Live from Royal Princess sailing May 2, 2022 for 12 nights rountrip from Vancouver to Alaska

[mrsskyhook]

Well folks, it's our last night on this cruise, so this live report is going to wind down soon. 

 

I was very much looking forward to sharing our experience, my husband's quirky humour and some good info with you all. 

 

While some of that happened, there appeared to be many who just want to argue, even when provided with photographic evidence of what Princess was saying, live, on board Royal Princess in real time.  And/ or argue about ArriveCan, completely ignoring screen shots of the CURRENT process and policies (within 72 hours of boarding a ship leaving Canada if it will return to Canada). I even repeatedly posted a redacted copy of our ArriveCAN receipt and got arguments. 

 

We truly hoped to help some people with this live review. Hopefully we had some measure of success. 

 

Best wishes for calm seas and great cruises in your future. 

 

Linda ... Aka MG

[compozer]

Thank you Linda.  I really appreciated your input.

[maggiemouse]

18 minutes ago, mrsskyhook said:

Well folks, it's our last night on this cruise, so this live report is going to wind down soon. 

 

I was very much looking forward to sharing our experience, my husband's quirky humour and some good info with you all. 

 

While some of that happened, there appeared to be many who just want to argue, even when provided with photographic evidence of what Princess was saying, live, on board Royal Princess in real time.  And/ or argue about ArriveCan, completely ignoring screen shots of the CURRENT process and policies (within 72 hours of boarding a ship leaving Canada if it will return to Canada). I even repeatedly posted a redacted copy of our ArriveCAN receipt and got arguments. 

 

We truly hoped to help some people with this live review. Hopefully we had some measure of success. 

 

Best wishes for calm seas and great cruises in your future. 

 

Linda ... Aka MG

 

18 minutes ago, mrsskyhook said:

Well folks, it's our last night on this cruise, so this live report is going to wind down soon. 

 

I was very much looking forward to sharing our experience, my husband's quirky humour and some good info with you all. 

 

While some of that happened, there appeared to be many who just want to argue, even when provided with photographic evidence of what Princess was saying, live, on board Royal Princess in real time.  And/ or argue about ArriveCan, completely ignoring screen shots of the CURRENT process and policies (within 72 hours of boarding a ship leaving Canada if it will return to Canada). I even repeatedly posted a redacted copy of our ArriveCAN receipt and got arguments. 

 

We truly hoped to help some people with this live review. Hopefully we had some measure of success. 

 

Best wishes for calm seas and great cruises in your future. 

 

Linda ... Aka MG

 

[maggiemouse]

Just now, maggiemouse said:

 

 

I’ve enjoyed following you and it was a great review. I appreciate you taking the time to do the review

One question if you have time - why did you choose concerto vs allegro for dining?

[AZQC-Cruiser]

On 5/2/2022 at 7:06 AM, lks said:

Hello all! This is my first review that I have ever done, and a live one at that. I really enjoy reading reviews and comments on cruise critic but I thought it was about time I stepped up to the plate and contributed. I appreciate the experiences that other members have taken there time to share.

 

I will be doing this in tandem with my lovely wife Linda, who I call MG (Most Gorgeous of course!) I am Lyle and this trip is for our 41^st wedding anniversary. It was our 40^th last year but due to covid and travel restrictions we are going to roll them both into one on May 9^th . Yes this is the official day of our marriage, 9 weeks after our first date!

 

We are both in our early 60’s and we live in Parksville, Canada. It is on Vancouver island in British Columbia, a 2 hour drive north of Victoria, our provincial capital. We will be stopping at Victoria on this cruise, please get off and visit, we have a full day here. We come here for weekends all the time as it is so beautiful!

 

The following is our 12 day itinerary on the Royal Princess. We splurged and booked a Club class mini suite. It comes with some extra perks: priority boarding and disembarkation, our own section of the restaurant with no waits and upgraded menu’s and a wine setup in our room among other things. If you are interested in booking this in the future we will share our experiences with you the best we can.

May 02
May 02
Vancouver Check In Begins At 12:30		4:00PM
May 03
At Sea
May 04
Juneau		1:30PM		10:00PM
May 05
Skagway		6:00AM		8:30PM
May 06
Icy Strait Point		7:00AM		6:00PM
May 07
Sitka		7:00AM		5:00PM
May 08
Hubbard Glacier Scenic Cruising		11:00AM		5:00PM
May 09
Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising		6:00AM		3:30PM
May 10
Endicott Arm And Daw Scenic Cruising		7:00AM		12:00PM
May 11
Ketchikan		7:00AM		6:00PM
May 12
At Sea
May 13
Victoria		7:00AM		5:00PM
May 14
Vancouver		1:45AM
May 14

MG (her CC handle is MrsSkyhook) is the computer tech between us so she will probably do most of the posting of pictures and adding in her comments of course. We hope to meet many new friends on this cruise. Anyone else who is also on this cruise please don’t hesitate to add or contribute to this thread and your experience. MG and I will be back to you soon!    - Lyle   

When you came back, did you need to go through customs in Victoria or was it done only in Vancouver at the end of the cruise ?  And did you have to fill out the ArriveCan app before debarking in Victoria or Vancouver ?

 

[AZQC-Cruiser]

24 minutes ago, mrsskyhook said:

Well folks, it's our last night on this cruise, so this live report is going to wind down soon. 

 

I was very much looking forward to sharing our experience, my husband's quirky humour and some good info with you all. 

 

While some of that happened, there appeared to be many who just want to argue, even when provided with photographic evidence of what Princess was saying, live, on board Royal Princess in real time.  And/ or argue about ArriveCan, completely ignoring screen shots of the CURRENT process and policies (within 72 hours of boarding a ship leaving Canada if it will return to Canada). I even repeatedly posted a redacted copy of our ArriveCAN receipt and got arguments. 

 

We truly hoped to help some people with this live review. Hopefully we had some measure of success. 

 

Best wishes for calm seas and great cruises in your future. 

 

Linda ... Aka MG

We're following in your steps tomorrow May 14th on the Royal.  I've posted a question below on the customs procedures upon coming back.  Thanks

 

[alibabacruisers]

Thank you very much for your trip review and all of the information you provided!  We really appreciate you taking the time and hope you had a wonderful time. 

[lks]

6 minutes ago, maggiemouse said:

I’ve enjoyed following you and it was a great review. I appreciate you taking the time to do the review

One question if you have time - why did you choose concerto vs allegro for dining?

We were in club class and it was only in Concerto as far as we know

[AZQC-Cruiser]

On 5/3/2022 at 6:51 AM, lks said:

Yes everyone had to fill in the arrivecan app before boarding. Being in Club Class we had a priority area that we sat in before boarding. Boarding was a bit weird though as their was no announcement. As we were seated there was Princess staff going around helping people do the arrivecan app who didn't do it before arriving at the terminal like we did. We noticed people randomly getting up and going to board the ship so we followed and boarded. Maybe because we had pre done the app we didn't have to sit but just board the ship? We'll never know for sure.

I haven't gone through all the posts yet but I thought the Arrive Can app was for when you come back to Canada and has to be filled in no more than 72 hours before arriving.  So as a Canadian boarding in Vancouver, do you have to fill it in BEFORE boarding the ship and do you indicate the date of arrival as the stop in Victoria 13 days later ?

[Wulfwyn]

[lks]

5 minutes ago, AZQC-Cruiser said:

When you came back, did you need to go through customs in Victoria or was it done only in Vancouver at the end of the cruise ?  And did you have to fill out the ArriveCan app before debarking in Victoria or Vancouver ?

 

Hi! We are on our last night so not back in Vancouver yet. As far as customs, we completed our customs forms before we arrived in Victoria and princess took them from us and that seemed to complete it. We did not go through customs when we got off the ship in Victoria and I can only assume that it will be the same in Vancouver. As far as the arrive can app, we did it before we got on the ship and got our QR code. This completed it. When going on a cruise out of canada it is only required before you board although some people dragged there feet and did it later after being prodded by Princess. Doing it within 72 hours of arriving in canada does not apply on cruise ships as you can do it before you board.

[AZQC-Cruiser]

On 5/3/2022 at 3:38 PM, senior lady said:

yes, you have to have it downloaded with all the information needed.  Then 72 hrs before arriving in Vancouver you finish it.

OK now I understand, you only need to have it downloaded with all your ID and Vaccination info.  Also with the latest April update.

[lks]

17 minutes ago, AZQC-Cruiser said:

I haven't gone through all the posts yet but I thought the Arrive Can app was for when you come back to Canada and has to be filled in no more than 72 hours before arriving.  So as a Canadian boarding in Vancouver, do you have to fill it in BEFORE boarding the ship and do you indicate the date of arrival as the stop in Victoria 13 days later ?

We used Victoria, Ogden point.

[AZQC-Cruiser]

I finally figured the ArriveCan requirement and filled it out.  Never heard this was required BEFORE boarding a ship.  Thanks for the heads up !

[AZQC-Cruiser]

On 5/5/2022 at 12:35 PM, Steelers36 said:

The ArriveCAN topic is confusing because it is apparent the Princess is requiring people to have it in place for boarding even though not at all required and only needed for arrival TO Canada.  My guess is that Princess is trying to avoid a huge backlog or throttle point just prior to arriving back/to Canada and finding that half the passengers are clued out and not ready to go with the App.

Also with spotty Internet and no cell signal at sea, they may want you to fill it in early.  I agree that for Canadians living and traveling within Canada, it is confusing but I looked it up on the Canadian Govt website and it does say it is required before boarding.

 

[travelbuds]

1 hour ago, mrsskyhook said:

Well folks, it's our last night on this cruise, so this live report is going to wind down soon. 

 

I was very much looking forward to sharing our experience, my husband's quirky humour and some good info with you all. 

Thank you for your live commentary. Enjoyed it. Being from Vancouver Island, do you know where good Wi-Fi can be had around the Ogden Point ship dock in Victoria (day before disembarkation in Vancouver)? We have to have Covid test done before we can fly back to USA,  and from what I have been reading on cruisecritic,  the ship's Wi-Fi is not real dependable. Wouldn't want it to go down before test completed and results returned. Thank you.

[AZQC-Cruiser]

On 5/7/2022 at 3:32 PM, compozer said:

When we went to dinner, Mike would put it in his pocket.   I usually am wearing a swimming suit most of the time around the ship in warm weather locations so I would either stick it into the top of my swimsuit or stick it up under my swimsuit at the hip.   If no swimsuit, I would stick it into my bra.

 

First cruise with the medallion, I made Mike put it in his pocket.   The last cruise I had to take a small purse around with me for the medallion and my phone.    I did use the lanyard around my next in ports - stuck it under what ever I was wearing.   I do not like it on display - just like so many people carrying around their blue Princess bag - shouts tourist!!! 

 

Your clip is handy if your pants have belt loops.

Pretty sure that anyone off the ship looks looks a tourist in those small ports.

[xltiny]

On 5/12/2022 at 7:25 PM, Italy52 said:

ArriveCAN app question:  At embarkation, did you have a hard copy of your QR code or did you use the one on your mobile phone?

 

Also, did you have to fill out another ArriveCAN for debarking in Vancouver?

 

Enjoyed reading all your comments, thanks for taking the time to share them.

Didn’t matter, soft or hard were ok. No additional arrive can for Vancouver. Used the port date for Victoria as the entry date.

[xltiny]

10 hours ago, CruiseAngel218 said:

Quick question, what is the earliest disembarkation time upon arrival in Vancouver? Or flight time has change, & we are trying to make an early flight out of Vancouver on June 4th.

We are probably arriving around 1130p in Vancouver (tide related) and the first walk off is 715a. (Unassisted)

 

[xltiny]

2 hours ago, AZQC-Cruiser said:

When you came back, did you need to go through customs in Victoria or was it done only in Vancouver at the end of the cruise ?  And did you have to fill out the ArriveCan app before debarking in Victoria or Vancouver ?

 

We spoke to someone who was pulled aside in Victoria and told to pay taxes as they exceeded the duty free allowance for Canadians. 

[CRG7]

Also on the Royal right now and wanted to add a couple of things from our experience, hope that's okay!

 

Covid testing was available if you have a flight to the US on the 14th, even if you have your own transportation. It took us about 25-30 minutes from entering the lounge to receiving our results but some people were still waiting after an hour.

 

We skipped the MDR a lot but preferred the Allegro to the Concerto. No Club Class for us, so we found the Concerto to be too crowded. Michael in the Allegro was beyond fantastic - we tried to request having the same table but the manager of the dining room said it couldn't be guaranteed - one of the reasons we rarely did the MDR.

 

We tried breakfast in the Concerto one morning and once again, they were seating people on top of each other even though there were plenty of open tables.

 

If you play in the casino or win at bingo, make sure to cash out before arriving in Victoria - if future cruises do Victoria to Vancouver. The casino was closed all day but also tonight. We were told if you have more than $25 in your casino account, they will mail a check. If it is less, they donate the money. 

 

We have had a wonderful experience with the staff and the entertainment team. Between all of them and the low capacity, we have been spoiled for future cruises.

Edited May 14, 2022 by CRG7

[cr8tiv1]

Thank you Linda and Hubby for your dedication to this thread.  I find it so alarming that posters can be so rude and argumentative with someone is doing a live thread with documentation.

 

Just to throw in a "sidebar"....and people thought that "Safe Travels Hawaii" was bad.  

 

This is the year I am skipping Alaska.  I want to return to a glitch free cruise without any stress.  Hopefully, by the time I cruise again, the Medallion App will be fully functional.  One can dream.

 

Again, Mahalo Nui Loa for taking the time during your anniversary cruise.  Thanks to all who contributed real time posts.  

[Britter16]

4 hours ago, mrsskyhook said:

Well folks, it's our last night on this cruise, so this live report is going to wind down soon. 

 

I was very much looking forward to sharing our experience, my husband's quirky humour and some good info with you all. 

 

While some of that happened, there appeared to be many who just want to argue, even when provided with photographic evidence of what Princess was saying, live, on board Royal Princess in real time.  And/ or argue about ArriveCan, completely ignoring screen shots of the CURRENT process and policies (within 72 hours of boarding a ship leaving Canada if it will return to Canada). I even repeatedly posted a redacted copy of our ArriveCAN receipt and got arguments. 

 

We truly hoped to help some people with this live review. Hopefully we had some measure of success. 

 

Best wishes for calm seas and great cruises in your future. 

 

Linda ... Aka MG

Gatch ya. We were on the first cruise with Good Spirits and I thought I was doing a favour telling about something new. Seems not so.

[2 cruises a year]

2 hours ago, AZQC-Cruiser said:

Pretty sure that anyone off the ship looks looks a tourist in those small ports.

There is a big difference between "looks like " (possibly, but not sure) and "shouting" with the blue bag and/or lanyard around your neck. 

[Buckeye10640]

6 hours ago, CRG7 said:

Also on the Royal right now and wanted to add a couple of things from our experience, hope that's okay!

 

Covid testing was available if you have a flight to the US on the 14th, even if you have your own transportation. It took us about 25-30 minutes from entering the lounge to receiving our results but some people were still waiting after an hour.

 

We skipped the MDR a lot but preferred the Allegro to the Concerto. No Club Class for us, so we found the Concerto to be too crowded. Michael in the Allegro was beyond fantastic - we tried to request having the same table but the manager of the dining room said it couldn't be guaranteed - one of the reasons we rarely did the MDR.

 

We tried breakfast in the Concerto one morning and once again, they were seating people on top of each other even though there were plenty of open tables.

 

If you play in the casino or win at bingo, make sure to cash out before arriving in Victoria - if future cruises do Victoria to Vancouver. The casino was closed all day but also tonight. We were told if you have more than $25 in your casino account, they will mail a check. If it is less, they donate the money. 

 

We have had a wonderful experience with the staff and the entertainment team. Between all of them and the low capacity, we have been spoiled for future cruises.

Followed your posts as I am boarding for Alaska today, sounds like you had a great trip! 

For others sailing - Re: Covid testing mentioned onboard,  be aware that going forward after the 14th Princess states NO  Covid testing on board for those who need it to fly/return home. You are on your own!