It was their first cruise ever.. after listening to us rave all these years.. their Day 1, I said 'its not really like this'

[melodyina]

Finally! My daughter-in-law and her husband (lets just say mid 50's) joined us this past week for their very first cruise ever!  After listening to us recap all the benefits and awe's, after showing them multiple vlogs to follow on YouTube - they booked and joined us on the Caribbean Princess.  (!) How exciting is this, and I will share with you, some of the bumps and joys shared during this past week in the Caribbean.  Note: This is our actual experience and yes, its not all Princess's related, but it is their first cruise day that we shared with them. 

 

First - we all arrived a day early.  Well, they were flying in from Alaska to FLL and arrived in the early evening, so it wasn't a 'spend a day in FLL' it was really a place to crash on;y.  A fantastic stay at the Tru by Hilton near the airport.  WOW - i'm impressed with everything available at this hotel and we Uber Food ordered and delivered as we all arrived past 5.  Best about the Tru - no carpet in the rooms! Lovely ammenities and just very comfortable.   We also use Uber to the cruiseport for 4 with luggage and it was wonderful and flawless.  What a great start to the day!   

 

Dropping off our luggage (and tipping) with the Porter, we were boarding!  Quick!  Easy! No wait, we were all Green Line - entering in the Piazza on the Caribbean is always breathtaking - the time - 11am.  (We did have noon for boarding, but really, we didn't need to wait). It was noted 'Stateroom note available until 2'.  Hello buffet and awe of the ship walking around.   What we take as normal they were amazed with the Int'l cafe and choices and 'Really its free?".. "YES"  (we all had the beverage package). 

 

2pm - Exciting - we parted ways as we all went our separate ways to our staterooms.  We had our luggage waiting. After meet-up - they had one luggage waiting but not the other.  Sure enough, even after dinner - the other luggage hadn't showed.  The room steward stated we have until 6pm to deliver luggage.  OK - our dining reservations were for 6pm.  After dinner they checked for the luggage - not to be found.  Sure enough - day 1 of their first cruise - no luggage.  Note we dropped off luggage to the port, with the porter and tipped. Yes, they knew how to attach tags as we even brought a stapler with.  So after connecting with the stateroom attendent to questions missing luggage, he was awesome and started the search for them.  Sure enough it was with the 'lost luggage' without a tag and soaking wet.  (I did rain for 10 minutes or so).  No problem, the stateroom attendent apologized for the luggage delay and was with them 100% in the search... 

 

Dining - we had a table for 4.  Well, next to us was a table for 2.  I will say that the male party of that table for 2 was RUDE to the server and it rattled her.  He ordered a 2nd glass of wine, and when it was delivered, 'it did not taste like the 1st glass'.  HE WAS ANGRY.  He said to the Jr Waitress 'this is not what I ordered', but believe me he was not nice about it, and he did not drop the issue.  (If it was you and you were reading this, I"m still giving you the evil eye!)...  The waitress apologized and he interrupted her demandng to speak to the head waiter!.. The gal he was with was just about shrinking in her chair!!..  I believe they were on a 'cruise date'.  He was loud enough that it interrupted our dining conversation at our table for 4.  It was first night dining!  All I could think of is 'thank GOD I didn't have same table each night as I sure don't wish to be near him!'..  Our waitress was so shook she actually had to ask me again what I ordered (Gin & Tonic) as she was flustered.  He was still ranting.  He threw the 'Celebrity' reference and how that would never happen.  The waitress stated the bartender must have made the mistake as she ordered what he asked for and delivered it to him.. there was not apologize for this man.. and he continued on his rant.  It REALLY disrupted our dining.  The gal with him also ordered her 2nd wine, but said nothing.   I apologized and said 'the dining room isn't really like this'. and on we went.   Our first night I also ordered "complimentary Birthday' on-line.  It was confirmed.. I was excited for the waiter/waitress singing Happy Birthday.. but it did not happen.  I didn't say anything,  as to take away the surprise, which i'm glad on as it just didn't happened and I had us linger a bit after dinner/dessert.  (A couple days later, while at the Purser's desk I brought my confirmed printout of Birthday celebration and inquired.  I was told I needed to inform the waiter that it was a birthday celebration and they would have the cake brought.  I said 'I didn't know this, in prior years it was always a nice surprise, and we didn't need to remind.  I was now updated that they most likely didn't check their sheet and it was first night so they were very busy).  Ok, I was a bit bummed but never did bring it up or mention it, or get birthday singing.. thats ok.. just a nice touched missed  - so why have it on your reservation?  I will say that the table for 2 next to us really had our team shook.  

 

Which brings to mind ordering drinks at the table - a 'Seven and Seven" was ordered by our guests.  The waitress was trying her best to figure it out.  I said (she doesn't know what a 7&7 is, you need to call out the drink by what it is, the servers aren't American and don't know our drink slangs.  She apologized and said she couldn't find the drink.. oh how it flustered her, (still shook from wine issue next table over).. drinks were obvioulsly something our entire table agreed on that we would bring in our own as to not upset the dining flow. 

 

Well, - sail away!!!  To me (imho) I enjoy the Skywalkers Lounge.  So we all 4 went there.  Note - non of us are interested in song/dance or disco or party atmosphere at sail away, we like to view the port in its departure in quiet awe  There was no bar open or waiter in Skywalkers at sailaway  so keep this in mind.  Shame on us - we came empty handed... We all took our app and ordered our drinks.  Wow how convenient!  We all sat together.  Drink progress viewed on the app is very convenient.  The waiter came - with ONE drink on the tray.  Mine.  Where were the other 3 we asked?  He never saw the ticket..  But they all showed the phone and what they ordered and he was really pleasant about going to the bar (who knows on what floor) and getting the drinks.  (We all had beverage package).  But I did feel a bit embarrassed as it was only my order delivered.   I said 'the app is new, i'm sure they are working things out..  )  This was our 2nd cruise in the past year with the medallion and app, and we have been happy with it in the past.  No problems, Glitch seems to be a word used by staff.  

 

After dinner on 1st night, we hit the evening show, the casino, after their luggage shake-down and unpacking, it was a night.  They ordered from the card and hung it on the door for the morning breakfast to be delivered.  Did it come on time?  Yes.  Was it correct?  No.  half of the items they ordered were not delivered.  So they used the app to order service, which worked fine.  It was a rough start for them on the first 24 hours on the ship.  

 

[cr8tiv1]

I do hope the rest of your cruise goes well.  Was this your second cruise (in the past year) or second cruise with Princess?  Thank you for sharing.

 

If the above is the worst of it all, you should have a great time on your cruise.  Settle in and enjoy the remaining days.  It will be over before you can blink.  

 

Just for your information:

Not all bars are opened. 

Skywalkers for Elite, Platinum, Suite lounge hours (5 -7 and late evenings)

Explorer's Lounge when there is a event there

Wheelhouse in the evenings

Casino bar and Club Fusion select hours

Check your patter for times

[SargassoPirate]

Sounds like quite a show at the next table.  People who act like that are bullies and are  showing their insecurities and other character flaws.  The guy has probably never heard that you don't abuse people who deliver your food/drinks and your mail. 

 

 

 

 

[melodyina]

8 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I do hope the rest of your cruise goes well.  Was this your second cruise (in the past year) or second cruise with Princess?  Thank you for sharing.

 

If the above is the worst of it all, you should have a great time on your cruise.  Settle in and enjoy the remaining days.  It will be over before you can blink.  

 

Just for your information:

Not all bars are opened. 

Skywalkers for Elite, Platinum, Suite lounge hours (5 -7 and late evenings)

Explorer's Lounge when there is a event there

Wheelhouse in the evenings

Casino bar and Club Fusion select hours

Check your patter for times

Hi- this was my 21st Princess Cruise, and the 16th for my husband.  We did not use the Elite, Platnum lounge in Skywalkers, but were there early before the event.  Our guests would not have been able to attend being their 1st cruise.  Sailway was at 4 so we were there from about 3:30 - 4:30 before dinner (and before the Skywalkers event).   Oh yes, there were other 'bumps' too and my most disappointing was our prepaid Sabattin's months in advance - and we couldn't get in.  NO tables available at our reservation time (7:20) until 8:30 or so.  Extremly disappointing as it was a prepaid reservation, but it was refunded as a shiipboard credit.  

 

[UT-Volsfan]

Sorry to hear about all of the issues you had.   Hope you had tables with better cruisers around you at dinner for the rest of the cruise. 

 

I remember for birthday celebrations they used to provide a card in the cabin to give the waiter on the night you wanted to celebrate.  Now it is supposed to be all automated notifications. We were on the Island Princess last month and they came to the table with a cake and sang Happy Birthday without us mentioning it to them.  They said the Birthday  showed up on their hand held devices.

 

Unfortunately the Dining reservations portion of the Medallion App system has been very problematic since the Covid restart.  We have had reservations completely disappear with no explanation from Princess.  Sorry it had to be your speciality dining.

[Wishing on a star]

I see a huge recurring theme here....   drinks.

To be honest....  And honestly NOT complaining.

As for me, I would never want to order drinks, or sometimes even wine, on a cruise in the MDR or other venues where a bar is not available.  

Yes, this is issue is on Princess,  but I do KNOW their shortcomings with this type of drink service.....

We might walk in with a drink or wine from the bar, and perhaps have an arranged bottle of wine with the corkage fee.

Expectations are key.

I would never expect quick and efficient and correct service of drinks, especially drinks that a dining room server might not be familiar with.

 

As mentioned...  check your patter for times for bar and drink availabilities....

Know that venues without bar service at that time, MDR on first night, etc, ARE going to be something to know and work with.

 

And, have honest reasonable expectations beforehand.

 

This is the way we operate...  And have never had any of the issues mentioned.

 

 

 

[Thrak]

We are booked on the sold out Solar Eclipse cruise next April. 12 days with an overnight in Cabo. One of our sons is booked with us along with his wife and our second youngest grandchild (she will be 6 when we sail). It will the the first time cruise for the three of them and I keep hoping things go well. We're booked on Discovery Princess which is a ship we are totally unfamiliar with as we've never been on it before. We've only cruised on a Royal class ship once (Royal Princess) and, personally, I much preferred the Grand class ships. As this is an unfamiliar ship and a sold out cruise I cringe thinking of things that might go wrong for their first cruise.

[melodyina]

5 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

I see a huge recurring theme here....   drinks.

To be honest....  And honestly NOT complaining.

As for me, I would never want to order drinks, or sometimes even wine, on a cruise in the MDR or other venues where a bar is not available.  

Yes, this is issue is on Princess,  but I do KNOW their shortcomings with this type of drink service.....

We might walk in with a drink or wine from the bar, and perhaps have an arranged bottle of wine with the corkage fee.

Expectations are key.

I would never expect quick and efficient and correct service of drinks, especially drinks that a dining room server might not be familiar with.

 

As mentioned...  check your patter for times for bar and drink availabilities....

Know that venues without bar service at that time, MDR on first night, etc, ARE going to be something to know and work with.

 

And, have honest reasonable expectations beforehand.

 

This is the way we operate...  And have never had any of the issues mentioned.

 

 

 

So true, and I agree.  The most frequent 'bumps' were from the bar service which were hit/miss.  The staffing for bar service is certainly lacking, so I am thankful we had the app and phones with, even with the bar open and staffed.  Example - Explorers Lounge..  Thank goodness we could order from the app even while at the bar with bartenders and staff, it would have been a long wait.  (and me being short and non-aggressive - standing a couple deep at the bar really gets me nowhere., very convenient to just order on the app..)

 

[memoak]

9 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

I see a huge recurring theme here....   drinks.

To be honest....  And honestly NOT complaining.

As for me, I would never want to order drinks, or sometimes even wine, on a cruise in the MDR or other venues where a bar is not available.  

Yes, this is issue is on Princess,  but I do KNOW their shortcomings with this type of drink service.....

We might walk in with a drink or wine from the bar, and perhaps have an arranged bottle of wine with the corkage fee.

Expectations are key.

I would never expect quick and efficient and correct service of drinks, especially drinks that a dining room server might not be familiar with.

 

As mentioned...  check your patter for times for bar and drink availabilities....

Know that venues without bar service at that time, MDR on first night, etc, ARE going to be something to know and work with.

 

And, have honest reasonable expectations beforehand.

 

This is the way we operate...  And have never had any of the issues mentioned.

 

 

 

The MDR has a dedicated bar in the back you just can’t see it

[Thrak]

The Sabatini's reservation issue is one that has been mentioned lately. I think it's due to Princess offering 2 "free" specialty dining reservations for people with the Premier package and failing to understand that means increased bookings and workload. It's easy for someone to promise things when they aren't the ones having to fulfill those promises. Combine the extra "free" dining with the first night dining for Suite guests and you end up with reservations that aren't fulfilled. It really stinks.

 

For drinks we tend to take a glass of wine or a drink with us when we go to the dining room. I generally only order another drink if it's an after dinner drink with dessert. I've tried ordering wine in MDR but it can take a long time and I've had the "same" wine in Vines and MDR but it was good in Vines and not very good in MDR - except when I ordered it by the bottle in MDR.

Edited July 9, 2023 by Thrak

[melodyina]

2 minutes ago, Thrak said:

The Sabatini's reservation issue is one that has been mentioned lately. I think it's due to Princess offering 2 "free" specialty dining reservations for people with the Premier package and failing to understand that means increased bookings and workload. It's easy for someone to promise things when they aren't the ones having to fulfill those promises. Combine the extra "free" dining with the first night dining for Suite guests and you end up with reservations that aren't fulfilled. It really stinks.

Our Sabattins was reserved for the 4th night of our cruise.  7:20pm,  I was disappointed as we normally ate at 6pm in our MDR, but 7:20 was the earliest time we could grab a couple months in advance.  Paying for 4 people and it comes to $160 or so, and its paid at reservation time.  Couldn't even use OBC, or I didn't see the option to do so.. but 'oh well'.. We were talking about this reservation in anticipation.  But, I was disappointed since we had the reservation, and the APP that we weren't notified of the delay.  We showed up at 7:20 and it was just a no go.  So the Sabattin's manager phoned our MDR just to make sure we had a table for 4 available for us.  He was very kind and sympathetic, and sent us a bottle of wine.  

 

[ONECRUISER]

1 hour ago, melodyina said:

Finally! My daughter-in-law and her husband (lets just say mid 50's) joined us this past week for their very first cruise ever!  After listening to us recap all the benefits and awe's, after showing them multiple vlogs to follow on YouTube - they booked and joined us on the Caribbean Princess.  (!) How exciting is this, and I will share with you, some of the bumps and joys shared during this past week in the Caribbean.  Note: This is our actual experience and yes, its not all Princess's related, but it is their first cruise day that we shared with them. 

 

First - we all arrived a day early.  Well, they were flying in from Alaska to FLL and arrived in the early evening, so it wasn't a 'spend a day in FLL' it was really a place to crash on;y.  A fantastic stay at the Tru by Hilton near the airport.  WOW - i'm impressed with everything available at this hotel and we Uber Food ordered and delivered as we all arrived past 5.  Best about the Tru - no carpet in the rooms! Lovely ammenities and just very comfortable.   We also use Uber to the cruiseport for 4 with luggage and it was wonderful and flawless.  What a great start to the day!   

 

Dropping off our luggage (and tipping) with the Porter, we were boarding!  Quick!  Easy! No wait, we were all Green Line - entering in the Piazza on the Caribbean is always breathtaking - the time - 11am.  (We did have noon for boarding, but really, we didn't need to wait). It was noted 'Stateroom note available until 2'.  Hello buffet and awe of the ship walking around.   What we take as normal they were amazed with the Int'l cafe and choices and 'Really its free?".. "YES"  (we all had the beverage package). 

 

2pm - Exciting - we parted ways as we all went our separate ways to our staterooms.  We had our luggage waiting. After meet-up - they had one luggage waiting but not the other.  Sure enough, even after dinner - the other luggage hadn't showed.  The room steward stated we have until 6pm to deliver luggage.  OK - our dining reservations were for 6pm.  After dinner they checked for the luggage - not to be found.  Sure enough - day 1 of their first cruise - no luggage.  Note we dropped off luggage to the port, with the porter and tipped. Yes, they knew how to attach tags as we even brought a stapler with.  So after connecting with the stateroom attendent to questions missing luggage, he was awesome and started the search for them.  Sure enough it was with the 'lost luggage' without a tag and soaking wet.  (I did rain for 10 minutes or so).  No problem, the stateroom attendent apologized for the luggage delay and was with them 100% in the search... 

 

Dining - we had a table for 4.  Well, next to us was a table for 2.  I will say that the male party of that table for 2 was RUDE to the server and it rattled her.  He ordered a 2nd glass of wine, and when it was delivered, 'it did not taste like the 1st glass'.  HE WAS ANGRY.  He said to the Jr Waitress 'this is not what I ordered', but believe me he was not nice about it, and he did not drop the issue.  (If it was you and you were reading this, I"m still giving you the evil eye!)...  The waitress apologized and he interrupted her demandng to speak to the head waiter!.. The gal he was with was just about shrinking in her chair!!..  I believe they were on a 'cruise date'.  He was loud enough that it interrupted our dining conversation at our table for 4.  It was first night dining!  All I could think of is 'thank GOD I didn't have same table each night as I sure don't wish to be near him!'..  Our waitress was so shook she actually had to ask me again what I ordered (Gin & Tonic) as she was flustered.  He was still ranting.  He threw the 'Celebrity' reference and how that would never happen.  The waitress stated the bartender must have made the mistake as she ordered what he asked for and delivered it to him.. there was not apologize for this man.. and he continued on his rant.  It REALLY disrupted our dining.  The gal with him also ordered her 2nd wine, but said nothing.   I apologized and said 'the dining room isn't really like this'. and on we went.   Our first night I also ordered "complimentary Birthday' on-line.  It was confirmed.. I was excited for the waiter/waitress singing Happy Birthday.. but it did not happen.  I didn't say anything,  as to take away the surprise, which i'm glad on as it just didn't happened and I had us linger a bit after dinner/dessert.  (A couple days later, while at the Purser's desk I brought my confirmed printout of Birthday celebration and inquired.  I was told I needed to inform the waiter that it was a birthday celebration and they would have the cake brought.  I said 'I didn't know this, in prior years it was always a nice surprise, and we didn't need to remind.  I was now updated that they most likely didn't check their sheet and it was first night so they were very busy).  Ok, I was a bit bummed but never did bring it up or mention it, or get birthday singing.. thats ok.. just a nice touched missed  - so why have it on your reservation?  I will say that the table for 2 next to us really had our team shook.  

 

Which brings to mind ordering drinks at the table - a 'Seven and Seven" was ordered by our guests.  The waitress was trying her best to figure it out.  I said (she doesn't know what a 7&7 is, you need to call out the drink by what it is, the servers aren't American and don't know our drink slangs.  She apologized and said she couldn't find the drink.. oh how it flustered her, (still shook from wine issue next table over).. drinks were obvioulsly something our entire table agreed on that we would bring in our own as to not upset the dining flow. 

 

Well, - sail away!!!  To me (imho) I enjoy the Skywalkers Lounge.  So we all 4 went there.  Note - non of us are interested in song/dance or disco or party atmosphere at sail away, we like to view the port in its departure in quiet awe  There was no bar open or waiter in Skywalkers at sailaway  so keep this in mind.  Shame on us - we came empty handed... We all took our app and ordered our drinks.  Wow how convenient!  We all sat together.  Drink progress viewed on the app is very convenient.  The waiter came - with ONE drink on the tray.  Mine.  Where were the other 3 we asked?  He never saw the ticket..  But they all showed the phone and what they ordered and he was really pleasant about going to the bar (who knows on what floor) and getting the drinks.  (We all had beverage package).  But I did feel a bit embarrassed as it was only my order delivered.   I said 'the app is new, i'm sure they are working things out..  )  This was our 2nd cruise in the past year with the medallion and app, and we have been happy with it in the past.  No problems, Glitch seems to be a word used by staff.  

 

After dinner on 1st night, we hit the evening show, the casino, after their luggage shake-down and unpacking, it was a night.  They ordered from the card and hung it on the door for the morning breakfast to be delivered.  Did it come on time?  Yes.  Was it correct?  No.  half of the items they ordered were not delivered.  So they used the app to order service, which worked fine.  It was a rough start for them on the first 24 hours on the ship.  

 

Use the tough plastic sleeves attached to our Luggage, also have always carried on changes of clothes, on Ship and Airline, just in case. Then traveling with someone Wife, Kid, would split clothes up, half in each bag. Started this when one our Bags was flown to different State, arriving 24hrs later to our Port Hotel. Finally, last 20yrs have arrived at Port 2 days early. Seen too many miss Ship due to Weather, Flights Delayed/Canceled, or car issues. Fly 12-14 times a year and see this happen more last yr then have in my 40yrs of traveling

Edited July 9, 2023 by ONECRUISER

[melodyina]

4 minutes ago, ONECRUISER said:

I have always used the tough plastic sleeves attached to our Luggage. Also have always carried on changes of clothes, Ship and Airline, just in case. Then traveling with someone Wife, Kid, would split clothes up, half in each bag. Started this when one our Bags was flown to different State, arriving 24hrs later to our Hotel. Finally, last 20yrs am at Port 2 days early. See too many miss Ship due to Weather, Flights Delayed/Canceled, or car issues. Fly 12-14 times a year and see this happen more last yr then have in my 40yrs of traveling

Yes, us too on the cross packing.  Unfortunatly I didn't clue in my daughter-in-law that this may be an issue their luggage wouldn't be there by dinner time, or 9pm for that matter.  Just wasn't on my radar, especially when you have all your luggage with you checking in to the ship. 

 

[Thrak]

We also use the plastic sleeves for our luggage tags. I simply don't trust paper tags to hold up - especially if they bags get rained on or (as has happened to some folks) dropped in the bay.

 

When we had two cruises booked back to back but different ships I printed both luggage tags and "nested" them in the plastic sleeves. After the first cruise I simply slid out the "outer" tag leaving the tag for the next cruise in place. No hassle.

Edited July 9, 2023 by Thrak

[melodyina]

9 minutes ago, Thrak said:

We also use the plastic sleeves for our luggage tags. I simply don't trust paper tags to hold up - especially if they bags get rained on or (as has happened to some folks) dropped in the bay.

 

When we had two cruises booked back to back but different ships I printed both luggage tags and "nested" them in the plastic sleeves. After the first cruise I simply slid out the "outer" tag leaving the tag for the next cruise in place. No hassle.

I'm certainly going to get the plastic sleeves, they look handy.  I'm also going to rethink a bit as it sure rained in FLL and determine how water-proof my suitcase is. I believe the hardcase suitcases are the way to go.  I'll upgrade my suitcase in the future with more thought in mind.  But as I say.. 'you learn as you Go'. 🙂

 

[cr8tiv1]

A pre-paid reservation should be honored before "free" with Premium Package.  That is not a good policy.

 

I misread your timing of Skywalkers.  You had mentioned dinner first, then sail away, then disco.  Several have mentioned that you would not have been turned away from the lounge...but I would have done the same.  

 

You just have to take another cruise from my side of the world (San Pedro).  Nothing goes wrong on a Grand Class from here (lol).

[cruzsnooze]

You proved a great point. Tipping the porters did not get your luggage to you  any faster and didn't mean any care was even taken to keep your tags intact.

  You pay too much attention to others around you and ignored what was positive,  

[1025cruise]

IMHO, tipping the porters is just a guarantee that your luggage doesn't intentionally go swimming.

[startedwithamouse]

FWIW, on the Grand/Crown class ships, we start at Vines enjoying our glasses of wine and sushi (if Ruby/Crown/Emerald), then get a couple glasses of wine to bring to dinner (and promise our firstborn if we don't return the glasses - IYKYK), a little through dinner, we'll pop over to Vines to get a couple more glasses - wine guy will charge one to each medallion. 

Edited July 9, 2023 by startedwithamouse

[wcflats]

1 hour ago, SargassoPirate said:

Sounds like quite a show at the next table.  People who act like that are bullies and are  showing their insecurities and other character flaws.  The guy has probably never heard that you don't abuse people who deliver your food/drinks and your mail. 

 

 

 

Totally agree with you about this  Bunch or one moron.

 

[Teechur]

45 minutes ago, Thrak said:

We also use the plastic sleeves for our luggage tags. I simply don't trust paper tags to hold up - especially if they bags get rained on or (as has happened to some folks) dropped in the bay.

 

When we had two cruises booked back to back but different ships I printed both luggage tags and "nested" them in the plastic sleeves. After the first cruise I simply slid out the "outer" tag leaving the tag for the next cruise in place. No hassle.

I always "laminate" my luggage tags with clear packing tape in case of rain. On my next cruise, we will each have one of the plastic sleeve tags from Amazon, and I will still use a laminated tag as backup.

[PacnGoNow]

2 minutes ago, Teechur said:

I always "laminate" my luggage tags with clear packing tape in case of rain. On my next cruise, we will each have one of the plastic sleeve tags from Amazon, and I will still use a laminated tag as backup.

I always print an extra tag and throw right  inside the suitcase.  If the outside plastic sleeve comes off (never has) then they will open the suitcase for identification.  They can easily see our cabin no.

 

[melodyina]

19 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

A pre-paid reservation should be honored before "free" with Premium Package.  That is not a good policy.

 

I misread your timing of Skywalkers.  You had mentioned dinner first, then sail away, then disco.  Several have mentioned that you would not have been turned away from the lounge...but I would have done the same.  

 

You just have to take another cruise from my side of the world (San Pedro).  Nothing goes wrong on a Grand Class from here (lol).

I should have placed events in chronological, but I didn't I just typed away as i was recalling them.  But I did have the topic there.  1st day was rough but there is always something.  I'm ok with it, I was more embarrased than anything, as I've felt a decline. The app is new, all the people with drink packages is now a new norm, and the waiters and waittresss aren't very visible like they were 'years ago'. 

 

[melodyina]

3 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

I always print an extra tag and throw right  inside the suitcase.  If the outside plastic sleeve comes off (never has) then they will open the suitcase for identification.  They can easily see our cabin no.

 

That was the confusing part.  The ID luggage name tag was very visible on the outside of the luggage.  Someone could have matched the name up with the passenger list, but  - perhaps later later later?  They just hadn't gotten to that yet.

 

[PacnGoNow]

2 minutes ago, melodyina said:

That was the confusing part.  The ID luggage name tag was very visible on the outside of the luggage.  Someone could have matched the name up with the passenger list, but  - perhaps later later later?  They just hadn't gotten to that yet.

 

Could be they were swamped, due to rain, maybe a lot of bags had destroyed or lost baggage tags.

 

I also drop air tags in each of our suitcases.

Edited July 9, 2023 by PacnGoNow