crochetcruise

I had an online AUD$8.69 per day price, when I sailed 11/11/2016 on the Golden Princess. I think there's a problem with the Princess computer system converting FROM AUD to USD then back for AUD, giving an inaccurate price.

I'm sailing again in November on the Golden Princess. I think the easiest option for me is to put money into On Board Credit-Soda and More Package, some Cocktails-had taken medication for travel sickness so didn't dare have a Cocktail this time, but will be flying in the day before and overnighting near Mascot Airport so would be safe-lanyards and mugs for Christmas presents for this and several more years. I will purchase the Welcome Aboard Photo Package, was thrilled with this year's, I usually take a bad photo! I'm also considering treating myself to Chilled Shrimps for a nightly appetizer, they were delicious last year.

Unfortunately my planning came to nothing once aboard. I discovered it was so tiring just keeping my balance that researching prices mostly went out the window. Me BAD for not realising this might happen, have always had problems with stamina.

IIRC, the Soda and More package in AUD$7 per day, and a can of Coke-330ml, not 375ml-is AUD$2.55

Am planning to sail again in November, and trying to be more organised!

The canned is another thing we can't get in Aus.

 

The list just keeps growing.

When I sailed on the Golden Princess 11/11/2016, I found in 1 of the folders-IIRC it was the folder on the desk NOT the Suite Perks folder-that I could ring Room Service and order 6 Sodas-Coke or Sprite for ne-for the price of 5, AUD$12.75 from memory. The cans are only 330ml though, would certainly be cheaper for me to buy a 10 can Fridge Mate each of Coke and Sprite in November and a couple of 1.25l bottles of lemonade when I stay overnight at Mascot before my cruise.

HTH.

I'd like more Handicapped Accessible staterooms in Oceanview or Window Suite.

A friend who cruised in a Suite on the Sea Princess advised me that the balcony door is very heavy glass and I probably wouldn't be able to manage it with my Rollator. I have sailed in a Window Suite, very nice but only the Caribbean, Golden and Grand Princess have these Suites. I've been checking the individual deck plans, think the Coral, Crown, Regal, Royal and Majestic Princess do not have Handicapped Accessible Oceanview, indeed I think the last 3 do not have any Oceanview Staterooms. Once the Dawn Princess leaves, my year round choices will be the Sea or Sun Princess or the Golden if visiting. I think the Emerald also has a Handicapped Accessible Oceanview stateroom. I don't want to pay the price for a balcony unless I can safely and independently get out on the balcony to enjoy it!

As the population is ageing, it does seem reasonable that future provision be made. Of course I have absolutely no knowledge of what Princess Cruises future plans are.

Went on a 7 night cruise last month on the Sea Princess and no happy hour at all - when I asked was told it was only for cruises of more than 7 nights. Can anyone tell me if this applies right across Princess ships worldwide, or just here in Australia?

To my knowledge cruises in Australian waters don't do the Happy Hour-I sailed on the Golden Princess 11/11/2016 and no Happy Hour but I did have the Platinum/Elite/Suite function in Skywalkers Bar. Missed the Friday, attended the Saturday and Bass Strait was getting a little rough so I decided to stay on the lower decks, I didn't like the swaying feeling up so high. Didn't actually get seasick but took no chances. The Focaccia and Smoked Salmon was delicious!

I have seen it mentioned for a New Zealand Cruise of 14 nights IIRC sailing from Melbourne. HTH.

We recently booked a South Pacific cruise on the Sun and although the website quotes $59 (for Aussie sailings) per person, per day, for the all inclusive drinks package, when we tried to book the package on our personaliser it was charging $76 per person, per day. Anyone else experience this?

To my knowledge, it's a gremlin in the computer system re the USD to AUD conversion. What I did when I sailed on the Golden Princess was put the price of my Soda and More Package, and some extra funds into On Board Credit before I sailed, and just went to the Calypso Bar and bought the package. HTH.

We've sailed out of Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland and Singapore and at all of those terminals the Bag Drop opened at about 8:30 - 9:00am so you can drop off your non-carry on bags from then on. The are two stages to getting on board, check-in and boarding. We've found that check-in opens about 11:00am. When you check-in they will give you a boarding number and you have to wait until that number is called. Once the ship is ready for boarding those with priority boarding will be called first then within about 15 minutes the numbers will be called progressively.

 

So far, we haven't encountered a situation where we have had to wait until our allocated boarding time. I think if you did wait for your allocated time you would find that there would be no waiting as most people would already be on board giving the buffet a hammering.

When I sailed-Blue Card on the Golden Princess 11/11/2016-from the OPT, my cousins helped me lodge the main suitcase then we went further up for me to board, where we said goodbye as they couldn't escort me. Check in was quick, 1 of the staff suggested Assisted Boarding would be easier for me, judging from the bumps I felt in the wheelchair he was right. Check in, Cruise Card, Embarkation Photo, taken aboard and straight to my Window Suite, then the helpers-I had a carry on suitcase and my handbag and Rollator so someone pushed the Rollator with the suitcase and I held my handbag-wished me a good trip and returned to their duties. My Boarding time was 1.30pm, and I had priority in a Suite.

I found it very confusing, LOTSof friendly staff with polite directions to guide you where you needed to go, but it was my 1st time at the OPT so everything was completely new to me.

Please is there a lift at Brisbane, I don't feel safe getting on and off escalators due to the ridge at the start and finish snagging my Rollator wheels and I've almost fallen the only time I dared to try an escalator.

Last time we took a four pack of battery operated tea lights. Used them in the bathroom at night for just enough light to keep our shins and toes intact.

 

Also used them for adding light during our UBD.

 

 

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After I endured a State-wide blackout, I found a headlight torch @ AUD$4 in the camping section of Kmart-Target might also have them, have not personally checked my local Target so cannot say-with 3 lithium batteries supplied. The straps are a bit challenging, tending to lift the torch off my head due to my hair so I have to keep pulling it back into position, but I found it very useful on the cruise when I "had to get up" in the night and was too lazy to put the light on-travelling solo. Total size about palm-size, will hang on a Rollator handle for easy access in an emergency and gives immeasurable peace of mind that Iwon't be caught in the dark in an emergency. HTH.

I've received so much helpful information on CC and to me it's not so much Cruise Critic as it is Cruise Crazies. ;)

 

You may have confused the Carnival no bottles drink policy which are easier to refill with alcoholic drinks. I've read posts about creative ways to make bottles appear to be unopened which may be a bigger problem on Carnival's Fun Ships than on Princess. :p

 

The CC editors just posted an update on the new Brisbane cruise ship terminal which you may find interesting.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=7433

THANK YOU!I missed that update. Hopefully the authorities will get their act together and GET ONwith building the new terminal!

I'm eagerly waiting until mid-late April when the 2018-2019 Cruising From AUSTRALIA & ASIA brochure should be released. Last year I managed to find a posting here on Cruise Critic, and had a lovely time! I'm already putting money aside so I can make a booking ASAP. Stupidly FORGOT to buy a Future Cruise Credit aboard, but DID actually remember to make the booking. :) Already got a notebook started with places to check out, and take photos if possible-my memory re access is a bit wobbly at times. Most of the travel planning has been done, it's just doing the flight and accommodation bookings.

Princess allows unlimited non-alcoholic drinks in any size of bottles or cans.

That's great to learn, THANK YOU!. I thought-and am delighted to learn I was wrong-that it was canned soda only to bring aboard. I don't drink champagne or wine, so when I stay overnight near Sydney Airport, I'll be going to a Woolworths supermarket to get something for my tea, and bottles of Coke and Sprite will be bought so I don't need to leave my Window Suite after I've settled down for the night just to get a cold drink-I can get some ice out of the fridge and pour-my-own. I intend to buy the Soda and More Package again-very convenient and helpful when exploring the ship and I got thirsty, just consult the useful map they provide and head for the nearest bar!

I also learnt today, that if I need to transfer to either the Sea or Sun Princess, I can buy a Coffee Card and still get Ice Cream using a punch from the card! :D If the Golden Princess is redeployed away from Australia 2018-2019, I will need to look at either the Sea or Sun Princess to cruise on. It will mean going from a Window Suite to an Oceanview stateroom, BUT I CAN STILL CRUISE! Which is the most important thing! And it means a new port-Brisbane for me to learn how to navigate, never been there.

I will say it again, Cruise Critic members have the MOSTamazing talent for posting the answer to the very question that I had started to puzzle myself about! I've had 2 questions answered today-the Coffee Card may have been mentioned before but as I don't drink coffee, I may not have read about using a punch to get an ice cream.

In fact sometimes I need my spare glasses to find my glasses.

 

Worst is get in the shower and try to find which is shampoo and which is body wash, end up needing to call Mrs Gut to tell me.:eek:

With respect, may I suggest that you establish WHICH is the shampoo and place it in a designated spot and the body wash in a different but easily reachable spot so you don't confuse the 2. I used body wash as a shampoo once, it was er-DIFFICULT to rinse thoroughly and my scalp became VERY itchy. My hairdresser managed to clear my hair but scolded me thoroughly for taking a "short cut" that was anything but practical. A designated 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner will do a reasonable job but NOT body wash/shower gel! I also wear glasses and was giggling at the thought of your struggles-I am as careful as possible to NOT have similar bottles in the shower for that very reason. Or if they're identical, I decant some of 1 product into a different travel-sized bottle fitted with a pump, I have 1 set that provides labels, but small adhesive labels should work as well. HTH.

NSWP, I was lucky enough to stay at a hotel in Adelaide before my cruise, where the guest received small tubes of shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and shower gel, a shower cap and a small cake of soap for the hand basin. I departed with them nestling in my sponge bag, ever so convenient to "freshen up" quickly when travelling.

Over the years, I've collected 4 different companies products, so I have a good variety to choose from.

In response to OCruiser, I've found the gold net bag I received in the Window Suite when I sailed in November.

It contained:

! Sisal Mitt

1 Gel eye Mask

1 Emery Board

1 Small Spray bottle of Linen Mist

1 tube of Conditioner

1 Tube of Shower Gel.

I also received tubes of Conditioner and Shower Gel in the Shower and there was a nice circular cake of soap at the hand basin.

From reading an earlier thread mentioning the Linen Mist, I understand you're supposed to spray your pillow and sheets lightly, let in dry then settle in for a good sleep.

HTH.

]

Looks like we can agree that the Chap Stick is great.

 

Did anyone get the Lotus Spa Linen Mist? It doesn't have a list of ingredients or what to do with it. All it says is 'soothing linen mist developed by WESSCO exclusively for Princess Cruises'.

 

Do you spray it on the sheets before you get in bed? Sounds like it would be a bit damp :rolleyes:.

When I find my gold bag from my cruise-was in a Suite so found the lovely bag ready in the bathroom, I'll check exactly what I got.

Booked next cruise and have started costing a 4 night Auckland to Sydney so I have a Savings Target for the cruise before I hit the next Big O birthday.

I have recently bought ccl shares in the U.K., so I'm good there. Starting to think more about gaining obc now, with the pound so low against the usd I've changed the way I book and now obc is even more important

I think you have to hold the shares for a certain length of time BEFORE applying for a shareholder's benefit.

I do not personally hold CCL shares so relying on reading something here on Cruise Critic. HTH.

Before, the soda only has a coca-cola or sprite sticker, while the soda and more has the smaller UKP sticker

I don't know what they give now (if they do) but I guess it will have a distinction.

11/11/2016 sailing the Golden Princess from Sydney to Melbourne, Australia I bought myself the Soda and More Package at the Calypso Bar. I received a small yellow sticker on my Cruise Card with the Coca-Cola emblem and 2 green tear shapes above it, and in green capitals UKP. I also received an insulated cup with a twist-off lid and plastic straw which was given most regular use on the cruise, and I'm still using it at home.

I found it much easier for me with my Rollator to just put the cup in my basket and push the Rollator. When I went to a bar for a drink-I had a leather cruise card holder as I was in a Window Suite, I'd just put the opened wallet-the folding map was kept in the other opening-on the bar when I requested my drink order. Never had a problem, even attending the Platinum/Elite/Suite function in Skywalkers, I was assisted to use the small open lift to go to the upper floor, a staff member helped me get something to eat and find a seat and the bartender came to take my drink order-I showed the card and gave him the cup, asking politely for, "A Coke with ice please."

A bit off topic-but I'd learnt from Cruise Critic to have my Cruise Card ready to be scanned for Muster Drill, holding the wallet open ready to be scanned to the surprise of the staff member. I found all staff members willing to help, and very talented at not being too pushy but always there just when help was needed.

Adding to the thread, both washers and dryers require tokens at $3.00 each. These are available for sale in the laundry room using your cabin card at a vending machine.

 

IIRC, the washers took 25 mins and the dryers 30 mins.

 

Hours are limited from 8:00am to 10:00pm.

THANK YOU! This is VERY useful information, especially the timing of a load. While I currently will be sailing on the Golden Princess again in November, in the Handicapped Accessible Window Suite, there may come a time when I sail on a different ship and may need to do my own laundry, so pricing, timing of loads and hours are most welcome information. I am well aware the information is likely to have changed before I need it, but it gives a good practical starting point for budgeting. :D

I learnt while on the Golden Princess this past November, that I could have purchased on board from Room Service a package of 6 cans of either Coke or Sprite for the price of 5-from memory at a cost of AUD$12.75. I did not see that option in my Cruise Personalizer beforehand, and I was regularly-ok sometimes several times a day-checking in! It will be much easier for me to put money into On Board Credit and just phone Room Service when I get into my Window Suite in November 2017.

I had some AMAZING good luck, the Handicapped Accessible Window Suite became available-I'd had to book F311 on board as F315 was already taken. I headed to my TA, got 1 of the other agents not my regular TA, but she phoned Princess and got my booking transferred to F315 and without charge!

I am putting money aside so when the 2018-2019 itineraries for Australia are released, usually in early April, I can book for 2018 and hopefully get F315 again. Stupidly, this newbie cruiser FORGOT to purchase a Future Cruise Credit aboard, although I did remember to book this next cruise! I'm learning!

I learnt ever so many new hints while cruising, and what products or clothing really DIDN'T suit my needs, so they will be left home next time. Even when Bass Strait was a bit bouncy on the Saturday night, I still slept like a log Did take an anti-nausea tablet on the Sunday morning as a precaution, I could have taken 2 at once but managed nicely with just the 1 tablet, and have adequate supplies for November which are still in date and save money for On Board Purchases-I'm already planning my Christmas shopping! :D

Princess has at least one, sometimes more depending on cruise length - Pub Lunches. These are free to all cruisers.

 

There is a $29. charge per person for eating at either Sabatini's or Crown Grill.

 

In dining room and buffet coffee is made from a syrup. At International cafe it is bean coffee, but you would have to purchase a coffee card.

 

Enjoy your trip

Not, so far as I remember, on my Golden Princess cruise 11/11/2016. I did check the Patter daily, as advised by other posters, and I certainly don't remember it. Did go to the Wheelhouse Bar, found it rather dark for me-Legally Blind-and went along to another bar to get myself a drink. I was hoping to have a Pub Lunch, a friend's English, and told me about the Pub Lunch! Oh well, there's always next cruise or the 1 after! Such a lot of things to do aboard, you're spoilt for choice IMHO!

Enjoy your cruise!

I was told by a fellow cruiser on the Golden Princess that ITHO the massages were expensive and the sales pitch spoiled the massage for the Birthday Person.

I found lanyards, mugs, playing cards, teddy bears-several different types not just Captain Bear, there was a dark brown bear with some chocolate as well, but he didn't tempt me THIS time, I've taken the price and allowed for an increase and setting money aside for next November! I did pick up a very nice 2 top zips wallet-think in Calypso Cove and nearly fainted at the mid-3 figures price, but it WOULD have been EVER SO useful! I left it behind and the stock will probably have changed when I sail next year. I do know to start "squirrelling" money aside for a SPECIAL Cruise Memento Purchase-I won't be caught out again!

HTH.

Allow plenty of time.

 

When we boarded for Christmas last year they run two queues down the left hand side of the pier, one for taxis and one for private cars. These are then feed into on queue for drop off. They seemed to be allowing two taxis to one private car through. It takes time. We were in a taxi and it took nearly half an hour.

 

If you can walk from the beginning of the pier, unload before at the roundabout to save time.

I was told it's about 600 metres (sorry don't know the yards measurement) to where my friend was waiting with her car-she wasn't allowed to drive in and collect me. 2 of the staff assisted me in disembarking, I did try to climb into the shuttle bus but was too stiff to feel safe, so they took me up in a wheelchair-1 person pushing and the other gentleman managing my 2 suitcases.

Aus Traveiler, that was an area I found out I was wildly underestimating my expenses! I've made careful notes and will allow a 20% "Back Up Fund" for next year for taxi fares.

I'm physically very slow moving, but could manage with the wheeled suitcases strapped to the handles of my walker, 1 either side or 1 to my left and the other strapped in front of the walker so it rolls along as I walk, for disembarking next year. I will also use this method in transferring from the Rex Arrivals area at Tullamarine to the QANTAS check-in counter. I must check with the TA, but I'm hoping to get the earliest flight into Melbourne from my home town, collect the luggage and plod along to the check-in desk to lodge the luggage. I had to put the carry on case in the hold-the computer made it too heavy to be carry on. I managed just fine with 2 walking sticks and being taken directly to the plane by a staff member and handing the walker over before being loading onto the lifter and up into the plane. I learnt the hard way-split lolly bag-to transfer my chewable Kool Mints, chewing works better than sucking barley sugar when flying into a Ziploc bag to carry in my handbag. Travel documents, medications, lollies, make up, sunglasses, mobile phone on flight mode and camera all go in my handbag which stays with me.

I learnt a lot about how cruising will affect my own balance-I slowed down considerably, learnt to get a drink and sit with my crocheting for a quick rest, and keep the little map with me so I could always find the nearest Ladies or Handicapped Toilet. I do walk a fair bit at home, but the Golden Princess nicely tested my stamina and highlighted areas to work on before next November-I'm already counting down the days, and making notes on what to try and do on the next cruise! I've got the Cruising Bug bigtime! :D

Lots of Aussie magnets to pin things to the metal walls. You can buy them in packs of 6-8 in the dollar shop. We take the ones with a thermometre too and give the lot to crew or new international friends, when the cruise is over.

 

We take blu tac as well to attach our own itinerary pages to the wall. This includes flight times, other accommodation, excursion details, etc and can be added to as you sail eg Captains Cocktail Party, destination talk time or drink/meal dates with new friends. Maybe even a shopping/art event :)

 

A map to attach to the wall.

 

Always our own washing powder, anti static/nice smelling thingies for the dryer.

 

And it goes without saying that on every cruise line that has those wall dispenser things in the shower - take your own soap, shampoo and conditioner.

OOOH! THAT'S what I need to go and price for November's cruise-magnets! Must check out The Reject Shop and Cheap As Chips (not quite as easy for me to find things in but slightly different range of stock) and possibly Dimmeys to get a basic price then put magnets on the list to buy!

Thats an excellent one . We always take a small torch, never needed it , but in the event of a ships power failure, those cabins and corridors can be very dark.

I bought myself a camping headlight torch with a webbing harness to wear on my head leaving my hands free in an emergency. Only cost me AUD$4 and the 3 lithium batteries were provided with the torch. HTH, I don't know what shops you have access to in New Zealand.

Already booked for my next cruise, and in browsing the forum today, have found a possible hotel close to Circular Quay, must price it but it's another option! I've forgotten who mentioned it, but I'm very grateful for the "head's up.! I can vouch for easy luggage drop off at Circular Quay. Tax is at Melbourne-the queue was very lengthy. I was lucky to be met by a friend and taken to join another friend for lunch-delicious and delightful company. She was in a bit of a panic as she couldn't enter Station Pier and could only see the ferry for Tasmania (forgotten the correct name!) the Golden Princess was completely hidden. WAS she glad when I made phone contact and confirmed I was disembarked and being assisted up to meet her-then interrupted myself to exclaim, "I can see you!" waving frantically with my free hand! Even Bass Strait being a little 'bouncy" hasn't put me off, just didn't go up to Skywalkers on Sunday and took an anti-nausea tablet as a precaution-and slept like a log Sunday night, a rather unexpected consequence! :D

Sure, that one was the only crew member, the rest were passengers. I didn't even know his name at the time but I danced with him a couple times at the Halloween party which was the first night on that sailing. We were chatting a bit once the party was over. Nothing exciting, where we were from, how long he'd been on ship, no flirting at all. I said I was going to my cabin, he asked if he could come with me. I knew he was serious but laughed it off as I knew he could get fired and no dude I just met and I don't know you name, not gonna happen. I said Haha, you're so funny. He said something like oh yeah....I'm coming with you. I again said haha, you're funny, good night. Then he said "just for 20 minutes". To which I said more sternly, no, have a good night.

 

I told my cruise critic friends I was hanging out with and he became 20 minute man the rest of the 10 days. Hours of jokes! I had to make the guys swear not to confront him though haha. He didn't come near me the rest of the cruise and he found out I was on cruise critic, at our meet and greet, which 11 senior officers came to...including the Captain. I thought he was going to pee his pants. I set it up so all the senior officers talked to me often the rest of the cruise and He was sweating bullets the rest of the cruise. I made sure he sweat a little extra when I was talking to a ship officer and he was nearby. I think he learned a lesson. :D I can be a bit evil and I thought that was more effective to torture him than just tell the CD since it would be my word against his.

Ow! I/m aching with laughter at how you neatly dealt with him! The ship's officers WOULD have noticed something was happening, in their position they'd be very good at noticing without seeming to be aware of what's going on!

All great info. Has really made me re-think whether we should do the AIBP or not.

 

One fear is over-consumption. Do you always feel like you need to get "your money's worth" or at some point you got your money's and it's really no different ?

Remember gun and canned sodas and bottled water is available on the AIBP, so several of these would equal an alcoholic drink when calculating value for money. From memory-AIBP was not relevant on my cruise, too short-coffees and milkshakes but I might be wrong, are also included. HTH.