Lady Arwen

Of course he wouldn’t refuse it, that would be insulting to you. The reason I ask is that we always very politely make certain requests and 90% of the time we are graciously accommodated. No bribe ever offered or expected. Just great service because this is what they’re paid to do. I find the bribing thing a bit tacky and demeaning to the restaurant manager. However, you do you and whatever you’re comfortable with.

Have you tried asking for this table without the bribe? Just curious.

Sorry, but I doubt if everyone, or even a few, tip the restaurant manager either at the start or the end of the cruise. Last time we did that it was years ago in a Las Vegas showroom. We won’t be bribing or tipping the restaurant manager. It’s literally his job.

If it makes you feel better you could always print out your travel summary from your online booking. It clearly shows everything you need to know about your booking. You can use this to show anyone at the pier in lieu of a boarding pass. You probably have it already on your phone, but I always print it out just in case of, well, something. lol

Like you, we prefer later dining times 7:00+ is the earliest we book. I must admit that 50%, or more, of our dining is in the specialty restaurants, so never a wait. My DH likes to visit a different room every night and look at a different menu. I know Reserve Class dining suits you and your DW and that’s also great. One day we’ll try that out because our preference is mini suites.

This is completely unacceptable. I feel your disappointment and I doubt if I would have been as patient as you. They need to fix this situation immediately. We’re encouraged to make dining room reservations months in advance and we are entitled to have those arrangements respected. Thank you for sharing your experience.

I wouldn’t call them “privileged class” people or staterooms. They are mini suites with Reserve Dining. Yes, they are more expensive, but certainly not exorbitantly so. Now, full suites are definitely upscale and far more expensive. Neither option is for everyone and Princess needs to do a much better job with MDR reservations.

Exactly. Thank you.

“debunked”! Love it!

Nailed it!

Everything looks fabulous! Good to see you’re both keeping well hydrated! lol (Jo, your nails are beautiful!)

Perfectly said! As I’ve said so many times before the crew and the cruiselines have a contract that was willingly and freely signed by both parties. If the crew is happy with the contract and the terms of their employment then why are we getting in their business? Pay the auto CA and tip extra, or not, at your discretion. Let them figure out who gets what and when.

Well, at least the liquid part of your dinner looks delish! lol

I’m so excited for you! Yay, embarkation day!

I agree 100%. If Princess fails to enforce their own rules, then the rules become meaningless. Dress codes fall into the category of obsolete. I like to dress up, some don’t. I honestly don’t care. If Princess cares, then enforce the dress code, if not then eliminate it. Simple.

Of course not everyone intentionally breaks the rules! We’ve all done it with a “OMG, how did I miss that?” Recently, my husband threw my can of hairspray into his carryon (it was empty) because he thought I had forgotten it after our cruise. Yup, wasted everyone’s time in line while they searched the rest of his bag. I’m referring to people who don’t respect the rules and who push the boundaries because as the other member said in post #28 the rules are stupid. I, for one, would rather the TSA erred on the side of caution when I’m travelling on a plane. I’m glad there are rules to try to keep us safer when flying.

And, this is one of the reasons it takes so long for us to get through security. People who “forget” or “accidentally” try to push through prohibited items and the TSA agents are now spending my valuable time removing items and conversing with the offender. If we all just followed the rules we would get through security faster and with less stress. Again, your opinion of the rules is completely irrelevant.

We’ve had the same CVP for years and, to be honest, the reason that I keep booking more Princess cruises. She is a gem and wouldn’t know what to do without her. She calls me back within a couple of hours if I have to leave a voicemail message. She even calls just to ask about my dogs and other non cruise related topics. Appreciate her immensely.

Actually it does not matter what you personally think. It is a rule that is strictly enforced. Period.

Your photos are gorgeous! What a professional job, guys. My mouth is watering just looking at them. The adult beverages look quite inviting, too. lol Cannot wait til you board Majestic……we have to wait til 2025….darn!

🥰

And then there are the members, such as yourself and the lovely @jwattle, who makes these boards such an interesting and informative and fun place to chat about our favourite pastime. Thanks!

I see you also got the Premier Package at your hotel! lol. Sounds awesome. Looking so forward to each day’s instalment. Thanks to both of you for taking us along. Cheers!

Sorry for the duplicate reply, you beat me by five seconds! lol

Where is your OBC coming from? Directly from Princess or your TA? OBC must be available for use when you book your shore excursions.