coldweather

In case some folks do not know, some premium credit card companies offer trip insurance for no extra cost as long as you charge your travel using that credit card. (This does NOT include travel HEALTH insurance.) I agree. Travel insurance is a very good purchase. Instead of paying the premium, some travelers may want to consider upgrading their credit card. I have a chase credit card branded with a major hotel company. After paying the annual fee I receive 1 night free in their brand hotel and trip insurance for an travel I book using their credit card. The fee pays for itself. Yes, consider travel/trip insurance from the traditional sources but also look at the credit card options. Choose what works best for you.

Just last month I sent an old fashioned paper letter mailed via the post office to Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy asking her to consider adding more variety to the ports of call and to restart sailings from San Juan even if just seasonally for the winter. The current ports of call have too many Bahamas and too many repeats. In case you want to join me: Christine Duffy President Carnival Cruise Line 3655 NW 87th Avenue Miami, FL 33178 (305) 406-5437 cduffy@carnival.com

I could use some clarification on this FCD process. Here's an example. I am on a 14 day Princess cruise in an inside cabin. I purchase 2 FCD for $100 each. Total $200. This $200 FCD is charged to my onboard ship account. On the same cruise, I am then credited to my onboard ship account $75 per person for a total of $150. Can I apply the $150 OBC toward gratuities (no premier package). I have 1 year to use my $200 FCD toward a Princess cruise deposit (sailing can be later). Is this correct? How does the refundable part work? If 1 year passes and I do not book a Princess cruise the $200 I spent for a FCD is refunded to me? If I book a cruise within the 1 year and later (after 1 year) I cancel the cruise is the $200 FCD is refunded to me? Are the FCD for named guests or can I give them away or take someone different on my next cruise and use the FCD. Sorry for all of the questions. The concept is great. The process is a bit confusing. Thanks in advance.

The back of the ship pool attracts adults but, to my knowledge, is not an adults only pool area. It is the closest you will get to adults only. The back pool has no party-games or activities for kids. Many adults self select this area.

A few things to consider. It's a large port. When you know which termimals your ships will be at, you can google map the walk. If you are able to walk between the ships, be prepared to walk carrying all of your luggage. We did this in Miami between cruise brands and some areas did not have sidewalks. Turned out ok but was cumbersome with all of our luggage. Also, if you like to carry on wine, water or soft drinks you will need to make arrangements to get those items prior to boarding ship #2. You could Uber from ship #1 to a local store to pick up wine/water/soft drinks. Hang out until your check in time to ship #2. Then Uber to ship #2, Looking at Google Maps there are some liquor stores and a Publix not far away. When onboard ship #1 I would ask Guest Services for a recommendation on how to get to ship #2. Many years ago in a different port there was a shuttle for crew members changing ships that allowed a few passengers. The shuttle also took crew members out of the port to the local stores they like to shop to stock up. It never hurts to ask. Side to sides are a lot of fun. It's like starting all over with a new crew and new guests. .

New to Princess. When checking in I do not see an option to select a boarding time? Does everyone just show up when the prefer? I will be blue line.

@fpsphil. Which Carnival ship were you on? It's been my experience that a 7 day Carnival when kids are in school is a much different (more pleasant) experience than a weekend cruise when kids are out of school. I am looking forward to following your Emerald cruise. Thanks for making the effort to post.

@pinkiek Today is 1/16. I do hope all turned out well but I am curious, how did you handle the situation?

One suggestion. I usually print out a detailed hard copy of the travel insurance I purchased. During travel if a situation occurs, I can refer to the policy I bought to know what is covered. This should help me make good decisions. This is all in theory because I almost always have the hard copy but I have never had to refer to it.

Good suggestions. I also plan to bring a bit more OTC medications with me than normal. It seems the current virus going around is upper respiratory. I plan to bring decongestants, cough medication, tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, etc. I always say.... there is no CVS onboard....bring your own but don't over do it. I also plan to bring covid test kits. On another Princess thread the OP shared that she used her own test kits and tested positive while sailing. She self reported to medical. She quarantined in her cabin and Princess offered food from most other restaurants delivered for free not just the standard room service menu. She also had to follow different debarkation procedures. Thanks for sharing your journey. I enjoyed following along.

Does anyone have experience with the Medallion OFF of the ship? I see in the app there is a choice to add your credit card to use for "Shoreside" purchases. On another cruise critic thread it has been reported that passengers are greeted by name in some of the shore side stores because the vendors can read the medallion. Also, can someone comment on the process for security check to re-enter the cruise port area after a day ashore? Back in the day you used to show your cruise card and a photo id. Does security staff read your medallion? "

Got it. Thanks. I see I can only purchase on the app.

I have looked all over on the website (not app) to purchase the wifi package. I can't seem to find that option. Will someone please point me in the right direction. We have the standard option and just want to purchase the wifi package. Thank you.

Thanks for the continued updates. Is the wifi working well? Is it fast enough to stream?

Thank you for sharing your cruise adventures. Are all of the menus paper based or are they also in the app or a QR code on the table. Thanks.