dreams_of_travel

2 hours ago, Charlie_and_Tracey said:

Has anyone been able to log into the website that had a previous account with Princess. My Wife and I have 12 cruises total and we are about to embark on 13, but we cannot see any of the data on the website, it constantly says login attempt was unsuccessful.  I've reset the password several times and I have tried contacting the Princess Technical department with no luck.  Anyone else have this issues? Thank you for any help!

 

 

The website can be a bit "extra" at times.  I have had that happen quite a lot.  To solve it, I just keep hitting the log in, with a slight pause between ignoring the notices,  .  Eventually it will log me in.  Hope that works for you.  

On 1/30/2024 at 5:28 PM, CruizerBill said:

How I received my SOBC with minimal personal info release.

• In the Stockperks app, create an account by providing only your Name and Email address. My profile is still at 10% completion, but that is enough information to proceed. 
• For validation without providing brokerage account info, choose the Fidelity or Alinea option. This will allow you to upload a redacted shareholder statement for validation. Do Not select the Plaid option, which prompts for more info than necessary.
• After shareholder validation is completed (within a few days), go back to the app and "Redeem" the perk. OBC was in my account within a couple of days. Note: A recent glitch caused the Redeem button to be greyed out, but Stockperks resolved that issue a few days ago.

Refer to the StockPerks YT video.

Thanks for the detailed info.  Question:  Do you add your booking info in the app when you are able to select "Redeem"?

26 minutes ago, 1Virgo said:

went to submit questions and survey closed. Said open until 15th which normally means until midnight.     

This should surprise no one.  They probably got so many questions, of the type they really don't want to answer, that they closed the submissions early. LOL!    I kind of hope the questions were all about removing gratuities from All Included, footstools, and charging singles more that double. 😈

I do hope for a points opportunity for the submitted questions Webinar.  While I haven't got any Celebrity cruises booked, I have no problem inching my way towards Elite + on the chance Celebrity figures out how to not tick their loyalty members off. 😉

5 hours ago, tashaaa said:

Sorry for so litle info… here a little bit more 🙂

 

We are planning to spend max 3 weeks, beacuse of our jobs, we can’t get so much time off. I think if we have a max of 14 day cruise, maybe 2 days when we arrive in Sydney. 

When I look into cruises, I see that the option from NCL on 21st December 2025, to be a good option, it visits Melbourne, Eden, Tasmania, Milford Sound, and some more ports in New Zealand. 
it doesn’t visit Wellington (ehat do you think about this prot, is it a must see?) and I know it’s high season, with many people, so I’m looking maybe for some other cruise. 
But a lot of them are round trip, which automaticlly means fewer ports to see, more sea days…

I think a must is the Milford Sound and other Sounds, its good to see also Melbourne, if we are there. I guess we won’t have time to visit it after a cruise. 

We are felxible with the time when to visit, just looking into a really interesting cruise. 

 

I have done this type of cruise several times.  One cruise was never able to get past Christchurch (Lyttleton) sailing from Sydney, around the north island headed to Milford Sound.  So keep in mind weather may play a factor on what you get to see. 

Wellington has two (at least for me) attractions that are a big draw:  WETA aka Wellywood, and Te Papa museum.  Both Australia and New Zealand have so much to see/do so you do need to read up on what you want to see/do/accomplish on this trip. (So much to see/do, I think this is similar to the notion that some Europeans may have about coming to the US, and seeing "it all" in three weeks.  It simply cannot be done.  Don't get me started about how some may think they will simply just drive in a few short hours from NYC to LA.  LOL! )  Good luck with your research, and trying to decide which things are the most important to you. 🙂

I once upon a time did a land tour thinking I would never get back to NZ again. Then I did an around NZ from Sydney as a "one more then done" trip.  And since then I have done another around NZ cruise. LOL!  Now, I've got another set of cruises going to both Tasmania, another around NZ, with yet another one that ends up in SYD from southern Asia.  So yeah, so much to see/do, and I still haven't repeated much of anything. YMMV

The whole tipping culture in the US is out of hand.  I hate it, and the business model it was built upon.  I cannot imagine how American tipping would be received in those countries where you don't tip, AND is considered highly offensive to tip.   I find the no tipping culture in the countries I have had the pleasure of visiting over the last two years to be an absolute delight.  I already have two more trips planned for both Australia and NZ for 2024 and 2025.  I very much appreciate the advice, and good info from the Aussies and Kiwis in this thread.  

2 hours ago, DrivesLikeMario said:

With the Princess shore exc. being so expensive, do you think it's better to go with another company for the Great Barrier Reef tour?  Or is this one that is better to go with Princess?

 

If anyone reading this is planning to take the Kuranda Railway, it's suffered a lot of damage due to ex-tropical cyclone Jasper and will be completely closed until late April.  

I took the Green Island "Great Barrier Reef" excursion in Cairns.  It was a relaxing day, but I know it wasn't all the way out to the Great Barrier Reef.  We didn't snorkel b/c it was during the Box jellyfish season, but we did enjoy walking the island, and snoozing on the beach after our glass bottom boat cruise.  Mainly we chose the Princess excursion instead of booking independently b/c of the distance etc.  YMMV

6 hours ago, daydreamer16 said:

Thanks for your reply! Wow, never thought that the laundry would be closed for Noro! We are on for 3 weeks & that laundry will be piling up! LOL

They have to close the laundry as a precaution. Same with serving yourself anywhere on the ship. Def pack some soap powder just in case. 😉 

6 minutes ago, daydreamer16 said:

Thanks for your update, we have an overnight planned at the zoo in March. Also have been to the San Diego Zoo & that's quite a compliment!

On another subject, how did you enjoy the Grand Princess? We will board in April.

Thanks, Denise  

Off topic comment warning: 

I liked the Grand fine.  We had an aft Aloha inside cabin, and loved the access to the aft pool and bar area.  You just head a few cabins down the hallway, and go out the door, up the steps, and you are right outside.  We didn't miss having a balcony (I usually book a balcony) at all.  The food, staff, and ship were fine. We didn't experience any issues aside from the ship having a Norovirus outbreak which caused the self-serve laundry to be closed.  We did sink laundry for days. LOL!  Our favorite routine on the ship was to order breakfast delivered in the morning, watch the bridge-cam during coffee as we prepared for the day, walk out to our "balcony" at the aft pool area, and then hit the International Cafe for more coffee or snacks.  We had set dining every night in Boticelli dining, and had great wait staff.  Loved the Cruise Director, and would make a point to go to the evening shows just to hear her "story" after the entertainment.  I hope you have a great cruise. 😄 

While I didn't really want to pre-pay for my next 5 cruises' wifi, I went ahead and did just that.  I ran the numbers, and will end up saving over $300.   The $5 increase($7.5 to $12.50)  for the Elite pricing going forward adds up for sure.  It would've cost me almost double for the many 14+ day future cruises I have booked. 😳

I do realize that people either want or don't want wifi on a cruise.  I am one of those people whose family needs to be able to contact me no matter where I am.  It is better to save money when/where you can so you can keep cruising/traveling.  YMMV

17 minutes ago, voljeep said:

OBC = "ON BOARD CREDIT" - used for activities, services, etc which are performed "ON BOARD"

 

EXcursions are not "ON BOARD" ... so OBC can be used for those prior to being "ON BOARD"

Thanks for that explanation.  So any specialty dining reservations have to also be paid with a card vs using OBC?  That's quite annoying IMO.  I have credits that are use or lose, and I have to wait until onboard to use them 😛  which of course works in Princess' favor if I wait to book the higher cost wifi onboard. 🙄

Why can't you use your OBC to book the wifi?  Why do I have to charge it to a credit card? 🤦🏻‍♀️

1 hour ago, possum52 said:

Kumara chips are hot, like french fries, only made from kumara (sweet potato).

 

I knew I had that wrong. LOL!  I will definitely look for those next time. They look yummy! 
 

@YukonHusky you may find some info, or some comments about this tour if you post over in the Australia/NZ ports of call forum.  They are a wealth of info over there with many locals giving great information.  Often if there is someone who can at least direct you where to better look for the info you need.

12 hours ago, yarramar said:

Another "must try" thing to eat in NZ is their "Kumara chips". Kumara is a sweet potato but has been cultivated in New Zealand for over 1000 years, so has a unique flavour. When travelling around, we always stop to buy some as a snack. Ice cream is a nono for us these days. 

Also at a cafe ask for a "Latte" it was quite a shock for us the first time that we did (it was served in a large bowl), being used to a milk coffee in a small glass in Melbourne (which you also "must" try).

Ooooh I have not heard of the Kumara chips (aren't these called crisps like in the UK?).  I will seek these out in November.  Same with the milk coffee.  I love having new things to look for, and try. 😄 

4 hours ago, possum52 said:

As yarramar said, possum fur mixed with wool is a typical NZ product - gloves, scarves, jumpers, caps, cardigans, jackets etc are all extremely warm. I have possum and Merino gloves, the best and warmest I have. 

 

 

100% accurate!  When I was in Dunedin last January I bought two triangular short shawl/poncho pullover, and a couple pair of socks, all made from the wool/possum blend.  Best purchases EVER! says the person sitting in their iced covered snowed in house wearing one of the shawl/ponchos.  I can't wait to be back this November to buy ALL. THE. THINGS.  LOL!

@cookiersmom I would suggest some NZ greenstone jewelry with traditional designs.  They are unique and a pretty reminder.  I have yet to get myself some Australian opals, so that is on my list for my trip this year.  And the possum/wool things.

23 hours ago, Over from NZ said:

Oh harden up! Ubers are cheap - particularly when you're coming over with $USD! lol! If you're not going to spend the money on excursions.. why come? 🤣 

 

You can get the free shuttle into Lyttleton and then a short uber over the hill to the Gondola (it's basically right above the port - I've walked from Lyttleton to the top of the Gondola before). 

 

If you want to see the city centre and do the Gondola. Get the cruise ship provided bus to the city centre. Then get a one-way uber to the Gondola - it's cheap. If you're then enjoying your day and wanting to penny-pinch.. walk down from the top of the Gondola into Lyttleton Port and get the free shuttle back to the ship.  

Your post made me laugh.  Thanks for the info about the Gondola and city centre.  I have only done a drive through the city on a recent cruise excursion, so I hope to see a bit more this time around.  

On 1/11/2024 at 5:05 PM, floridababa said:

We were at zoo in November 2023 and we were disappointed with the zoo. Expected more animals. Some areas were closed.

We were going to go to San Diego zoo but picked Taronga zoo because of all comments.

That is the opposite of my experience with the Taronga Zoo on 30th of October.  I wonder what changed between my visit and yours.  We saw all the animals, got a close up experience with the kangaroos, and quokkas in the kid area as well as got talk to one of the docents who was wonderful at explaining things.  The only thing not operating was the sky gondola.  It is disappointing to not have a good visit.  I was able to visit both San Diego zoo, and Taronga zoo last year, and I think I liked the Taronga one more.  YMMV

6 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

When you go to Payments section on a particular booking in your PCL Personalizer, and go to the bottom, the "*" denotes the applicable OBC is nonrefundable. Like when you have FCD, promotional, Military or Shareholder OBC.

 

I looked at mine earlier today. I've got 6 cruises booked, and half are the same, and half are still refundable.  I am not calling anyone to ask but will see what ends up happening. LOL! 

Remind me, will my folio, when I get onboard, show refundable, and nonrefundable?  

26 minutes ago, PerfectlyPerth said:

The link tells you where the stop is. It's on the Queen St Bridge between Southbank and CBD. A minutes walk over to Southbank or a minutes walk to Flinders St to access the free trams such as the historical city circle tram or the 70 & 75. 10 minute slow amble to Bourke St Mall. 
The point of the bus is that it's specifically for cruise pax only. It has no other stops. It aids in reducing congestion for the normal commuters so they don't have to explain to their bosses they were late because 5 trams went past too crowded with cruise pax. 

Ah that makes sense.  Thanks for clarifying that info.  I was in Melbourne end of Oct for a few days before a cruise, and then disembarked after the cruise the 11th of Nov.  I was not aware the bus had started this service. For us the tram worked better b/c of the Collins street stop, which was close to the train station to get the bus to the airport.  But good to know about the bus for future cruise stops to Melbourne. 

Interesting.  I had no idea there was a bus, too.  I've always just used the tram, which drops off at Collins street.  I don't know that the bus would be a better location drop off. IMO But of course everyone has different reasons for using whatever they choose.  

27 minutes ago, Splice the mainbrace said:

We will be in Melbourne for 2 days on Cunard Queen Mary 2 in February. Do you know if Cunard specifically or other cruise lines provide a shuttle service to/from the dock to city centre. If not how do passengers get into the city?

It is super simple to use their tram from the dock to the city center.  I have used it a few times as a cruiser arriving into Melbourne.  They will sell you the Myki card at the port building as you exit the ship.  The best part is the tram is free inside an area at the city centre, so the cost is only to/from the port. 

36 minutes ago, Ken the cruiser said:

FWIW I learned a couple of things about the Military Appreciation perk yesterday. First, Princess now wants you to use this link to get your military service verified, if you haven't already been approved before. No worries, it takes about 2 seconds once you tap Submit.

 

Princess Cruise Lines | Military Verification (sheerid.com)

 

Second, all of the previous MOBC that had been applied to our bookings through 2025 that were once marked as refundable all became nonrefundable in those 8 bookings as of Jan 1, 2024.

I'll have to check mine again.  I had checked in December, and all were refundable then.  I was hoping it would stick as refundable.  Oh, well.  I'm sure I can find something to use it for.

1 minute ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

You are correct...but there's always a solution...even for that!

You WIN the "there's a gadget for that" prize!  All those things were designed for when the engineer/architect didn't think through the actual customer needing to charge ALL THE THINGS.  LOL!   (I resemble that description b/c I carry too many things that need to be charged. 😉 ) 

1 minute ago, capriccio said:

And we always have it in our carry-on!  May we both continue to never have any issues with it!

That is clearly a YMMV scenario. LOL!   *fingers crossed* for successful usage. 

4 minutes ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

Here is another handy item that I carry just in case the item I showed in post #35 cannot be used due to the orientation of the plug. 

The orientation of the plugs, especially at the desk, need to be updated.  I was recently on Grand Princess, it is was not well designed.  With the two light switches right next to the two plugs, it renders one plug useless especially when trying to charge my iPad or iPhone due to the way their charging brick is designed.