cruiselvr1

As mentioned by Pierlesscruisers on another thread, "I don't know how it is in other cities, but that's the case in Seattle, the terminal is owned by the city." As such, waiting areas at the terminals are not that nice, including the Elite lounge.

 

I could see that the owners of the terminals, and the cruise lines themselves, could make a profit, and delight their guests, by offering and charging for truly luxurious embarkation lounges. Similar to how airlines have clubs which are paid for with yearly dues, or by flying first class.

 

Access to these lounges is available to ALL, but for a price. If you are traveling in a suite, complimentary access. If you are Elite, $30 each per visit, Platinum, $50 each per visit. One time access for anyone, $75 per person per visit, if space is available. Your "perk" is a heavy discount. Charging for access would help to reduce crowding which sometimes occurs on cruises with many upper tier passengers.

 

Of course, the old Elite/Platinum/Suite lounges would have to be greatly upgraded. Well designed spaces with comfortable furniture, hot and cold snacks from local restaurants, unlimited alcoholic and other beverages, free high speed Wi Fi and charging stations. They could call it the Sanctuary Lounge. These guests would board first, after any handicapped guests. Other guests would then board based upon their tier level.

 

Even though my partner and I are lowly Gold on Princess, I can see paying for such a wonderful start to our cruise. Especially, if we are arriving very early to the port.

 

So, would YOU pay for a better boarding experience?

I am going to go against the tide here and say yes. We only can cruise once every 3 years, so we think that this would add to our experience. Although we never had a problem waiting in the general seating area. I would not mind paying for the privilege once in a while. I also think that there should be two lounges.The elite cruisers should have their own lounge and the people that pay for it get their own lounge. If it comes down to it the elite have spent a lot of money to get to that level.

Since the new ship will be going to China, they should name it "Weno Hack Ur Computer Princess".

Maybe those islands China is building in the South China Sea are going to be cruise ship terminals.

If it's homeported in China, the Red Princess might be appropriate. If in Japan, Imperial is good one.

cruiselvr1, I really don't think you need to cancel! We had a fantastic time!

Thank you

Never heard or seen that. Princess is not part of Carnival.

Princess is part of Carnival inc, along with Holland America, Carnival, and a bunch of others.

Thank you for the review. We'll be sailing on the Grand in November, and hopefully those pesky leaks will be repaired by then. We've always found that the crew does their level best to correct something if brought to their attention. Glad to know the minor problems you experienced didn't in any way put a damper on your vacation.

My DW and I will be on the 15th, we also thought of the b2b. My DW is so concern with the bad reviews of the Grand, she is talking about canceling.

The Star is enroute to Ketchikan.

At 8 pm she is still tied up, her ropes don't seem to be manned yet. So it seems on the canada place webcam

In case anyone is needing to know...

 

The Oriana is limping in to Port Miami after a reported Engine Room fire. No other information at this time.

 

portmiamiwebcam.com

That is to bad, their on a 32 day, and only half way through.

I just received further details of P&O's replacement for the buffet - The Pantry. It looks pretty impressive to me! Here's what they had to say...

 

Exclusive to P&O, The Pantry is a brand new, fun food experience unlike anything you’ve seen on a cruise before.

Say goodbye to the buffet and hello to freshly made food from every corner of the globe via a selection of individual outlets in a relaxed café setting, including Sugar Bar, Mexicana, Hook’s Fish N’ Chips, Fat Cow, Kettle & Bun, Curry House and Stix. Day or Night, there’s something for everyone in The Pantry, making it the perfect venue for a quick bite, a long lunch or dinner you won’t soon forget.

Coming to Pacific Jewel, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden between June and November 2015.

 

SUGAR BAR - Discover a mouth-watering selection of cakes, pastries and individual desserts all freshly made onboard at Sugar Bar. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, bring the family for some handmade desserts to top off any meal.

 

KETTLE & BUN - Kettle & Bun offers freshly baked bread, expertly crafted sandwiches, great tasting salads and mouthwatering soups. It’s seems unfair to choose just one, so mix and match for your perfect combo! For dinner, visit our Salad Bar where we’ll toss us a bespoke creation that’ll prove that you DO make friends with salad.

 

MEXICANA - P&O does Mexican right at our very own Mexicana. Our soft or hard shell tacos filled with favourites like homemade salsas and pickles, chilli, guacamole, fresh lime and cheese will impress even the seasoned salsa connoisseur. It’s a fresh and spicy treat to enjoy any time.

 

STIX - China, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar – they all have their own word for ‘chop sticks’, so onboard we just call them Stix! Indulge your passion for Asia’s finest cuisines including traditional rice dishes, the freshest stir-fries, sizzling noodles and heartwarming dumpling soups. And don’t miss our famous P&O Laksa!

 

CURRY HOUSE - Where does the best curry in the world come from? Right here at P&O! Curry House is a smorgasbord of classic curry flavours and authentic dishes. Whether you’re enjoying an old favourite or trying something new (like the renowned P&O Tandoori), you’ll love the incredible range, complemented by homemade breads, chutneys, raitas and pickles.

 

HOOK'S FISH & CHIPS - The catch of the day…every day! Surf & turf goes casual with P&O’s Fish & Chips. Serving up crispy battered fish and hot chips with the perfect amount of crunch, this onboard ‘fish & chip shop’ knows how to please. Get your hands on the freshest seafood and daily specials like salt & pepper squid, lemon & herb calamari rings or crumbed scallops. Yum!

 

FAT COW - VEGETARIANS BEWARE! at Fat Cow there’s more meat than you can imagine. We offer the finest cuts to send meat lovers into a flutter! Try tender carvings, roast chicken (using our own secret recipe), succulent legs of lamb, cured hams, roast pork racks and beef scotch fillets that melt in your mouth. It’s all sourced from local producers and served with a wide selection of rustic sides and condiments to create the perfect roast dinner!

 

THE GRILL - The Grill has had a makeover! Everybody loves a good burger! To celebrate our love of this humble dish, ‘The Grill’ serves up an amazing range including gourmet beef, pulled-pork and many more. You’ll also find plenty of old favourites like hot dogs, nachos, pizzas, meat pies and chips (nominal charges apply).

 

More details here...

http://au-content.em.sdlproducts.com/carnival_australia/images/6316/Pantry-Brochure.pdf

I have no more interest in P&O Australia now, I hope P&O out of the UK won't follow suit. It is nice, once in a while to eat in the buffet. I don't go cruseing to eat healthy.

Pulled up to dock nearest Jetty Park. On way to Jacksonville.Maybe medical problem.

It looks like people are walking off, the webcam has good view of the ramp.

 

Hello Again! This is the first of many live reports from the Star Princess as we sail for the Hawaiian Islands. This trip, I just plan to report those things I think someone about to sail might find useful. Any questions? Just ask!

 

 

March 21, 2015

Current Location: Off the coast of California

Tonights MDR Dinner Theme : Princess Dinner

Horizon Courts Outdoor Buffet: None scheduled

 

Dinning Room Dress Code is: Smart Casual

 

On Muts: at 6pm & *pm: “Take That-Live At Wembley Stadium”

 

Today in San Francisco there was an unusually high amount of provisions, supplies, mattresses and misc items. The Captain, Nick Nash came over the P.A. At 3:45 and said there were still about 50 pallets to be landed so we would sail at approx 5pm, which is about when we left.

 

Tonight we will set our clocks back 1 hour and every other night for 2 more nights we will do the same as we prepare for Honolulu time.

 

Entertainers onboard at this time: Steve Moris, Matthew Fallon, Cary Long, John Bresslier, Alfred & Seymour, Travis Turpin, Jacqi Michaaels, Craig Andresws.

 

 

LARGIN: Paolo has just rejoined the Star and is in the Portofino Dining Room.

 

 

.

My DW and I were on the Star last Nov on a 15 day out of SF, and we just loved her. I hope you have as much fun as we did.

I'm spending the last few moments looking at videos and pictures of the Star Princess. She really looks inviting! My wife and I are doing a 2 day trip from SF to YVR and we are, by history, NCL exclusive.

 

I'm just loving what I'm seeing... I've spent the afternoon looking at pictures and watching tour videos of this great ship. I have a personal irony in that I saw her in dry dock in SF before I even thought about booking. Indeed, I participated in the construction of the new SF terminal at Pier 27 and photographed her in dry dock in Mission Bay...

 

 

I don't have any questions.. I don't have any preconceptions which need addressing before I sail. I'm simply excited to sail from SF on this great ship!

 

I imagine that some of the videos and pictures that I'm looking at were shot and posted by folks in this forum. I thank you... I can't wait to see her! See you in 62 days!

 

Am I right? She's a great ship! And I haven't yet been aboard...

My DW and I took the Star on a 15 day Hawaiian cruise, and we just loved her. The Sapphire and Diamond are still our favorite though.

Hey! Wonder if yall could help? I have a 2 year old who has learned how to open the cabin door and run down the hall! with and without clothes on! :eek: anyone have any suggestions on how to keep him in there? he thinks its a game! Thanks in advance! (ship will be sunshine!)

I remember when I was 8 (I'm 65 now) my Mother took me to Hawaii on the Matson cruise lines. We had a port hole, and I kept thinking how could I open it, so I could get a better look at the water. I never did.

We are on Quantum of the Seas and have seen this Carnival ship coming into port of Nassau...............................It's been sitting out there for about 2 hours now..............Anyone know why it isn't coming into port?

 

 

Seems weird to be sitting out there all this time...............doesn't the captain know how to judge the speed of their ships to get into port at the exact time they are suppose to be in port.

 

Jimbo:)

The sunshine was waiting for the pilot off your ship. It came in and left very quickly.

When booking B2B cruises as a single cruise we have always received a full allotment of free internet minutes at the beginning of each cruise segment. This no longer is the case…at least onboard the Royal Princess. We cruised on the Royal for 20 days embarking January 28th.

 

We were very disappointed to learn that those who booked the two 10-day cruises as one 20-day cruise receive only one allotment of free internet minutes while those who booked the same two cruises as individual cruises received two allotments. We have sailed two 10-day cruises at the same time of year three times previous to this year’s cruise, booked as individual 10-day cruises and as a 20-day cruise and have always received a full allotment of free internet minutes at the beginning of each segment.

 

The above is especially troubling since in every other way our 20-day booking was treated as if we had booked two 10-day cruises:

 

• We received a mini-bar setup at the beginning of each cruise.
  
• We received a free wine tasting invitation for each cruise.
  
• As suite cruisers we received a complementary Crown Grill meal on each cruise.
  
• As suite cruisers we received a complementary flower corsage and boutonniere on the first formal night of each cruise.
  
• We received credit for each of the two cruises in our Captain’s Circle Cruise History.
  
• There were separate folios for each 10-day segment
  

We and others who booked two 10-day cruises as a 20-day cruise were very disappointed with the obvious inconsistency with which free internet minutes were being credited. I notified Princess Customer Relations via email ( CustomerRelations@PrincessCruises.com ) and received a telephone call from them this week. The CR representative understood my pain, but confirmed this is Princess policy on free internet minutes. She did state that Princess listens to its customers and if enough people were to express their disapproval of this policy, there is a very good chance Princess would reconsider its position.

 

If you feel as I do about this arbitrary policy, please contact Princess to express your disapproval. Thanks…

 

Lew

Princess should not be scre.... around with their bread and butter(elites). My DW is a platinum and I am a ruby, I can see messing with our benefits, not elites. If you do a cruise lets say 28 days, and you separate it as three different cruises instead of one, and you are able to get the same cabin, will you be able to be the benefits of a b2b2b.

The Royal Sanctuary is usually pre booked by B2B passengers from last cruise. Unlikely you will get a spot.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is someone who has no skin in the game, I have never used or plan to use the Sanctionary. Princess needs to find a better way of reserving it, even if it means first come first serve each morning.

I should emphasize that while the Grand is my least favorite Princess ship, I'm still having a great cruise and enjoying myself. I don't sweat minor problems. As said, I haven't seen any mold.

 

I've taken cruises on a lot of ships on different lines and seen much worse problems elsewhere. I've got photos of mildew literally covering two sides of the shower on the Prinsendam, torn and dirty cabin furniture, etc. While it affects me, I can always have a good or great cruise.

Pam What a wonderful mindset. My DW is now leery about our Nov cruise from SF on the Grand. I am still looking forward to it.

Actually, there is one significant difference. We had a very relaxing time sitting on our balcony sailing through the Stockholm Archipelago to and from Stockholm. You would miss that on the Regal. Other than that, the cruise is so port intensive that it will make little difference for the rest of your cruise.

This is the one reason my DW and I would skip the Royal class. We enjoy spending our time sitting on the balcony, usually we opt for the caribe deck lg balconey. During the drill,when you must use the stairs it would seem to be very hectic getting to the two staircases?

Watching the webcams at Ft. Lauderdale today, the HAL Amsterdam left on time, but stopped out of port waited for a harbor police, to pickup a emergency evacuation. While that was going on, the RCL Allure of the Seas left port. It turned around and came back for another emergency evacuation. I think the last ship left port two hours late. It was entertaining, but I hope everyone will be ok.

Kind of weird, two ships having emergency medicals at the same time, both just leaving Ft. Lauderdale.

We are traveling to AK in Aug on Ruby Princess. Our last port is Victoria, BC. It is an evening port 7pm-mid. I really would like to visit Butchart Gardens. What time does it start getting dark there in Aug? I have seen pics and its beautiful at dusk and evening + fireworks, etc but would like to see the flowers in the light also. Basically, is it worth it?

I had a friend who took this excursion last September on her cruise to Alaska. She says there was a lot of people upset that because it was dark outside she and the others said that they could not see much of the gardens in the dark.

BART is the cheapest short of walking. When You get off at the Embarcadero stop, come up and walk a little over a block and take the street car "F" line. That will involve a little lifting of luggage but manageable. Please ask the driver to announce your stop; they are not always good about that if not asked,;)

I think the F train would be the last thing I would take with luggage. My DW and I usually walk from the Embarcadero station, I'm 65 and not in great condition. It's actually a fun walk. The only time we go to SF is to go to the port, so we have a lot experience. We're on the Grand in November, and it will cost us half to park at the Dublin station what it would cost in SF.

From two other sources, I learned all went quietly and well. One person was on yesterday's sailing and all went well. Sail away wasn't until around 5:40p.m., but all went well.

 

We are on the March 21st sailing and one of our roll call members is from SF and went down to see the Star and Queen Mary. Again, all orderly, quiet, and going well. He even showed us some pictures.

 

Seems that the only thing that is consistent is the actual time of the sail away. I haven't read anywhere yet that it left on time yet at 4! But once I and my luggage are on board I am not in a hurry. Sail away at night is nice too. Also this gives you a chance to look around, have dinner, and then sail under the GGB. That is nice too. With 4 sea days, always enuf time to make up time for our first port of call!

 

Pooh

I did a op earlier, asking why all the ships were leaving late, no one had explanation. I was also put down for even asking that question.

They're union.

That tells it all

One bottle is free if you drink in stateroom. I took them both to the dining room...

I am curious about the corkage fee, isn't one bottle per passenger if you consume in the stateroom. Did they ask where you were going to consume it?

Is there a dress code for jumping overboard or is "stupid" printed on your forehead good enough :confused:

Where is his sign.