Ellipooh

I’m traveling on a Panama Canal itinerary on Emerald LA-FLL in 2024. I’m not exactly sure how, but I’ve ended up with $1050 OBC - all non-refundable. I’m traveling solo in a Balcony midship, and already have the Plus package for drinks. I’ve looked at the Princess excursions for my cruise, but so far none are really appealing for Mexico, Nicaragua, or Columbia. And since I’m traveling solo, private tours are even less appealing and not eligible for OBC in any event. Does someone have a convincingly reassuring experience in these ports? I’m thinking about a couple of nice whiskies from the gift shop; would they be held and delivered upon disembarking? Or maybe I upgrade to the premium drink package after I board? Is any on-board jewelry worth the price? I’ve only purchased cheap stuff from Effy and I really don’t want more trinkets. Can I spend the OBC at the blackjack tables? I am aware of the possibility of somehow cashing out at the Casino but that all seems slightly sketchy to me. Maybe as a last resort.

I’ll be on Emerald next year for Panama Canal (in reverse, I’ll be going LA->FLL), cant wait to hear about your experiences. Already appreciate the ideas for Sanctuary and Chef’s Table. Looking forward to your reports. Have a great voyage!

Me too me too ETA: Found it! https://www.amazon.com/Retractable-Holders-Rhinestones-Crystal-inches/dp/B085WPXY3X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2VZPITR4MK67R&keywords=Retractable+holder+bling&qid=1681665304&sprefix=retractable+holder+bling%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-3 But I don’t think they’re what I’m looking for. Not sure how they would work well with a Princess Medallion.

This.

I’m traveling in a Studio next month and get access to the Studio Lounge as part of my booking. I’m looking forward to the Lounge as a quiet haven to meet other solo passengers with key card access, not a party spot. You’ll be fine.

Three formal nights are scheduled for my 2024 Full Transit

My goodness. I’ve always considered myself to be a very-above-average tipper, but the numbers being posted here are making me reconsider my generosity. I tip hotel housekeepers $5/day, and cruise porters $20. Never occurred to me to tip in MDR, much less $5-$10 per meal x3/day. Isn’t that what the prepaid sc is for??? I do tip $10 in a specialty restaurant and $1/cocktail. But $50-$60 to the cabin steward on top of the daily fee based on cabin level? That’s what I give the steward when traveling in a Suite. My next NCL is in a Studio. I only tip $5/pp on a tour, not $10-$20 Apologies if I’ve hijacked this innocent thread, or caught people off guard and without their popcorn — but, do I really need to up my game?

That’s a bit disappointing. Since there’s no fridge in the Studio cabins, we’re left to ask the overworked steward or trudge up the the buffet? Fooey.

Voc Rehab!! (@complawyer is gonna get that, nobody else)

Mmm, peanut M&Ms…

I’m 5’11” so this is a concern. Are there provided shampoo and body wash affixed to the walls? I’m not particular about “my” brand for a 7-day trip, esp if I can avoid bending down and hitting my head.

I don’t decorate my doors, but I’m not clear on the safety risk? I read the Daily from the Pearl referenced above, but it’s pretty generic in its prohibition.

I always bring a tray. And secretly enjoy the envious looks from others trying to balance breakfast for two…

I tried to pre-book online this week and couldn’t find anything to click. I did a “chat” and was told I needed to call the Excursions desk to reserve. So I called (and waited) (and got a call back) and was told that clamshells are only available to reserve at a kiosk AFTER boarding. Furthermore, the $50 credit did not apply because this is an equipment rental and not an excursion. So, fooey.

…I thought the Plus package included 1 specialty dining and the Premier included 2 such credits. But looking today I find 0 specialty dining for Plus (still 2 for Premier). Did something change or am I mis-remembering?

Does someone have a picture of one of these monster desserts? I’m really curious after reading this thread…

Oh. Thanks. ‘Now I just have to figure out how to get out of the “Blue” lane

I’m having this problem too, coincidentally for a 2024 sailing. I’ve tried using my Booking Number, to no avail. Not sweating it too much at this point, but I’d like to get familiar with this app as this is my first Medallion cruise.

I had a different experience on Grand. As another poster noted, the Captain will turn the ship a full 360’ while in Glacier Bay. Won’t really matter which side your cabin is located. I do agree with the recommendation to go topside for the best opportunities. The Deck 14 description that sirclean provided is a no-so-secret spot that’s worth checking out. ‘’I’m surprised no one mentioned the Sanctuary. We purchased a full pass and felt like royalty on GB day. Loungers, blankets, steaming hot chili, wait service, and a 180’ view. If you miss getting a Suite, this is a nice substitute. Have a great time!

I wanted to do a price comparison with a la carte purchases of grats, wi-fi, and drink package. My research was prompted because I do not have any interest in extra desserts or exercise classes. I was able to find a single mention of "from $!5/day" for wi-fi but no explanation as to speed, number of devices, or included minutes. More importantly, the option to purchase was no where to be found. In the end, as others have pointed out, the Plus package was way less expensive. It seems to me that the cost differential is purposeful, Princess WANTS you to get a package, so they make it a no-brainer for the pax. Princess is trying to get everyone into a package - - it's easier for them and you know they are still making money. I bought the Plus package.

Never mind! I logged in and kept refreshing every time it glitched, ended up with a reservation without a price increase - - for a Balcony!

Okay this makes me feel better, I thought it was just me. Logging in got me all the way through to choosing my cabin before I got kicked off. I’ll be bummed if there’s a huge price increase when it comes back… ETA: logged in and kept refreshing after each glitch, got my reservation and no price increase 🤗

Saw this opportunity while scrolling news this evening. Sailing coincides with a Big Birthday for me, and I went to book immediately. While choosing between an Interior or a Balcony (traveling solo so it’s a legit question), the screen glitched and upon return the pricing is no longer available - - for any cabin. I expect to find substantially increased pricing when the screen returns ☹️

Traditionally, Princess has the reputation of being the best to Alaska. My experience on Grand Princess did not disappoint, and the Royal Princess is a much nicer/newer ship. If you can score a day pass to The Sanctuary on Glacier Bay Day, you’ll love it. We paid for it for the duration just to be sure, but that gets pricey. As you’ve been advised above, Glacier Bay makes the trip.

I’m booked in a Studio for my first NCL cruise, and I’ve been researching the heck out of it. Found this article in the news today, it provides a decently balanced review of the Studio cabin: Article The only real concern I have after reading the article is the bizarre angle of the tv. Surely that’s not standard? I won’t be watching a lot of tv, but I do have it on in the morning as I prepare for the day. I think I would have asked the cabin attendant for assistance in getting that fixed.