AtlantaCruiser72

To my knowledge there are no accessible cabins/suites on the Viking Longships. Of the 4 decks only the “middle” and “upper”decks are connected with a small lift. The “main” (lowest) and “sun” (highest/outdoor) decks are not connected by the lift. The Dining room, Lounge, Aquavit terrace, guest services and all boarding / disembarking are located on the middle and upper decks. I do not believe they accept passengers who require the use of wheelchairs, scooters or rollators/walkers.

Here’s my math on it - Princess plus is $60/day/pp above standard. Assuming $16/day/pp for crew appreciation and $7.50/day/pp for 1 device medallion net (with platinum/elite discount) I’m at $23.50/day/pp without any beverage charges. Would I spend $36.50/day/pp (including the 18% service fee) on a combination of specialty coffees, soda, bottled waters, beer, wine and/or mixed drinks. Most likely. Even on a port day 1 coffee in the morning, a soda or beer after coming back from shore and 2-3 drinks before/during/after dinner and I probably would spend more than just buying Princess plus upfront. Each to their own, but I really feel it is an excellent value and makes the vacation much more seamless and hassle free.

NCL have Priscilla, Kinky Boots and Jersey Boys .... all of which are more adult in theme with a 16+ advisory. They really don't plan their broadway shows as "all ages" IMHO

The ship was waiting for us as it arrived to Colon at around 6pm. The canal tour group were the last back (3 buses) and we departed late at about 9pm as a result. There was a jackknifed tractor trailer on the highway between Panama City and Colon that delayed the return of the first two buses by about 35-40 minutes and the third bus by about 90 minutes. Were it not for that we would have still been last back to ship due to the late departure from Colon we missed our 7am docking slot in Limon and instead had to wait for an Aida ship to dock at 8 before we were cleared to dock at 9. Princess did a great job of relaying changed/delayed excursions to guests. There were 2 excursions completely cancelled in Limon due to the late arrival Flexibility is VERY important for both Canal day and Limon due to the uncertainty around canal transit times and tours in Panama.

Historic Locks from ferry boat IMG_2273.MOV IMG_2273.MOV

New locks From Caribbean Princess

I had a busy few days in Cartagena, The Panama Canal and Limon. All three enjoyable in their own right. Yesterday I was a human vegetable and spent all day lounging by the pool. In Panama we did the Canal by ferry boat tour. Was it a long day yep? Was it hot, actually not too bad. We got lucky and wasn’t too humid, there was a steady breeze and no rain!!!! It was worth every penny and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the historic lock system from a different angle. You really get the chance to appreciate the construction and workings of one of the greatest engineering marvels of the early twentieth century.

I gave her your greeting and she says hello back to you!

Day 4&5 patters and Panama Canal info

Yes they are and yes we will! There are several HUNDRED new staff onboard this cruise in almost all departments. Ship is now “fully” staffed in preparation for holiday sailings. The training for them has been woefully inadequate. I had to spell the words Dos Equis for one poor chap from Jamaica by the pool yesterday. He was apologetic as he also did not know how to use the medallion reader he was issued to place an order. In the end he got it right with a cheerful smile and laugh. He’s trying to learn and provide good service, as are many others and I cannot fault them for that.

she assured me that the 10% discount OBC is fully refundable regardless of what form of payment was originally used. So refundable or non-refundable will not make any difference. should the excursion cancel then any non-refundable OBC used as payment will be added back to your shipboard account for it original amount and terms. The discount OBC will then be removed.

I happened to pass guest services today and there was no line (how often does THAT happen?!!!), so I asked about the discount OBC. Take it for what it is worth, but the agent said since it is a discount off the purchase price (rebate) it is refundable regardless of whether the excursion was paid with a CC or some sort of OBC.

A rolled up bath towel under the lip of the night table has solved the problem. the closet light is a whole other issue. No way to turn on off at all, 100% motion activated. So covering sensor would completely disable the light

Methinks this has to do with a lawsuit settlement and their liability insurance requiring them be added as an additional safety feature to prevent further night falls. You don’t go to this level of expense on retrofitting a ship for no net revenue gain. I can’t think of any other reason to do so

In terms of WiFi speed - we are halfway between strait between Cuba and Haiti and Cartagena. WiFi speed and downloads/uploads running similar to land based. aprox 2000 passengers so roughly 65% of double occupancy. bar service still hit or miss but food service efficient and friendly. First 2 dinners about hour and a half each (6 people all w/ 3 courses and dessert)

Boarding day info and patters

I paid partly with NROBC that was a booking promotion, part with CC. Today (2nd day of cruise) the 10% discount off of the FULL purchase price, was added as OBC to my shipboard account. In essence the pre-cruise OBC application as payment does not appear to affect the discount. No notation on folio if the discount OBC is refundable or non-refundable. That said I will use slightly more than the $53 in discount OBC amount for incidental purchases in the next few days so not worried either way. We’re I to have more and not use it all I might enquirer at guest services.

@SargassoPirate maybe I consume my beverages too fast, but so far the paper straws on offer have been sturdy enough to handle even the strongest of piña colada’s, bloody Mary’s and vodka sodas. My traveling companions have had no issue either, even though they brought their own metal straws (which they have yet to use). by far better than the ones I encountered on NCL Encore last December that disintegrated upon contact. YMMV

WiFi had been fast and reliable thus far, and have not found any “dead” spots signal wise (currently at lotus pool) but early days. Covid cases and flu bound to happen, but myself and travel companions all quad vaxxed. Don’t hear much hacking and ship not anywhere near full so fingers crossed all will be well. Some crew and pax wearing masks -maybe 10-15% but not mandatory by any means.

Currently on Caribbean Princess 12/8-12/18 sailing. First impressions are good. Ongoing maintenance is keeping her in decent shape for her age. Really like some of the new furnishings and carpets since I last sailed her 8 years ago. Aircon fairly decent throughout with the usual warm/cool zones throughout. Our cabin has the new motion sensor night lights at base of end tables. One word -Annoying. They are overly sensitive and turn on at the slightest flutter of the sheeting. Placed rolled bath towels in front of them to resolve. Also has the motion sensor light in closest. While a nice thought it is awfully bright at 3am….. beyond that beds comfy and cabin in good repair. Barrel chairs gone from all balcony cabins, at least on Caribe Deck it seems. food has been good, if not spectacular, but that is what I expect on Princess. Had a good table/waitstaff in coral dining room last night. Was able to request same table for duration for our party of 6 with ease at 7pm. wifi has been decent thus far, will se how goes as trip progresses. Have found using iMessage far easier than medallion chat to keep up with travel companions (we all just happen to have iPhones) Service friendly, but some bar staff seem to still be learning. A few drink “misses” in our group. I’ve stuck with Goose and soda or beer/wine to this point without issue. Have not had issue with quality of included wines under Princess plus but not super picky there so. Overall it feels like home here on Caribbean Princess and that’s a VERY good feeling!

On the Caribbean Princess now and can indeed confirm the martini glasses being used are the same ones the OP encountered on the Discovery. Indeed smaller than before. Bar service has been hit or miss with the quality of the cocktail preparation. Nothing quite made as it “should” be. Sticking with a basic goose and soda with lime, or a beer, has been the best option thus far 🤣