Rick&Jeannie

I fully understand about "getting everything set up pre-cruise"...that's typically me! I would call again to get another agent. I don't know for a fact whether you can or can't upgrade before cruise...but it seems a bit ridiculous that you couldn't. Keep in mind that you're probably dealing with a very new employee who just plain doesn't know how to do it. Call center has been recently outsourced to the Philippines.

Interesting!

Sorry...you need to sign up for the free AARP Rewards account. Then the link should work.

I'm jealous...

Don't think so. If on Standard each purchase would simply be applied to your account in individual transactions. I could be wrong...I'm sure someone will chime in one way or the other.

Yes...if you have OBC "on file" (i.e. from Princess) the default in paying for an excursion is to use OBC first and then prompt for a credit card if you are short. Note that if for some reason you wanted to "save" that OBC for later, when you get to the payment screen there is a checkbox that is marked with something like "Use OBC". You can uncheck that box and pay the whole amount with CC. Many people are not aware of this...it is a rather small box and we as consumers are so accustomed to flying through a payment screen that we don't realize that there's an option there.

I use CVS. On more than one occasion I have personally spoken to the pharmacist and explained what I was facing. They *can* do a one-time early refill. You *might* need to show them your travel docs...but I have not had to because my local people are aware that I travel a lot. Just speak to them ahead of time (soon) so that they will be aware of what may be coming up. They do have a bit of leeway in this.

Nope! You handle it exactly as I do...electronic AND hardcopy. You just never know! I'm quite sure that there are *some* people who actually pitch all of that after they apply to their account.

@lizjoemom...the general consensus as to the "is it worth it" question for Plus or Premier is whether you feel you will use the drink benefits. We are not heavy drinkers at all, but given that Plus includes WiFi, gratuities and what few drinks we actually get we always book Plus Fare. I have heard it said that with only 2 drinks per day you break even. You have to determine for yourself.

Yep...keep in mind that we are dealing with *relatively* inexperienced call center people since help center operations was moved to the Philippines. It's going to take a while before any of them really get up to speed. It's unfortunate...because new cruisers (or experienced cruisers with a complex problem) don't really know if you can trust the answer you get.

She is *obviously* held in high regard!

Yes.

@MrSchwump While I have not used the method that @beg3yrs suggests...it makes perfect sense. I try to purchase as much "stuff" as I can pre-cruise I have run into this. As of now, the website will not let you use OBC for anything except excursions and some additional "add-on" services such as drink packages & such. If you can do an end run around payment using GCs by purchasing OBC as an interim step, you *should* be able to do what you want.

@phyteng...welcome to CruiseCritic!

The "medallion" is simply a small round pocket-sized device that takes the place of your cruise card. It automatically opens your cabin door for you as you approach the door. It is also scanned as you get off & on the ship...all the same functions as the old cruise card. Purchases are made using the medallion in shops. One thing that confuses a lot of people is the distinction between the physical Medallion and the Medallion App. You absolutely do NOT have to use the Medallion App while on the ship...but there are some perks if you do. You can order drinks, food...whatever on your phone from anywhere on the ship and it will be delivered to you *wherever you are*. The physical medallion serves as a "locator" so that crew can find you wherever you are. Try that with an old cruise card! 😄

Sounds like you're in for a real scavenger hunt if you want a smoothie! 😄

https://www.aarp.org/rewards/?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarp.org%2Frewards%2Fredeem#sort-by=default&type=filter_travel

OK...I *think* I understand what you're asking...maybe not. If you happen to "go over" your drink cost limit you will just be charged the difference in cost. There is no "halfway to Premium" package that gives you extended drink coverage. Either you upgrade to Premium or just pay the difference on a case by case basis. Is this what you mean?

Glad to hear that all worked out!

So what else are you going to do while waiting? Why not press buttons? 😄

@krufrank...what was the outcome ? You've got us all holding our breath! 😄

@goinsoon I found an article from mid-2022...may not be completely accurate but should give you an idea. https://eatsleepcruise.com/discovery-princess-bar-guide-with-menus/

Something tells me that this "promotion" is not going to be long lived. I just can't imagine many people agreeing to terms such as this.

Everyone's phone may not be capable of doing this...I know for a fact that one of my older Android phones could not do it.

While I have not had to experience this first-hand...this is my understanding. I just wish the GCs were set up the same way for Celebrity!