Torfamm

I would approach it by 1. Setting up auto payment or online payment for all bills. 2. Forward mail to a trusted friend or relative who lives nearby for me to pickup when I return. 3. Sign up for USPS informed delivery so you can see what’s in your mail daily and also for alerts from UPS. 4. I’d arrange for someone to check on my house probably once a week. You might need to think about how to compensate that person. If you have a house cleaner for example, they might be an option. 5. If you must drive, renting a car will probably be cheaper than paying for parking. 6. Pets probably need to be boarded somewhere in my opinion, not left in the house to be checked on for that period of time. A lot depends on the pet though. Options are very different for a gerbil than a dog or cat, or fish in an 80 gallon tank. Anything that only eats live food is especially challenging.

This is a confusing topic. Shareholders credit is not converted, it is given in AUD in the amount stated on for the period covered by the benefit agreement. There is no exchange rate.You can see the full document here https://www.carnivalcorp.com/static-files/bc1b7f04-a3e8-4176-91ac-a529290fe45d USD gift cards used to purchase shore excursions or OBC pre-cruise are exchanged 1:1 for AUD, which is a terrible exchange rate. OBC available in USD from the $200 pp deposit for casino cruises however, is converted to AUD at the current exchange rate, it ended up being about 300 AUD in September and October.

I’m looking forward to hearing about your cruise!

Unless the ship is sailing to New Zealand, it will be like a normal port day for you. In transit guests can choose to leave the ship and return when they like. If the ship is sailing to New Zealand, all in transit passengers must disembark and go through customs to reboard. Once you go back onboard, you can’t disembark again to spend time in Melbourne that day. You’re considered to have left Australia once you board the ship.

I tried one once and she was horrible. For some reason she was determined to talk me into a guarantee cabin instead of just booking the one I asked for. She actually said several times, “Book a guarantee instead, you’ll get an upgrade”. I’m still not sure if she was stupid or thought I was. No CVP can promise that. Finally convinced her that I didn’t want the guarantee and she said “Fine, we’ll book your choice.” I gave her the credit card number and she said confirmation would be emailed. Guess what - she booked the guarantee anyway. Getting rid of her has been impossible no matter how many requests I make. She called for a long time but finally stopped. It’s been years and she still somehow has her name pop up on reservations I book online or with the casino department. I just called again about a week ago to say I don’t want do have any involvement with her.

Then you know you're taking a chance.

Good advice, be sure you know what your tour operator’s policy is before you book. Excursions involving flights are an example of a time when I personally would only book with the cruise line, especially if it’s an international flight involving visas etc.

It's even easier to just send a message to Guest Services using Crew Call in the app. No need to wait in line with simple issues. They just need to know the date and amount of the charge.

Reputable private tour companies also get you to the next port possible if you miss your ship while touring with them. It is foolish to book with a tour operator that doesn't make that guarantee. Ships can never wait indefinitely for passengers.

I’m one of the people who thought the change was a huge improvement. I appreciate having choices, being able to enjoy sitting outdoors, be with traveling companions who are not elite, listen to music in the venue I pick, or even stay out by the pool all make me happier than an assigned location, especially when traveling with friends. Hopefully the new plan will appeal to everyone.

No need to worry about the 6 month deadline. Your current passport will be fine.

It will depend on your itinerary.

So looking forward to following along! We’re booked for later this winter

The website is https://www.aarp.org/rewards/discover/ You just click "Redeem" in the Rewards drop down menu, then "all rewards". You can just type Princess Cruises in the search bar there and you should see the electronic gift cards in $100 and $500 denominations. Each registered user can buy 5 gift cards per month of either denomination

In Port Everglades, the port the poster asked about, yes. Each new segment requires that all passengers disembark. Rules vary in different locations though.

The large closets, self-service laundry, medallion technology and the International Cafe are some of my favorite things about Princess ships.

We’ve been asked to gather with other B2B pass in a lounge onboard then all walked off together after all other passengers have disembarked. We then waited in the terminal for 30 to 45 minutes and reboarded. We’ve also spent time in town on those days visiting with friends. If you like, it’s easy to disembark early, grab an Uber to pick up a rental car at the airport and explore for the day

They didn't ask for any. I got a confirmation of the submission by email saying my submission was being reviewed and I'd hear back within 2 business days when I submitted yesterday. I imagine they have access to bookings. It will be interesting for those of us with multiple bookings but I'm willing to give it a chance.

No, it is only possible to request it through Stockperks. What trouble are you having?

I think that’s true for me in the Caribbean for sure. Cruises to see places I’ve never been, especially if I don’t expect to return, or ones where I’m happy to tour and sightsee a lot more of my time.

I have. We did it once this past summer. The morning excursion was late departing the ship and they allowed us to cancel the afternoon excursion before we left.

I’ve had several of the Carnival Corporation Waves surveys specifically about smoking. I think the issue is at least on their radar.

True. The closets were a big factor for me when I switched to sailing Princess but everyone has different priorities. We love having room for two sets of golf clubs in the Caribbean for example. In Australia and New Zealand we had everything from hiking boots and warm jackets to scuba gear. I needed storage space way more than a couch!

I love the sunset verandas on the Apex but this cruise seems like a great opportunity to try Princess and see if you enjoy it. We’re elite on both. We were always loyal to Celebrity but tried Princess for a unique itinerary about 5 years ago and sail with Princess more often now. Both have positives but in my opinion, they are more alike than they are different.. Celebrity hands down wins for not allowing indoor smoking but I prefer the longer itineraries offered by Princess. With those, having huge closets is really nice. Also, self-service laundry is a plus for me.

We were on the ocean to ocean Panama Canal segment of the world cruise in January of this year. There were a fair number of people in formal wear. If you enjoy wearing you tuxedo you should definitely bring it, you shouldn’t feel out of place at all.