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Posts posted by tothemall&beyond
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2 hours ago, JimmyVWine said:
All the more reason to ensure that they get every crumb they can, no?
Nope. Actually, what means the most to them are the post-cruise surveys. They get bonuses, promotions and time off for good comments. Have confirmed this with many crew members!
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On 3/5/2024 at 9:05 AM, Flatsman said:
We were in 8101 on the Ascent this January. Forward facing and had no noise. We also booked 8101 on the Apex for our 2025 TA. We like the ability to look forward and watch where we are headed. Extra room is nice. The only noise and vibration was from the thrusters when maneuvering. No banging or popping noises and the curtain shuts out the night lights.
We are booked in 8103 on the Apex this coming December for a 7 night Caribbean cruise. We have been on 50 cruises over the past 30 years, and never had a forward-facing cabin. I don't always do well with motion, but we know from experience that the Caribbean is usually (although not always) pretty calm in December, and we were really intrigued by the size and layout of the cabin -- especially since it offers the same space as the stupid Infinite Verandas in which you have to keep the window closed anyway if you don't want the cabin's A/C to shut off. If motion is an issue, I'll be out of cabin for most of the daytime and meclizine will take care of it. Motion when sleeping is not a problem for me.
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On 3/4/2024 at 3:28 PM, Arizona Wildcat said:
You need to go to Share Perks. App only. Could use a friend's phone or use a computer at your local library. Lots of helpful people in almost every town could assist.
If app only, you would need a phone - not a PC at the library. Clearly the OP has a computer, but not a smartphone.
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1 hour ago, Incredimom said:
Well shoot, I just discovered my problem and I guess it was me that made it that way. I didn't realize that by choosing seats, that would make the "early ticketing" happen and then make it so I couldn't change without penalty!
I guess Live and Learn. So if any of you purchase flights from Princess EZAir - make sure you don't choose your seats or you won't be able to change/cancel your flight without penalty. 😞
Picking seats does not result in early ticketing! We have flown EZ Air for more than a decade and never had a problem picking seats and still being able to re-fare or cancel up to 45 days prior -- unless we specifically opted to early ticket ourselves (on the website) which we have done several times, including for our cruise next month.
As Steelers36 and others have stated, don't ever call Princess reservations for anything related to EZ Air. You will most likely get wrong info from those overseas agents. Best practice is to do it yourself on the website, or ask to be put through specifically to EZ Air Dept.
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On 2/20/2024 at 1:49 AM, Thrak said:
A minor note: If one is Elite and in a suite there will be two mini-bar setups. One for being Elite and one for being booked in a Suite.
(I won't have this issue...)
Correct. I did say only one Elite minibar setup per cabin.
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6 hours ago, Musky Ike said:
If you are in a suite it will be stocked with included beverages, if not then it will be empty, regardless of your package purchase. Once you fall in love with princess and sail enough to be elite status you also get one minibar.
It will also be stocked with the same complimentary set-up as for suites (10 alcoholic beverages and 10 non alcoholic beverages) if you are Elite loyalty level. But note you'd only get one Elite mini-bar set-up per cabin, even if both people are Elite.
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It was last dry docked and refurbed in 2018.
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On 12/11/2023 at 10:42 AM, emmak8 said:
Try hello@stockperks.com
I emailed copy of ccl info from broker statement plus dates and ship booking number personal acct number redacted.
Received acknowledgment and OBC credit in 6 daysBased on your post, I tried doing the very same thing. But I got a response from stockperks that I had to use their app. They would not do it based on the info in my email and attachments thereto. Uploaded copy of proof of brokerage/stock ownership and I am waiting for acceptance so that I can go on to next step to submit the booking/sailing info.
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1 hour ago, PescadoAmarillo said:
Thank you for this report. I just booked a first class, refundable flight to Fairbanks and a refundable hotel around the Spring solstice for the sole purpose of seeing the lights. I thought I could look at weather and NL reports in the days ahead of time, to see if sightings looked possible, and go ahead or cancel as a result.
I have been weighing this against a Hurtigruten cruise for several months. Based on your experience, would you go the Hurtigruten route again? Given that it was polar night, what else did you do/see during your month on board? Hurtigruten used to guarantee you’d see the NL or you’d get another cruise at no charge (obviously requiring many out of pocket exoenses, such as transportation) but I’m not sure if they still do that.
My husband and I agree that we would definitely do another Hurtigruten cruise again -- especially in winter when the ships are not full.
We had a tiny (and I mean, tiny) inside cabin and yet we were still happy as clams. The cabin was well-designed with more than ample storage for all we had with us for our month-long trip through wintry Scandinavia. The heated bathroom floor was a very nice plus - especially for drying our snowy gloves, scarves, hats, wool socks. So was the reasonably priced self-service laundry.
The food was plentiful and excellent, even if sometimes a bit unusual. But isn't that part of what travel is about - experiencing new and different things?
The Coastal Experience Team (excursions, port lectures, etc.) was comprised of 3 young men who were very knowledgable, multi-lingual, friendly, entertaining. The dining room staff (who also clean the cabins in slower winter season) was amazing -- all of them. The crew is well paid and well treated (they work 22 days on/22 days off with commutation transportation paid by Hurtigruten) -- and it shows in how they interact with each other and with passengers.
FYI -- Hurtigruten gave us FREE unlimited wifi for one device pp, FREE unlimited brewed coffee/tea (and even happily put a tea kettle in our cabin upon our request). The steward even provided us with coffee/tea/hot cocoa/sugar and mugs. And there are NO automatic gratuities added nor even expected; nor are there any port charges/taxes. All is included. And, yes, they still have the NL Promise:
Northern Lights Promise on Select Norwegian Coastal Voyages
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Sail the Norwegian coast with us during the auroral season between October 1 and March 31 on a voyage of 11 days or more.
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If the Northern Lights do not occur within sight of your ship during your voyage, we will give you a 6-day southbound or 7-day northbound Original Coastal Express Classic Voyage FREE OF CHARGE*.
As to what we did... We tried to take in the local atmosphere of every place we went and walked around every city/town/village (through deep snow in most) that had a stop of at least an hour). A few of the specific things we did: in Bergen pre-cruise (with a rare big snow) we went to the Xmas Market two nights in a row, walked the alleyways of Byrggen and enjoyed afternoon fika chatting with locals in coffee houses. Post cruise in Bergen, we took the Floibanen funicular to the top of Mt. Floyen and even spent part of Boxing Day in a Red Cross Center whose volunteer invited us to come in for coffee and lunch. In Trondheim, I delighted at all the wonderful thrift and antique stores we found just by deviating one block from the "normal" tourist walking route. In Tromso, we enjoyed the spirit of the holiday with locals out and about shopping for gifts and children skating in the small outdoor ice rink that was installed. The two crossings of the Arctic Circle were incredible and very special -- passing the globe (lit up in the darkness) that marks the location. Our northbound crossing took place during a veritable blizzard with hail pelting our faces. Still wouldn't change anything about it. Kirkenes (where the ships turn around from north to south, and vice-versa) was a delightful surprise. Picturesque little town, friendly people, beautiful shops. We did not go to the Ice Hotel nor dog sled, but many people did. We were happy walking just through the streets knee-deep in snow, taking in the holiday lights, sounds and aromas of the homes and shops.
We took one Hurtigruten excursion to Nordkapp (North Cape) and it was truly fabulous. We had enough light both on the drive there and upon arrival to see all the breathtaking scenery and then drove back in a snowstorm. An unforgettable experience.
I hope that answers your question. LOL.
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We spent ALL of December 2022 in Scandinavia, with more than a third of our trip way up in northern Norway, far above the Arctic Circle (much, much farther than Princess goes), on a small (500 pax) Hurtigruten ship. It was during Polar Night, and we saw the Northern Lights several times. BUT, as others have commented, what you need to know is that they rarely appear to the naked eye as amazing as they appear through the lens of a camera. Even looking through my cell phone, I could see more color and movement than I could without viewing through some sort of lens. And, of course, whether or not you get to see them (or how dramatic they are) depends on many factors solely in the control of "Mother Nature".
We are glad we did it on a small ship that didn't have to go out to sea between ports, keeping us closer to land and amazing sights. Our sailing spanned Christmas, and yet, we never had more than 200 passengers on board. It was awesome! Also, in stark contrast to Princess's hot or miss method for announcing NL, Hurtigruten has an in-cabin PA system on cabin telephones for announcing the NL - which passengers could choose to leave on or turn off. Often, indeed most of the time, the NL appeared very late at night, but judging from the number of people who quickly scrambled up on deck with each announcement, I don't think anyone turned it off in their cabins.
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On 11/24/2023 at 5:23 PM, Steelers36 said:
What did you change? You didn't add the Sun ED for example.
I didn't "add" anything. I deleted Kristoffer Greyling from Majestic - as he is on vacation right now, having just finished a contract (on his birthday).
Updates to the list aren't just for additions...
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Ship
Captain
Cruise
Director
Entertainment
Director
Director
Restaurant Ops
Caribbean
Vincenzo Lubrano (Oct ? - Jan ?)
Ozren Marelic (on leave)
Luke Bonney
Oscar Perego
Coral
Gavin Pears
Joshua Thomas
Marissa Wurms
Herminio Marques
Crown
Vincenzo Lembo (9/15 - 12/15)
Christopher Lye (12/15 - 3/15)
Gary Golding
Kylie Chappell (11/18 - ?)
Callie Smit (on leave 11/18 - ?)
Mariusz Czemarmazowicz
Diamond
Stefano Ravera
Esther Shelton &
Mikiko Ikemoto
Tim Donovan Fahey Jean Paul Musiu
Discovery
Alessandro Genzo (11/25 - 1/27?)
Tony Ruggero (1/27 - 4/27)
DuVaul Gamble
Cole Bockman (Nov ??/23)
Neil Rose {~Nov 6/8 - ?)
Caroline Desbuquois (Frenchie) - on leave since ~11/6
Catalin Ionel
Emerald
Fabrizio Maresca (dates unknown)
Giuseppe Castellano (on leave - dates ?)
Jason Allen
Fernando Duran (on leave?)
Geof O'Rourke
Rui Perreira
Carlos Marques (on leave)
Enchanted
Mario Ciruzzi (Nov ?/23 - ?)
Nick Nash (on leave - dates?)
Jason Douglass
Olivia Guthrie (on leave)
Madison Adams
Nicola Furlan (Oct 8 - mid Jan) & (Apr 1 - ?)
<????> (mid-Jan - Apr 1)
Grand
Michele Bartolomei
Karen Rogers
Sara Romera
Giuseppe Franchina
Island
Paul Slight
Andi Sanders (to 11/23)
Jaclyn Frielander (11/23 - ?)
Sue Rawlings
Daniele Rosafio
Majestic
John Foster (to Jan/24?)
Nikki Jayne
Ron Goodman (Nov ?)
Kevin Tugwell (on leave)
Carlos Marques
Douw Steyl (on leave)
Regal
Aldo Traverso (Oct ? - Jan ?/24)
Tim Stringer (on leave since ~10/1)
Allie Ambriano
Martyn Moss
Francesco Patricio
Royal
Andrea Spinardi
Lloyd Flay
Kelvin Joy
Paul Ciobanu
Ruby
Mario Tani
Steven Lewis (on leave)
Jessica Caballero
Michael Kujawski
George Drugan
Sapphire
Todd McBain
Paolo Ravera (on leave)
Armando Merin
Tobias Stewart
Mario Propato
Sky
Marco Fortezze
Aaron Hawkins (11/25)
Matt Thompson (11/? - ?)
Matt Barnard (on leave since 11/?)
Ciprian Hoidreag
Sun
Craig Street (Primary)
Paolo Arrigo (Relief)
Corinne Steel & Dan France (2 CD's)
TBA
TBA
<Copy to this line so there is space to type "change notes" after this line>
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1 hour ago, grak said:
Can OBC be cashed out…..How? Where? I can’t find enough things I want to spend it on.
Not one of the things to be discussed on a forum monitored by Princess.
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1 hour ago, Rick&Jeannie said:
@grak Transfer it to your casino account...play a few slots and then cash out at the casino cage.
Best to keep your counsel on this (ie. BE QUIET) and not broadcast it! It's one of the few things that has not been taken away from us --- yet. Would like to keep it that way!
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On 10/13/2023 at 5:07 PM, sherbear850 said:
Thanks everyone for your input. After testing twice my wife and I decided it was not worth risking the health of those around us to not be truthful when answering the health questionnaire. Truthfully, I was in no position to travel as I was quite sick. So here is our situation as it stands now ….. we have now returned home, called Celebrity, and we were asked to provide documentation of our Covid tests, which we have done. And after discussion with one Agent, we were told a fFCC could be issued. The second individual we spoke to indicated that that request would have to be approved by an Executive, and it may not be for the full amount.
At this point we are at peace with our decision and only hope things work out for us.
You did the right thing -- for yourselves and for everyone else. Thank you!
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22 minutes ago, tothemall&beyond said:
In 2013 and 2014, Princess was running many 3, 4 and 5 day Caribbean cruises on the Ruby (F/W 2013-2014) and on the Caribbean (F/W 2014-2015). They revived 4 and 5 day sailings on the Regal in F/W 2021-2022.
They also had 4 and 5 days cruises in late fall 2015 on the Emerald.
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20 hours ago, ldtr said:
The only ones I recall is when they first moved a ship to LA. In order to introduce the line on the west coast they did several 3 and 4 day trips. If you booked one you got your fare back as an fcc for a future cruise. It worked.
In 2013 and 2014, Princess was running many 3, 4 and 5 day Caribbean cruises on the Ruby (F/W 2013-2014) and on the Caribbean (F/W 2014-2015). They revived 4 and 5 day sailings on the Regal in F/W 2021-2022.
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8 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:
We just boarded a few days ago … so easy and quick! No lines whether you had your medallion or had to pick it up on the port. Lines for both were less than 2 minutes!
Good to hear. Thanks.
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1 minute ago, memoak said:
Where can I get my 8-12 cocktails a day ?
I hope you are being funny because that's the point... Princess is forcing people who don't want all those cocktails to take very expensive packages into which they're loading "perks" that used to be free for everyone or at least for Elite pax.
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17 minutes ago, ldtr said:
Maybe your mistake was only sailing on one line. If you sailed on more you see what the entire industry is doing.
I didn't say I have only sailed on one line. I have actually sailed on 5 lines other than Princess - just not so much in the past 23 years. In my first post, I said only two times on other lines in those 23 years, but I realize now I was in error as it was actually 4 times.
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7 minutes ago, ldtr said:
Embarkation certainly did speed up after they went to the medallion system. To us the most valuable feature is being able to locate other members of our travel party on board.
Not any longer - unless you give them money to ship it to you ahead of time. Something that was advertised as free and touted as a huge benefit. Now you have to wait to get the medallion just like we had to do back in days of cruise cards.
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1 minute ago, Cruise Raider said:
The combination of the two is what I was I was was referring to. If that’s a direct quote, ,y apologies for not making it more clear.
The only ones that seem to be complaining about this recent change are the standard fare passengers.And don't standard fare pax have a right to be upset?
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1 minute ago, SCX22 said:
All of the major mass market cruise lines have done/are doing the same thing. Unless you're going to a niche up market cruise line, which costs more, you'll be met with the same charges. Each to their own.
Not necessarily true. We sailed for 11 nights this past December through Norway on a small Hurtigruten passenger ship, paying far less per night than Princess's current fares, and we received complimentary unlimited fast wifi, complimentary 24/7 brewed coffee and tea, generous amounts in OBC, even gifts at the end of the cruise, and did not have to pay any port fees, taxes or gratuities (and the service was superb).
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8 hours ago, rosevew said:
What a total bunch of c**p Princess is shoveling. Do they really take us for such fools and patsies? The corporate response is actually insulting. Princess is not the only game in town for people who want to travel and explore the world. We've been very loyal to Princess for the past 23 years, only cruising on other lines twice in that entire span of time, but they clearly no longer value nor deserve that loyalty.
Crew Appreciation
in Princess Cruises
Posted
You obviously haven't heard what most people are actually complaining about. On the 32 night cruise we just finished, lines were long because people had issues ranging from not being able to get into any of the 5 dining rooms until after 8pm, to mold and mildew in cabins, to floods from broken pipes, to balcony doors that literally fell off. Those are major issues although admittedly not related to service! But many people also had valid complaints about staffing with insufficient numbers of crew members, which did negatively affect service