cruzin4us

More on Drink Ordering:  In this particular example, I want to order a Bloody Caesar.  You open the app, click on the service icon on the main page and you click on whatever it is you want to order.   In this case I clicked on beverages.   Then I clicked "Bloody Mary".   Once the Bloody Mary opened, it gave me a slew of Bloody Mary's to choose from.  In my case I opened the Bloody Caesar.  Then it even allowed me to pick which level of spiciness.   In the upper left, it shows where it is being delivered.  In this case it's my stateroom.    This is very convenient and part of the app that I love.

Now that I'm awake, I will add a few more things:

Medallion App/Crew Chat:   There is also a place called "Crew Chat" where you can ask the crew a specific question.   Mine was "what's the phone # to the Lotus Spa".   They answered within a few seconds.

Embarkation was a breeze.   Got to the pier around 10:30, went immediately thru security, had our passports checked and then were escorted into the Platinum/Elite Lounge where we waited until about 11:05 when they opened the doors and we started boarding.  Everyone was wearing masks.  We were on the ship by 11:10 a.m.

Total passengers:  We were told there were only about 800 passengers aboard along with about 1250 crew.   I haven't heard the "official" totals, but I can tell you it's absolutely wonderful.  No lines, no crowds, easy to make reservations, etc.   

Regarding the masks:  It's kind of been getting more relaxed (not in a bad way).   Day 1 and everyone never took their masks off (for the most part).   After everyone settled in, people are wearing masks whenever it is appropriate.  I've never seen anyone not wear a mask in the elevator.  People wear masks when there are a bunch of people milling around.  It's almost like there is just common sense being used.  If there are people in a crowd, you wear a mask.  If you are wandering around and there are no people then the mask comes off.  If you see people, out of respect you put the mask on.   People sitting at the tables in the casino were wearing masks except when they took a drink.   If no one was sitting next to you at a machine, then most weren't wearing masks.  If someone sits next to you, then your mask goes back on.   Very few people wear the masks outside unless going up to a bar where there is a lot of people.

The Ship & Crew:  She's beautiful and well maintained.   Crew have all been pleasant and for the most part are doing an excellent job (only the cocktail servers are understaffed)....but if you order from the app, they will find you.

Excursions:  I can only speak regarding Cabo and this came from a gentleman that was booked on the horseback riding and pirate ship.  Both excursions were cancelled and the assumption was because there was no testing of the locals for Covid.   I may find out more later on this.

Medallion  & App:  Oh Lord, where to start.....I went onboard ready to fight anyone and everyone about the app.   I had so much trouble while at home with pre-made Specialty Dining reservations (Bistro never showed up on the app, even though it was paid for months in advance).     Once on board, if you don't have any computer/phone skills it can be confusing getting it set up at first.   Once it's done, it works pretty well for the most part.  The medallion itself is awesome.  You walk up to your stateroom and the door unlocks.   You use it at the slot machines to charge to your room (if desired).   I like the medallion.   The app is a little more tricky and takes a bit of getting used to.   It's great to watch your muster drill while sitting on a lounge chair sipping a pina colada.  You can order all kinds of stuff from food and drinks to bath robes.   You can order food and a lot of the food is complimentary and some has a small cover charge ($3 to $4).   You can order drinks and have them delivered to you anywhere on the ship.  This is super cool if you are a coffee drinker.  I have the drink package and they would deliver a cafe latte to me anywhere on the ship....I was in heaven.   Disadvantages:  Some beverages were listed but not necessarily available.  I'm not sure if it was a supply issue.   If you had a random drink you wanted to order (such as a margarita using a specific tequila) you couldn't do that on the app.   The biggest disadvantage to me:  Sometimes, I just didn't want to lug my phone around, especially while at the pool.   Then I needed to either go to a bar, or hunt down a cocktail server.   Personally, I think Princess could use a few more servers walking around taking orders.    Another positive about the app:   People tracking.    It's nice to be able to see the location of your friends or family.  I think the app is moving in the right direction and still has a few bugs to work out, but there are many positive things.   

WiFi:  I brought along my MacBook Pro Laptop and I am able to watch Netflix.  I wasn't sure I was going to be able to do this, so I'm thrilled 🙂    

Overall Impression:   For me personally, I'm not finding the mask wearing to be too much of a pain.   I'm one that would rather not wear one at all since we are all vaccinated and have recent covid tests.  Most people I have talked with feel the same.   However, all seem to be wearing them without complaint where it is socially responsible.    Would I choose to do a 10+ day cruise where it was mandatory 100% of the time indoors.....no way, but that's just me.  

Lastly:  I can't comment on the theater arrangements regarding mask wearing as I've been donating to the casino.

Lastly part II:  Did I mention it feels really good to be back on board a ship?   

Yay, our Bistro reservation is finally showing up.   Good thing, because we board in 4 hours and I didn't want to deal with it once on the ship.

29 minutes ago, Ombud said:

This is exactly what happened to me and where I went wrong:

1. Informed casino mgr that I was running a slot pull

2. Collected money from slot pull players

3. Charged room for that amount.

4. Set $ aside to pay bill (in back pocket) because I wanted to repay PSD what I put on my room for slot pull.

5. Ran slot pull

6. Cashed out and distributed 

7. Repaid $$s to PSD

8. Went back to casino

What was new in August 2021:

9. Tried to load with just my funds ($100)

10. Blocked out until casino mgr cleared me

 

Casino is stopping people from using it as an ATM

Ok, now I understand the slot pull part (thank you).   

So, in other words, if I need money to go onshore, and go to the casino to get a $100, I need to use the ATM or charge to my cabin the $100 and play a couple hands and then cash out....correct?

1 hour ago, Ombud said:

Thanks. I did manage to bill to my room onboard but once I cashed out slot pull, I was blocked. Will bring a stack of $1 for payout in the future and adjust my onboard account as needed. (This was a new issue I ran into on 8/15/21 cruise and I know me ---- I'll let the funds ride until last night)

 I'm sitting here in my hotel room waiting for tomorrows cruise:   I'm trying to understand what you are saying....I don't quite understand.   I'm sailing on a casino promotion and have some free comped money to spend.   Can you please explain this better to me.

2 hours ago, dkviking said:

I would appreciate any information regarding the 2 day test requirement.  We are fully vaccinated arriving from the US staying in England less than 24 hours.  Where do we get the test or at least a number to put on the locator form? How much does it cost and does anyone know of a reputable source? Would greatly appreciate any info. Thank you.

some major airports offer rapid testing.   I don't know the charge.

13 minutes ago, Jadn13 said:

I signed up to be notified when the new batches are released,  November it looks like. 

nice to know you can sign up for this.  thanks

I hope this isn't the case, because I don't have my middle name on my passport or proof of vax.   I'm not flying but I've heard that your passport needs to match whatever your boarding pass states.   I had to call princess yesterday because my boarding pass somehow said Laurie Laurie R.     Somehow I ended up with my middle name showing up the same as my first name.    They told me it was a good thing I called.

Well, I just took my test (2 days prior to cruise) and it was so incredibly easy.   Highly recommend doing the at home tests.   If they could just fix the part about the soon to be expiring tests I would be much happier.   

well I can tell you we made 3 dinner reservations at Harmony on Majestic for our Oct 16th.   The reservations have been paid for long ago but they still don't show up on the app as being made or paid for.   Tried for weeks to get this fixed.  Princess assures us the reservations are indeed there and they are telling us to check when we get on board.   This is frustrating as the last thing we want to do is track down dinner reservations once we board.  

7 hours ago, FlorenceItaly said:

Not bothered by testing, but, not happy about masking.  We have a final payment due Jan 9 for April TA.

We are vaccinated and when required wear masks at home, but, are not willing to pay thousands of dollars on vacation to mask.  I realize I am in the minority with this opinion.

You aren't in the minority....I feel the same way as you.     

Testing is no issue, vaccination is no issue, but I'm with you on the mask wearing.   I might be spending lots on time on my balcony 🙂

While I've been sitting here on hold with Princess for 40 minutes, I could have been filling out a survey.  I've got a lot of things I'd be happy to write about.

On 10/11/2021 at 2:11 PM, Ombud said:

I decided to never sail without a  balcony after what happened on the Diamond and Grand. At least with a balcony I can get fresh air & look outside. 

 

 So if they need to quarantine people on a ship, it needs to be in a room with at least a balcony.   Yup, I got Noro going around the horn of S. America and they quarantined my butt in the room (not that I cared for the 1st day).  They would call periodically to make sure I hadn't left the room.  I also told I would be put off the ship at the nearest port if I disobeyed this order.   Had I not had a balcony, I would have gone bat ***** crazy.   

3 hours ago, Ombud said:

Did she say what the tour capacities will be? If ship capacity is 65%, are tours the same? They canceled one of my minibus excursions and replaced it with a 50 capacity bus for $15 more (added 3/4 mile walk + fruit buffet). Wondering if I should book an independent excursion for same price (12 person max capacity).     My first thought would be to do the private tour, then I started thinking that perhaps Princess does a Covid Test of all the excursion guides, drivers, etc.  I would hope they are doing this.   That would make me feel a little bit better than opting for a private tour without knowing if they've been tested.   I guess it boils down to what makes you feel safer.

 

On my last cruise out of San Pedro there were a slew of people that flew into Long Beach, and they barely made the cruise.   Their plane was delayed and they didn't have the ship offered transfer because Princess only provided out of LAX.  They said it was much cheaper for them to fly into Long Beach but their plane was delayed.  Just a suggestion:   Fly into Long Beach the day before and stay overnight at the Crown Royal which is located very close to the pier (not walking distance but still quite close).  Pre covid they offered a shuttle service but that's not happening right now so we are going to take an Uber or taxi to the port on Saturday.   

Take good care of her until Saturday!   Thanks for the photos

I'm also glad the medallion doesn't control the light, because the next thing you know they will be controlling the air and I need it cool in the room at night (yes, I'm at that age).

16 hours ago, brisalta said:

 

See https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO Documents/5p/CG-5PC/INV/Alerts/03-13b (second version).pdf?ver=2017-07-25-143030-170 for an explanation of why surge protectors are a problem on a ship.

Well, that was an education (even though 75% went over my head).   Thank you for sharing that article.   

We are booked on Ruby for Nov 2022.  Originally Share was listed as a Specialty Dining option, but now it is listed as Sabatini's.

21 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I am not sure where to post my question, but following up with the post above seems to be a good place.

 

I purchased the Medallion Net package for my cabin mate.  She is also entitled to the 50% discount OBC.  Will she get the OBC or will I see it in my account since it was charged to my card?

 

Financially, it will all work out.  Just curious.

If you purchased it, you will be getting the OBC.   

1 hour ago, neverbeenhere said:

What is everyone taking the dominates the plugs? 
 

Between the two of us we have 2 iphones, 1 MacBook Pro Laptop, iPad and 1 Apple Watch.   Even though the Majestic may have enough outlets/plugs, I often cruise on ships (or at least I used to) that are definitely lacking in this department.   They may have one plug next to the desk, but I like to look at my phone/laptop while I'm laying in bed.  I'd rather have too many plugs than not enough. 🙂

3 hours ago, Astro Flyer said:

Shipboard electrical systems are not compatible with surge protected devices. There’s a career chief engineer who posts the technical reasons why but I don’t recall all of them.

 

You might want to consider a corded version because it’d be more difficult to find a socket to plug in that larger device.

 

I was able to cancel my order in time and I ordered this one.   thank you for showing the picture of the ship's outlet as well.  That makes perfect sense to me now.   Thanks for helping me out on this!

7 minutes ago, Astro Flyer said:

Ship’s sockets are 3-prong but your “SurgePro” device is not allowed.

 

Here’s one of several non-surge devices on Amazon.

 

Cruise Power Strip No Surge Protector with USB Outlets - Ship Approved (Non Surge Protection) Cruise Essentials
by CruiseOn
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BHVKPC3/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_BDSA3415M6Q2XC0DSJEN

Awesome, thank you for the link.   Just bought it!     Can you educate me on why a surge protector isn't allowed?   I'm sure I should know this by now, but I don't

It's me again, the technically challenged.     Will this adapter work or is this considered a surge protector?   Will it even work in the Princess outlets?   I will need it for a MacBook Pro (3 prong) and an iPhone 13 Max Pro.  Thanks for your help!

2 hours ago, donaldsc said:

 

I totally agree w you.  However, it appeared as if the OP was satisfied w her old phone and only bought the new one because of battery issues so I presented an alternative for this specific situation.  Now I am not sure if the IPhone 6 uses 3G in which case the OP will have to get a new one since 3G will not be supported in the very near future.  Otherwise if you just use the phone to make and receive calls, an older model might be totally acceptable.

 

DON

I had a couple of issues.  One was the battery life, another was I was out of space.  I take lots of pictures but use very few apps.  I had to delete a ton of stuff just in order to do the last update.    If it was just the battery issue, I may have kept the phone....but the lack of storage was almost if not more frustrating.