sprinkles

Sounds like stabilizers, as far as temp in the cabin imo there is no excuse for not having this work correctly. You know that this is probably an issued for every passenger /every cruise in that cabin. :(

Stabilizers just didn't make sense, like the original poster stated it would only happen in the early morning hours 2, 3 ,4 am? We were on a TA and the stabilizers were out a vast amount of the time. The "noise" never happened during the daytime.

As far as the air cond. I had them out to my cabin constantly, by the 2nd night I was at the purser at 3:00am threatening to go sleep on the couch outside the Princess Theater for some coolness. What made it worse for me was, I have M.S. (heat is really bad for M.S.), by the third day I had to go to ships Doctor to get a wheelchair. Then they finally "magically" fixed my air conditioning AND they did not charge me for the Doctor visit or wheelchair.

Like I said, I'm a cruiser AND a Princess FAN, I still made lemonade out of lemons, just saying this ship and specifically this area has a problem.

Tammy

Just got off the TA, almost booked a rear cabin, but choose mid-forward to be close to Churchills and the outside smoking on 16. Just a heads up, a fellow smoker booked her cabin at the aft, only to find that they took away the aft smoking area (there was a spot on 17 on the side of the ship, two tables completely in the elements and yes the dredded two ashtrays on the wall at the back of the Promenade deck). She spent her time trecking all the way forward to get to the smoking areas. Really wish they would stop changing up these areas. Considering the Grand Princess again, as last year they had a nice smoking area at the back, but would hate to book an aft cabin only to find the space "had been taken away from us".

Tammy

Mississippian,

Just had to come on here and eat my own words from my earlier post. I just got back from my TA (had time in Europe after) in P325, so many times I thought of your post and had wished I had changed cabins. The sounds under my cabin during the middle of the night were insane. None of it made sense, it only happened during the middle of the night and yes usually during tougher weather. I made a video at two am for my family. It was like a rolling sound that would build to a loud crescendo then usually followed by a slam. Ear plugs were no help at all. My next door neighbors talked to me one day about it too, sleep was near impossible. I knew the lady across the hall in the inside from cruisecritic (also where I normally book) and she never heard it (made me wish I had saved the money and booked the inside that I usually book on Plaza deck).

Plus an added bonus was they had terrible issues with getting us any air conditioning for the first few days of the trip, on most of that plaza hallway behind the art gallery. No kidding, it had to be 90 degrees in my cabin for the first two days. I felt bad for my cabin steward having to clean those cabins drenched in sweat. I spent as little time as possible in my cabin. Live and learn, as far as the rest of the complaints about this ship, I didn't see it, had a wonderful cruise, despite the above. Still love Princess, but this ship is ready for drydock.

Tammy

I have several Travelon cross-body bags. I like the ones for traveling that have the theft proof strap and locks for the zippers. I also like that they are washable, so when they get soiled I can just throw them in the washer and hang to dry. Carries everything that I need for vacation and I also use one for every day around town. The newer ones even have pockets with the RIFD pockets to keep your credit cards safe from scammers.

 

Last year I invested in a small Vera Bradley backpack. While not theft-proof by any means, it holds everything I need for a day on an excursion. tTe print also makes it hard to lose or forget. I also like that it is washable.

Thanks for talking about travelon, I had been researching and researching (reading this thread over and over) this post got me looking at them Got my new Travelon anti-theft react tote today (Ebay half-price). I was looking for a shoulder tote that would get me through Europe next month without DH. I got plain black which is a little dull (it does come in colors), but the size is exactly what I wanted - bigger then a big purse. Padded shoulder straps, organization like crazy - water bottle spot on outside. Room for everything, folding cane, umbrella, light jacket or sweater. Locking zippers, etc. Been playing with it and I think it will be perfect (for anyone looking for more of a tote size) - only bad sides that I am seeing beyond it not really being fashionable, it is a little heavy due to all the anti-theft stuff.

Just wanted to say thanks for this thread!

Tammy

Thanks, I hate to admit it (like I said, I did my own nails for a long time), but I am just planning on having it done on the ship (going solo for the first time - this whole trip is a really big - special splurge for me). I have taken my own nail supplies on cruises for the last 17 years.

This "diamond" polish I realized that my tech said, has to be half-filed off. I have M.S. and just can't imagine doing that kind of filing anymore (not to mention that my eyesight is pretty bad too - lol).

I realize that they might charge EVEN more with the filing, but I really do still love this polish. Even though it is starting to grow out, it looks better then when the red/burgundy does.

I haven't decided if I am going to keep this stuff up after the trip though. Seems kinda silly to be keeping my nails going now after being retired. But for now it is fun, I just went five years with just plain clear after taking the acrylics off. So for a little while I'll splurge. I'll definitely come back and post re my experience when I get back the end of May.

Thanks Everybody!

Tammy

Thank you SOO MUCH Sauer-Kraut for taking the time to look for me, I really can't thank you enough. My Mother was German but did not teach me the language (I understand more then I can speak and nothing of the written word).

I should be able to get to at least one (if not both) locations with my "free time" in Berlin. Like you said, either through the concierge or my national guide.

Happy Sailing Everybody!

Tammy

Vielen Danke Sauer-Kraut!

Hi All,

May be a silly question, but I am taking a 10 day bus tour around Germany after my cruise. I would like to buy some Polish pottery on my trip and will not have time to go to Boleslawiec (I already booked a tour to Potsdam on my free day in Berlin). However, I'm wondering if there are any big stores in Berlin that I could take by taxi from my hotel (I should be staying at the Intercontinental)? If anyone could help me with an address, I would be extremely grateful. I know it will be much more expensive in Germany then buying it in Poland, I just can't get there and it would be worth it for me to be able to go someplace where there is a big selection.

If anyone out there knows what I'm talking about and not laughing, am I likely to see this pottery all over Germany? I'm thinking I will have the most time and ability to shop in Berlin. Thanks.

Happy Sailing,

Tammy

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and Froufie, thanks for letting me know that they will do it - and now I have an idea of the charge. I just knew it would be more - lol.

Happy Sailing Everyone!

Tammy

Oh great! We are booked on the Caribbean Princess in P309!

My sentiments exactly - I'm in P325 for a TA! But, I have no desire to change my cabin, I have stayed in this spot so many times and LOVE it! I will however, make sure I have ear plugs, just in case.

Tammy

Thanks for the suggestions, I have been doing my own nails for the last five years since removing the acrylics, but am having a hard time seeing them anymore (I'm only 46 but have some serious medical issues).

Marti I like your idea, but I've been wearing clear for the last five years. This gel polish is just making me feel "pretty" again - lol. Especially what I am wearing right now - diamond. WOW, I had seen other people getting it done and decided to try it out and have really fallen in love with it. But I absolutely know I will have to get it done on the ship (14 day cruise followed by another two weeks in Europe).

Seriously, none of you fashion divas know the answer? OK, I just might have to call Steiner and get the answer.

Thanks,

Tammy

Hi All,

OK, so I'll try this a new way, as I asked this specific to Princess. All you gel polish experts out there. Have you ever had your nails re-done on a cruise? I.E. if you book an appointment for a gel polish on the ship, is the cost of removing the old stuff included? Do they even do it? I would think they would absolutely have to for someone on a world cruise. I've only had this done a couple of times - what do they normally do file a little and then try and soak off and file some more?

I would hate to get on my cruise with gel polish and not be able to have them re-done before leaving the ship for another two weeks travelling. Anyone - please? Thoughts, this whole gel polish, shellac whatever you want to call it is new to me. I was the queen of acrylic nails for 20 years, then in the end fell in love with pink and white acrylics on cruises, until I broke one and found out they could not do it on the ships because they did not use drills, had to have a plain acrylic nail done and polished a dark color over all those pretty pink and white's.

Thanks,

Tammy

Hi All,

OK, so have not done the gel polish thing too many times (all just one time things and never on a ship). So, I got a Shellac manicure a few weeks ago for a trip and have decided to keep it up at least until my cruise in April (went today to have it re-done and I was there for awhile).

So in April I'll go on the ship (14 day T/A) with a fresh new gel manicure. I made appointments on Princess for a pedicure and a gel manicure for the last sea day (will be staying in Europe for another two weeks after cruise). My question, does the cost of a $45 gel manicure on Princess include the cost of removing the old stuff? Do they actually do a manicure (cuticles, file nails, etc) for that price - or would that be an additional manicure charge?

Thanks,

Tammy

These have been my absolute FAVORITE cruise shoe for the last 5 years. I'm on my second pair of Lulu's - black flip flop that I do wear in warm ports all day.

I have a black patent leather (missy?), that took over for some evenings and on formal night I took a pair of black straps and made my own killer crystal tops on them. Now I was just in a store and bought a pair of straps that can use the interchangeable snaps so I bought new crystal straps.

I made a cardboard holder to take all the straps I want on a cruise and end up with different looks. LOVE my Lindsay Phillips!

Tammy

I was reading this thread myself and laughed when I saw my own response (no recollection). For myself, I know what prompted my original response - a VERY SMALL wedding with a sad bouquet of flowers for my wedding (big miscommunication with the florist). Now I'm getting close to 25 yrs and wonder if my DH would be so romantic as to ask me to renew our vows in a couple of years.

If so, I could imagine myself wearing something like I wore the first time, tea length with a lace bodice and sleeves - but the more important thing for me would be a lovely bouquet. Ok and maybe a new BIGGER RING - LOL!!!!! Now I'm actually envisioning a renewal in Hawaii with a MONSTER BOUQUET of Star Gazer lilies or a barefoot ceremony on the beach with Hawaiian Leis. Thanks Triplalot for reminding me of what a romantic I used to be - just in time for Valentines Day too!

Oh - by the way - guess I still stand by my original response - do what you want and have fun - congratulations.

Happy Sailing Everyone!

Tammy

Thanks so much, I really feel better and will try to stop obsessing about it.

Happy Sailing Everyone!

Tammy

I bought the NCL equivalent in January when my small rolling duffel disintegrated on the flight to Miami. Two more cruises and 5 checked bag flights later, it is still going strong.

 

Incidentally, I ALWAYS buy the cheapest lightweight luggage (I have back issues), usually rolling duffels, that will do the job. It has been my experience, that no matter how expensive the lightweight luggage, usually after 3 cruises and 6 checked bag fights it is ready for the dumpster. And yes, I always carry strapping tape, just in case.

Thanks Mame, you must have posted while I was typing out the "gory details" above. I am really liking this current plan unless someone tells me - they've done it and ended up with all their clothes flying around the baggage carousel.

Tammy

OK - Guess I will go into the gory details-lol ( since I can't tell if anyone used their HAL bags for a Checked bag and I am talking about the carry-on size one - no wheel's), since there seems to be more interested experienced travelers willing to help me here.

OK - so this is the deal. Going on a TA from FL to Southampton (Flights to Fll I have a two checked bag 70 lbs each limit). Staying in London for two nights then flying from LHR to Frankfurt (that flight is a hitch - one 50lbs suitcase and one carry-on - carry-on limit of 18lbs). Bus tour around Germany - allowed one 50 lbs suitcase and a carry-on no larger then a backpack. Flight home from Germany allowed two 50lbs suitcases and one carry-on no heavier then 18 lbs .

I have only taken one bus tour before, around China, but that was not part of a cruise (well, little one on the Yangtzee) and we were allowed our rolling carry-on. Also, before you judge, yes I plan to shop - ALOT in Germany (my Mother was born there and I have lost her as well as my Grandparents in the last few years - so this is kind of a special trip for me) as well as Ireland and Scotland. Also, this is my first cruise SOLO (without DH or anybody), so I would like to be able to "dress" as I normally would (I have fixed dinning for the first time in a very long time) on the cruise.

OK, so judging aside, this is my current plan. One large suitcase and my beloved rolling carry-on with the HAL bag inside my big suitcase. When flying from London, stuff the rolling carry-on with unnecessary cruise clothes and either keep that under the 18lbs limit or have to pay overweight fees. Then when I land in London, storing that rolling carry-on at Frankfurt left luggage service. Take only the large suitcase (that will hold a lot - may get over the 50lbs for Globus, but guess I can deal with that when I get there - hopefully tipping the luggage porters and bus drivers well will suffice (any of you experienced bus tour people have thoughts on this?). Then at the end of the bus trip, end up at the airport retrieving my rolling carry-on and re-packing everything (probably on the sidewalk - unless I have time to go to the airport and retrieve my bag the night before).

When I say re-packing - taking the cruise clothes out of the rolling carry-on and stuffing with more clothes into the HAL BAG and making it a checked bag (keeping the original suitcase below the 50lb, but adding heavy things like chocolate and cosmetics that cannot be purchased here) Then camera, valuables, fragile things, etc go into the rolling carry-on for the flight home. WHEW - like I asked please don't judge.

My only other option is to forget the rolling carry-on entirely and take two suitcases. Same cost for rolling carry-on or regular suitcase storage at Frankfurt airport - but I would have to pay an additional 75 euros for a second suitcase for the flight from London to Frank. Also, for you savvy travelers and shoppers - expanding the rolling carry-on and stuffing it to check it and using the HAL bag for my hand-carry - not an option, when I get to San Francisco, my last plane flight is on a tiny prop-job to Oregon that will definitely take my hand-luggage and throw into the hull. I've got a headache - so back to my original question if you're still reading.

How does the HAL nylon (large carry-on - no wheels, just fabric handles) stand up to being a checked bag? I know - I know, if this is the worst of my troubles, I'm a lucky person. But come on ladies - I know someone out there can understand that I will be shopping in Europe with DH safe at home with no way to stop me :)

Thanks,

Tammy

Hi All,

I've searched and not found any threads about this. Question - Has anyone every used the cheap HAL nylon luggage (sold on-board gift shop), the cheap, very light, foldable regulation carry-on size - to stuff with clothes and CHECK on a flight? If so - how well did it handle?

I don't want to bore you with all the details, but I have one of these that I used just to carry off some heavy - expensive souvenirs - just out to my car at the port. Now I am considering putting it in the bottom of my suitcase and using it to get home from Germany as a possible second checked bag allowance (up to 50-lps).

For those who really want to know, I am going on a bus tour around Germany AFTER my cruise, the bus tour - only allows one suitcase and no -carry-ons. Just wondering if anyone has every used one of these - I don't care what it looks like when I get it home (thinking of putting clothes in plastic garbage bag inside this bag, then maybe using tape or luggage straps to secure around it.

Thanks,

Tammy

Thank you all so much for your help, the luggage forward service was a really good suggestion. I think I have decided to bring my rolling carry-on and store it at the left luggage in Frankfurt, the least amount of fees that way and I can expand it, add to it and check it for my flight home at the end.

Thanks again,

Tammy

OK, I've just measured every piece of luggage I own and think I am getting closer to a plan. Yes, the total complete obvious answer would be to store a suitcase at my hotel in Frankfurt before and after the bus tour. However, Globus (not slamming them, I haven't used them yet) says that my hotels can be changed at any minute, so even if I pre-arranged with my "planned" arrival hotel in Frankfurt to store a piece of luggage, that hotel could be changed without my knowledge at anytime.

After looking at all my luggage, I am leaning towards one suitcase (with a very flat foldable bag that could be checked for my flight home or used as my carry-on going home) and my rolling carry-on.

I could leave London with the rolling carry-on stuffed with formal/cruise clothes/shoes, etc and take that on the Lufthansa flight hopefully without additional charges (knowing there could be a charge for possibly being over the 8kg weight allowance for hand baggage). Then store that bag at the left luggage in Frankfurt.

Globaliser you are always so helpful - so please help me here (or anyone with the answer). So I land at Frankfurt and go to the left luggage in Terminal 1. There is one on B concourse for arrivals and one between b and c for departures - ARE THEY BOTH OUTSIDE OF SECURITY? It may sound dumb, my guess is that they would have to be.

My thought would be to go to the one for departures and store my bag there. Then when going home, if necessary I could expand it and add to it, then making it a checked bag. Anyone have a clue as to how far apart this would be from the Lufthansa check-in counter?

Thanks for the help and for not judging - believe me - I AM planning on bringing less then usual for the cruise. I have only ever been on one bus tour, but they were not as strict with the luggage allowance. Globus has changed their rules and they are VERY specific - one 50 lbs suitcase and 1 small backpack on the bus.

Thanks,

Tammy

Hello all, I know there are no cruise ships docking in Frankfurt, but with all the German locals on this board, I'm hoping someone can help and this is part of a cruise. I am cruising from US to London, after a couple of days in London, then flying from London to Frankfurt for an 11 night bus tour with VERY limited luggage around Germany. How easy and or difficult would it be for me to fly into Frankfurt (on Lufthansa from London) and store a suitcase in one of the left luggage storage facilities and then pick it back up 11 days later for my flight back home to the US on Lufthansa?

Where are these left luggage storage places anyway - before security - inside security? Am I likely to be coming into and out of different terminals as I am going home on the big airbus A380-800? I know this will all be expensive - for ALL of my flights except for Lufthansa between London and Frankfurt, I have a two checked bag allowance (as far as I can tell - Lufthansa will charge me 75 euro for an extra suitcase - or I just might make it a rolling carry-on - which I am not allowed to take on the bus tour).

Please don't judge and just tell me to take less. This is a big trip for me, besides it being my first solo cruise (so I won't have dh's suitcase to help stuff things in) a big part of this trip for me is Germany where I know I will want to SHOP. My Mother was born there and in the past few years I have lost her as well as my Grandparents and this will be my first trip there ever. Plus being my first solo cruise, I know I will feel more comfortable being able to "dress" as I normally do on a cruise. The other option I am considering is to ship a suitcase home from London? Thoughts, suggestions.

Thanks,

Tammy

Thanks for the replies,

Trust me, I am re-thinking all of this to no end. I have taken one bus tour before with a 40lbs limit (but it was all bus tour - no cruise and we were allowed bigger carry-on's) but DH was with me and let's face it - he travels lighter. I am totally solo on this one so make-up, curling iron- etc all has to be in my suitcase.

I will do some more research and get back to you all (starting with the Grange Hotel). Cotswald Eagle - have you ever used the service at Frankfurt? Would it be fairly easy to find when I land and then more importantly - to get back to when I fly home. I am flying into and out of Frankfurt on Lufthansa?

Thanks for all the suggestions - I did not realize that the post offices were closed on Saturdays - I have no idea what time I will get to London from Southampton, but I expect it to be well after noon.

Tammy

Hello All,

I'm driving myself crazy trying to figure this out - suggestions please. Coming into London via a t/a cruise. Spending a couple of nights in London then flying to Frankfurt for an 11 night bus tour that only allows one 50lbs suitcase with no carry-ons on the bus larger then a backpack.

How much and how easy would it be for me to find (I am staying at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel) some sort of postal center near my hotel on a Saturday afternoon to ship cruise clothes/souvenir's home? Some place that will pack up say a 20lps box and help with customs forms, etc? Price really is not that big of an issue, I am looking at spending around 90 Euros to store a suitcase/rolling carry-on at Frankfurt airport (not to mention the hassle of finding the storage facility before and after my flights.

Thanks for any help.

Tammy

Chelsea Cruiser, we went with the same company (China Focus) in 2008. It really was an amazing trip (our was 21 days). The hotels were awesome 4 and 5 stars (the only problems with our hotels was they were Chinese and had REALLY HARD beds - lol. Everything else was totally awesome except for the ship we went down the Yangtze on - we were kind of jealous of the Viking ships - ours had REALLY small cabins, but the food and tours were fine.

For other adventures off the beaten path in China besides the Great Wall and Yangtze River that I personally loved.

Panda reserve in Chengdu - I spent the extra money and went into the enclosure and had pictures with and petted a Panda! I could have spent two days there.

Terra Cotta Warriors - pretty amazing

Did other things too, but all kind of a whirlwind in my mind. China Focus was really awesome (and a deal for the 6 in our group - as Dad took all of us) our hotels all had "American Style" breakfasts - that and protein bars plus Pringles sustained us for the trip. There were six in my family plus 6 others in our group (so 12 total). We all got tired of the "traditional" Chinese Family dinners but did not starve.

But honestly - Tibet is number one in my mind from the whole trip. As others said, no one knows how they will react when they get up there. We also flew in (not the right way to go) as soon as we landed Mom could barely walk off the plane. But like I said, some oxygen and tons of water got her on her feet (we spent 3 days up there).

Sorry, didn't mean to hijack your thread. Floridiana talking about China Focus got all my memories stirring. Truly one of my most amazing vacations. We brought toys and things to give out to the children - I have the most amazing photos of DH teaching a child how to play with a Frisbee!

Tammy