4x4bob

On 4/19/2024 at 7:06 AM, skynight said:

Basically 90 minutes before sailing. Most U.S. port sailings now sail at 3pm, so plan on 1:30 at the latest if sailing from a U.S. port.

To add to what Skynight provided.  The ship must file a report with home land security before it departs reporting on the passengers and crew.

Just because the ship is still at dock does not mean a late arrival could board.

Bob

Another post mentioned high winds.  Here is my wind story for Mykonos.  Our ship was at dock with the wind pushing hard enough to put a slight tilt on the ship.  On the side of the ship was a tug pushing against the ship to keep it up against the dock.

While standing on the balcony I saw another large ship lose control and start running in a circle.  I thought that is going to hurt when that ship hits something.  However, it was down wind from our ship so no danger to us.

After 3 complete circles the crew finally got it under control. 

Bob

Since this topic has shifted, let me provide some information for your consideration.

As you know, Princess Cruises is very keen on re-cycling and protecting the environment.

So, a few years ago the Bean Counters at Princess Hq got wind of a new start up company in California.  So, they sent a team down to the new plant to evaluate their product and the potential application fleet wide.  The team also did a cost analysis on the new product versus existing similar products.  Then they place a order to cover the entire Princess Fleet.

That company's product was taking used sandpaper and turning it into rolls of toilet paper.

If you have any doubt, when in your cabin and you have a spare moment, go into the bathroom and take a sheet of the paper off the roll and rub it between you finger and thumb. 😇

Bob 

A few years ago while  on a cruise to Alaska we were in line to depart the ship.  There were two lines moving ahead.

In the left line was a young Woman who must have had the word Entitled embossed in gold letters on her tail assembly.

And, She was eating one the large muffins as she was walking off the ship.

A crew member stopped her and told her she would have to step out of line to finish the muffin or toss it into the waste basket.

In a loud voice to draw attention of those around her, she boldly stated NO I will stand right here until I finish eating this.

About 2 seconds later a female security officer grabbed her by the arm and frog marched her over next to the bulkhead.  At that time a Male Officer had his head down close to her talking and was pointing down to the dock.  I don't think he was giving her directions on how to depart the ship by walking down the gangplank. 

Moral of this story is, pay attention to port rules.

Bob

Yes, its  a slow day, so here is my input on this serius (typo on purpose) topic.

I always notice the 3 small dishes on a 10 top table with 3 pieces each of something yellow waiting to be spread on the dinner rolls. 

The 9 count does not affect me because years and years ago my Favorite Uncle exposed me to Fine Dinning in a facility we all called a "Mess Hall". 

At which we were served bread made with Rice Flour, Powdered Milk, and Dehydrated Eggs.  Since then  I have not been able to force myself to partake bread during a dinner meal.

This makes my wife happy, because she always wants me too grab one of the small dinner rolls that she loves and then slip it over to her when her roll has been eaten. 😇

Bob

19 hours ago, SCX22 said:

I'm tempted to buy a few gross of said ducks and having a release party in one of the ship's pools.  It'll be a field day for the deck attendants.

Before releasing all those ducks into a pool, be sure to pack your bags.  That will make it easier for you when you depart the ship at the next port.  And, be sure to look back to see all of the deck attendants standing at the rail waving good by to you.  😁

With Princess making changes every time I put my left foot down, My question is:  Can we still have the Cabin Steward make exchanges with the bottles provided for the Mini Bar?

Example:  I don't like gin so would like to exchange it for Brandy. And, the wife would like to exchange the other soft drinks just for Coke.

Thanks

Bob

Ug.  No door decorations.  That means at 10:00 or 11:00 PM I will have to stand out in the hallway to help the Wife find our cabin as she comes back from the Casino. 😁

Bob

On our last Trans Atlantic we received a note in the cabin that due large number of Elites on the ship our laundry service was going to take longer then normal.

On last week of cruise we did not send any out to play it safe.

Bob

2 hours ago, PMGS247 said:

 

When I did it I'd read mixed reviews on the topic.  As usual the experience is not always consistent, even on the same ship at different times.  For science I just ordered two scoops of Gelato and waited to see if I was charged for it despite my plus package.  If I was, I was prepared to roll my eyes over the few dollars it cost me but then just as quickly move on with life.  Was never charged.  Twice in a sailing.  Discovery about this time last year. 

 

As usual YMMV.  From everything I've read your best bet isn't likely to be to ask about it...seems like they'll play it safe and tell you "no" since they can be wrong about that and not have it blow up in their face, unlike the alternative, but in my and plenty of other's cases, the crew actually scooping the gelato isn't guaranteed to charge you for it.  I'm sailing on Enchanted in a month and intend to do the same thing.  I'm just going to order what I want and see what happens.  If they insist on charging me for getting a couple scoops of gelato instead of the premium monstrosity, I'll survive but be less likely to indulge going forward.

This sounds like a plan that I will also follow.  Try it once, if it works OK.  If not, will absorb the cost and move on. 

Bob

10 minutes ago, Mangrove Snapper said:

When we were on the Emerald this past October you could also use this benefit for the specialty cake slices at the International Cafe. 

Thanks for idea to try for cake instead.

Bob

11 minutes ago, PMGS247 said:

You get them at the Gelato place in the main piazza on Deck 5 I think it is.

 

There is a menu where you can choose from a few options.  You can also just get Gelato scoops rather than the full premium dessert choices.  The Premium desserts are a little intimidating lol

 

The fact that they offer 2 per day is kind of laughable.  Hats off to anyone who consumes 2 of these per day.....and I worry for the health of someone who pays out of pocket for a 3rd...

 

Thanks for responding.

Bob

We will soon  be setting sail on the Discovery Princess.  And, we purchased the Plus Package which provides two Specialty Deserts each day.

My question is, just where on the ship will I find these Deserts or do I have to flag down a waiter and have him/her bring it to me?

And, is there any choice or do we just have to accept what is delivered? 

Thanks

Bob

14 minutes ago, trbarton said:

Where do you get your ducks from?

 

Tom😁

To avoid any problems, let me suggest that big box store in the sky..

Since more people are showing an interest in Hiding Cruising Ducks let me review the Rules.

Ducks can be hid any place on the Ship EXCEPT: No place that will interfere with the crew, with the operation of the ship, on the top deck, in the shops and differently not in any Pool. 

Good Hunting

Bob

2 hours ago, Goldenrosebags said:

I was told the crew has a contest on some ships for who can find the most ducks. I think that's awesome. They work long and hard let them have a little fun. Right? I've found several ducks on my cruises this will be my first time at hiding them. I don't really care about registering them. Do I really need to register them?

No need to register your ducks that you want to hide.  The passports that most people attach around the Ducks Neck with a rubber band just gives the first name and home location of the person who hid the duck.  Plus a statement: "Conquakulations, you have found a Cruising Duck, yours to keep or hide again"..  Those who hide them a second time normally add their name to the passport.

I always take a photo of the location when I find one  for my trip photo album.  Then take the Duck home as a souvenir.

Good Hunting

Bob. 

18 hours ago, charliedalrymple said:

I've never actively looked for ducks on board but always hoped that I might randomly spot one. Never did.  Just how "hidden" are they?

I also am a Duck Hunter and also hide them.  Some have been in plan sight with people walking right past them with out noticing them.  Also, some did take a little looking to find them. Think hidden in behind a plant or something.

Happy Hunting on your next cruise.

Bob. 

A few years ago the Wife and I plus her sister and husband signed up for a 33 day cruise departing Southhampton.  The sister and her husband signed up on a different day then us.

We both chose cabins that we wanted and were happy.

Fast forward a few months close to departure  I sat down at the Puter to check on our account.

Much to my surprise the cabin number had changed. So, being a ex Boy Scout with map reading skills, I quickly brought up the ship deck plans.

Almost choked on my coffee when I saw that we had been moved--are you ready for this?  Exactly two cabins down the same hall. Called Wife's sister and told her.  She called back later to report her cabin number.

Guess what?  Nope not even close.

They were now next door to us.

So, I guess the Upgrade Fairy must stop by the bar for a few stiff drinks before starting to play on her computer to move folks around. 😁

Bob

Yes, happened to us today.  We booked without the plus package we wanted.  Then talked to our Princess Rep later and she got it added on.  

Not mentioned as of yet, I have been on tenders that departed the ship with the ocean as smooth as a bathtub.  When we returned, the tender was going up and down like a yo-yo and we had to jump to the platform and landing will be on you.  Yes, there is crew to help catch you on landing to help steady you when you land.

Bob

Skynight

Thanks

Bob

Just going back for first time since Covid.  Our Princess Plus package offers under Premium Desserts, New 2 casual dinning meals, New ocean Now Delivery, and New Room service Delivery.

Can someone explain what this means?

Thanks

Bob

34 minutes ago, LHARTWICK said:

Will the app notify me that our medallions have shipped or will I receive an e-mail?  This is our first PCL cruise since the restart and the first on a medallion cruise.  So far, NOT impressed with the app - so NOT user friendly.  I managed to get the Green Lane status, so I feel like I accomplished something.  

Yes and No on notification.  My Wife received notification by E-Mail.  No E-Mail for me.  In fact in case you did not read my post.  My App still shows not shipped even after I received the Medallion.

So good luck on your notification.

Bob

Ah the experience of technology and Princess.

Last December I up dated the Princess AP on the Cell phone for the 29 Jan 2023 cruise and ordered my Medallion.  Sounds simple right?

Then the Wife ordered her Medallion 1st of Jan 2023.

The Wife received notification that her Medallion has shipped and she would receive it 18 Jan.

So, I check the order status on the AP for my Medallion.  It reported not shipped.

So I do the reasonable thing and Call the Medallion phone number.

Representative started out with canned speech about how Medallions ship 20 to 10 days before cruise.

I pointed out that I am within the 20 day mark and my Medallion has not shipped. Rep comes back with no problem, Medallion will ship.

Next problem.  When I go back to check order status the AP states sign in.  So attempted to do that.

Message comes up attempt not valid try again.  So do so.  Same failure

The AP was dropping the M on .com so program would not recognize my user ID.

Try the alternate method and get in and check order status.  My Medallion still showed as not shipped.

Then on the 17th two packages arrive in mail box.  Both Medallions.  So, just for fun I check the AP order status one more time.  Still shows that my Medallion has not shipped.

With this kind of luck, I sure hope while on ship my on board charges will not be logged into my account. 😁

Bob

Hay Ma look what I found.  Bimmer09 has taken quill in hand and posted another outstanding trip report.

Norris

Just recently I was sitting at my key board and between glasses of wine was thinking,  it works best that way for me.. I realized I had not seen a Bimmer 09 post for some time.

I was nervous that you had set sail for that great dry dock in the sky. 

As always read above with great enjoyment for two reasons.  Outstanding content and.   drum roll... we will be setting sail on the Diamond on the 29th of Jan for the Sea of Cortez in a aft Mini Suite our selves

And thanks to Carol for taking notes to keep you on the straight and narrow with your narrative.

Thanks

Bob