WatchHill

If I see a DI shop, I pick up my pace and avoid it. Darcy

Agree! Trying to read the print, lack of clarity and multi-step process to save a few trees got the best of me. I now do my own pre-cruise research and create a guide based on my own interest and needs. The last thing I need is another [lack of] hand out promoting the chain stores in every port. Darcy

On one memorable cruise, a very large corporate group was using the main lounge for company events, thus the "fun" events were held pool side. The horse racing began with people bidding to buy a horse, about 8 in total. People formed syndicates to collectively buy a horse. Each horse was numbered and painted a bit differently. Then passengers brought the horse back to their cabin and during the week, decorated the horse with whatever materials the entertainment staff had supplied. Horses showed up in the dining room, at bingo, evening entertainment, passenger talent shows, too. There were a few "minor" races during the week. The racing cuminated in a grand event, with owners dressed in their stable colors, crazy decorated hats on ladies, then the entertainment staff took over. Of course passengers all got in on the betting. A track was set out around the pool, and using the bingo number basket, the ED called out numbers as each horse advanced around the track. So much easier to manage when ships held less than 700 passengers. Oh, and there were 6 of us who owned a horse, it placed and we won back our investment plus, and were invited to the "winners lounge" [crows nest bar] for drinks that evening. Darcy

I like the printed daily schedule which we got the night before and I would highlight items of interest. I remember the passenger costume party. And wooden horse racing on the deck by the [small] pool. Darcy

We've done both their half day and full day tours. They are very prompt and the drivers/guides are very informative. The company provides an excellent overview of places of interest. Darcy

Could you fly first to Paris to spend a few days, then hop on the Chunnel Train to London? That train ride is an experience in itself. Then spend a few days touring London [ could really use a week or more there, plus side trips into the countryside]. We've done 4 BI cruises and loved all of them. Plus a few other cruises out of Southampton to the Baltics, Scandinavia, and repositoning to the Med. We've frequently rented a car that gave us the freedon to explore outside of the city and not be on a tour schedule. We've done up to a 10 night road trip after leaving London. Most likely your shjip will dock in Le Havre France. IMO, the long trip from the port to Paris isn't worth it. Work with our roll call group and book a WWII Normandy full day tour with Overlord. I've done 3 tours with them, each one with a different focus. Our last one was Normandy in the morning, then we stopped at Bayeux for lunch, and afternoon in Honfleur. Nice balance of historic sites and places of interest. Darcy

First evening, prime rib is frequently on the MDR menu. I warned the family last cruise, that it's safer to go to the buffet on the first night for two reasons: 1. chaotic in MDR as passengers don't know where they are going and new crew are still in the learning mode - anticipate long wait time. 2. the prime rib is tasteless or simply very "beefy" in taste and texture, not at all tender, more fat than meat. Sure enough, they all ordered the prime rib, more toward medium well. It took over an hour to arrive - and I think it was still alive - very red raw meat look. Nobody could cut the meat - too tough. Wait staff was way too busy, we sat and sat, finally left and headed to the buffet. Overall, food is good, not great - DH calls it banquet food, not Ponant quality. I find that too much salt is used in all of the dishes and I still have to watch the coffee [syrup]. Darcy

The last time I did that, my luggage was mistagged by the airline empoyee who was upset at people who didn't give him a gratuity. I didn't notice the luggage destination tags until we were pulling away from the gate and I was putting the paperwork into my travel bag. I brought it to the flight attendant's attntion who rolled her eyes and mumbled something about curb side check in. Personally, I like to go inside, print my own luggage tags and get my bording pass there. A bit of comfort as I see the luggage placed onto the belt and head to the scanner and be sorted and onto the plane. Though now I have the passes on my phone, too. Some airlines do have curbside drops. Darcy

Wow, when we contacted BC, they indicated they do not have 4 passenger golf carts. I'll have DH try again and see what their resonse is. Really wanted to head south for a few hours and then do a beach stop before we returned to town and got back onto the ship. Darcy

Logistics is another word for someone was too lazy to do his/her job to see that the ship is well supplied with a wide variety of quality wines. Maybe Princess should stop selling Effy and/or close one of the poorly appreciated a la carte dining places and have Trader Joe's set up a wine shop in its place! I need my unoaked chardonnay Dacry

Menus are also on App, Darcy

After finding a few items missing upon arrival home, with only TSA/airport handling the luggage, I started using different colored mini zip ties on the zippers. This gave me small sense of security. A few years later, flying home from PHX to BOS, one piece of luggage was searched in spite of the zip tie - but it did have a TSA note in the case - and they used a hot pick zip tie same as I had on the piece. Conclusion: TSA has multi colored zip ties and a whole lot of "approved/easy access keys. Of course, DH was called ashore by secuirty in Southampton UK about a sharp object in his luggage after we were on the ship. He had to open the case after viewing the xray scan - it was some early Celtic novelty tool that he was told must be tossed into a large metal container for disposal. Of course he wasn't too happy and questioned how dangerous this item was compared with the steak knives on the ship. No more souvenirs for him! Darcy

We did both when we had a very long day in port. Off the ship ASAP and over to BC to pick up the cart then headed toward the light ouse, old slave houses and salt beds, Also saw the flamingos. We reversed our trip and spent mid day at a rosort that was wonderful but no longer accepts day guests. Late afternoon we headed to the mountains, got a bit lost, and eventully returned to town to drop off the cart.

It usually takes a few days for a response. DH normally takes care of rental vehicles. I suggest anothee email and hope for a response. Darcy

Not his decision, he answers to those higher up in the food chain. Darcy

Does anyone at Princess/CCL realize that these demeaning games on ship and promoting trash TV will not increase bookings? One of the "great" lectures on a prior Princess cruise was themed "pirates" so we decided to go. And walked out after ten minutes! The presented turned the lecture into a political diatribe showing very nasty degrading cartoons of current people in the news dressed as pirates or pirate's wenches. Our next cruise is on Azamara, no silliness on their ships. Port lectures are about history and culture not shopping. We used to do trivia, but saw too many with iphones open looking for answers so they could win the highly coveted key ring! Writing Princess management does not help or garner a response other than the boiler plate "everyone else loves the entertainment." Since Princess/CCL stock is doing so great today, it must reflect the increased bookings generated by the TV show $7.15 per share yikes. Darcy

One of the M & M I attended a number of years ago was organized by a pre-school teacher who came up with the silliest games, asking intrusive questions and admonished those who would not actively participate. People were very uncomfortable. I organized one event and never again! One passenger showed up in his bathrobe, flying open..... Darcy

Princess has a Reservation Transfer Request Form which you can submit to adminsupport@princesscruises.com It must be submitted within 60 days of booking creation and be outside of final payment. I did this when booking our upcoming cruise. My TA was traveling, so Informed him I was going to book directly with Princess to snag one of the last mini suites and then do the transfer. Once he received the document and it was process through Princess [2 days] his agency had lots of perks, included the beverage package, wifi and crew appreciation, and a significant savings over Princess which offered me one of those usless coupon books. IMO, Princess is experiencing a protracted post Covid recovery, and not as responsive as in the past. Darcy

I watched for about 5 minutes and couldn't take it much longer. Who dreams up such utter garbage and thinks it will hook in greater interest in cruising. The original Love Boat set the standard, even if pure fantasy, for peoples interest in cruising. As we all know, "reality" shows are far from it. Darcy

The Princess app for boarding times can't be taken seriously. The time slot for our upcoming cruise has the last slot extending well beyond the sail time. In fact, the ship will be in international waters if anyone selects that window! Just show up works for us. Darcy

That's why I have an independent TA to manage what I need and want. I did our recent cruise booking through Princess because I knew our TA was traveling to his summer place. I asked for the transfer doc so I could get it away from Princess. I emailed that back to Princess with the new TA info listed. Within two days my regular TA took the booking and got the wifi, gratuities and beverage package, and independent insurance, for $1300 less than Princess. And I didn't have to sit on hold. Princess agent wanted to keep the booking of course and offered me two exclusive coupon books. Darcy

When I attempted to book our dining times on the Enchanted, the App would only let me book the Amalfi. I tried agaim by deleting everything, but still got the Amalfi. So, I dropped a few nights in the MDR since we would be in port quite late, and will hit the buffet instead. Not too happy with this App, even making a reservation for the CG, didn't work out. A month after booking a confirmed time, the App now has us dining an hour later. Darcy

Not a TA, just a repositioning from NY to FL. It's scheduled to sail at 4: that doesn't leave much time to get everyone onto the ship. Even funnier, the last time slot ends at 4:30 - hope nobody goes for that option. We plan to be at PE about 11: and see what happens. Darcy

Ours showed up at day 59, we are Elites, though my sister isn't, different booking #, and hers was green on the same day. The ship sails at 4:, but given the times offered, we are planning to arrive at the pier about 11: and wait. Funny, one of the times offered extends a half hour after sailing - go to love that App. Darcy

DH contacted BC few months ago and was told they do not have 4 seater golf carts. With 3 adults, it made sense to rent one, but we changed our plans and are heading to a resort for the day. Pre-Covid, we did see some 4 seaters. Darcy