UT-Volsfan

We have sailed on 3 TAs and our 4th is next month. Last two had over 1,000 Elites on board and had several changes to benefits. Free laundry service took 6-7 days, no priority tender service, and no reserved lounge on departure day (claimed did not have a big enough venue). Do not have very many youth on a TA.

Saw this on USA Today website. "Princess is not stopping in Israel at this time and is adjusting Island Princess’s “Mediterranean and Israel” sailings in November accordingly, a spokesperson said in an email. “As soon as the itineraries have been updated we will send notifications to affected guests and their travel agents,” the spokesperson said."

When we have done it, we have received instructions for the move on board about same time luggage tags are distributed to departing guests. We were told the cabin steward supervisor would come by between 0800 and 0830 with a carry and move us to our new room. Anything on hangers would be moved that way and hung in your new closet. Remaining loose items we were asked to place in our bags (packing cubes are handy to keep items sorted) and moved on the cart. Our move was completed very quickly and we left the ship to explore the port while folks were still departing. They should also set your new cabins to respond to your medallions. You will also receive an In Transit Passenger card. This allows you to reboard the ship at any time (no waiting to reboard with the new passengers).

Do you have the Plus or Premiere beverage packages? What we saw last month was that you could typically order a couple of cans at a time. Then take them to your cabin. If you don't have a beverage package, don't forget there is a $5 fee added when using your phone to order from Room Service.

Cruise Diector is David Frost. I believe the captain we have will be departing mid Sept and do not know his replacement's name.

Currently on the Grand Princess, which implemented the changed Plus and Premiere packages on Aug. 19th. Reviewing our online charges today saw a charge labeled Null for $14.99 for each of us. Went to Guest Services and was told it was for our visit to Alfredo's on the 20th. We booked the cruise in June with the Plus package, so 2 visits should have been included. Took a few minutes, but finally got the charge removed. So just wanting to caution people to check their bills carefully. The computer system obviously hasn't caught up with the new business rules.

We are on the Grand Princess and the new coffee is onboard here. Definitely better than the old syrup system.

We are on a B2B now on the Grand Princess and start the 2nd part tomorrow in Whittier. We received printed instructions on what to do 2 nights before the end of the cruise (the In Transit cards were also included). Also had a small get together this evening to go over the process and go over the new package changes that are effective Aug. 19 on the Grand. They will make your existing Medallion able to open your new cabin door on morning of turnover. As others have mentioned, a steward or supervisor will come by to move you that morning. Leave clothes on hangers and pack loose items from drawers and toiletries.

As mentioned by another poster, we try to select the cruise where the Hawaiian Ambassaors on board are Leialoha and Tiki Dave (Elua). They are very entertaining throughout the cruise. Elua posts their schedule online. You should be able to find it here on CC or with a Google search.

Take a look at this article on Cruise Critic describing the International Cafe and the ships it is currently on. Afraid you are correct, it is not on the Diamond. https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/international-cafe-on-princess-cruises-a-simple-yet-satisfying-cruise-cafe-concept

Post restart, it has been hit or miss getting Moscato. Some ships have had it, but others have not.

Thanks for the correction. The casual dining venues are "Vines, Salty Dog Pub, O’Malleys, Ocean Terrace, Planks, Steamers, Alfredo’s, and GiGi’s".

Alfredos, which used to be free, is now becoming a pay venue like the Crab Shack. With Plus, you get to dine at these locations twice during the cruise off of the 3 course (appetizer, pizza, dessert) menu. You can also dine there ala carte if you want to. Some couples say they plan to split an order at Alfredos, so they will eat there 4 times during the cruise. If you liked the Crab Shack, you will now get to eat there twice for no extra cost.

Here is a link to various beverage prices available thru the Ocean Now app, including some of the wines. Will be more selections available to order at Vines and varioys dining rooms. https://profcruise.com/princess-oceannow-beverage-menu/

Agree. How you order an item determines if you get charged or not. Guest Services will have plenty of Irate passengers. Have not seen anything about getting wine glasses, but since those come thru Room Service I guess we will order plenty of them for a single $5 RS charge. We are booked on the Grand sailing Aug 12 for a 14 night cruise. Appears the changes go into effect on Aug 19, halfway thru the cruise. Curious to see how they handle that, since other posts indicate services/fees are good for length of cruise. Since we sail with free Alfredos on Aug. 12, I wonder if they will keep it free on the 2nd week for passengers with Standard fare?