redrobin

8 hours ago, cruzsnooze said:

A MIRACLE..................Last minute invite to 360 Experience. Maybe someone cancelled, maybe Princess read my complaint and saw I cancelled my next Cruise on the Discovery this morning. I kept my cruise on the Grand to Alaska next year. This ship isn't for me. I wanted to come back and report about the invite. 

  This cruise is the last one offering the complimentary 360 experience I was told. It will be priced the same as the chef's table $150 PP.  The group of 20 invitee's are asked not to explain it to others so they could enjoy the experience without any expectations. I will honor that request. It was a unique dining experience that everyone present enjoyed and and gave accolades to the crew who served us. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying it.

Better late than never. Glad you were invited and had a good time!

I got a 360 invite yesterday for next week and was definitely told there will be no charge. I wonder why there continues to be conflicting information?  It doesn't make sense for Princess to put out a press release offering a 'money can't buy' and 'priceless' experience for invited guests only to start charging for the experience the following week. 

4 hours ago, donswife said:

We got a phone call this morning inviting us for the next sailing (we have a forward suite). I'm excited!

Yup, I got a phone call invite this morning too. Very excited! I really appreciate the convenience of having it scheduled beforehand and not having to think about that once onboard. 

@HBCcruiser - Thanks so much for the trip report! I've appreciated the Patters, menus, and all the tidbits about Discovery Princess. I didn't have an interest in eating at Sur La Mer when I was on the Majestic Princess, but your positive comments make me want to give it a try. Enjoy the rest of your cruise!

48 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Yes, the booster would have worked well if given the 2 -3 weeks required for the antibodies to build.  

On 11/9/2022 at 11:44 AM, 1emerald1 said:

I got my fifth booster 3 weeks before this cruise.

@1emerald1 - Hope today's infusion went well. Thanks for sharing your experience. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery!

23 hours ago, AnyMajorCruiseDude said:

Great! We ran into couple of people who just complained about everything for the fun of it, and to get something free since the crew is very willing to please right now.  Hope it's just that or a specific condition or room that caused problems.  Hard to predict and/or modify how the air currents decide to flow.  We were on the Grand, which everyone knows is older, so you have to expect some inconvenience, or maybe consider alternative ships.  We thought it was in better shape than ever!

@AnyMajorCruiseDude I'm sure your intent was not to disparage fellow CC members, but your posts dismiss the observations of other passengers, like me, who DID experience unexpected cigarette smoke on our aft balcony. As you implied, I'm not 'complaining' to get free stuff. You hope it's a 'specific' issue, when port and starboard passengers, across several sailings, have reported it. You then conflate the age of the Grand with the issue.

I had a great cruise. I enjoyed my balcony. For me, the smell was not constant. As you referenced in another post, I thought the smoke might be from a fellow passenger violating policies. I was happy to be back at sea, and opted not to complain. I was unaware of the new crew smoking protocol and why the aft Promenade deck was inaccessible. Had I known, I would have spoken to guest services. This thread is useful in informing those sailing soon of a change that could impact their cruise experience. Timely cruise information is why I visit CruiseCritic. Thanks for sharing your first-hand observations. Happy sailing!

I just wonder who in corporate management was responsible for this CruiseHealth protocol. Have they ever enjoyed walking the Promenade deck or watching the wake from an aft cabin balcony? 

Also, interesting how covid protocols do not allow crew to smoke indoors, yet Princess still allows smoking by passengers in the money-making casino. 

1 hour ago, momK said:

We will be on the Ruby btb 12/7-27. I am having a hard time wrapping my head around differentiating port/starboard/even-numbered/odd-numbered cabins. Which cabins are most effected by the Promenade smoking area? 

 Me too! I was on the Grand, and these posts are confusing. 

I was in an aft cabin (facing the wake) starboard (right) side, and smelled cigarette smoke. On the Grand, it was the entire rear part of the promenade deck that was blocked off. You couldn't walk back there to take pictures to see where exactly the ashtrays were placed.

I believe I also saw an ashtray on the aft, starboard side of the promenade deck (not facing the wake) near some benches. It was not in the blocked off area, and appeared to be a passenger smoking area. There was also a larger, nicer smoking area on one of the upper decks. Isn't that typical for the Grand?

The pictures @dchip posted on the Ruby appear to be the rear (wave view) part of the promenade deck, starboard side, not port. Correct?

People often select cabins based on where smoking is allowed. I don't have an easy answer, but I question Princess' decision to surprise passengers with (up to 20) crew members smoking below your cabin. Not that this should happen to any passengers, but these are some of the costliest cabins to boot. 

Yes!! I too smelled smoke on the Oct. 14 sailing on my aft balcony, and now it all makes sense!!

I was disappointed on the Grand that you could not walk laps around the promenade deck. (I was looking forward to it, since I sailed on the Majestic in August, and that's not possible.) I just assumed they were doing some type of ship maintenance.

When I first smelled the smoke I questioned whether I was imagining it. As it continued, I thought a passenger might be smoking on their balcony. I didn't mention it to anyone, but did wonder where the heck it was coming from. 

Had trouble accessing Cruise Critic onboard. Overall, internet was, as expected, much better than in Alaska. However, I found the Medallion app would hang and have more trouble loading at times. I do like the ability to order drinks with the app, but with the ship's low capacity, it was easier to just order at the bar or from a server. I still much prefer the printed Patter over JourneyView. Locating shipmates is a helpful feature. 

On the Majestic I enjoyed the sparkle and newness of the ship. However, being on the Grand felt more like coming home, with a Princess design and layout I've come to know.  I missed having a full Promenade deck on the Majestic, but was disappointed on the Grand that every time I went to walk around deck there was a section unexpectedly closed off. Weather was perfect for enjoying our balcony.

I enjoyed lunch at Alfredos on the Majestic, so went there on the Grand. The venue is smaller. Pizza was good, but the menu was more limited. MDR food was OK, I give the edge to the Majestic food, probably because of the Alaskan influence. Had dinner in Sabatini's that was excellent. Service by the crew everywhere was also top notch.

All three comedians were funny - Carlos Oscar, Maryellen Hooper, and Bobby Collins. Bobby Collins made me laugh the most. Daniel Oliver, who played piano and sang at Crooners has an amazing voice. Nice way to relax and enjoy a drink. Gary Golding from South Africa was the cruise director. I know I've sailed with him before, but can't remember when.

Smoking is still allowed in the casino, but there weren't many smokers. I liked the slot selection more on the Majestic, but playing on the Grand was more enjoyable. The casino was much less crowded and the casino staff were more attentive. 

It was definitely a different experience being on a cruise with so few passengers. You walked down the hallway by empty cabin after empty cabin. I could count on one hand the number of times I shared an elevator with another party. Last night I walked on the upper decks. It was a nice evening. Two people were watching Movies Under the Stars. It was like a ghost ship. I have mixed feelings. In certain ways it was great not having crowds. But, I'm still looking forward to a return to normal when the ships are fully back to life. 

On 10/16/2021 at 7:50 PM, cr8tiv1 said:

I was wondering about your itinerary.  It seems as though it went like this:  LA/Ensenada/San Diego/Sea Day/LA.  (couldn't confirm since that cruise is no longer available on Princess.com).]

 

Did you have to go through customs because you stopped in Ensenada first?  I know they do the same if Princess hits Ensenada before arriving in Hilo (not the norm).

 

 

Yes, you're exactly right! We were in San Diego until 9:30pm. I was planning to sleep in, have a leisurely morning on the ship, and spend the afternoon in port. Instead, was off the ship at 8:30am. Customs should have been a quick process with the ship's low capacity, but it was delayed by a few passengers who either didn't understand the instructions or decided to disregard them. At least the Medallions are good to track people down!

Onboard now. A few random comments so far. This is my 2nd cruise since the restart. I was on the Majestic in August. 
 

Embarkation was easy.  No problems with the home Covid test via emed! Terminal was empty. It was great seeing the Emerald Princess in LA and the Majestic Princess in Ensenada!!
 

Ship is — empty. Much different than my Alaskan sailing that was around 90% capacity. I was told 600 passengers, but it seems less than that. I noticed fire doors are closed at forward cabins on Aloha and Baja. No wait for — anything, plenty of seating — everywhere. 

Masking policy is unchanged. The only difference is the addition of ‘sip and cover’ signs at the Theater, and the Vista and Explorers lounges. Masks were required in entertainment venues on the Majestic too. The ship is not crowded, you will find unmasked passengers at the bars, in the Piazza, walking down the hallways, and of course out on deck. Mask compliance is generally good where required. Common sense goes a long way. 

The whole ship had to disembark this morning for customs and immigration. That was a pain. Ordered room service breakfast that was subpar. Yogurt was warm, breakfast muffin was cold. On the other hand, Elite lounge food offerings are really good. Comedians and lounge entertainment have been enjoyable. Off to the marriage show. Can add other thoughts later. 
 

Any insight/tips regarding the cruise terminal and boarding process? It's been awhile since I've cruised out of LA/San Pedro. 

8 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

The masking rule for the lounges and bars is sip and cover …although I had not realized that until last night.  I happen to be sitting in Crooners with a Bloody Caesar (it’s delicious, BTW) and only a couple of people are masked.  But, the way the furniture is situated, people are definitely distanced from one another … it’s a little over half full.  

@Cruise Raider- I was on the Majestic in August and will shortly be on the Grand. I can't wait! I'm genuinely curious and seeking clarification. Why do you believe the masking rule for lounges and bars is sip and cover? Are there signs, did you hear it from a crew member? If only a couple of people are masked at Crooners, I can't tell why you believe that to be the case?

The onboard masking requirements have not changed on the Princess website from what they were for our Alaska sailings. There were no Mask Required signs at the bars or bar lounges on the Majestic. Has that changed on the Grand? Thanks!

@californiagirl - I had the same problem for my upcoming cruise. My issue was created by a separate glitch with the app. Basically that screen kept showing up, and I was unable to order medallions, because nothing was in my cart. Are your medallions in your cart? My app said that my order was in progress, but I could not cancel it, and I could not go back and re-add the medallions. 

You can try contacting Ocean Navigators. The person I spoke to was friendly, but simply suggested I pick up the medallions at the pier. She could see that no medallions were order, but when I asked if she could just order them for me, she said no, because she couldn't get the app to work! She didn't know of a way to work around that. I did have a tech ticket submitted for an earlier issue and it was fixed. I was finally able to order medallions, after multiple attempts, by removing the app and signing in using my husband's info. Good luck!

4 minutes ago, 007colocruz said:

re: car rental 
Would Princess have a medical professional clear you to drive home rather then quarantine?

I agree, this is the part I would be focused on too:

 "Princess will provide hotel accommodations until a medical professional clears you to travel home."

Does Princess or other govt. authorities have the ability to restrict travel once you disembark? Early in the cruise restart I remember reading about and seeing videos where a cruise line was flying passengers who tested positive home on a private plane. The current Princess protocol covers costs related to a hotel 'quarantine' if you test positive prior to disembarkation. By definition, quarantine means isolation from others. A multi-day, cross country road trip would involve the rental car company, hotels, gas stations, rest stops, food establishments...

12 hours ago, lovemy3boxers said:

@Purple Galinulethanks again for staring thread. As I posted in our Roll Call, I'll be on this cruise also and will be happy to help with any questions also.

 

We came in to Seattle Thursday 9/16,3 days prior to cruise. After much stress of trying to find a test site. I ordered the BinexNow AG home test. I did in hotel, took less that 5 min wait time for initial call for both my mom and I separately. Had results emailed within 8m of eMed reading. So easy and simple. Any question on this, please don't hesitate to ask. 

Were you able to take the test using a phone, or did you use a different device? Thanks, enjoy your cruise!

6 minutes ago, EDDY0827 said:

Not true unless this requirement came into effect in the last 2-3 cruises. I was on the 8/17 cruise and anybody at any time at any bar could approach the bar staff.

Bar access was not restricted on the 8/8 sailing either, could order from or sit at the bars.

Regarding passports on the Medallion app, it looks like, for now, the 'fix' by Princess was to remove the "issue date" line on the app that was causing the problem and preventing passport info. from being accepted. 

Just sailed to Alaska in an aft cabin. Loved it enough that I booked another aft cabin for a cruise later this year. I enjoyed the wake, the privacy, and the absence of wind on the balcony when moving. 

5 minutes ago, jondfk said:

One comment based on watching Tony's (La Lido Loca) YouTube proctored test experience with EMed, if anything whatsoever goes wrong while the test is being witnessed, it will be invalidated.

 

For example, Tony knocked his test card off the table while trying to remove the swab from the package.  Tony said, "nothing spilled", the proctor said, doesn't matter the card left my sight and therefore is spoiled. Get a new kit and let's start again.  I wasn't a big deal because Tony bought a 6 pack and therefore had another one handy.  

 

I say this only as a warning if folks plan to order a 2 pack to cover two sailors.  Doing so leaves you no room for error which could be quite stressful 48 hours before you hope to board.  

 

'nuf said.

Yeah, I watched Tony's video the other day. It was informative. He had extra to deal with trying to manage the camera for his video and the proctor too! Jenny was like, I'm just gonna stay back here on the sofa... : )

I will likely have my husband order a second 2 pack, to be on the safe side, but wanted to see how ordering the first one from Optum goes. In the Buyer Beware thread, it sounds like the @cruzin4us might have bought the 6 test kit directly from eMed, not through Optum. Only 3 names could be entered for those 6 tests, and the intent of the 2 pack from Optum seems to be 2 tests for one person. Does anyone sell just a single test? Optum sells a 3 pack too. 

24 minutes ago, Sea Hag said:

I ordered from Optum and was asked for a date of birth, so I put my own. At no place in the ordering engine was I ever asked for name(s). Seeing what folks are saying here, I'm unhappy since I thought I had things covered. I've emailed Optum to ask specifically if the two tests I purchased can be used one each for the both of us.

I did the same. I ordered the pack with 2 tests from Optum, answering the questions for me. They have not arrived yet. I checked out as a guest, which is where I entered my name, address... for order delivery. The Optum receipt has a diagnosis code, for reimbursement purposes, but no name on it. I didn't see a need to set up an Optum store account.

I assume an account will need to be set up via eMed before taking the test in order to use the Abbott NAVICA app, and that is where names are entered? I guess I'm not sure whether the 2 tests are already coded to me. 

When ordering the tests from Optum, you need to enter questions, starting with your birthdate. Is it OK to order tests for more than one person in the same order, or do you need to place a separate order for each person?

On 9/5/2021 at 4:24 PM, dog said:

Are masks required in the casino?

Is smoking allowed in the casino?

Is there a limit of number of people in the elevator?

Are rules enforced?

We had ~3,300 passengers on the 8/8 Alaska sailing. It was also a casino vip cruise. The casino was crowded. Masks were required. Smoking was allowed. There is no bar inside the Majestic Princess casino. The Double Down bar is in the lounge on the port side of the casino. Tables games and the starboard side slots were nonsmoking. Port side machines were the smoking section. The two formal nights were nonsmoking nights in the casino. As a nonsmoker, I gambled more on the two formal nights and during the day when the casino was less busy and less smoky. 

Carnival updated its casino protocols, effective yesterday. Perhaps Princess will follow suit?

New Carnival protocols:

To promote safety, physical distancing and public health, we have updated our onboard casino protocols, effective Saturday, September 11.

Casinos are for active players and their companions only; there is no gathering in the casinos otherwise.

Seats at gaming tables and slots are reserved for players only.

There is no smoking in the casino unless you are seated and playing.

Smoking will not be permitted in the casino when closed.

Guests will be expected to wear a facemask unless they are smoking or drinking their beverage.

The casino bar is closed; drinks will be delivered to casino players by our bar staff.

We appreciate our guests’ support of these protocols implemented with everyone’s best interests in mind.

Masks were required and worn in the elevators, although passengers did disregard the elevator limits at times. It was easy to wait for the next elevator, or, as I preferred, take the stairs to get some exercise. 

People can debate whether the current Princess mask policy is too lenient or strict, in the casino or elsewhere. However, I felt passenger compliance with the stated mask policy was good, and I didn't observe the need for a lot of enforcement measures by Princess. 

Current mask requirements from the Princess website:

Edit: As I stated in my post above, it looks like the UK autumn sailings could be missing the first part of the mask protocol? 

FAQ: Autumn Sailings from UK – Cruises departing September 30 – November 5, 2021

Will I have to wear a face mask?

Certain entertainment venues will be designated as “Sip and Cover” venues where you must wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth except while drinking.

We’d always recommend guests wash their mask daily and choose a good quality, ideally medical grade, standard.

FAQ: Summer Sailings from the UK – Cruises departing through September 28, 2021

Will I have to wear a face mask?

Whilst we always recommend masks indoors, masks are required at the following locations: In lifts, retail shops, the casino, designated entertainment venues and prior to being seated in all dining areas. Masks are also required during embarkation, disembarkation and when going ashore, in keeping with local guidelines.

Certain entertainment venues will be designated as “Sip and Cover” venues where you must wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth except while drinking.

We’d always recommend guests wash their mask daily and choose a good quality, ideally medical grade, standard.

FAQ: Sailings from the United States – Cruises departing through December 31, 2021

Will I have to wear a facemask or physically distance?

First, we strongly encourage guests wear face masks when in public spaces indoors. ALL guests will be required to wear a face mask – with no exceptions – in elevators, retails shops, in the casino, and other designated areas except while eating and drinking. Guests will also be required to wear face masks prior to being seated in our main dining rooms and in the buffet area, and occasionally in other designated areas where larger number of guests may congregate. As a reminder, masks are required during embark and debark in the terminal, and masks should also be worn during the debarkation process on board.

We recommend guests wash or replace their mask daily and choose a good quality double-layer cloth or medical-grade mask. Please note that visors and face shields will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask. Unvaccinated guests will be required to wear a face mask at all times while indoors, in accordance with health authority requirements.

Additionally, when going ashore, guests must be prepared to follow all local guidance regarding masks and physical distancing. The status of local guidelines will be shared with guests prior to debarkation at the destination.

@Sunset329 - As an FYI - Princess has tweaked their mask policies several times, and it varies based on your departure port and date of sailing. Early on, the UK and US policies had different wording, but they have become more similar over time. As of today, there are three different health protocols listed on the Princess website that I'll copy in a separate post. "Sip and Cover" is new term added to the UK sailings. The Autumn sailings from the UK appear to have a more relaxed mask policy, but Princess may just have forgotten to include the first part of the mask protocol to the FAQ's??? The point is, we don't know if things will change for February 2022 sailings to the Caribbean. 

I sailed on the first Princess cruise to Alaska that had a mask policy. Based on my cruise experience, I can answer your questions:

Do you have to wear a mask in the bars and restaurants?

"Mask required" signs were at all restaurant entrances, and were required prior to being seated. Masks, while strongly encouraged indoors, were not required at bars. In the evenings, for instance, you would have a mix of masked and unmasked passengers listening to the piano player at the Crown Grill lounge/bar. Similarly, in the Piazza you'd have masked passengers, as well as unmasked passengers eating food from the International Cafe, having a drink, or dancing. 

Do you carry a mask around in order to use the elevators?

Yes. 

Are masks required at poolside, casino and theatres?

Masks were not required outdoors. Yes, masks were required in the casino and Princess Theater.

Specifically, where are the masks actually worn?

Overall, I thought passenger compliance was very good. Masks were worn in required locations - elevators, retail shops, casino, theater, Princess Live, Vista lounge, before being seated in restaurants and buffet, embarkation, disembarkation. 

Smoking was allowed in the casino. Drinks were being served in the casino, theater, and Vista lounge, so you could see some unmasked passengers there. For instance, the Captain's Circle party was held in the Vista Lounge. Of course, the first thing that happens is a server comes by with a tray of drinks. I definitely saw the most unmasked passengers in the Vista Lounge during that event. During evening entertainment in the Vista Lounge, you'd find mostly masked guests, unless they were enjoying a cocktail. As another example, when cruising Glacier Bay, the Hollywood Conservatory was crowded with passengers, and I saw no one without a mask. However, nightly, the Elite Lounge was held in the Conservatory, and there would be a few tables of unmasked guests eating, drinking and enjoying a conversation. I only saw a handful of passengers order a drink in the theater, the vast majority of passengers had masks on the whole time, as you'd expect.

The most time I spent with unmasked passengers, in close proximity, was during dinner each evening. I wore a mask when required and did not when permitted and I felt comfortable without one. I had a great cruise and am so glad I went. Good luck making your decision. If you go, I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

4 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

 

The Majestic doesn't have that.  In fact, they don't even have a bar.  The only seats in the casino are at the slot machines and at the gaming tables.

On our 8/8 sailing I did see a row of chairs along the wall to the left of the casino cage, in the smoking section. I wondered what they were for? Maybe @geoherbcan say if they are still there. I only recall a few people sitting in them, but not to smoke. On the second formal night, I did see a man sit at a machine and light up. He was sitting sideways, so didn't appear to be a player. Players around him quickly told him that it was a smoke free night and a casino worker walking by told him too.

Here are a few YouTube videos of recent Majestic Princess cruises to Alaska you might find helpful. I was on the 8/8 sailing. Had a great time!

Multiple vlog posts by LetsGoTravelTips of 8/15 sailing

https://www.youtube.com/c/LetsGoTravelTips/videos

8/15 sailing

2021 Alaska Cruise 4K highlights from Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau - YouTube

8/8 sailing

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise on the Majestic Princess 2021 - YouTube

8/8 sailing

2021 Alaska Cruise - YouTube

8/1 sailing (drone footage at Pier 91)

2021 Majestic Princess - Alaska Cruise - Seattle - Pier 91 - YouTube