chisoxfan

We had received vaccination exemption but ultimately found the rules restrictive...ie PCR test three days before, plus test at embarkation, then additional testing onboard (was different info than when we requested exemption and and were told there would be no special testing requirements) . It appeared testing on board was every four days. So hardly a 'free pass'.

Although we have private car for other travel London to Southampton was We will try the bus also. Under 20 GBP for 2 with reserved seats. Private car was 200 GBP and the train first class was not that cheap and apparently you have to manage your own luggage according to reviews I read. We are leaving the day before- maybe same day I would have been more tempted to use private car.

Let's be honest here. For years the cruiselines have surveyed cruisers on embarkation asking if they had any symptoms prior to boarding, ie, have you had fever, sore throat, etc. I am surmising that some of the more fervent Covid testing advocates have at one time or another not acknowledged a 'symptom' so their cruise was not impacted. We are excited about the return to more common sense restrictions but realistically do not think many will bother to test without symptoms and no need for test verification. JMHO

In defense of Ms. Midge...... it was my understanding that she did not demand a four top but simply refused a jammed in two top. The host should not have rolled their eyes but tried to accommodate. We prefer a more private table and will make this request but also try to be pleasant and understanding. If there is a short wait for example we can understand that. I agree with her that seating arrangements and the host 'management' aren't always logical. After decades of cruising I was always amazed the many times on formal nights the host would often seat 'black tie' diners in cramped tables and seat a couple who arrives dressed sloppily at a prime table. JMHO

I agree with your comments.... the only caveat/concern is that it must seem rude to people who are at the adjacent table when you wave off the host - as if they were the reason you did not want to sit there. Perhaps best to state your preference immediately. We try to have some patience and understand that it is not practical to expect to have an isolated table in a prime location every night. My wife probably did the best job (which we still joke about) when I requested a table for two and she added with authority 'ALONE'.

Just to throw in. I would agree that YC on MSC is an extraordinary experience highly recommended. Word of this has apparently spread as prices subjectively have increased and availability decreased. Ironically it was disappointment with Princess that caused us to cancel a cruise with them and try YC. That said I would be nervous to try the MSC 'steerage'- while the ships were amazing we were not blown away with the rest of the ship (dining, drinks, entertainment). Because YC was so great we only spent a few evening hours in the 'back of the ship'. I had their highest tier (Black now Diamond I believe) through a match and outside of some discount opportunities it did not offer much so I wouldn't be too concerned. It was funny at the time that seasoned 'elite' MSC Cruisers were so upset that MSC was offering free status matches (can't say I blame them) but again not a big deal as most elite status programs do not offer much.

Just to chime in.... we mailed our request in three weeks ago without response and followed up earlier this week with e-mail stating SECOND REQUEST. The credit was applied a few days later. Reading the posts it seems letting them know this is not the first request is helpful?

Ultra safe that you will get dollars back...not sure what their future purchasing power will be. Even so if purchases weren't limited to 10k a year there would be a run on these. Have to agree with posters that the cruise industry is facing incredible headwinds and it seems as if their pricing power is already strained.

If the app appears to be working and you want a table for two and receive an error message or no availability try booking a group table which should confirm. Then you can edit the time and change to table for two.... at least that was my workaround after fooling with this app for several days. Good luck.

Yes, I agree. Bought and sold within an hour and gained a few (12 )dollars. Only messed with this since our cruise was longer and 250 OBC offered. Probably would not do this for the shorter cruise credit (100).

Have to disagree with you.... Paul Pelosi and Jerome Powell have been very astute with their stock picks 🙃 Maybe I am missing something but there appears to be no requirement regarding the time period to hold CCL to qualify for OBC. So while buying and holding CCL just for a credit is likely fraught with uncertainty one could easily and cheaply buy and sell to prove holding and apply for credit. I know this is not what CCL is trying to promote with the shareholder credit but I do not see where this would not work. JMHO

If it helps anyone, perhaps another workaround. It appears if a booking is made for shared table you can make these without issue. It is then possible to edit to different times and private tables. When we tried to book these as posted we always had an error message. We are not fixated on having dining times for every evening (Kind of defeats the anytime dining concept) but are in dread of long waits to have dinner. I think we will book main dining for the cruise and go back and adjust/add specialty dining. Good luck.

We had no issue also making a first night and I thought we were home free but have since fooled around for three days unable to book ....early, late, different days....what a pain. Get the error message always. (both on phone and i-pad). I guess I will call Princess but doubt they will be able to help. Technology strikes again! Any other ideas anyone has would be appreciated.

I have been trying to follow the Medallion App posts but with 130plus pages it tells me something is wrong. We have a Sept. cruise and just made final payment. I was pleasantly surprised to make a dining res. on the first night of the cruise without fanfare (usually a hectic dining night). I told my wife we should sit down and schedule some dinners since apparently this app was functional. No dice. Additional attempts in the following days show an 'error' despite multiple times, dates, and venues. We downloaded the app in an I Pad also without any difference. So now I am concerned as the app seems to 'work' (it made one res and this rese does seem to stay on my record (ie. I went to the same evening and it said we had a res and do we want to cancel). Is one supposed to spend endless time just logging on and seeing what happens? While I would not be happy if it said times were not available at least I would know things were working and I would adjust my schedule accordingly. I cannot believe calling Princess will give me any knowledge or satisfaction as their input in the past on this cruise has been non helpful. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. My cynical side (supported by past Princess experience) will be that we will show up for anytime dining every evening and be told there is a one hour wait and we should have made reservation.

The shareholder credit form is easily found and we mailed ours in yesterday. Hoping for (expecting) a credit (250). That said I cannot believe this policy is still in place.... once upon a time we would buy stock and receive credit (it was never an easy process). In those days there was a cost to buy and sell stock. I made some money maybe holding for 6mos-year and selling when I thought it appropriate. Now with 'free trading' there is nothing preventing one from a quick buy and sell, showing the ownership on a statement. As a sidebar with the strong winds against CCL stock (debt, fuel cost, Covid)I cannot see a viable trade here. There is nothing I can see that refers to requiring ownership at time of cruise, etc. and regardless it would be difficult to support if CCL demanded. I know CCL is trying to promote long term stock ownership but cannot believe many do not take advantage of todays cost and technology to grab a no risk credit? Of course Royal Carib is also in this space. JMHO