6 hours ago, wallyj said:

This is my recent experience.
 

I received my Emerald Princess statement for my June 17-24, 2023 sailing on August 27, so a full 2 months after disembarking.

 

On August 18, 2023, I received my statement for my Emerald Princess July 22-29, 2023  sailing.

 

On August 22, 2023, I received my statement for Emerald Princess August 5-21, 2023 sailing. This is the turnaround I have come to expect, but you can see, even the same ship can have varying dates. All folios had the correct  ‘charge’ to my credit card on file for the amount outstanding/balance due.

 

I have no idea why the statements were delayed, but the charges were posted at the end of the cruise, it is just the emailing of the statement that was delayed.

 

 

I got off Island 6/12 and just got mine this past week.

1 hour ago, Crookshanks said:

Yes, I saw the option on my cruise on Ruby last month to upgrade on board.

Great Thanks.  I think I also read here on cc don’t use any part of the plus package until you actually upgrade.  So I guess the first thing I’ll do is upgrade and another thing I think I has read was to do it at Pax services.  
Just an fyi for anyone reading this thread 

Does anyone know of you can upgrade from plus to premier on embarkation day on board?  Leaving Sunday on Regal TA.

On 3/28/2023 at 7:23 PM, texasjones said:

Completely agree, as do many of the passengers we've spoken with. The $100 "goodwill gesture" is insulting, especially since it's (A) non-refundable and (B) the onboard shops and casino will be closed in Southampton. Regardless of the reason, cancelling 2 of 3 ports and shortening a 14-day cruise to 12 days + 1.5 days docked in Southampton is more than a little "disappointing" (as the letter we received from the captain calls it).

 

And yes, I understand the contract of carriage absolves Princess from having to pay compensation for changes to our itinerary. But I'd like to think anyone would be frustrated when a 14-day cruise is upended and effectively shortened. Things happen, sure. But when they do, you should expect the operator to make a good faith effort to fairly compensate passengers for said "disappointments" (especially when the operator in question has a market cap of $11.7 billion and stands to save a small fortune on fuel costs by bypassing two ports and docking early). Makes you wonder where companies like Princess draw the line. And if you think we're being unreasonable or compensation-greedy, ask yourself: What if your 14-day cruise was shortened by 2 days? 5 days? 10 days? Would you be happy with $100 in non-refundable OBC as total compensation? I suspect the answer is "no".

 

We have three suites onboard for the family; the $300 we'll be receiving in non-refundable OBC amounts to a ~1.5% discount to our total fare. Not exactly a fair recompense in our opinion, but others may disagree. Princess certainly does. 

So if you have 3 suites as you said, you don’t need the OBC.  Give it to the staff.  I’m sure they would appreciate it.  Princess is not obligated to give you anything when weather disrupts an itinerary.  What airline do you know that pays for a hotel when weather causes a flight cancellation.  NONE  

Give us a break!!!!!

2 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

Not good.  What do the baristas say about the New Grounds (15) Coffee package?  Is it really discontinued?  

Did they give you options for your mini bar switch on Monday? Had planned to switch it for 2 coffee packages.  Ugh..

TIA

Yes it is no longer available.  You can get regular  coffee in the buffet 

On 2/24/2023 at 8:46 AM, Mini BMG said:

I've been on two Princess transatlantic cruises, about to go on my third. "Best WiFi at Sea" simply isn't true. Ok, maybe the internet is great close to land, but it sure isn't on transatlantic crossing. And before someone says "when crossing the Atlantic, you shouldn't expect internet b/c of satellite issues", I assure you I've taken transatlantic cruises on other cruise lines and had screaming internet, even 10-12 years ago.

Over promising and under performing is not good policy for businesses. 

I bring this up because I will be working while cruising, and due to the anticipation of lousy internet, I have to let colleagues know I won't be able to Zoom or reply to emails in a timely manner. It's OK, I'll deal with it, but I don't like Princess boasting "best wifi at Sea" when it's not true.

And I'm not happy paying $40 for bad internet. I have 2-step verification for most of the websites I visit, so have to buy the 4 device internet.

Below is what Princess has on the website:

 

MedallionNet®
The Best Wi-Fi at Sea

Fast. Reliable. Unlimited. Affordable. Now on all ships.

Wi-Fi Wherever You Are

Access the internet everywhere on board so you can text, post photos, video chat and stream your favorite shows, movies, music and sports with ease. Read on to learn just how revolutionary MedallionNet Wi-Fi is and how popular it is with our guests.

Fast and Reliable Internet

MedallionNet Wi-Fi sets the industry standard for internet at sea. FaceTime your pooch in the morning. Stream your favorite shows by the pool in the afternoon. Post your Chocolate Journeys dessert from your dinner table. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, you can now stay connected with Wi-Fi coverage as you sail.

By clicking select links below, you will leave the Princess Cruises website and navigate to a 3rd party website that is not owned, operated, or controlled by Princess Cruises or any of its affiliates.

What Our Guests Are Saying About MedallionNet Wi-Fi

"I was so incredibly impressed with how well the internet worked and how fast it was too! It was so convenient to use and ended up being really cost effective too." – Lauren V. from Vandifair

"With the rollout of MedallionNet, Princess Cruises is completely changing the game for internet at sea – with blazing fast speeds – and it is now much more affordable." – Courtney O. from Sweet C's

"Knowing we could access and successfully respond to any pressing work stuff was probably the greatest benefit of all…we wouldn’t be leaving colleagues in the lurch or incurring the wrath of overworked bosses." – from the Kerrie B. blog

"I barely noticed a difference from my home internet…and knowing that I was going to have the internet at sea is probably what made me feel so comfortable leaving [my daughter] for the first time when she was just 6 months old." – Rebecca H. from Sugar & Soul

 

Am I the only one who feels this way?

No you’re absolutely correct and I’ve been complaining about it since 2019.  I’m going on the Regal TA in April so I’m sure it will be terrible internet.  But I thought I read somewhere where they are also getting Starlink as RC and Celebrity are getting.

39 minutes ago, Ombud said:

Not on the ships I've been on and IC's large cups are the perfect size. Now that I've settled down I'll probably still buy one of those to avoid carrying my Starbucks travel cup around. 

 

I used be so accepting of change but covid shutdown was apparently a jolt to my sensibilities. It's just $6 + 18% tax a day. I can easily afford that

It’s my understanding as of 2 days ago they are no longer offering stand alone coffee card.  You need to get Plus or Premier package to get coffees from the IC.  Saw a video on YouTube from very reliable blogger who travels mostly Princess

3 hours ago, CruzinNoony said:

Not necessarily.  As I mentioned, we have 5 booked Princess cruises and we won't cancel them because we are traveling with friends.  However, because our B2B2B on the Diamond was cancelled recently we booked a B2B on the Carnival Panorama.  We were apprehensive because our last Carnival cruise was just mediocre.  But, I am happy to report that we had a fantastic time!!  I am platinum on Carnival and received free laundry (up to 3 bags on a 7 day cruise) and it was returned later the same day!!  There were many perks for platinum including $25 in the casino just by going to the cage and showing your platinum card.  They have a lovely sea day brunch in one of the dining rooms that runs from 8:00 to noon.  Lots of fun/free dining experiences for lunch:  Mexican, pasta restaurant, Mongolian restaurant, deli, pizza, etc.  I also liked that they offer anytime or fixed (early or late) in the dining room for dinner.  We were B2Bers and after having to go to customs on turnaround day, they ushered us to a lounge where they had glasses of champagne ready for us to enjoy and the photographer was there to take our complementary  pictures, which they delivered the next day to our cabin.   The B2B people also had a fruit plate and a bottle of champagne waiting for our return to the cabin on turn-around day.  DH and I wouldn't hesitate to sail with Carnival again.   We also have a HAL cruise booked for next April.  I think it's time for us to try other lines.

Me too!!  Thinking about Celebrity as I’m my crazy about Carnival Itineraries.

On 9/8/2022 at 11:24 AM, nugent said:

Currently on the transatlantic cruise, and the MedallionNet internet is essentially useless.  The ship internet staff blame the satellite provider and claim it will be better once we get to Boston.  They admit the service is problematic, but can do nothing about it.

 

This is very frustrating for those who rely on the "Best internet at sea" to conduct any basic business - I am not talking about phone calls, streaming or downloads, just navigating common websites.

 

I have sacrificed 20 minutes of my life to bring you this message...

On 9/8/2022 at 12:05 PM, PacnGoNow said:

Ask them if they are using the High Earth satellites, if he knows?  Been a real issue on TA and Northern Europe for cruise ships due to the bandwidth used for the war in Ukraine.  Wonder if that’s still an issue?  Only another 20 mins of your time?

Have fun!  Hope you have good weather.

 

 

This has been a big problem for Princess.  Same thing happened last yr on my Regal TA.  No internet after we left Azores until close to Fl.  Whatever Internet cafe is telling you is a bunch of BS.  I’m going on Northern lights cruise in couple weeks and don’t expect internet on the ship especially being that far north and their current crappy system.  You-tube bloggers have also commented how bad it is.  
Royal Caribbean is getting Musk’s Starlink system.  Might have to Change cruise lines.

How did they know you had Covid?  Are they testing all the passengers?  Were you that ill that you went to medical?

I am on the Island on Oct and loading up on antigen tests to bring with me so I can test myself.  Fortunately the new booster will be available before I leave and I’ll get my 3rd booster.

48 minutes ago, Clampram said:

We may cancel a Panama cruise on the Islander and change it to a Hawaii cruise next year. We haven't paid anything yet.

If I cancel the cruise online will our 2 FCDs be automatically returned to my account so I can use them to book the Hawaii cruise.

Or, should I call Princess to cancel and rebook in one call so they can automatically use our 2 FCDs?

 

Thanks for the advise!

 

As far as I know you have to call Princess to cancel.  Since it’s before final payment you should get your FCC’s reposted to your account 

21 hours ago, kayelbee said:

Hi,

I am going transatlantic on the Sky shortly and have the Princess Plus package.

I know this includes internet and from what I have read this is generally reported as being woeful.

I am from the UK and my mobile/cell group doesn't have any inclusive calls or data in North America.

Is the internet that bad?

Is it better overnight when less are using it?

Is it better when close to shore/at a port?

Is it possible to view text pages but not streaming video?

Can I listen to the radio via internet?

You get the idea...any thoughts or tips on how, when what I will be able to do.

Thanks 

I can tell you I had no internet last year on the Regal after we left the Azores - 6 days.  I am also booked on Sky TA in October but thinking of canceling for this very reason.  Trying to find more posts about internet esp on TA but I may have to wait until ships start coming across for the winter season. 

1 hour ago, Pat King said:

Is it the consensus of the forum that the Trans Atlantics do not have internet sufficient to do normal day to day business?

I posted earlier about our experience with the internet on the Sky Princess Trans Atlantic in March.

We can not get a response from Princess customer relations, nor can our travel agent.

We understand that it is not an important consideration for some cruisers.

 

It’s not just the Sky.  I did the TA on the Regal last November and absolute no internet until the night before we got to Ft Lauderdale.  I am booked on the upcoming Sky TA in Oct but thinking about canceling 

On 6/4/2022 at 10:18 AM, LACruiser88 said:

In December, we will be on the Regal's TA back to the US.  If protocols remain the same, will they test everyone onboard prior to arriving in Ft Lauderdale?

When I did the Regal back to Ft Lauderdale last November, Princess tested us the day before arrival.  No one in the port asked for a negative test.  I live in Fl so I didn’t have to fly but airlines are no longer requiring tests either so I wouldn’t worry about it.

33 minutes ago, skings said:

Hi just wondering if Princess will have more sailings 16 day or less to/from Hawaii in 2023. Round trip from west coast is what I would be looking for. I see listed on Jan, Feb and March sailings. Thanks😀

They go every year from either SF or LA so safe to assume they will continue.

On 4/3/2022 at 8:46 AM, Peira said:

Good luck. Worst Wifi at sea. On our recent Sky transatlantic, a text of 7 words took 15 hrs to switch from pending to sent. The recipient didn't appreciate receiving it at 2:15am.

Let's see: it was caused by switching satellites, I mean too many people were using the system, I mean a part is broken, I mean it will be working when we reach land, I mean it never works so far out at sea, I mean...

You have been warned.

You are absolutely right. Best WiFi at sea sucks.  Princess continues to lie about the issue.  

3 hours ago, memoak said:

Israel is not Princess cruises. As far as St Petersburg goes with Russia getting ready to invade Ukraine I really doubt cruise ships are going go to any Russian ports

Or any of the NATO countries that border Russia that make up the rest of the Baltic Itinerary.  Listen to what Putin said - he wants to return to the old Soviet Union and seems he’s quite serious about it.

You knew you hadn’t paid for any packages on the second trip.  No one needs to apologize to you.  Disgusting.

35 minutes ago, skynight said:

Almost certain there will be outdoor smoking area(s). One area probably will be on deck 15 by the bar & grill. 

Thanks.  I think I remember now that you said that.  

2 hours ago, voljeep said:

It’s been that way since they were first introduced.  Initially they said about 85% accurate in detecting the original virus.  As the virus mutates, it may be harder to detect with these tests and also do users actually follow the instructions from the manufacturer.

13 hours ago, nocl said:

I doubt that there will be a pause.  While there are cases on cruise ships the most reported so far on the RC ship amounts to about .7% of the ship in a 7 day period, with no masks required in most areas.  That rate, while high for the cruise ships, is actually about the same infection rate as the state of Florida over the same 7 day period.  (cases per day X 7)/population

So it shows that the protocols are offsetting the close confines of cruise ships.  Add in the increased mask use and the cruise ships are doing much better in general than the over all land population.

 

The more pressing question is the chance of ports being canceled and entertainment  cutback on board ship.  Now is not the time to cruise if you want to visit specific ports or purchased because you wanted a certain itinerary.  Cruise will go on but one needs to be flexible and anticipate that there will be changes.

According to John Hopkins Covid tracker,  current positivity rate in Fl as of 12/28 is 18.7%.   I agree with you regarding cruising for specific ports or itineraries, probably not going to happen.  As a well seasoned cruiser, I don’t mind just staying on the ship when it comes to Caribbean cruises.

I haven’t been on the Island in many years, well before the refit.  Does the Island have something like the International Cafe where you can get real coffee or specialty coffees?  Also do they have an outside smoking area?

On 11/9/2021 at 7:18 PM, The Fun Researcher said:

Thanks for the reply.  That's what I figured.  I'm looking for anyone with first hand experience on this ship, or similar Princess ships out of Florida, as to how they are actually handling this in practice. 

 

I want a better idea of where I'm required to wear a mask before committing time and money to this cruise.

 

Dan

Just got off Regal today and masks are worn inside except your state room.  Theater and casino sip & cover

3 hours ago, generichandle said:

Oh, come on. Someone has been onboard and used the medallion, and had it deactivated by their tablet or phone. Sorry I was being cute about the language, but this is embarrassing. I do not care about the phone, but I carry my Kindle literally everywhere. Is it likely to deactivate the medallion, or not?

No just got off Regal today and no interference with any personal devices

I have been trying to call Princess since 9am ET and it is now 10:30.  Go thru all the prompts and then they say they’re closed?  WTH