sueandkent

I was on the Majestic in March, my first cruise since the restart. They did have the fake Alaska's  and the intro's on the last night but definitely no uniform changes. All week there were menus that mirrored the old "Italian night" etc but no uniform changes. I like it better this way. I also like that their "Always Available" menu items are quite extensive. 

10 hours ago, Cruiser933 said:

Can I confess that I actually enjoyed the second episode?

I will admit I went back to give it another shot and enjoyed the second episode also.

6 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

Grand left just a few days ago (9/14).  With this very contagious variant, he most likely picked it up on the ship (or while lined up for embarkation).  Need more information.  PCR test (72 hours) or Antigen (2 days).  Flying to port?  Arrived early to Canada?  

 

It's not his fault.  Thanks for sharing.  I was hoping this 12 day cruise would interrupt the cycle since it was not picking up passengers in Whittier.

Tested with antigen under two days to Boarding. Flew in day of departure, just a short flight from Edmonton to Vancouver. Definitely not his fault but sure ruins a much anticipated vacation. I’ve heard he has a balcony cabin for isolation so at least that’s something.

***UPDATE*** my friend's husband has now tested positive for covid on the Grand cruise and has been moved to isolation. It is my guess that this ship was already having covid issues within the crew and that is why the stronger insistence for masks. As it left from a Canadian port all pax had to be tested prior to boarding. He was mask compliant and up to date on vax so hopefully that will help limit other pax catching it. What a way to ruin an Alaskan cruise.

20 minutes ago, MsTabbyKats said:

 

I live in NYC....Manhattan to be exact.  I eat out almost daily (being served isn't a novelty)...and when I cook it's "cooked to order" with a lot of spices and variations.  "Cruise food" isn't cooked for the individual. 

 

We don't have buffets here.  On a cruise..if I like something at the buffet I can go back and get as much as I want, without waiting for service.  I can also prepare a plate "as I like it".  On NCL Getaway I made pita/hummus filled with the vegetables of my choice.

 

Bottom line....I eat in the buffet because the dining room food is limited and too restrictive.

That's a great answer. I can totally understand how for you, the buffet is a treat. Also, with the buffet you can eat whenever you want vs needing a dining reservation. I only go to the buffet at breakfast but I would say Princess certainly has lots of options for the other meals too. 

On 9/16/2022 at 11:57 AM, I Fly said:

We are currently on the Grand Princess for the 12-night Vancouver round trip to Alaska.  The Captain made a very early announcement well before we departed Vancouver (yes seven hours late) and he specifically said, RECOMMENDED not required, in terms of mask wearing.  We have been on cruises when masks were required even after Princess’s policy changed to recommended and we always got a letter delivered to the cabin.  There has been no letter delivered to our cabin with any instruction requiring masks indoors.  Many people are wearing masks, at least 80% maybe even higher, but there are some who are not.  I could have missed an announcement about mask wearing, but I can certainly attest that no letter was delivered to our cabin.  Just as another update about our cruise, as we departed Vancouver seven hours late, we will skip Icy Strait and have an entire day in Juneau, after an additional sea day getting up to Juneau.

Thank you. My friend onboard did say "required" in her message to me but I trust you are correct. Thanks for popping on to clarify and have a safe rest of your cruise. 

I have friends onboard the Sept 14th sailing of the Grand Princess. She is reporting they are being required to wear masks when out and about on the ship. I can't find anything stating Princess has changed their mask policy. When I last sailed in March they had just removed the requirement for them except for crew. Not trying to open ANOTHER mask debate just interested if it's a ship's policy vs company policy. 

I have a couple ship questions, I haven't been on a non Royal class ship in several cruises. Is the TV all on demand now? How are you finding the wifi (I know that can be subjective due to location but overall how is it in your room)? I hope you're having an amazing time. Alaska is great. 

Just got this ad from Air Canada regarding their proctored antigen tests. If you look at the wording it says "within 1 calendar day". I assume by that it means you can get your test anytime on Tuesday for a flight on Wednesday, for example. Is that your interpretation too?

On 2/23/2022 at 1:10 PM, CarolR said:

We flew a max 8 just before the second fatal crash happened. I remember getting on the flight and noticing it was a brand new plane and saw Max 8 on the seat pocket safety card.  I remember that because I never heard of that plane before. I cringe when I think about what could have happened. 

We arrived in Hawaii on a max 8 3 days before the 2nd crash. There was a mad scramble by the airline to get an aircraft for our trip home as the 8's were doing the Hawaii runs. Scary to think looking back now.

Our notice we got for March 5th sailing still says 2 days.

On 2/21/2022 at 7:04 PM, californiagirl said:

 

 

Dinner last night was better.  There was still a line but it moved quickly.  

Are they giving out the pager things so at least you can sit in the bar while you wait for a table?

1 hour ago, scottca075 said:

 

There is lots of parking and I find it pretty reasonable.

 

https://www.downtownsm.com/parking-info

Thank you

We were thinking of going to the Santa Monica area with our rental car. Is there parking? Is it expensive? It will be a Friday, late afternoon into evening. 

On 2/17/2022 at 10:42 AM, AlbertaCruisers said:

I'm hoping for the 1 day versus 24 hours, as a test getting off the ship Friday morning would still be good for my flight home on Saturday!!

 

Edit: I don't think we will know the answer for sure until the official wording is released (on Feb 28?), unless the modify the news release wording on the website.

Me too. We intended to be tested at disembarkation (provided by Princess) but don't fly home until the next afternoon. This wording is going to be very important. Ironically, when I originally booked our flights I chose to give us an extra day at the end just in case there were any testing hiccups. Now it's the new rules making it more difficult. Can't change flights again, Westjet only allows one free flight change and I used it when we rebooked this cruise from Jan. Uggg!

2 hours ago, chamima said:

 

Another person in your small minority.

Me too. I'm considering cancelling, for the second time. 

7 hours ago, scottca075 said:

 

During the pandemic they've only done Day Passes for friends & family of a registered guest and the cost was $600mxn, but the cruise ship may have an excursion deal.

Thank you

Does anybody have any idea if the Playa Mazatlan is still doing day passes and if so what the current rate is?

19 minutes ago, Froufie said:

No more than 24 hrs is different that day before?  (which may be longer than 24 hrs??) - most confusing.

 

And on the website it states day PRIOR to travel so now everyone who is flying out day of disembarkation is also confused  - wording definitely needs to be changed or clarified.....LOL....

 

• Travellers will now have the option of using a COVID-19 rapid antigen test result (taken the day prior to their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border or marine port of entry) or a molecular test result (taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border or marine port of entry) to meet pre-entry requirements. Taking a rapid antigen test at home is not sufficient to meet the pre-entry requirement – it must be authorized by the country in which it was purchased and must be administered by a laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth service.

This is VERY confusing indeed. The minister said 24 hours, I watched the press conference. That is different from "the day before". 

1 hour ago, canadjineh said:

Hi @sueandkent, I live in BC and I used to work in the banking industry. Something many haven't thought about is the double exchange you are paying to get USD and then exchanging that for MXN products & services.  A traveller is always better off buying the currency of the country they will visit from their bank at home unless you have a dedicated USD account that you can just add to during a favorable exchange period, or put surplus USD back in without exchange when you return from your trip.  We keep a Euro account in our Canadian bank as well as a USD account and they sure come in handy when you can add to them anytime the exchange is favourable, and have easy funds ready when heading off on a trip. 

Ten un buen viaje!

Yes I do have a USD account. I really just don't want to carry both pesos and USD. It's usually just as easy to pay for things in Mexico with USD when you are only there on short day stops (different for a long vacation). I just wasn't sure what the "going rate" was currently. Most shops and rides etc will list their prices in both pesos and USD, just wanted to make sure I wasn't getting ripped off...I hate that. 

21 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

I think the OP should understand that when paying for many things, in Mexico, with US Dollars you are not going to get anything close to the official exchange rate.  Taxis, shops, bars, etc. are able to give you whatever exchange rate they please.  So if you plan on using US Dollars it is wise to ask what it will cost before you obligate yourself to a purchase (a good rule if even using Pesos).  The current exchange rate is about 20 Mexican Pesos to $1 (US).  That is about the rate I currently get when using Mexican ATM machines to get my Pesos.  Major credit cards that do not have a foreign exchange fee will also get you a comparable rate.  

 

As to using taxis, always negotiate a price before you get in the taxi.  If you want to pay in dollars make sure to get the price in dollars and feel free to try and negotiate a lower price.  In theory a 100 Peso ride should cost you about $5US but most taxis will want at least $6 (and some may ask for more).   The taxis that are located within the Port area (Federal Zone) may charge different rates (often based on a set cost per person) while regular taxis (those found outside ports and airports) will charge a fee per taxi.

 

Hank

Thanks. I have been to Mexico more times than I can count but it’s been a couple years now so I just wanted to see what current travellers were using  for a rough conversion to USD. 20 to 1 was the info I was looking for so thank you.

Just wondering what the current going rate is for paying in USD for rides etc in Mexico where the price is in pesos. For example, if your cab ride is 100 pesos what would you pay if using USD? Thank you. 

1 hour ago, 2-4-T said:

Have a great trip!!

Please update us about the processes when you return. We are booked on Majestic Princess on Mar 12 (out of LA) and are just beginning to grapple with the availabilities/processes. We are due to fly home the same day... about 5hrs after arrival.

Why would you not do walk off and use the free testing provided by Princess?

Thanks everyone. 

Before I get to my question just let me note I know there is a Canadian cruiser specific board but my question is related to Princess Insurance specifically so I thought I may get more help over here. I purchased Princess Platinum insurance with my cruise booking. I have read the policy thoroughly but am still a bit confused. For my fellow Canadian cruisers do you carry additional insurance to the Princess policy? In all the years I've cruised we always had travel insurance included in my husband's work benefit plan but alas my husband has passed and now I need to make sure I am covered sufficiently. I'm thinking if I need anything else it would be just additional medical (non covid) coverage, Princess seems to have the covid coverage included. What do others do?