nana541

Yep after seeing all the people crammed in the lobby... We decided to skip that, I think we may have paid more than your quote. I asked my DH and he said $10 - $12 bucks. Still worth it in my opinion as we were already on the ship when I saw some of those poor people finally coming on board.

My time is worth a lot more than $12!!

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Just so you know the shuttle is FCFS and the lines are very very very long for the tiny hotel shuttle.

We gave up and grabbed a cab! Don't remember the cost but it wasn't much.

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You can do most things online!

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I too want to thank you Terry for this info.

 

I'd like to take advantage of this.

 

We've booked our upcoming cruise through a TA, am now wondering if I can bypass the TA and call princess myself to purchase OBC. Cruise is a week away, and this is the first time using a TA.

Have you gone online at the Princess website and set up your account. You will need your princess reservation #, which may well be different from and invoice number from your TA. You should be able to log into your cruise and purchase OBC, excursions when available and reservations for speciality reservations. You can do all this without your TA.

What you can't do is speak directly to Princess or make payment of the cruise itself.

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Also very interested in your perspective... And pictures of the ship too.

Really concerned my husband is not going to be a fan :(

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Great website might need to get Cruise Critic to do an article about these new regulations and how they can possibly impact some travelers... If nothing else, small shops in Australia may have confusion as to what is allowed I refuse to accept based on misunderstanding of the new rules and overseas issued cards.

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This may be the website nana541 was looking for:

 

https://www.pinwise.com.au

 

 

 

Here is the relevant section for tourists:

 

"What about non-Australian issued cards?

 

Visitors from overseas will not be impacted by the changes, so they will use signature or PIN to authorize transactions as they did before. Hence signature will still be a valid form of payment authorisation for most visitors from overseas."

Actually it's the same info but I got mine info off an official Govt website. Pretty much said the same thing.

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I do still think it is wise to make sure you are the very least have a "Chip" or better card in Australia. It's going to be a problem for sure.

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Great review, thanks for taking the time to post! I'm sure others will have lots of questions:)

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Sorry tried to post a link: but there is a much better publication and I can't find it right now-

Similarly, foreign visitors to Australia will still be able to sign for purchases as the chip and PIN requirement only applies to Australian cards.

The magnetic stripe will play a major role here -- it's encrypted with a two-digit country code, so if an Australian card is swiped, the card reader will recognise the Australian code and 'demand' a PIN. Foreign cards with a different code will still get through with a signature.

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I'm sorry Nana but if you closely check the legislation you will not find any reference to "Tourist Cards". I truly find it strange that you would expect a foreign nation such as Australia to have separate rules for its residents and foreign tourists.

 

Believe me! There is no way you'll have an opportunity to sign for any card purchase in Australia. No Pin - no sale.

Actually I was just looking for the information to post here from the Australia Govt Tourist board addressing this very issue. Can't find it right now :( was from Nov 2014 talking about ability to accept cards issued in other countries and not wanting to scare tourist dollars off.

I'll find it and post it.....

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Swipe and sign is getting less likely to work in many places in the world. But Australia just implemented some really strong consumer protection laws as they apply to Credit cards.

Banks issuing credit cards in Australia are now required to issue only "Pin & Chip" cards and signature only (swipe & sign) will not be allowed any more.

This new rules are not suppose to affect travelers from other countries. However, I would not go to Australia without at least a Chip card and would be prepared for difficulty with some transactions.

I am working on getting a true Chip & Pin which is not an easy task. Even the U.S. bank customer service people do not understand their companies offerings or the real problem for customers traveling overseas.

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Thanks for all the bashing of me using my name instad of the subject but due to some VERY nice people I received my ans.

No one Bashed you.... Just suggested you use an appropriate title for a new thread. It easier to understand exactly what your needs are.

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Thank you for posting this.

 

I didn't go into this blindly.

 

Our last transatlantic flight in 2008 was taken care of by the land tour company.

 

Other than being stuffed in the middle of row the flight times and layovers were fine.

 

 

 

I believe economy comfort is wider and has more leg room.

 

 

 

Can't decide if I want to upgrade now or take my chances at the airport.

 

We are flying in July.

 

 

 

I wish I had an idea what airline Viking uses from NY.

 

 

 

Thanks for being honest. We all need a dose of reality.

 

 

 

Denise

Don't wait! Summer is one of the busiest times of year. There will NOT be anything available at the airport or even 60 days before flying.

Best to just bit the bullet and protect yourself now.

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That info is for Australian residents only, they are still accepting tourist cards!!

As long as the "Overseas" card has a "Chip"....

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Wells Fargo, Im not sure what they max out at, but I set mine to 10 in the US and then 4 for travel.

Boy I'm just shaking my head, I am having trouble keeping track of 4 digit numbers. Can't even fathom a 10 digit one, pure craziness!

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I have to say, regarding Viking's free or low-cost air add-on's, that we were very pleasantly surprised with our experience last March. We purchased a Portraits of Southern France cruise with $99 air from Detroit. It was agony for me to give up the control over my air arrangements and I was certain we would have multiple connections or ibterminable layovers. Instead, we had the same flights I myself would have booked. I could nt have been more pleased.

 

 

 

Becki

You got really really lucky! I don't necessarily blame Viking either but when you are offering Free or Cheap air these are generally the bottom of the barrel. The cruise line is giving you a good deal and they will get you there..... But that is all they are doing is providing you a seat in an airplane and you should not expect anything else.

If you are a large person or a tall person be very very careful as you are likely in for some real discomfort!

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Be sure and continue to check your reservation periodically directly with the airline.... You will need your 6 digit reservation locator code.

This way if something (like seat assignments) gets changed prior to arriving at the airport to check in you can head off problems rather than being very upset on your day of travel.

Airlines can and do change flight times, seat assignments, and even cancel flights! Amazingly sometimes the people holding the reservation are the last to know! So keep track of your flight arrangements, even if you don't leave for another 8 months :)

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Princess - going out on the Ruby July 5th to Alaska.

 

 

 

Since you brought it up, how do you guys tip? I've read that many people get to know their steward which is cool. How would I tip differently for 2 vs 3?

What has tipping got to do with the OP's question?

The OP asked about tipping and that's why I answered her question...

Isn't that why we come to CC to get answers to questions and offer advice to cruisers who need it?

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Thanks, I know we will want to get it done on the ship...

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Trip Advisor would be an especially good place to post this information.

Ditto

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Thanks for the heads up about those crazy life jacket rules!

Can you explain about shipboard hair braiding again, prices too if you know. Thanks!

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I was born in D.C. and have an official BC that does not have parents names. I got it in 1985 as a replacement (parents were dead and no original) and needed it to get my first adult passport. This thread showed me never to let my passport expire!

Oh you don't need any docs to renew even your expired passport! Unless of course they change the rules....

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Ok, thanks to this thread (allow me to recap to be sure I've got the gist):

 

DW and I are set for our 1st cruise in 4/15... going to open the S&S account with traveler's cheques. We'll settle up with any cash left over or debit card (our bank offers similar protections to CCs) if needed. We have only 1 CC and are loathe to use it for anything but emergencies; will be much more comfortable to use cash/traveler's cheques...

Sounds great! Just bring that Credit Card in the event of an emergency, you always need a Plan B in case you need to get yourself home. Just lock it in you cabin safe with all your documents and important items.

Happy sailing!

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Do auto tips... And don't change them, your Stewards will be dealing with your entire party moving back and forth and will have earned every dime of the Per Person Gratuity!

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