shining gem

We don't use the buffet anymore, it's more like a slop trough with all the hands coming and going scooping food out and the people are usually pretty rude, the last time was a few weeks ago when in 19 days we went once and we both came down with some kind of sickness for 24-36 hrs., lets just say the toilet was very busy, so that's that no more plain and simple.

We don't call it the horror zone for nothing! The sights we have seen in that line have put us off for good. Much prefer to dine in the dining rooms.

2 years ago, it cost us around $60 for a taxi, from Adelaide CBD to Outer Harbour.

When we were there earlier this year on the Ovation for the day, I noticed from the buffet - breakfast then morning coffee as we watched the crowds disappear, that the trains were arriving at least every 30 minutes. It may have been increased because of the larger number of passengers onboard Ovation. Although when on the much smaller Volendam, I remember it was a great train service. But very squashy returning in the late afternoon as passengers we're making the most of their time in Adelaide as well as the locals going home.

If you are in port on a Sunday, the trains do not run as often but it is certainly a great way to go to the city. Just pick up a timetable on arrival at the city stop and you will be fine.

As has been previously stated. The use of non ship issued toilet paper, tissues and wet wipes being flushed down the loo accounts for a lot of the problems on board. :(

Couldn't work out why there were so many people sounding so catty or superior. Then realised I had stumbled off The Australian site onto what seems to mostly be a U.K post. Is this the tone of most of your Forum? It seems like the original poster was just asking an innocent question based on his observations.

Oh and we do like our Flip Flops over here, although we call them thongs and don't normally wear them to the MDR.

Not an Elite:confused: , currently Platinum..

Good for you! I was thinking along the same lines.

I am assuming that the option of cabin selection that allows Princess to choose for you is a guarantee. We have had much success with this type of booking and when the ship is not fully booked, I have been able to change the guarantee to a cabin more to my liking. My question is does anyone feel that the more cruises you have had with Princess, the better chance for a better cabin assignment? Just wondering...........

I know, compared to some, thirteen cruises is not a lot but we have never been offered an upsell, upgrade or anything a wee bit special. Therefore, my answer to your query would be no. I live in hope but won't hold my breath! ;p

Hey, Gut, just found this today. What have you not been telling us? We were just checking our forward engagements this morning and noting that you two would be visiting in Dec. Does this mean we will not see you? That would be very sad. Drop me an email, so I can catch up with what is happening with you. Your new bowsie wowsie looks just delightful and I am glad you have a wee bit of sunshine to cheer you up. Love to you both, Megsee and the Wilster xxoo

Why would you want to trade a $6 wash & dry plus lots of your liesure time for a $40 to $60 load of laundry? Makes no sense to me. I wouldn't push too hard for this trade off. To us laundry is the best elite perk. It frees up lots of your time, and lightens what you have to pack, even if it does take 3 days.

Absolutely! We love having our laundry done and would hate to have to go back to the laundry room ourselves. So many arguments take place in those rooms. I don't care what else they take away. We have never waited any more than one day and really appreciate lighter packing and more time to relax. Trust me, we have paid for the privilege and have never abused it.

Hi, we are also on your sailing and from the emails we have been receiving, it appears there are drinks packages available.

Just go to your cruise personaliser and it should have a link to what is available. Personally, I think I would have a hard time drinking almost seventy dollars of booze a day.

The prices on board compare very favourably with those ashore in Oz. I was looking at cocktail prices the other week. On board price was cheaper than what I was seeing here.

Enjoy your cruise. Lady M

Several of my cruises with Princess we have waited for late passengers.

We have been aboard and had the ship pull back alongside to pick up two stragglers. Also had another ship delayed for over half an hour waiting for six persons to return from a private tour to the pyramids. Both were Princess ships. We always return an hour before sail away unless we are on a tour and prefer to do ship tours, the extra dollars are worth it just to know they won't leave without us!

Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks, will do!

:)

Try this thread:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2334042

Thanks for that. Actually, it was the Princess rep who suggested booking cabins in our names so both rooms would have a reduced deposit, mini bar set up etc. I don't feel bad about following her advice, they must do it all the time. I can't say that I would have thought to have done it otherwise. Not really interested in scamming the laundry set up but when I was elite and my husband wasn't, I put our laundry out and they did not charge for clothing that plainly was not mine! It didn't occur to me to put it in a separate bag, my bad. I just didn't think about it at the time. We are both elite now, so it doesn't matter.

So looking forward to this cruise. We try to fit one in each year but this retirement gig is quite full on and we sometimes don't find the time! Lady M 👑

Do you officially change names in cabin once you board or just get extra keys for room.

 

We are doing that,bringing two grandsons and putting one in the room with each of us.Don't know if they would take away our elite privileges,like mini bar and loyalty and shareholders if we changed names in the cabins.The boys are old enough to be a cabin by themselves,which we plan to do.Their parents will also be next door to them.

We have our son and DIL with us on the first leg of the cruise and booked the rooms in our names. Will be interested in the replies to your query.

My family came to Oz from Northern Ireland in 1966 and we all had a great time aboard. I was twelve and was allowed to have dinner each night with mum and dad in the dining room. We sailed through the Suez and spent Xmas and New Year on the ship. I still have ships badges and postcards etc.

My next sea voyage was in 2004 on the Star Princess and then 2006 on the Diamond Princess when we sailed from Sydney to San Francisco. We are booked again in Sept on the Sapphire Princess sailing from Vancouver to Thailand.

There's nothing like a sea voyage for me. I love it! It has just taken my husband a wee while to catch on to the marvellous time to be had aboard!

Looking forward to the round world trip when we retire!

Aussie Aussie Aussie! :p

On the Diamond Princess last year we were lunching in Horizon Court and generally having a good time till I glanced over at the more mature "gent" at the next table who had apparently finished eating and had taken out his dentures and was licking them clean at the table. (No wonder he was seated alone.) Needless to say, I left in a hurry and was thoroughly revolted! Yuuuuuuuuk!:(

I generally have a good tolerance for yukky, being a nurse, but that was way too much for me!:eek: Unbelievable!

I wrote a letter to the CD on table manners which was read out on the morning show. Hope he was watching!:)