there are lots of people that experience cruises in different ways than you. They'll figure it all out while on board with their family. If I was unsure of the new experience, I'd be stressed reading all the posts here. Might sound more overwhelming than it really is when one is anxious.

It certainly would help the OP if family members would help with the care of the child and senior. ;) On our family cruises everyone chipped in with getting grandma any attention and help she needed. A few breaks is what the OP will need.

[tenayafan]

I want to thank those of you who kindly answered my questions. I now know what is expected when I hand over my suitcase when checking in. I now know I can raise the temperature of a stateroom for my father's comfort. And I now know I can request minimal intrusion by those folks caring for our stateroom who I also know are just trying to help. I am so very sorry I offended so many people by asking these questions. Most all of our extended family will be on this cruise. The last of my children is getting married to the man she loves, and they chose to do this cruise to celebrate. It is not often that we can get most all of the family together as they are scattered around the world. My father at 95 is active healthy and spirited, but he cannot do cold weather. Anything below 85 degrees and he shivers uncontrollably. Hence it is nice to know we can warm the room some. He has done this or similar Alaska cruises on several occasions, so he is doing the trip for family, not view. We do not leave him alone for extended periods so someone will be staying in the stateroom with him most every day. I likely will volunteer to do this, as the others will have made reservations on the various excursions. I do this gladly for time spent with my father is priceless. We have one grandchild, and have not seen her in nearly two years. My wife will take every second with her that we can manage. So, we will be available whenever the child's parents offer her to us. They control this part completely, so .....we shall make ourselves available and hope for the best. As for tipping the employees of the cruise line....we already will contribute nearly $30 a day to tips that the line charges everyone. We will not be in the bars, and likely not in the restaurants so the bartenders and wait staff can benefit from this pool without lifting a finger. I thank you for advising me that I can tip the stateroom maid a bit extra, since we clearly will present a problem for her. From reading these boards it seems that the buffets are a hazard and we have no desire to wait in long lines to enter a crowded restaurant, so we will leave them to those who enjoy this sort of thing. We do not go to restaurants while home so we won't even notice the loss. Being able to see our family, watch my daughter marry, watch the scenery float past is more than enough to keep me happy. My wife passed through Sitka 45 years ago, and she would like to wander around there if possible, and if so I will try to accompany her. I will wear a smile and be nice to the other people on board and to the employees of the cruise line. This is my nature. We are trying to retire soon and must watch what we spend for "fun". I'm the boss so I don't get paid to go on vacation. This will cost me half a month's salary on top of the expense of the cruise. Spending more for excursions that apparently I'm expect to do is simply out of the question. I'd frankly rather see my wife happily entertaining our grand daughter and I will watch my father nap with a look of contentment on his face. And if I pass any of those I have so offended here on this board in the hall, I will smile and say HI!!.

[eandj]

You have a good mind set for yourself. The only thing I'd have you reconsider is the buffets. There are times when off the peak hours, as well as on port days, when you can just walk up and get a nice meal or snack.

 

Even in peak hours, there aren't crazy long lines. Or of course someone can make a plate for you and bring it to the room.

 

Have a wonderful time!

Edited June 14, 2016 by eandj

[capriccio]

In addition to eandj's comments regarding the buffet please keep in mind that if you want to leave the room during the day - especially on a port day - there will be lots of comfy chairs in the various bars on the ship. Skywalkers - with 3 walls of glass - provides lovely views and is mostly empty (probably just a few readers) during the day. Another thought to help your Dad if he decides to go out and about on the ship: ask your steward or passengers services for the blanket they provide at MUTS. You may need to explain the circumstances because the blankets aren't supposed to leave the MUTS deck but given your Dad's need for warmth I would hope they would make an exception.

 

I hope the wedding is wonderful and your family creates exceptional life-long memories on the voyage!

[nanabananna]

The wedding is on board, so we will be taking the cruise. We get to see our grand daughter rarely as a continent comes between us, and likely will have her for no more than an afternoon. Grand mother will take all the time with her she can get. We will find a way to keep the child busy and happy. Will spend considerable time with my father as time with him is precious and the clock is ticking at age 95. He gets cold easily, so we will have the stateroom nice and warm for him, and when with him we likely will not wander out on deck.

 

 

I am sorry you wont have a bit of free time for yourself and or with your husband. I know how precious time is with an elderly parent. If your father has a wheelchair take him out for a stroll around the ship with your granddaughter. If he does not have a wheelchair, have you thought about renting one? I have no idea the cost.

Dress him warmly and even ask for a blanket to wrap around him for an inside stroll. Don't go outside if he wishes not too. I know I would enjoy talking to him if I were to encounter him and you as well if you had stop for a rest on the ship. I do hope you enjoy your time with your granddaughter and father, but enjoy the ship to you paid enough for the trip...ENJOY ALASKA.

[more cruises]

tenayafan, thanks for clarifying your original post. It helps us give you better answers.

 

You will want to drop your bags with the porters at the curb just because it's so much easier than trying to drag them around. $1 to $2 per bag is sufficient. Request a wheelchair escort for your dad both on and off the ship. He may be able bodied but it is tiring walking on and off the ship. It's nice having extra help. I think you can do that as part of your online check in. If not, then contact whoever you booked your trip thru.

 

Consider renting a wheelchair for dad. No need to wear him out just getting around the ship. Your booking agent can tell you who to contact. It will be delivered and waiting in the cabin. It used to be Care Vacations, not sure if it still is.

 

Someone mentioned the muster drill - this is the worst time for crowds, every person on the ship is out in the halls at once. Figure out where your muster station is and go 10 minutes early and plan to stay 10 to 15 minutes after it's over. That gives everyone else a chance to clear the area.

 

Your group can make reservations in the main dining room so there is no wait or dealing with lines. The buffet is an excellent choice most of the time. Breakfast is the most crowded so order room service or use the main dining room. Don't forget there are burgers and pizza on the pool decks when you're hungry and don't want crowds. Food can always be taken back to your cabin.

 

Don't forget, your family will want to spend lots of time with all of you. What a great chance to build long lasting memories, not just of the wedding. You may be out of your cabin a lot more than you expect, so plan for it. Maybe get some of those hand warmers to tuck in dad's pockets to keep him warm.

 

What we all love about cruising it that it can be anything we want, so take advantage of all the little "extras" to really customize it to your own liking and then come back and tell us how much fun you had.

[elliair]

 

You didn't offend anyone here, most of us were taken aback by you staying in your cabin, not wanting the room steward in your room and just being somewhat of a recluse on a beautiful ship in the most beautiful country in the world. I for one don't understand your circumstance, it's really none of my business what you choose to do on your vacation. Be prepared for obstacles to be in your way. Have a great time with your grandchild and father.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

My elderly uncle took his first cruise in 2009 and wished he had taken one sooner. He told me he had been invited time and time again by friends and family members and just didn't think cruises would be fun. Boy was he wrong. He was like a kid in a candy store and enjoyed everything about it- from the sailing aspect, to the food, to the music onboard. It was so fun to see his reaction.

 

Spending time with family shouldn't seem like a bedside vigil on a cruise. If he is active- I'm sure he wants to live, not be stuck in a claustrophobic cabin. He can nap anywhere and enjoy the lovely classical music, and watch his family have fun.

 

At 95 he will need a wheelchair because ships are big and this will give him a lease on life. He can be with the whole family- experiencing fun things- not lukewarm room service and boredom. The ship will be comfortable for your father and he can wear sweaters and have a blanket if necessary with his wheelchair.

 

My 94 year old father in law LOVES being around his family, but he wouldn't want them all crowded around him in a cabin. How depressing.

Edited June 14, 2016 by rebeccalouiseagain

[cherylandtk]

Tenayafan,

You're going to be fine, and you've picked up some tips on how to best meet YOUR needs on YOUR vacation. Clearly, you know yourself and what you enjoy.

 

The only other information that I think may be helpful to you is further information with respect to your food plan. As noted, the room service menu is limited; you may tire of those offerings (or not). If so, and it seems reasonable to venture out to one of the many dining options, the International Cafe, the pizza and the grill are all quick and easy and as someone noted earlier, it is easy to bring those items back to the room.

 

You will probably want to select Anytime Dining as your dinner 'option' in your Personalizer online, which does give you and your wife flexibility to eat early, or late or even separately if it helps with granddaughter and dad. You may never eat there, but also as noted, you will not be holding an unused seat in the traditional rooms, either. I agree the buffet would be too difficult to manage with your dad, except perhaps for lunch on port days when it tends to be deserted. On sea days you may find lunch in the dining room is quiet enough, and much easier to handle with table service rather than juggling a buffet plate. It would depend on whether your dad wants to venture out there or not and how comfortable you all would be, but keep it in your back pocket if the need arises.

 

As for room servicing, whenever you do use room service, just call them to come recover the dishes when you are done. And yes, your room steward will be happy to service the room according to whatever limited schedule you need, just speak to him or her on the first day and explain your needs.

 

Try not to feel intimidated by the whole cruising thing, it's also possible to just enjoy the scenery and the people you are with. If you have any other questions about how things work on a cruise ship, just ask. I think by now everyone has figured out that you don't need to be told how to choose to spend your time.

 

Lastly is that Tenaya Lake in your user name?

Edited June 14, 2016 by cherylandtk

[mya603]

Welfare check? Wow. I thought we were grownups. :) We will try to let them know we are just relaxing and not dying. The more I learn about cruising the more confused I get. If we get our meals by room service will that let them know we are OK?

 

The stewards are very unobtrusive, but they do check on everybody every day. If they don't see you moving about or out of your room, they will knock to ask if all is okay. I thought that was very nice. Shows Princess cares about it's passengers. And please, do try to get out and about. the grandchild could go to the kids place on the ship. I'm told it is wonderful and they have great things for the kids to do. included in the price of the cruise. and I'm sure if your father? has trouble getting around, you have a wheelchair or whatever he needs, push him to the top deck too. I'm sure he would love it. I went May of 2015 to Alaska for my very first cruise. I was apprehensive but I read up about it on Cruise Critic and when I got there I had a blast! I will add that I traveled by myself. But I had fun and would go again in a heartbeat. So relax and enjoy!

[mya603]

You haven't offended anyone. We just want you to be comfortable, for your father to be comfortable and for you all to enjoy the cruise. As someone else said, only you know what you are comfortable with. Please forgive us if we sounded offended. We do not mean to be. We care about our fellow cruisers comfort.

 

I sincerely hope you all enjoy the cruise and being with family.

 

God bless you all! 95! wow, give your dad a hug for me. I lost my 87 year old dad right after Christmas, so hang on to your dad. He's precious. And ya'll enjoy the time!

[tenayafan]

Tenaya Lake, Chief Tenaya, Tenaya Peak. Among my favorites. I admit I am much more comfortable sleeping on the ground in Yosemite National Park than I am with any roof over my head. In my youth I slept out on the deck when renting a condo in Yosemite in the winter, and I would be glad to do the same on the ship. :) Just my weird ways.

[cherylandtk]

Spent many a night camping there myself...although not in winter. Winter we had a trailer. Miss it greatly. You will love Alaska scenery, though.

[CatsareCool]

Cruises can be a wonderful way for families to be able to spend time together. Especially for a wedding!

If your father has mobility issues (many people of all ages do, but don't want to admit it) then possibly look into a wheelchair rental for the week from Special Needs at Sea. No matter where you are going on a ship, it can be a long way to get there. And up by the pool, once the weather takes a dip downwards, they have nice warm wool blankets that you can borrow.

Since this is a special family cruise, maybe one night you all can dine together in the dining room. You can call the dining hotline in the morning to make a reservation. Plus with your young granddaughter, the waiters will be pampering her like no other. So many of them have children at home that they miss that they enjoy some of the youngsters (at least the well behaved ones!)they get to see.

[jean-lynd]

I am tenayafan's sister and I guess I need to apologize to him for recommending this board to him. I told him that everyone here would be happy to answer any of his questions. I should have warned him that some people would go overboard! My husband and I will also be on the cruise and we will be traveling to and from the ship with our father and sharing a cabin with him. My husband and I have been on a handful of cruises but not to Alaska. Dad will be traveling with a wheelchair and we have a handicap cabin to facilitate the wheelchair. We have anytime dining and we will take dad to any of the shows and talks that he is interested in. I have the Patters from this cruise that I will go over with him on the plane to see what he wants to do. If the weather is nice we will take dad to shore and up on deck. If the weather is not nice we have a mini-suite so that he can enjoy the scenery from the cabin and we can take turns staying with him. Dad has been to Alaska and he is Platinum on Princess so he has "been there, done that, got the t-shirt!" He is going for the wedding and the family time not for the cruise itself.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

Thanks for jumping in and clarifying the situation. Sounds like you have a good plan and will love Alaska. I've been to Alaska eight times (three with Princess) and it never gets old. Just lovely.

[elliair]

I am tenayafan's sister and I guess I need to apologize to him for recommending this board to him. I told him that everyone here would be happy to answer any of his questions. I should have warned him that some people would go overboard!

 

 

I guess some people really do want to help out people who come here to ask questions. I've never really read quite a thread as this one with the question that was asked. Thank you for clarifying the fact that your father won't be cooped up in a small cabin, sitting and just vegetating. I don't know your father, but it had me a little worried about him and the grand child. You shouldn't have to apologize to your brother for telling him to come here and ask questions. No one was rude to him, most just asked questions and a few were alarmed by not wanting the cabin steward in his room. Sorry if you took it the wrong way, people were most helpful.

 

@tenayafan: I practically grew up in Yosemite and know Mariposa County quite well. As a kid we roamed the mountains near Yosemite exploring old gold mines, fishing on the Merced River, and meeting old miners who had claims - one such man was Clyde Foster who owned Sweetwater Mine. He passed away when he was 104. Just a side note to share with you. Have a great cruise.

[riclop]

First cruise for both of us. Princess from Seattle to Alaska and back. Some silly beginner questions. From the website get the strong impression we cannot carry our own bags when boarding, but there will be folks aching to do this, for a tip. How much tip is appropriate? Does anyone know the temperature in the stateroom on a trip like this? We don't generally like maids in our room when we stay in motels, and since we likely will spend most all of this trip in the room, can we post a go away sign on the door?

 

Try the do not disturb sign.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Just wanted to clarify one thing mentioned in a previous post, especially as there's often cruise newbies who read many of these threads:

 

on Princess, the bartender and bar staff do not share in the auto tip pool. Basically any staff that is providing optional service such as casino staff, spa staff, children's program staff and bar staff don't get a share of the pool.

[tenayafan]

Wanted to thank all those who commented and helped on this thread. Did take the cruise and overall turned it into a positive experience. The scenery in Alaska was every bit as spectacular as promised. We lucked out with truly perfect weather. Since this part of Alaska is so special and essentially only accessed by water would consider doing a cruise here again just for the scenery. Would go with a smaller ship. Crown Princess is a well appointed ship and the company clearly attempts to provide just about anything a load of 3000 people might want. Again, as expected, the ship was very crowded. Trying to walk from one end to the other along the only wide corridor we could find was a nightmare for the photo people controlled it and lined it with photos and people trying to sell photos. My experience with working with cattle came in handy here as the mass of passengers turned off their brains and their courtesy in this passageway and turned into a parking lot. In the evening the ship was one garage band after another from end to end, with the volume turned up to painful. Avoided this at all costs. The restaurants were adequate, with the premium one we visited being the worst of the lot. The food was tasteless and the staff so attentive that they bordered on obsequious. The buffet saved the trip for it was convenient and varied, and most of the passengers there were polite and friendly. The wedding went off well and cannot imagine how it could have been handled better. The captain did the service and clearly enjoyed himself. We spent most of the cruise out on our deck which was more than adequate. Our room was comfortable. We actually got the chance to see our grand child and spent many quality hours with my father. Our family enjoyed the outings they booked. I walked into Juneau during the afternoon of our time there looking for a drugstore item that was not found on board. It was dreadful. After 30 t-shirt stores, 50 jewelry stores, nagging outing salespeople and shoulder to shoulder crowds I finally found the drug store in town. Skip Juneau. Skagway offered a very nice short walk through the woods for us and then the usual gaggle of tourist trap stores. Ketchikan was interesting. Glacier Bay was beyond words wonderful. Getting that mass of people on and off board was accomplished with great competency by the cruise people. I was impressed by their efficiency. So yes, a positive experience, better than I feared as long as we avoided the crowds. Everyone on board seemed happy.

[mya603]

Glad you had an overall good experience. Maybe next time you go YOU will be able to take some excursions away from the tourist trap stores. Or you can do like I do and just avoid them. I walk right on past without acknowledging they are there. The rest of the town in Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau is quite nice. The excursions are really fun. Glad you got to spend time with your father. And I bet the wedding was beautiful.