Torfamm

I hadn’t seen yellow since right after the restart either. I had it once over recent travel. I think Australia/New Zealand is the only place that even still has vaccine or testing requirements.

The app sends you to the website for excursions until you are onboard. Many are having issues logging into the website recently. I find that if I try a second time my credentials are accepted

I did a Princess Lodges rail tour that was completely separate from my cruise and loved it. To me, traveling every leg by train was way better than doing half by bus on a cruisetour. https://www.princesslodges.com/alaska-rail-tours/learn/

The poster may very well need a passport. For example, if they are traveling alone with a minor or plan certain excursions, passports are required.

Document requirements depend on your nationality, itinerary, and other factors. For example, if you are one adult traveling with one or more minors, everyone in your party needs a passport. You can see Princess’ Travel Document requirements here https://www.princess.com/learn/faq/pre-cruise/prepare-for-your-cruise/

We were aboard for four weeks in May and June and saw the same. No one wearing a tuxedo could possibly have felt out of place.

The second formal night on a cruise is now sometimes listed as “White and Gold” or “Dress to Impress”. That is another reason why formal wear is seen less often on that night. I doubt that that many of those who choose to dress formally do it because they feel forced or that they are uncomfortable. I believe the majority of them do it because they enjoy it. I think it’s very unlikely that men are running out and buying tuxedos because of the requested dress code.

I think it is better than right before the pandemic and has been improving over the last year. I remember being very disappointed in the food as well as the menu selection on my last cruise to Norway and Iceland before the shutdown. There were at least 5 out of 14 nights where there was just nothing appealing. I also recall that the favorites menu only included a hamburger as a meat choice as opposed to the steak and chicken breast available now. Of course, I’m sure Princess’ food may have been much better further in the past. That was certainly true on other lines. Like airlines, prices have gone way down and we may have to adjust our expectations. My first 7 night Carnival cruise in 1982 was just over $1,000 per person in a tiny oceanview cabin with a porthole that was about 18” in diameter. That would be over $3,100 per person today. I’ve seen similar changes on Celebrity over the last 25 years. We pay less and get less.

I agree. I don’t think there’s any possibility that they won’t be checking for travel documents.

Interesting! I thought the change to only allowing those with medallions in the green lane was a little surprising. I’d understand it perhaps for sailings from the U.S. but it seems odd globally to only let U.S. residents in the green lane

You can find the details about how many formal nights there will be on your travel summary. It should be 2 per week. The smart casual dress code will be fine on formal nights. As for shorts, one can predict whether the policy will be enforced by the dining room manager on any ship on any given night. If eating in the MDR is important to a passenger, they would be wise to plan accordingly and pack pants. https://www.princess.com/learn/faq/pre-cruise/what-to-pack-for-a-cruise/

I found some very useful information about port names in Vietnam on Royal Caribbean’s website. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/additional-requirements-to-cruise-from-singapore

I found some very useful information about port names in Vietnam on Royal Caribbean’s website. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/additional-requirements-to-cruise-from-singapore

You can look into renting one from a local tuxedo rental shop. It might not be much more expensive to just buy one though, that is your other option

We arrived in Talkeetna by train in the morning and stayed in town to do a raft trip, had lunch, then headed to the lodge in the middle of the afternoon. Talkeetna is a cute quirky town and we enjoyed a relaxing evening at the lodge. I thought it was worth it

Being without a passport for that long is difficult for frequent travelers. I am hearing that more and more people are ending up having to go to the trouble and expense of getting a second passport in order to deal with months long renewal times.

A passport book is required for flying. You can see Princess’ Travel Document requirements for cruising here https://www.princess.com/learn/faq/pre-cruise/prepare-for-your-cruise/

Effective August 15 Vietnam is making e-visas effective for 90 days and will allow multiple entries. The biggest challenge with e-visas seems to be figuring out the correct name for ports. At least a couple listed on cruise itineraries are not listed on the e-visa website as they are parts of larger seaport complexes. It is not an easy process.

I had no reply either, but the tour company I am using for tours in Vietnam advised that Phu My is a part of the Vung Tau Seaport and to list it that way.

My understanding is that Phu My is a component port of the Vung Tau Seaport complex. The Halong Bay port is the Hon Gai Seaport. Celebrity docks at the Halong Bay Terminal or Cai Lan Terminal in that complex.

I think one of the best features of the app is crew chat. Not having to stand in line at Guest Services is a real plus. I use the Find Shipmates function frequently and like the ability to check my account. For those who are getting photos - being able to view and download them is very convenient.

I agree completely with the posters who suggest avoiding the larger Royal class ships. I’d pick any other ship especially on a northbound itinerary where you will be traveling through the area near Vancouver Island in daylight. The negative to doing the land portion first is that you end the trip tired from travel and the daily changing of hotels and face the longer flight home from Fairbanks. My preference would always be land first and I would stay more than just a few days if time and money permit. For me, Glacier Bay and Denali National Park would be the priorities. I wouldn’t want a meal package, I prefer flexibility. The included options wouldn’t always be my choice. I would try to travel by train rather than by bus as much as possible if that choice is available. Even though you are booking a Cruisetour package you might find some useful information on the sites for Princess Lodges and Independent Rail Tours https://www.princesslodges.com/

Being able to vape in bars, restaurants, staterooms, and all other areas of the ship would probably also enhance the experience of those who vape. Why not set aside an area that others don’t have to share?

I have definitely been around vapes that smell awful, a sort of sweet, fruity smell. In general, I find being around them less than pleasant and would avoid it for that reason alone as I would too much cologne. Unlike cologne though, there is concern is the health risks of exposure to the vapor emitted. Studies are not yet conclusive but look how long it took to get there with cigarette smoking. Studies report respiratory issues for those exposed and that the vapor emitted contains not only nicotine but also heavy metals. If there is a need to create an indoor vaping space, I'd suggest that it be in a dedicated area where it will not affect other passengers rather than a shared space like the casino. Considering that only 8% of American adults use vapes, there is no doubt that the majority of passengers do not vape or have any desire to be exposed to vaping. Making the casino the "vaping lounge" makes it impossible for us to enjoy that space. At a time when Royal Caribbean is sending me emails asking me to come enjoy their new non-smoking casino floors, I find this step from Celebrity really puzzling.

Yes