back to the islands

It must be the rep because I don't think I'm full of... I shared what I had been told by the rep I spoke to that day because I specifically asked about using my FCC. I also said I hadn't tried to use it yet. This might be why a lot of people browse these forums and don't comment. It's rather a rude comment, IMO. Best of luck to you.

23 hours ago, cltnccruisers said:

Thanks.  That matches what I knew.  I'm beginning to think either the commenter who claimed it could be done or the Princess rep who told him it was is full of.........

She said only the bonus FCC could be used for that, not the original 100%. I asked because I had read just that. She also said things have changed since this started in the last month, had to verify things a couple of times. This was one of the things she verified.

That is what I was told today. I will try to book some excursions in the next day or 2 and let you know! She put me on hold and asked. I know they are working at home so she contacted someone I guess, but I don't know how that works. Good luck!

We received our FCC this week. I called today because I couldn't find the money for vacation protection, transfers, taxes and port expenses. They had applied my old airfare to a new cruise I have booked. My call was answered within 15 minutes. I was put on hold a few times to check on questions I asked. Those items are kept separate and they were going to send me a refund check for it, but I had them apply it to my new cruise. Those items can't be paid for from FCC and don't apply to FCC. They will mail a check for what is left. The bonus 50% FCC can be used onboard for excursions or other things, not just cruise fare. Donella, the rep., did a great job and I think Princess has handled this pretty well under the circumstances. I don't know why nothing was done for 30 days, but I'm happy. I just hope my September cruise happens! BTW, while they are working on your FCC, you may have an additional cruise show up as a bookmark. While they worked on mine the z ship cruise showed the original cruise fare. Then 150% of that was split between my husband and me. You need to check under all cruisers. 

I had a z cruise show up in my personalizer tonight, as well. I had a cruise canceled I should be on right now and took FCC. I have a new booking to replace it  and z cruise showed up underneath. The money doesn't quite match what we paid, but at least something is showing up! I remembered seeing this post so knew we weren't the only ones. We are making progress. 

Does anyone know/understand how French Polynesia is for cruise ships coming from CA? People on my roll call seem to think we won't be able to go to Bora Bora because it is supposed to be our first stop and we now need to check in in Papeete before heading there. If we can change the order of our itinerary, I understood we would be fine. Maybe that is harder than I understand. Also, do we have to have a dr. certificate that we are healthy within the previous 5 days? That would be impossible. If anyone can help with my questions I would appreciate it. 

Good to know! Thanks all! 

Thank you both so much! I've always taken my own shampoo . . . just trying to cut down!😬 Will pack my own!

Crazy question here... Does anyone know if Princess shampoo is safe for color treated hair? I don't want to take shampoo, but also don't want my color to be faded after 2 or 4 weeks on a cruise. Thank you in advance!

What about a black velvet skirt and top with sheer sleeves? I was thinking in the Caribbean, even at Christmas and New Year's, velvet might be too wintery.  Thoughts?

Has anyone spent the day at Galleon Bay? If so, how did you get there and what did it cost? I am interested in snorkeling, but since I already have 4 boat days, don't really want to pay for another boat day even though everyone says the best snorkeling is from a boat. I'm just looking for a quieter beach with some snorkeling and I have read this is one of the best beaches for that. Thank you!

On 7/29/2019 at 12:42 PM, sft429 said:

 

Walk away from Bridgetown on the beach until the sun bed rentals stop.  Snorkel out from there.

So there is some decent snorkeling at Brighton's Beach if you walk the opposite direction from Bridgetown to the sun bed rentals? I might want to do this! 

I get seasick and my doctor recommended the patch. They make me sleepy, dry mouthed, blurry eyed and it's hard to enjoy anything. Last cruise I tried meclazine at night before bed and that was better. I just ordered a relief band, hoping I won't have to take meds, and ginger drops, but I will be taking some meclazine for back up. I won't use the band until I feel unwell. If that doesn't work I will go back to the nightly meclazine.

What would be the best way to get to the lagoonarium if you don't rent a car? 

What is FCD? 

We rented a car at each port. Hilo went to Volcano Nat'l Park, waterfalls, up to the north. Kona went to Place of refuge and snorkeled at two step. Beautiful!! Ate at a quaint spot overlooking Cook Monument. Maui we went all over. Snorkeled  a couple places NW side, went to SW to watch sunset. I wasn't a big fan Lahaina - just so touristy, but lovely. Kauai was my absolute favorite!! Go all the way north to KEE' Beach if waves are down to snorkel and see beautiful scenery! Hanalei is like old Hawaii. We stopped at what used to be the Princeville resort and knew we had to return so we spent a week there later. The views are gorgeous! I love to snorkel so haven't been to Waimea Canyon. We have a cruise coming up we will visit the poipu area and possibly the canyon. I plan to visit the North shore of Oahu next cruise. I think I'd love that, too. I like nature and not too many crowds, though.

I agree with this! I actually read it in advance of my first Hawaii visit and even though it is fiction I learned so much about Hawaii and the culture! I have Michener's South Pacific to read before my cruise there and read his Caribbean before my first visit to the Virgin Islands. The beginning of Hawaii was difficult for me, but once the story got to the people (native Hawaiians, missionaries, Chinese, Japanese, etc.) it was really fascinating and educational! Loved it!

On 9/22/2019 at 11:14 PM, scottca075 said:

Not necessarily an easy read, but Hawaii by James Michener, also Tales of the South Pacific by him.

 

In the South Seas by Robert Louis Stevenson, The House Without A Key by Earl Derr Biggers,

When we did POA several years ago we rented a car at each port and saw what we wanted. On Hilo we went to Volcano National Park, stopped at a beautiful "beach" that was devastated by a tsunami, drove up to the North and saw a beautiful black sand beach, visited waterfalls. We did at least 2 ship tours that day and saw a lot of what we chose to see for a LOT less money. It was POA's maiden voyage from San Francisco so long enough ago that it's hard to remember specific names, but I loved having the car. Hubby thought he drove most of the island!

Great! Thanks!

Thank you so much, Sinbad! Exactly what I needed! So if high tide is at 7:25AM and we get there and swim out will we be have time to get back in before it's too shallow?

Thanks Chamima! I am trying to plan my days for both cruises and I'm OCD so still not much planned! And yes, our December roll call is pretty dead! We can share South Pacific planning tips in December. Keep me posted on what you find out. 

Chamima, did you go there? I am interested in going next April, but $225 pp seems really high to me, too! I'm curious about taxiing there. I think you are on Pacific Princess with us in December.

On 3/13/2019 at 7:32 AM, chamima said:

Just bringing this post to the top.

A day touring with Tisa is now $225/pp! 😱

A beach pass is $75/pp but does NOT include transportation but needs to be paid in advance and must be cancelled 72 hours in advance to get a refund.

Has anyone taken a taxi there and could tell me approximate taxi fare?

 

Thank you again, Sinbad! From what I've read it's a short taxi ride from the pier. Is there someplace I can find a tides chart for Apia 6 months out? 

On 9/10/2019 at 9:02 PM, SinbadThePorter said:

From Apia you could grab a taxi out to the To Sua swimming hole.

Thank you Sinbad. I looked at this, but my husband had both knees replaced this past winter and he isn't sure his knees can do that ladder ... and heights sometimes scare me. That's a pretty tall ladder isn't it? Any other suggestions?

We will be in Martinique for one day. I don't think the ferry runs from the pier to Anse d' Arlet. Can anyone verify that and tell me how I can get there? Would love to spend the day on the beach there and do a little snorkeling.