The Wood Duck

Tipping will always be an issue when it is added automatically. Until the cruise line starts to pay a "living wage" to all crew members we the consumer have to pay. Those who purchase beverages and such that have auto gratuity will pay much more for their cruise than do those who buy little or nothing. Some cruise lines offer all inclusive, yes they appear expensive, but take some time and do the math. I would rather know upfront the cost of my trip as you can with All Inclusive resorts. I prefer to tip in cash, that way I know who is getting the tip. We have no way to tell how fairly the cruise lines distribute the gratuities.

Fellow posters, I was trying to make a point that if you buy a single bottle of $20 wine you would tip $3. The tip on a $200 cost $30. No more skill or effort to supply and serve either bottle. Why does the fee need be so high? My wife an I always tip as it is standard in Canada. 15% min. I am old enough to remember a 10% tip being generous, now we are pushing that standard to 20%. What next 25%. :(

I "think" most canned soda is something like $2.50 per can. If you are a soda drinker I would strongly urge you to simply take a 12 pack or two with you. Carry it on and there will be no problem at all. It's vastly cheaper than buying it on the ship and they have a very limited selection so might not even carry what you like.

Thrak

I suggested people bring their own water if possible when boarding, got flamed for making that suggestion.

try this spreadsheet, has most drinks and wine.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1i6tGB99g37fgoVbQW5ntnfLC5eL8WBtwj9gb4Il3vdI/edit?usp=sharing

I was reviewing a spreadsheet that is posted on this board that lists the drink and wine prices. When looking at the wine prices Dom Perignon is selling for $179 plus a gratuity of $44.75. If you buy any wine

on board it would less expensive to buy it in port and pay the $15 corkage fee. The least expensive Merlot is priced at $27 plus $6.75 gratuity. Is it more work to serve

I did say I stand corrected.

Thanks for the updates,

agree that a case may be excessive and not practical. I do however, find that Princess is taking advantage of passengers. Anyone can bring bottled water onboard at any port. Why let the cruise line dig in your pocket yet another time.

Hi, new to Princess. Sailing next February. The baggage restrictions you mention, are they for the cruise, or the airlines? We are driving and I thought that there were no cruise luggage restrictions. I'm not planning on going crazy, but it is a 2 week cruise....

The restrictions referred to air travel.

Buy a case of water at Costco, place water in appropriate sized luggage bag (rolling), check bag with water at pier, bag goes to your stateroom. Cost $3 for 40 bottles. No brainer.

Can anyone comment of the availability of draught beer on Princess. If so what types of draught and price would be helpful.:beer-mug::beer-mug::beer-mug:

Little off topic but do they have draft beer? If so could anyone comment on type/brands and cost. I am a big draught lover.

Just wait, most Hilton Hotel Bars are using electronic liquor management. Each bottle in fitted with a ring that auto counts the pour, no extra, exact pours. The day of slipping the bar keep a few greens for a double up are going the way of the Dodo. Cruise industry will likely follow this path soon as profit is the driving force for executives. Customer satisfaction and loyalty take the back seat.

We booked our flights direct with Alitalia for our cruise out of Rome this August. The flights (business class non refundable) are non stop from Toronto to Rome. Price was $3157CDNper passenger, Princess EZ Air is currently offering the same flights for $6309 per passenger. Always check flight prices online, I used Expedia for final booking. Had an Alitalia representative reserve our seats.

I drink primarily beer (draught) as does my DW. We see no value in the current beverage package. $86cdn per day per person for 21 days works out to $3600cdn. I will pay as you go. Even at 1/2 the price the package would be a poor deal. For $3600cdn I can buy 720, 20oz glasses of micro brew or 72, 500ml cans of German Dab beer at our highly taxed government liquor stores (LCBO). To say that Princess is gorging is a bit of an understatement. After all we have 15 ports of call where we can spend our $ at local pubs. Princess becomes the loser in the end.

We have booked a Med cruise the Sept for 21 days. The cost of the cruise is $14000 CDN, Princess quoted $1390 CDN for cancellation insurance. I contacted my Visa card (Gold) they cover $3000CDN leaving $11000 to insure. My VISA card insurance added to remainder which cost $541 CDN. A gold card also covers your medical coverage for 21 day for those under 65 who book using you card. If you do not have a similar card it is a good investment ($125cdn) per year. Be an educated consumer and research your options. Travel agents in most cases do not inform you that your credit card may cover your insurance needs.

I think we have all learned something from this topic, and going forward thinking that everyone in the sanctuary is going to be as quite as a mouse is just not going to be the case !! maybe for some that would be great, and then for others they want to talk and enjoy the sanctuary in there way! what ever that maybe !!! Everyone is different so no matter where you go on the ship there is always going to be something or someone that will be doing something different then the way you or I might be doing it. Just understand that, and try to enjoy your cruise and going forward remember don't sweat the little things, it's a vacation who needs the stress on vacation, chances are that will be waiting for you when you get home. Life is to short!!!!:p

Perfectly said, bravo! (y)(y):whiskey-glass::whiskey-glass::beer-toast:

Does anyone have an update on the progress of the new cruise ship terminal?

We are not looking to jack the cruise line, I buy my fair share while onboard. It is nice to make a drink in yourself while sitting on your balcony.

Plastic bottles and tops are standard, worry not, it would take a full frisk down to find when carried on ones self.

You can hide some "Spark Plugs" (Canadian for 2 oz Liquor bottles) in your pockets. Just be smart and carry no more than 6 each. Can restock in most ports.

I have a wine question. Are we still able to carry on wine.....and it is max 2 bottles per person......or 2 bottles per couple in a cabin?

Thanks

Site says:

Alcohol Policy

Good morning, Wood Duck,

Your post is interesting. So, if I purchase the drink package, is it paid in Canadian dollars then? (and I would save on the exchange rate?)

Someone had told me that if I prepay the gratuities, it is paid in Cdn dollars and I would save some money there.

Is this correct?

Thank you.

The Premium Beverage Package is paid in $CDN if you book from Canada. Once you book your cruise you will be able to access your "Cruise Personalizer" this is where you book your extras including beverage packages, spa, excursions etc. And yes charged in $CDN at a good exchange about $1.20 cdn to $1 USD. If you buy the

When you are onboard 21 days the beverage package is expensive and not feasible to consume to make it worth while. 6 plus drinks each day every day would be a push with 16 ports of call.:evilsmile: