ldubs

I tHink I'm repeating. I would get the data plan, then easy to stay in touch. Use the Medallion location function as a backup.

X2. We just saved over 10% booking through our TA vs directly with Princess. And, there was much happiness!

And yet, I would not want to go back to the cruise card. Even with the glitches, I like the medallion. I guess the cruise cards are still an option for those who really want them.

Your neighbor's experience is a horror story. Short connections should not be allowed. Sadly, even booking directly with the airline will often have short connection options, labeled nonstandard (or whatever term they use). No way I would do 30 minutes at any airport. Sadly those without experience will rely on the booking agent to make a viable routing. Let the flyer beware! As far as having to go through EZAir for problems, I suppose that would depend on the problem. Changing a ticket to another carrier is interesting. In the bad old days there was some reciprocity between airlines. Those days seem to be long gone.

Good advice. I don't think EZAir is different than anyone else when it comes to guaranteeing a timely arrival. No one can really guarantee that.

At first I didn't understand your comment about it being risky. Now I get it. With missed connections that are the airline's fault, they will put you on an alternative flight. That doesn't mean it will be the best alternative or get you to your destination on time. Is that different than if booked through your TA? Out of pure curiosity, in your neck of the woods, when booking an international flight (not with a cruise) do you normally use a travel agent?

Uh oh. I had hoped it was recognized as a good natured jest.

Right now if we had to name one it would be Enchanted Princess.

Good point. I've read quite a few posts from folks who want the package, or all inclusive fare, just for the convenience.

While I still think disgust is a rather strong emotion to be reserved for more important things, I recognize and have empathy for your feelings about this.

Yup, for some it makes sense and for others it doesn't. I don't understand the endless posts about why or why not the purchase is justified. It isn't exactly rocket science.

"if it sounds too good to be true" This one simple concept would eliminate a lot of scams and deceptive sales pitches.

I'm really interested in hearing what folks think of the new layout. One of the things I really like about Princess ships are the variety of very comfortable areas available to just chill.

Prices may vary, but otherwise I think you will find the basic fare "extras" on Princess to be about the same as Celebrity. Assuming no perks of course. Negatively has always been widespread on these forums and it is worse since covid, in many cases for valid reasons. We would all like the experience of 20 years ago, especially at today's prices. Those days are gone for mass market lines.

Back in the saddle!

But that is what a souvenir is -- a reminder of the trip.

As long as the ships don't leave earlier than posted, I'm good!

Thanks, kind of an eye opener and at the same time not surprised.

Seems less about blame than about the child's welfare. Parent does something dumb or is incapacitated so doesn't show or make contact. What else is there to do other than attempt contact? Seems preferable to caring for the child with no idea of what is happening. Maybe there should be a law that parents provide alternative contacts who will take charge of the child if they are unavailable. Do you get a lot of late shows when the clocks are moved forward one hour? When I was coaching kid's sports, on "spring forward" day I was advised by the more experienced coaches to remind parents to reset their clocks. Otherwise it was likely at least one would be an hour late to pick their kid up after practice.

When we did the canal transit the new locks were still under construction. We did a partial transit. Once we reached the lake, we did an excursion on a small ferry boat that took us the rest of the way through to the Pacific. Then we were bused back to the ship. If I recall, there were drinks and snacks made available. The ferry excursion through the remaining locks was pretty cool. You could literally reach out and touch the side of the lock, which we shared with other vessels. There are some long stretches of motoring along that some might find tedious. If that is an issue, it is likely better to have the amenities of a cruise ship over being on a small ferry.

@leck57 makes a good point about rules being potentially differrent in different countries. From here, as long as it is apples-to-apples and prior to final payment, yes you can get the lower fare.

Well, hindsight is always pretty accurate. In this case, we should keep in mind the passengers paid a TA to among other things, provide a visa. Most would feel reasonably satisfied they had been diligent in doing that. How would they know the visa was a fake.

I think you could say that about any cabin. But then those cabin stewards share in the daily gratuity. Which brings the question, do the concierge share in the daily grats?

The idea of having to tip the suite concierge at every encounter is kind of a turn-off. If an extra tip is expected, I would much prefer one time at the end. I sure don't tip my cabin steward every time I make a request. Maybe I'm not cut out to be a suite! Lol.