Guardsy

If this had been us, we would have contacted Guest Services.  If that didn't do it, I would write a note to the Hotel GM and the head of security and have the front desk make copies for them, and one for you. If still not resolved I would copy the Captain.  Be sure to jot down all of the calls (date/time, etc) and the visits to the front desk.  Just keep it up.  If nothing is done, or if it takes days to get something done, write another note for the Hotel GM before leaving the ship and demand an answer and compensation for the lost enjoyment of your trip.  For all the rules and the fares they are getting, they can fine the neighbors and credit you the amount of the fine.

One two seperate cruises in the last year, I have "exceeded" my daily limit of 15.  I didn't, but the charges showed that I did.  The bartenders had been charging my account for both of us.  You could see where my wife only had 1-2 drinks per day.  It was explained to us that with the staffing shortages and the Princess bar POS that it is much faster for them to charge two drinks to one account than to break them apart, so that might add to the "errors".  Both times we got the extra charges removed, but it was not easy.  Only the "bar manager" on the ship is allowed to reverse the charges.

For us, at 4-6 alcoholic drinks a day it breaks even.  Then add in 2-4 specialty coffees a day, the new room service fee of $14.99, etc, etc.  When in warm climates, I can kill 10 alcoholic drinks a day with a mimosa or two at breakfast, beers during the day, all the waters we want in the room, cocktails and wine with dinner and in the evening.  The package makes great sense for us.  My wife normally only has one drink a day at home.  On a cruise, she loves her dirty bananas, a beer here or there, wine at dinner and a Smith & Wesson in the casino.  Plus she loves her lattes, a milkshake, etc.  Yep, we are $$ ahead with the package vs. al a carte.

13 hours ago, Happiest when cruising said:

Yes, I agree.
I probably won’t ever get to cruise in a full suite, but I don’t understand the attraction of having to make an extra stop if you park a car. It means moving your luggage twice. My least favourite part of a travel day. 

I guess if you just take an Uber or other public transportation straight there, it might be worth it. 
You also wouldn’t book the Princess transfer, unless it makes an out stop there. 

As it was explained to us when we made use of the lounge, it isn't designed for those who have a suite and drive.  It is for those who have a suite and are flying in, either late the day before or same day.  Besides, there are lots of folks to move your luggage at the lounge and at the port, so...........

6 minutes ago, Pam in CA said:

If they book the Sanctuary, how do you select a specific lounger from those available? The loungers are moveable and not always in the same layout. Unless things have changed in the last two months, Sanctuary bookings are done on paper sheets, one for each day. 

No idea how they do it, we don't use the sanctuary.  However, we were asked at least twice if we wanted to book it.  I would imagine they fax or hand-deliver copies of the daily layout sheets to the lounge.  The ship is only 4-5 blocks away.  

I should also add, no matter what port they may offer this service in, if you are in a suite, the lounge is a MUCH nicer place to wait to board the ship than the port waiting rooms are.  Hands down!

We were in the first folks to use this service back in April.  It was wonderful.  Some snacks and beverages (no alcohol).  They will make spa reservations for you, Sanctuary and specialty dinner reservations, all from the lounge. Private vans to the ship.  Escorted you directly through the lines and onto the gangway.  They do transport your luggage, but ship side you are asked to check out a special area to see that all of it is there, so it doesn't get to your suite ahead of you.  We were told that this is a new amenity, mainly for suite holders who fly in the same day, early, so they can decompress and not be so rushed to get to the port.  We had flown in the night previous, but were coming from the west coast.  All in all, this was a very nice service.  I am not sure about medallions, but they seemed to be able to take care of everything for you.

I LOVE seafood, but see no benefit of the Steamers menu.  I think you would find more seafood in the buffet!

We enjoy drinks, so we always purchase it.  We more than break even with just the drinks, gratuities and wifi for my wife.  Now, if we ever do Alaska again, I may not do it.  Just don't drink as much up north, even coffee drinks.

In our experience last year, there is very little on MUTS (Princess, why don't you do more with that big screen?) or in the cabin.  We found the best bet was the casino TV's.

I go on a cruise for relaxation and vacation.  NOT for connecting on the internet or phone.  Sorry, but boo for how you titled your post.  

On 9/26/2023 at 4:05 PM, zigzaggery said:

This has probably been asked and answered many times - apologies - I can't figure out how to effectively search!

 

Sailing November 4-15 on the Emerald. Wondering when holiday decorations go up. Thinking we're probably too early. 🙂

See you on-board on the 4th!

Frankly, the lobster tails are not really worth it anymore.  Small and not a very good quality, IMO.  Now, on the Statendam last year, they were HUGE and delicious in the specialty restaurant. Princess seems to have one size/quality in the Grill and a different one (smaller and less quality) everywhere else.

On the Caribbean Princess last fall, it was only by the bottle.  I know because the 90-something year-old French lady next to me at Crooners one evening asked the bartender is she had any left.  He replied no and snapped his fingers.  In 3-4 minutes he was handed a fresh, cold bottle which he opened and poured.  I asked if they offered it by the glass and he replied no.  Then he mentioned that she had an open bottle at most of the bars around the ship.  Turns out she was Jacque Cousteu's diving partner on his show for years.  As she said, "Now I enjoy traveling in style".  No kidding.  It was a 14-day cruise!

My wife has used EVERY type of scooter, walker, wheelchair, walking sticks, etc. over 20 years and until now we have never heard the acronym ECV.  Learn something everyday.  We just call it a scooter or wheelchair, depending on what she is using.

3 minutes ago, Lilycat2010 said:

Does Princess not offer free drinks while actively gambling?

^^^^ That is humor, I recognize that!  No, they do not.

57 minutes ago, reedprincess said:

No, they are not. The Thermal Suite (deck 16 but accessed from the spa on 17) is a pay to play area ; complimentary for suite guests. 

The thermal pool is available for all guests, yes?  At no fee?

13 hours ago, wallyj said:

Sorry, with the last dry dock, the Steam and Saunas that were in the changing rooms on the Emerald were removed and accessible treatment rooms for the Spa took up this space. 
 

It has not been revealed if Princess plans to do this same remodel on its sister Grand class ships being, Sapphire, Diamond, Crown, Caribbean and Ruby that have the Sauna and Steam rooms in the changing rooms. Yes, they are complimentary to use with lockers you set your own code to lock.

So there is no longer a sauna or steam room on the ship?

Do any recent travelers on the Emerald know if the sauna and steam rooms on Deck 16 inside the Lotus Spa are free to all passengers?

Have an 11-day cruise coming in early November.  Emailed my shareholder credit form and broker statement at 9:35 AM today.  $100 credit showed in my Princess account at 10:45 AM.  Thank you Princess and CCL!

19 minutes ago, JGmf said:

As mentioned above, I'd reverse it and stay in Manhattan and then take a ride share or taxi to the cruise terminal.  There's way more to do and see in Manhattan and it's all very intuitive and walkable.

 

Hope you have a great cruise.  I was on the Emerald this past June.  I really liked the ship and the crew.

Understood.  My thinking was that we get into LGA after 6 PM and after a long flight, we would just hit the hotel and dinner.  The next day, all day is in Manhattan.  Want to see the 911 memorial, Rockefeller Center, etc. capped by dinner and then back to Brooklyn.  So, not just staying in one area of Manhattan; hitting lower and mid-town.  The next morning, free breakfast at the hotel and then short taxi to the ship.  Little traffic, no bridges, etc.  If I am wrong, please tell me!  Still time to change plans.

8 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

This is "Princess funny"!  They show a picture of a bar, but the description is one for the Salty Dog food counter.  Ah, heck, I'll just be surprised!  If Steelers36 is correct, and I bet he is, its a bar.  A win for me!

1 minute ago, Steelers36 said:

It's on the deck plan for Emerald.  Yes, that is the deck.  Not sure if you have used these before, but all deck layouts for all ships are on Princess.com.

I follow deck plans without an issue.  But, there is not an explanation of what "The MIX" is.

Would I be correct in guessing that The MIX is a bar on the Lido Deck?  Assuming so, but cannot find a list of the bars onboard to confirm it.

A reminder on some items...............The fruit bowl is done at the start and may be in your cabin upon arrival.  You may need to request fresh fruits as you like, they won't change them daily or touch them.  On the canapes, generally your first evening they are delivered to your suite.  After that, you need to order them and it must be done 24-hours in advance.  Otherwise, you are out of luck.  If you are lucky, you can request specific pieces of the canape tray if the one first-delivered on your first evening is not to your liking.  Your steward can assist with this.  Much more enjoyable.  The one day I didn't order in advance (the second day, because I didn't know yet) I went to the buffet and made up a mini-charcuterie board and brought it back to the suite.