commodoredave

Frequent cruises can get attached to special people like their sales reps and favourite crew members that they have come to know very well. When those people leave, it’s sometimes a good time to try another cruise line even if just for comparison purposes. That’s especially true if the special person goes to another cruise line. I have selected a few cruises over the years just to reunite with a favourite crew member.

These types of port changes happen too often, but not just with NCL. While some things are genuinely beyond the operational control of the cruise line, other changes might not be. Better communication would go a long way.

That’s disgraceful. I am sincerely sorry for all the bad experiences many people had on this cruise. It is simply not normal for so many people to voice such disappointment about a cruise.

Some people loved being on the Titanic, too!😄😉 Humour aside, I do think your comment about baggage handlers is a good one.

Will I get paid for helping the crew learn how to deal with obnoxious passengers (very few of which I have ever met), or will I get a future cruise credit?

Yes. The crew I know are smart enough to figure it out. But just to be sure, have a mandatory muster drill once a month.

I have no objection to the drill taking place on a voluntary basis. All the people who want to go can give the crew some live bodies.

If the work cannot be done by crew, there may be an issue with bringing outside workers on to the ship that will be disembarking in the US. I guess we will know soon.

The live muster drill is simply a repetition of the information on the video. You may benefit from that duplication, but others may not. And I have rarely if ever learned anything new at the live drill except that they make people stand for too long. All the cruise lines need to do is have a short online test at the end of the video so that those who have absorbed and understand the information can prove it and skip the live drill.

I’ve been sailing boats for more than 40 years and know more about safety and rescue at sea than 95% of the crew. So while I have no need of the nanny state at sea, I do realize that others including you may do so. I’m not interested in talking away your enjoyment of the muster drill- simply stating that there are people like me who don’t need it.

Easy solution. After completing the muster drill video, pax must go to a bar of their choice at a predetermined time so that crew can search cabins. Those found in their cabins must then pay the price of cocktails consumed by those at the bars and lounges, This will eliminate the nanny state at sea mentality by incentivizing the right behaviour. And no, I am not available to become the leader of your favourite political party! 😀

May I ask if anyone on the current Barcelona to Soton cruise were informed in advance of the construction noise that would take place on your cruise? I ask because Princess told my TA that they have not been informed of any plans for construction on the next leg. However, this could just be their way of hedging their bets.

Well, think of it as “Spielberg” and it may be more appealing!

Maybe there should be a quiz after the online video which pax have to complete with a 95% score, or they have to attend the muster drill! 😀

There should be a choice where passengers can choose between a live drill or remote. Those of us who cruise 3 or more times per year are likely just fine to opt of the live drill. After 86 cruises, I sometimes feel like I could run the muster drill!!

Sounds like Seabourn just gave you a free back to back cruise from Manaus to Antartica!🤣🤣

One poster said they were told that plans were to have it completed by the time the ship reaches FLL. My TA said Princess advised her that the worst would be over by September 23. But who knows for sure.

Any idea how many will be on for the next cruise?

Just be grateful you are not on the current Sun Princess cruise from Barcelona to Southampton. Guests have been treated to the sounds of jack hammers and grinding saws as Park 19 is dismantled.

It’s not near a beach, but if you like a newer hotel that is on the river next to lots of shops, bars and restaurants, then you will not be disappointed.

Let’s touch base on the ship. I will send you our suite number this weekend. - Dave

Heard back from my TA. Here is the gist of what Princess told her: - the information about cancelling the cruise because of Park 19 is incorrect and there is no option to cancel our booking with a full refund. - there will be no noise issues or construction during our cruise departing September 23. - Customer Support has advised that they have noted our concerns. So, it may be that the unfortunate folks on the current leg are bearing the brunt of the construction noise in Park 19. If so, you have my sympathy and thanks.😊

Thanks. I have copied and sent to my TA. - David

I agree. The only reason I raised it with my TA is that other posters have said that Princess has been offering full refunds for pax affected by the removal of Park 19. This is apparently referenced in the Princess FB page, which I do not subscribe to. So, if true or false, I have nothing to lose by investigating and asking for a refund.

Thank you for this great description and analysis. Like you, it doesn’t bother me that some have more or less on the ship, anymore than it does on an airplane. One funny story about resentment: when we boarded our Silversea cruise in Manhattan in June, we were whisked to our ship while the people in the line next to us waiting to board Carnival were in a line that stretched to NJ. We got very resentful looks from them!