sprinkles

At the bottom right of each post is a little blue thing that says Quote. Click on that and it will take you to the page for you to type your response.

LOL - WOW took me a few minutes, lets see if this works - Thanks. Guess it proves that I am an old dinosaur (not even 50), I have been on CC since it started (I could not figure out how to up-date my signature when the website changed). So let's see if you can teach an old or young dog new tricks.

Tammy

Sorry, I don't know how to copy the quotes (and I'm not old). The whole thing is becoming a joke. It's not just about tender tickets and elite lounge. My point was, it was a perk and something to look forward to. Just like the suites have their own advantages, that I never begrudged them. There is the "perk" of a special line at the pursers desk only for Elite and Suites. Never had a problem there, limited number of elites and suite passengers. How is it a perk anymore if the line is just as long as the regular (much like "priority boarding" has become almost a joke).

It was sometimes a perk for getting a better table. Now how do they know looking at someone's black card weather they have 15 cruises and 20 sailing days or if they are like my Dad with 35 cruises and over 500 days (one cruise being the World).

The only thing to really look forward to is the MTP luncheon and sometimes he might not even make that cut (too bad he can't add his 500 days with Holland). Not even to mention the laundry and internet anymore.

Tammy

So yes, I am somewhat passionate about this thread. I have not seen the swarm of Elites yet personally. I imagine I will on the Ruby 49 days, S.A. in January. However, I would also expect that most of those Elites earned it the "hard way".

Interestingly enough, DH and I will be taking our first 4 night ever, on the Golden in November. Going to L.A. for family reasons and said sure, "why not" at these prices - DH always wanted to go to Catalina. I can assure you, that if the tender process is swamped with masses of people waiving their black cards or the Elite Lounge is a joke, I WILL be writing a letter to Princess on this issue (I have NEVER written a letter to Princess).

Oh well, my two cents. Princess if you are listening, current system is just not fair!

Tammy

I don't usually jump into these threads, but sorry I agree with Ethel. DH and I are prime examples of getting Elite the "hard way". Began cruising trying different lines multiple times. Became "loyal" to Princess and cruised once or twice a year (during our working days) starting with 7 day Caribbean, then btb, then 10 day French Polynesia, 12 day Europe, etc etc. Booking a mix of cabins, from insides to mini-suites also taking a whole lotta Princess Tours, as well as doing things on our own. I imagine if I had all of my ship accounts I would cry at the amount of money spent on those cruises.

We retired and boarded the Sapphire Princess for a 28 day F.P. cruise (2012) with exactly 147 days and 14 cruises. Free laundry would have been nice on that one.

Many of our cruises were taken with my parents. I was always impressed with how much clout my parents black card seemed to have and enjoyed looking at their menus and photos they would bring back from the MTP luncheons. Well, now due to "ATTRITION" (REALLY), I am the one going to those luncheons with Dad. But at least when I do, I can hold my own in a conversation and talk about my travels, far more then btb Ensenada.

to be continued

THANK YOU, so much for starting this thread, I just saw it. I LOVE watching the old re-runs and just went and found the channel (dvr all set up). Everyone always laughs at me on a cruise when I say, gotta go to the cabin and watch The Love Boat. I too watched them first hand and ohh so desperately wanted to be Vicky Stubing - lol.

Tammy

Thanks Vickie,

I have read your blog, a few times. Two spots just opened up with the roll-call 2 day private tour that I am trying to get on, so I 'll keep my fingers crossed for that - otherwise just booking the Princess tour.

Tammy

Thanks Everyone! this is my first time to S.A. (Dad is an "old veteran") and I want to make sure I do as much as possible.

Tammy

Thanks Pam and Azbird,

We actually stay overnight in Rio, so I am thinking this full-day excursion would be great for the first day and use the second for beach or shopping.

Tammy

Hi All,

Hoping this does not get moved to the S.A. board - as I have a thread there - but who goes there unless they have a cruise booked?

Want opinions from those who have taken the Princess City Drive, Sugarloaf & Christ the Redeemer tour (with lunch at around $215pp). Was it a nice day? Did you feel like you got more done being with Princess? Not usually into the ship tours, but being the end of Carnival, just seems like a better option to not have to worry about anything.

S.A. board seems like it is tour operators or family of those telling me, that it is crazy, that I am better off paying $400 for a private guide for the day? It's just Dad and I on this cruise and he always just wants to hire a cab for the day - just seems like a lot to me. Any comments appreciated.

Thanks,

Tammy

Thanks for the answers, but for many reasons, I would still like to hear from someone who has actually taken the Princess tour.

Tammy

Hi All,

Having trouble finding any reviews, if I post on Princess forum I know it will get moved here.

So although not up yet, trying to decide between Princess' full day tour in Rio to Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, BBQ lunch, etc at around $220 or if I want to try and hire a private guide for the day. Has anyone ever done the Princess excursion? If so, any thoughts. I don't usually like to be hearded around, but being that we will be there at the end of Carnival, thinking ship tour might be best.

Thanks,

Tammy

Joey,

Welcome to the Princess board. As far as your other questions. We used to love RCCL but it's been a long time (never did any of the MASSIVE RCCL ships).

Off the top of my head (and my humble opinion), more then likely you'll find Princess to be a little more sedate then RCCL. However, you are sailing close to the holidays and may have more children on-board.

Food: take note of the International café on deck 5, they have great snacks, sandwiches, soups, quiche', and salads. Many people think there is a charge, but it is free. Also, pay attention to the Princess Patter, there is often a British Pub lunch (held different places) that is very good and also free. As far as dinning room fare - just try different things (food can be hit and miss on any given sailing). They always have fettuccine alfredo which I love.

Entertainment: We don't go to the shows very much anymore, but when we do - go early if you want a decent seat. Forget trying to "save" seats for family, as it gets closer to show time the masses "will eat you alive" - lol.

Have fun and enjoy your family.

Happy Sailing Everybody!

Tammy

Goaing Coastal - Sounds like you will be able to give me more advice on M.P. then vice vs.

BUT, I did do 3 weeks in China, land tour (8 intercontinental flights), plus four nights Cruise down the Yangtze River (sept 08, so it was still HOT). Saw most, if not all the "big" things in China. So if you have any questions - fire away.

Off the top of my head - Terra Cotta Warriors, there were men everywhere for hire (cheap) that would push you around in a wheelchair - all day - which I did - the place was HUGE (and I was recovering from being up in Tibet).

Chengdu - Panda Rescue. We bought tickets to have the tram take us around to the different places in the park.

Beijing, Shanghai and some of the big cities where overwhelming. I took it slow (I did not know I had M.S. then (misdiagnosed with Chronique Fatige Syndrome in the early 90's). So I was not even using a cane then, but could have used one. We were on an escorted tour, so had bus transportation almost everywhere. Tibet was very tough for me, I chose not to walk to the top of the Portola Palace with everyone else. We also hired pedi-cabs to get to the town square when on our own, vs walking the couple of blocks.

The Great Wall, D.H and I only walked up a short distance, but was still "enough" for me to see. Guess it's kind of like my question for M.P. How much can I "see" without walking too far. I guess I am using my experiences in China to convince myself that I can still "do" something like this and not let fear of the unknown, keep me from it.

Tammy

Thanks Floridiana, You just mentioned something that I had not thought about before, the cane with a seat. I mentioned on another thread that after my last cruise, I bought the double crutches to take on a cruise for "bad times", but now wondering the logistics of bringing those. I've got a lot to think about, if it's not obvious, what all my "issues" are with this cruise:

The bottom line is, for me - m.s. changes hourly/daily/whatever. I still love to cruise and want to see things (like Machu Picchu - lol) and have been trying different things over recent years to help me get by, but do find that I have been doing less and less off the ship. Besides this being my longest cruise to date, I am doing it WITHOUT my D.H. who is usually my big support system and "helper" and going with Dad, who can have his own issues. Not to mention considering going to M.P. without Dad. A lot to think about.

Going Coastal, the cruise is January 31, but have to start planning now, as M.P. will be a big trip and a lot to arrange if we do it on our own. So trying to have my ducks in a row before Princess comes out with their excursions and M.P. could book up fast when they do. I will definitely bring this post up and post a review.

Tammy

Hi all, I posted an earlier question today, now this thought is keeping me awake. I'm a hearty cruiser and keep on trukin with M.S. - even though cruising usually completely messes up my balance or worse. I've played around in recent years with bringing a rollator, which helps when my balance gets really stupid, but is a pain to get in and out of the cabin, not to mention storing in the cabin. Plus it is always awesome for me, when I'm having problems standing. I always bring a folding cane, but found on my last cruise, that it was not always enough and my wrists would hurt from leaning on it too much.

So the last cruise, I decided to get the sturdy double canes (with arm supports). They have been awesome at home for those "really bad times".

Now, I'm laying awake trying to figure out how to get them on the planes and ship for my longest cruise to date (49 days - and the chances of needing them at some point are probably pretty high). I am not bringing my rolator on this cruise, but when I flew with it before, they always took it from me when I got on the plane - no big deal.

But how in the world am I going to get the heavy/bulky double canes onto the plane. Strap them to my small rolling carry-on somehow? Will they take them from me at the plane? I can't imagine trying to store them in an overhead bin.

Take a second suitcase and check them? Too heavy to try and put in my normal one suitcase? If I checked them in a suitcase, would TSA flip-out.

I'm not ready for a wheelchair yet and most of the time do just fine without anything (other then standing for long periods of time). I thought I was being slick getting these new canes, but just now realized - how do I get them to the ship - lol.

Can those be rented from the companies that rent wheelchairs for the ships? Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Tammy

Thanks Floridiana, you have been so helpful to me on the other threads. You suggested exactly what I was wondering, if we could skip staying in Cusco and head straight down to Sacred Valley. I've watched videos on Cusco and would be fine not spending time there. I will check out your tour company too.

One question that I still have from watching videos and Dad is not being helpful remembering. Can I see a lot from the entrance to Machu Picchu, or do I have to walk down that pathway and if so how far (cause what goes down must come back up - lol). Am I right in thinking that it would be a complete disaster trying to bring my rolator, for all the flights/trains/buses and completely useless at Machu Picchu?

Thanks,

Tammy

P.S. Katisdale - where r u going this time? Wherever you're going, I do wish you the best trip.

Tammy

Hi Katisdale,

So nice to hear from you, I haven't spoken to my Doctor, we retired and moved to Grants Pass Oregon last year. Let's just say, my choice of Doctors is limited up here - lol and I'm still searching for someone I really like.

I'm pretty sure I know exactly how the altitude will affect me, based on my memories of Tibet 6 years ago (I was misdiagnosed 20 years ago and it's probably been M.S. all that time) and cruising with M.S. My guess is that after 30 days on a cruise ship and dealing with the possible heat (bad for M.S). I'll probably be pretty worn out by the time we do the trip to Machu Picchu. Gosh, even as I write this I'm thinking I'm nuts for considering it. But my guess is that yes I could get altitude sickness while in Cusco and mobility will be very difficult (but doable).

But at any rate, I "think" that I should be able to get around with my canes, taking the trip as easy as possible and doing most of my sightseeing from bus/trains, etc. Oh the whole things sounds frightening just writing about it, what if both Dad and I get sick, who's going to take care of whom. Also considering doing it without him, just going with Princess if they offer it. Anyway, have a great trip to Europe!

Tammy

Hi all,

I don't post on here very often, but looking for some guidance and did not find Machu Picchu here under a search. Afraid to mention this on the South America board, so thought I would come to you guys.

So here is my dilemma for anyone who has ever been there (healthy or not at the time). I'm 46 and have Multiple Sclerosis. I get around pretty good and rarely resort to my cane. In recent warm weather cruises I have been bringing my rollator. Going on my longest cruise yet - 49 days around South America with my 78 years old Dad. He wants to go back to Machu Picchu (he went around 10 years ago), I have never been (he mostly wants ME to see it).

I did go up to Tibet 6 years ago and got "pretty sick" (I did not know I had M.S. then, if I had, I bet I would not have done it). I got around Tibet fairly well, but did end up in a wheelchair by the end of the trip to see the Terra Cotta Warriors.

Anyway, I have not been planning on taking my rollator on this cruise as it just takes up too much room in the cabin and after my last cruise purchased the double arm/canes, so planning on bringing those and a single cane for when "times get bad".

Am I totally nuts in thinking I can go to Machu Picchu? I am generally happy just "seeing" things and don't have to hike all over the place. More then likely I will just be "slow" and walking may be a struggle. But I can handle riding the planes/trains/buses and be "happy" just looking out the windows.

I fully understand that the trip may "wipe me out", we will have to fly to Costa Rica to catch back up to the ship (this may be on our own tour or through Princess if they end up offering one). But at any rate, I could basically rest on the ship after this, as there is only one stop in Nicaragua and one stop in Puerto Vallarta and I could do without the heat there.

Do they have people you can hire to get you around in a wheelchair like they did at the Terra Cotta Warriors in China? Like I said, afraid to ask any of this on the South America board, as Machu Picchu for healthy people can be tough. Any thoughts/suggestions (even if you tell me I'm nuts - lol).

Thanks,

Happy Sailing Everybody,

Tammy

Thanks for the info Floridiana,

As someone who has been to both places, can you confirm what I am thinking. That Machu Picchu will be a very similar experience to Tibet. I have been watching videos on-line of the "trek" to Machu Picchu and Dad keeps laughing when I say, I "know" exactly what this trip will be like.

The explorer in me really wants to go, I would not give up Tibet for anything. But all this talk of altitude sickness is reminding me of just how "tough" it was. The one good thing is that, the rest of our cruise is just one stop in Nicaragua and one stop in Puerto Vallarta, with lots of sea days getting to Los Angeles. So if Machu Picchu wipes us out, no biggie, lots of rest time on the ship. Vs in China, we still had a lot of traveling after Tibet, all by air/land.

Again, thanks for the thoughts info everybody.

Tammy

Sorry for the double post earlier.

Thanks for the encouragement Michael. It will probably not be a place Dad ever goes to again, and this is my first S.A. trip - so who knows for me.

This is actually starting to be fun to plan and when all is said and done, we'll see how much savings there is on doing it on our own vs Princess.

Tammy

Thanks Artemis and Dabear for your warnings/concerns.

Dad has done Machu Picchu before as well as world/longer cruises (off ship to go to Taj Majal for example). We both went to Tibet almost 7 years ago and he climbed to the top of the Portola Palace (sp?) at age 70.

I remember the altitude sickness very well in Tibet for the first night - despite Diamox/water/oxygen - lol, and would not have given up the experience of Tibet for ANYTHING. We are both "hardy" travelers, even if we are not in the best of health and can usually "keep on truckin".

I do think I would rather do this with Princess if they offer it, just trying to get our ducks in a row now. Fully aware of all the risks we are taking doing it "on our own".

Thanks,

Tammy

Thanks Artemis and Dabear for your warnings/concerns.

Dad has done Machu Picchu before as well as world/longer cruises (off ship to go to Taj Majal for example). We both went to Tibet almost 7 years ago and he climbed to the top of the Potali Pal (sp?) at age 70.

I remember the altitude sickness very well in Tibet for the first night - despite Diamox/water/oxygen - lol, and would not have given up the experience of Tibet for ANYTHING. We are both "hardy" travelers, even if we are not in the best of health and can usually "keep on truckin".

I do think I would rather do this with Princess if they offer it, just trying to get our ducks in a row now. Fully aware of all the risks we are taking doing it "on our own".

Thanks,

Tammy

Thanks Floridiana,

After doing more research, I'm now getting a quote worked up for a private tour from Lima.

Cusco 3 nights (1 day Sacred Valley, 1 day Machu Picchu), then fly Cusco to San Jose, Costa Rica spend the night in Puntarenas and catch back up to the ship.

I should be getting the quote back tomorrow, it will be interesting to see what the private tour costs compared to Princess (If they even end up offering one - tours are not out yet).

Floridiana, can you please tell me what tour company you used? Or is that not allowed anymore - I can't remember (I seem to recall that you can only list a company name if someone asks for it).

Thanks,

Tammy

GG, that's the problem, I've seen the basic Princess tours and the shortest one to Machu Picchu says 48hrs and we do not have that much time.

Thanks everyone for your help, I've found threads where people have done it successfully and we may be able to just do it from Lima then catch up to the ship in Costa Rica. Either way, we can definitely do it.

Happy Sailing Everybody!

Tammy