flhokie

We're sailing in June and someone in our online group reported that they went to add on Plus the other day and were not able to. They were told that it was sold out (the website does say that the packages are limited and subject to availability). 

Technically, the 3rd person in a cabin (assuming she's the 3rd in the cabin on the reservation) does not have to have the package. However, it may be more cost effective for her to have it....it covers the non-alcohol drink package, wi-fi and gratuities (plus the casual dining 2 times, etc.). If she doesn't do that, she'd have to pay for the drink package, wifi and gratuities separately. 

If you have 2 people in each cabin, then yes, she would have to have it as passengers 1 and 2 in a cabin must have the same package.

We've sailed with parents renting scooters from Special Needs at Sea over the years. Many times it was a balcony cabin (not accessible) and the scooter fit through the door. Yes, it was tight, but an accessible cabin was not necessary. We have steered clear of mini-suites because of the tub/shower combo--so nice they've stopped that with Sun Princess.

So glad I found this thread! We just booked the Sky Suite on Enchanted for this June to celebrate my mom's 80th, my 50th and my daughter's 13th birthdays (all this year). A few questions....

1. How far in advance should we expect to hear from the shorside coordinator?

2. Do you still get to select a movie for Movies Under the Stars? If so, is there a list you pick from or is it literally any option (as long as it's appropriate to show)?

3. Will shoreside coordinator take care of booking 360 and specialty dining? 

4. For the full sized alcohol bottles has anything changed as far as options go (the list I saw in this thread was from a couple years ago)?

Thanks in advance!

There were 3 of us, all with premier package. We each got 3 prints---selected from the ones that were displayed in the gallery. We all had access to them on our app and could download to our phones. Typically they don't provide flash drives, but there was an issue with downloading photos on my phone so they did give me a flash drive with the photos. 

Not sure if they could use one you bring because of security (putting a flash drive in one of their computers from the outside could be security risk since a flash drive could contain malware, virus, etc.). They're so tiny to pack that you could take one and ask. 

We sailed on Emerald over the summer and 12 year old daughter aged up to teens (she had done teens on Royal Caribbean the year before). It was her favorite cruise. She absolutely loved the teen program and is begging to do another Princess cruise. The lodge was always busy when we were up that way--seemed to be a mix of planned activities and hanging out.

6 hours ago, wcflats said:

We had a terrible time at Sabitinis on our Las cruise in May this year.  Pre paid pre reserved..four of us.  Server worked his butt off but absolutely no help.  Took us four hours to finally get to our main meal and by then just was not hungry besides the steak was grossly overcooked.  Matre,d brought out the head chef even tho we told him not to.  He looked at my steak and said yup overcooked and walked away.

went to PS next day and complained and wanted refund.  Nope.  Done eating at Sabatilis.

Similar on Emerald recently. Took over 45 minutes to get anything but bread. At 2 hours, we still didn't have entrees. By the time they finally arrived, we had lost our appetite. The MaitreD finally came by the table after we got our entrees. When we told him about the experience, he kept pushing for us to come back, but we didn't. The restaurant was maybe 1/3 full too. 

2 hours ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

I loved the Diamond this past January/February.  
 

Embarkation at pier 92 was a bit different than the usual pier 93 but it was effortless.  At 10:13 we gave our bags to the porter and in 45 minutes we were enjoying our first glass of wine at Vines. The elite lounge was well stocked with juices, coffee and pastries. They were making sure you had an elite boarding pass to stay there. The elite boarding passes were given out one per cabin so all in the same cabin could wait in the lounge together. 
 

There was a big notice that ONLY CARRY ON SIZE LUGGAGE WAS ALLOWED THRU SECURITY.  I wanted to take a photo of the sign but the line moved too fast. Also a sign that no liquids or food allowed. 
 

The selection of whites and reds at Vines is actually great. First time I’ve said that since forever!  Aldrin, the vines bartender and his assistant Jaymes are an incredible asset to Princess. 

I had an empty refillable cup from Knott's in the outside pocket of my backpack. The woman staffing by that sign ran after me screaming "does that have anything in it?" I was focused on my disabled mother and my 12 year old daughter so didn't hear her at first. When I realized she was screaming at me I told her it was empty. Overall, she was quite nasty about it. Had never seen that before in many cruises. That terminal needs an overhaul, especially on staff (I know they're Port of LA Staff, but still). 

16 hours ago, luvcdays said:

Can anyone tell me what movies are playing on MUTS?  Thx

On our sailing some of the movies were “Top Gun Maverick,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “80 for Brady,” and “Death on the Nile.” 

Before our cruise we weren't able to find a lot of information on the Princess Teen Program so I wanted to share our experience...

Daughter is 12 1/2 and in her 2nd year of middle school (and very tall). Last year she was aged up to the teen program on Royal Caribbean at 11 years old (their teen program starts at 12). When we booked the cruise, the Princess website said that their teen program started at 12, but it was later changed to 13 so we weren't sure what to expect. 

When we boarded, there was a schedule for the 8-12 year old group in our room. We reviewed it and daughter said she'd just stay with me rather than going since the activities were young for her. Also, because of her size, she wouldn't feel comfortable playing some of the games, like dodgeball, with the younger kids. We went up to the 8-12 room to ask about her possibly aging up to teens. We were told she could do it it she had an older sibling in the group, but if not she'd have to stay with 8-12. I explained that she did teens on Royal last year and that the website said 12-17 when we booked. A different crew member who came in when I said that said we could talk to the teen program to see if they would let her. As soon as she saw her and I explained she'd done teens on Royal Caribbean, she said that daughter could age up (just had to fill out a form). 

The room for the teen program (Beach House) was great! They had sofas to hang out on, skeeball, foosball, air hockey, video games and a way for the teens to select music that played in the room. 

They had all kind of activities planned like crafts, games, video games, scavenger hunt, etc. They also planned some big events like a mocktail making competition, hot tub party, rock the boat party and farewell party. 

Daughter loved the teen program on Princess and said it was actually better than on Royal Caribbean. She said the staff was engaged with the teens and knew who they were (she said that didn't happen on Royal). She loved it so much that she's ready to sail on Princess again. 

29 minutes ago, jimdee3636 said:

@flhokie

You say that the "speed of service" in Sabatini's was a problem. But do you mean it was too fast or too slow?

Jim

Extremely slow. 2 hours after being seated we did not have our entrees (took 45 minutes before we had anything other than bread). Also took forever to order & receive beverages.

2 minutes ago, victory2020 said:

I'm getting on this Saturday. Did you have the drink package? If so, were most drinks included? Don't know if they raised the prices recently,

We had the premier package and most drinks were included. I'd think that most would be included in plus as well (except for some high end spirits and wines). I don't know about recent price increases for drinks, but their drink prices were much more reasonable than Royal Caribbean....most seemed in the $8-12 range (Royal was more like $14/drink).

We recently completed a 7 day Coastal California cruise on Emerald Princess (disembarked 6/24). I'll share my thoughts and feel free to ask questions....

Traveling Party - me (40's), mom (70's) and daughter (12 1/2). Mom has mobility issues (can't walk more than 5 minutes, at most) and traveled with a rollator walker that converts to a wheelchair. 

Pre-Cruise - We flew to LA from FL a few days early for sightseeing and to visit family. The morning of the cruise we returned our rental car to Long Beach Airport and took a taxi to the port ($51 flat fee).

Embarkation - The only negative part of the entire cruise and it was awful. There were no announcements/information and the terminal was hot. We needed assistance for my mother to board. She had a rollator walker that converts to a wheelchair. With the gangway, we really needed her to be pushed on in a regular wheelchair (had a scooter arranged once onboard). There was no assistance until after security and check in (different than other cruises). At check in we asked about the priority embarkation that came with suites (and Elite, which my mom also was) and were told that it doesn't apply if anyone in the party needs assistance with boarding--"but you'll get all your other benefits once onboard." We went to the waiting area and got in a line with my mom sitting on the walker/chair. The regular seats were full with people who needed assistance, but didn't have a chair or walker to sit on. After about 20 - 30 minutes, the line started to move. There were no announcements/communication, but passengers started sharing what information they could find out with each other. That's when we found out that they were allowing those who could make it on without port staff helping (had their own chairs, etc.) to board. All others would need to sit and wait until they were eventually called. Since it was so hot in the terminal, I decided I'd just try to push my mom. The chair is not as sturdy as theirs, but I would give it my best shot so we could get out of the hot terminal. After another 20 minutes or so, we made it on the elevator up to where the gangway was. After a wait there, we were able to board. Luckily the gangway wasn't very steep so I was able to get her onboard. There were no embarkation photos since we needed assistance which was disappointing. We had the photo package and really would have liked to have one. Once onboard, passengers would push people with disabilities out of the way to get an elevator and close elevators with space available in their faces. Princess really should have a crew member assigned to an elevator during embarkation for those with disabilities that must use the elevator--it could still be a wait, but at least they'd eventually be able to get on one. 

Luckily, things turned around after that....

Cabin - We were in a full suite, midship deck 14 (R409). We were a bit concerned before the cruise about noise since we were right below the pool deck, but that was not an issue at all. We were initially going to do a mini-suite, but changed to a full suite because of only the tub/shower combination in mini-suites which would have been an issue for my mom.  The room as very nice. It was a little dated, but in good condition. The split bathroom was nice. 

Teen Program (Beach House) - Daughter did the teen program on Royal Caribbean last year and was a bit disappointed that, at age 12 1/2 and in her second year of middle school (also nearly 5'8" tall), she'd be with 8 year-olds on our cruise. We went the first day and the crew in the 8-12 room were adamant that she be in that group unless she had an older sibling in teens. I mentioned that the website said teens was 12-17 when we booked (had a screenshot on my phone), but we'd respect their call on it--she just would do things with me instead of any kids program (she looked at the activities before we went and told me that was what she'd want to do). One of the ladies took us to talk to the teen group leader who immediately said that she could age up (just had to fill out a form). Daughter had an amazing time in the teen program. They had great activities planned, a great space for hanging out and the crew was involved with them. She said it was a much better experience than Royal Caribbean (which she really liked). 

Food - The food was excellent throughout! It was much better than Royal Caribbean (who we've cruised most often recently) and a highlight of the cruise. We ate at Crown Grille twice, Reserve Class dining room twice for dinner (and some breakfast), Sabitini's once (and a few times for suite breakfast) and the buffet. The only issue at all with food was the speed of service in Sabitini's for dinner (we also didn't love their new menu). We did tea one sea day afternoon. I wish they offered some of the food (sandwiches and scones) at the buffet as the line got really long for tea in the dining room (but it was really good).

Service - Service was excellent! The crew always had smiles and a warm greeting. Stateroom service was excellent and so was dining. I think they had some new crew in bar service as they sometimes weren't sure on how to make some drinks, but they tried really hard. When my mom got off/back on the ship, she needed assistance and the crew was always willing to help. They had staff (with blue vests) available to assist quickly and always with a smile. 

Ship - It's older and the layout is a bit chopped up, but it was great. They were doing painting, etc. and it seemed to be in good condition overall. Some areas, like mini golf could use some updating. Loved the pool decks with the artificial grass and non-slip surfaces!

Ports - Dock locations in San Francisco and San Diego were so convenient!

San Francisco was a lot of fun. We did it on our own--Alcatraz, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square, Ghiradelli, cable car, etc. We never felt unsafe and had a great time (thank goodness for Uber later in the day--walking isn't for the faint of heart there). 

San Diego - Family took us around and we saw so much (Barrio, Coronado, Old Town, Balboa Park, La Jolla, Mt. Soledad, Point Loma, Belmont Park).

Ensenada - Daughter and I took a Princess tour to La Bufadora (blow hole) which was great (except for the major traffic jam coming back, but they can't control that). We had plenty of time to see the blow hole and shop in the market. We even had great seafood tacos. Once back in town we went to their cultural center for a tour and a margarita (coca cola for the kids).

Disembarkation - This was probably the easiest disembarkation we've experienced (in our many cruises). After breakfast at Sabitini's, we went to the lounge for those needing assistance off the ship. They had someone immediately take my mom, transferred her to a port worker in the terminal who pushed her the rest of the way. Got our bags (and porter) and then did facial recognition for customs/immigration. We were getting in a taxi within 15 minutes of arriving in the disembarkation lounge. 

We do the following:

- Bring lysol wipes and spray. Wipe down & spray the cabin on boarding and multiple times throughout the cruise.

- Mask indoors except when actively eating/drinking and try to avoid crowds. 

- Wash hands and use sanitizer regularly. Have gloves if we feel they're needed for the buffet.

- Make sure all vaccines are up to date (ex. senior mother made sure to get the newly authorized 2nd biavalent booster).

- Make sure to have any OTC meds we might need if we were to contract it. 

Definitely contact your Congressional Representative or Senator's office first thing Monday. A friend recently was getting close to departure and had not received the passport after 12+ weeks. She called Senator Rubio's office and had it very shortly after.

Also, look into going to a passport office. There looks to be a place in Orlando and an official passport office in Miami (by appointment 7 am - 2 pm).

3 hours ago, Seaworthy71 said:

 The Experience:  I am 5 days have been driving myself nuts, in green lane but without a group number.

The Final realization:  If You are travel ready don't worry, You will get on the ship, just pick a reasonable time to go.

The final Outcome:  I tried today and everything is fine have a time, group number and QR code.

I really think Princess is short staffed and busy with elite and higher levels than I am.

The bottom line is it is frustrating but don't let it get to You,  You  paid for Your cruise and You will get on the ship!!

 

Will definitely try to do this! I've tried all day. We've been green for over a month, but tonight we're blue and I can't even access my personal information. Princess chat said to tray again in 30 days (we are 59 days out from sailing)....yes, that was their answer to try again in 30 days. 

We're green on the app and can access everything except personal information. Check-in sign up came out today, but whenever I try to access Personal Information to get there (on app or website), I get "Unfortunately, there seems to be an issue with the service. Try again later." I have tried deleting and re-installing app (Apple), but nothing works. Any suggestions?

Florida only requires carseats/boosters for 5 and younger so nothing is required legally. If you want your child in a booster, we loved the bubblebum.

7 hours ago, cptlapcat said:

Just got off Discovery Princess in San Pedro. Special needs at Sea was excellent . The way it worked for us was when we arrived and dropped off our luggage we asked the attendant for a wheelchair to take us to our room (that's where the scooter will be). A wheelchair attendant came out and picked us up at luggage and pushed us to Check in. After check in you switch attendants who pushes you all the way to your room where your scooter is waiting.

 

When you disembark the ship you drive your scooter to your disembarkation lounge where the manager will call for a wheelchair who will push you all the way to the street. 

 

Only one little problem. Since we were one of the first people on the ship the scooter was not yet in the room. The attendant pushed us to the buffet where we had a bite to eat. When we finished and went back to the room the scooter was in the room.

 

I was impressed with Princess and Special Needs at Sea.

Thanks for the information! We have had great experiences with Special Needs at Sea in Port Canaveral (only difference is that in Port Canaveral you get the scooter before boarding). We're looking for a scooter rental out of San Pedro on the Emerald this summer so I'm glad to hear that they were good there.

4 hours ago, JoRoy218 said:

Am mainly concerned about the balcony, it looks like it’s probably a lot smaller than the aft penthouse suites I’ve looked at. We were recently on the Regal and their notoriously tiny balconies. We just spent minimal time out there, so uncomfortable.

Also wondering about probable noise from Lido deck above. Are you on the California coastal cruise by any chance?

Yes, California Coastal on June 17th. You too?

I don't have an answer, but following. We're in R409 on an upcoming cruise on Emerald. 

We're flying in 3 days early for our cruise out of San Pedro. Our plan is to rent a car when we land at LAX, return it to Long Beach Airport the morning of the cruise and take a cab or uber to the port from there. We're probably staying in Redondo Beach area or Culver City.

On 1/18/2023 at 3:47 PM, Itchy&Scratchy said:

at 6???? On Enchanted it was for 8-12 year olds (see below).

 

Here is a program from our Thanksgiving 2022 Enchanted cruise:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did they put 3-12 year olds together (the schedule says 3-12)? Just asking because daughter will be 12 1/2 this summer. She's done the teen program on Royal Caribbean. If the won't let her age up to teen on Princess, I was thinking she might be ok with kids if it was 8-12 like it said on the website, but if she'd be with much younger kids I doubt she'll go. Just want to be prepared. 

16 hours ago, donswife said:

There were 3 "young" people in our seating. I did not get to visit with them,  but I would have guessed ages around 12, 14, and 16, give or take.  They were given special nonalcoholic beverages and appeared to be having a great time. 

Thank you! That is very helpful.

On Harmony of the Seas last summer, 11 year old daughter aged up to the Teen Club. We all had wi-fi and she was allowed to go to/from teen club on her own, but would have to text us when she got there/left. She was allowed to explore some without us, but with a friend from Teen Club. 

This summer we're planning to be on Princess. She'll be 12 1/2 and will continue to have limited freedom. If they don't allow her to age up to teens, she'll be allowed to sign out of kids club (if she goes). We'll all have wi-fi again and she'll have to update us on where she is/where she is going.