ETdreamer

We came off the Crown last week after an 11-day Alaskan cruise, so we can speak to some of the queries. This was our first time on Crown and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Probably the one nuisance factor (aside from the mattress) was a toilet system that struggled. It became almost a daily routine to call our steward to unblock it. We reported this strongly to Princess in our disembarkation review, so hopefully with enough similar feedback Princess may do whatever is needed to fix that. However, a minor nuisance—we loved the cruise! 1) I am expecting our room to be one of the ones to have the "lumpy" mattresses that people have complained about (we are Oceanview on the Emerald deck); Other than asking for a mattress topper from the steward, anything else we can do to help our bed situation? [We had a balcony on Caribe deck and definitely had a lumpy mattress to start with! We spoke with our steward and asked if a mattress topper would help. He said it already had a mattress topper on. However, he said he could flip the mattress as one side is soft and the other firm. This was the first we had heard of this (after 17 cruises on Princess), but this was what he did, and what a difference! You might want to give that a try if you end up with the “lumpy” version.] 2) Which Dining room is open on embarkation day? [It was the Botticelli dining room.] 3) Speaking of dining room, we are traveling with a big group (15 people); what we did on the Royal was have each party make reservations ahead of time on the app and then we would show up early and ask to be seated next to each other if possible. I don't expect us all to be on the same table obviously, but at least in the vicinity of each other would be nice. What is the best dining room to try to request this from? [We didn’t have a chance to compare the other dining rooms as we ate in Botticelli most nights, but we did see large groups seated nearby regularly through the cruise. We had a table-for-two and found the table on embarkation day ideal, so we simply asked on the first night if we could have that table and found the staff were very accommodating.] 4) On the Crown, is the only place to get a specialty coffee the International Cafe (other than ordering on the app)? (The Royal also had the Princess Live cafe and buffet); [We saw, as mentioned above, specialty coffee in the IC and Coffee and Cones. But, sorry, the one big disappointment with Princess is their coffee so we have given up hoping for ‘specialty’ coffee. Instead, we searched out the best coffee at each shore stop on our cruise. The highlights were a cafe in Ketchikan and another in Vancouver.] 5) Any experience with the Discovery kids club on the Crown? I hope it would be similar to that of the Royal which my (now) 5 year old loved! (minus the Alaska-specific programming). [No, sorry, can’t give you feedback on this. ] 6) Any complimentary afternoon tea? I could never locate that on the Royal. [Yes, note comments above. We didn’t get the time to try it this cruise, but have it noted for our next cruise on Majestic.] 7) Is there a similar version to the Enclave spa like the Royal had? [I think reedprincess summed this one up beautifully 😆.]

I purchased a copy of this book recently on the Majestic Princess, also in readiness for our first Alaskan cruise in September. There were two of them amongst the sale items in the gift shop, both with a print date of 2018. I think it cost $6.50 on sale, and was well worth it! A fabulous guide to Alaska which we’ll definitely be carrying with us.

We’re currently on the Majestic, and were also on the previous cruise. The laundries were closed for the first half of the last cruise and our laundry was processed free of charge (our shipboard account was charged, but the charge removed once we presented the laundry ticket to Guest Services on which the steward had written ‘Free due to closed laundry’). As mentioned above, the laundries reopened halfway through that cruise and remain open until now, the first day at sea on the next cruise. Tomorrow everyone onboard will do a supervised RAT, so I guess we’ll see what happens once the results of that are known.

I see Majestic has just been lifted to Tier 2 on the NSW Cruising and COVID website. According to their definition that means: Tier 2 Moderate impact to vessel There are quite a few cases on board (30-99 positive cases per 1,000 people) and/or the vessel’s staffing or resources are impacted. However, it can safely maintain critical services. That confirms Hershy’s comments above. Again, the added RATs must be revealing some of the asymptomatic cases.

Enjoying following this thread. My DW and I are looking forward to boarding Coral on the 26th. I must have missed the updated weather report for your current cruise. I gather you're all staying in Melbourne a little longer than planned. The last post I read said the plan was to depart Friday late afternoon. But the Bridge Cam shows you still in Melbourne. . . 🤔

Yes, thanks OzKiwiJJ, that is what we paid on the Ruby in Jan 2020 too. I was hoping we could order the package pre-cruise as we usually hit the IC as soon as we board for a relaxing cappuccino to start our cruise ☺️. I imagine waiters and others will be under the pump handling medallion queries etc 🤯 Like you, we usually go through more than one card; probably two on this seven day cruise ☕

I’m looking to pre-order the New Grounds Coffee Package, but it doesn’t appear where it should in the Cruise Personaliser under Onboard Services>Beverage Packages. All that appears are the two beverage packages, which I don’t want. According to the description of the coffee package below, it is available up to four days before the cruise. Anyone had success in finding where to order it? New Grounds Coffee Package Terms & Conditions What is Included The package includes the pre-purchase of a specified number of specialty coffees (numbers vary by itinerary) during the voyage of purchase, as well as complimentary brewed coffee and hot chocolate. Guests may redeem the number of specialty coffees purchased in the package in locations where espresso is available. This will include select bar and dining areas and varies by ship and/or itinerary. Selections and service are limited to that venue’s menu offerings and operating hours. Package Details and Qualifications The package may be pre-purchased up to 4 days prior to boarding the vessel. The package is NOT available for pre-purchase within 3 days of sailing. The coffee package is valid only on the voyage for which it is purchased. If the maximum number of coffees pre-purchased are not used during the voyage, the remaining value will NOT be credited or refunded and is NOT transferable for any purpose. Coffee packages cannot be sold or otherwise transferred to any individual. Pre-purchased specialty coffees may be shared, but complimentary brewed coffee, teas and hot chocolate continue to be limited to the purchaser. Exclusions and Limitations Does NOT apply to bottled or ready to drink items such as canned coffee items etc. CANNOT be redeemed when ordering Room Service or for Mini Bar items. Terms and Conditions Princess Cruises may modify, amend or update these terms and conditions of our beverage packages / offers at any time with or without notice to guests. The terms and conditions as published on princess.com on the date of sailing will apply, in addition to the terms and conditions of the passage contract. Not all exclusions or limitations can be foreseen or published here and may exist or be implemented with or without notice. Pricing is subject to change without notice, and for vessels designated in a foreign currency (Australia as an example), packages purchased in advance may vary from onboard pricing due to timing and currency fluctuations. Guests will NOT incur additional charges, nor be issued any credits or refunds for such currency variances. By purchasing a coffee package, you agree to these and all future terms and conditions.

We have finally got a webcam from Coral! Not much to see, mind you, as it’s already night over where she is located. But, added interest as we follow her to Brisbane.

T

Mr Google just told me it’ll take between 8-10 hours 😀 It may make it a bit of a long night to see the whole trip 😂

How long will it take for her to exit the canal?

How exciting is this?! We’ve never done the Panama Canal, so it’s a treat to watch the CP coming through.