Davis2010

Hi friends!

Hubs and I are having to rebook our cancelled May 9th Princess Alaska cruise for our anniversary. When we booked the first time, we went the cheapest balcony itinerary. But now that we will have the additional FCC we want to book our best itinerary option.

Which itinerary below is your favorite/must do/will do again and why?

We will be booking either June or July 2020 with Princess.

43 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Sorry, but that is like if you went to the grocery store and tried a new type of apple and it was bad.  And then said I am not eating any more apples.  When you do go on your cruise, ask around when you meet other cruisers at dinner table or elsewhere if they use a TA and what they think of them.  When you latch on to a good one, you won't be treated badly and you should be getting a cash discount off the cruise fare that Princess won't give you.  Perhaps you will feel more comfortable with this after sailing once or twice and having one booking with Princess.  I will admit our first booking was with the cruise line, but I wouldn't do it again as long as I can save money elsewhere.

I’ve always booked all of our trips myself. Never had an issue. But we live in FL and air fare has never been something we’ve needed to use. So I reached out to this recommended TA. Now that I’ve kind of learned the ropes, I think I’ll book myself. This TA has saved me absolutely nothing and I’ve earned no incentives for going through them vs just booking myself. 

49 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Boy, did you ever!!!  Run and don't look back.

This is what I figured. I hate my first experience with a TA was bad. Makes me Leary if future trips😢

2 hours ago, voljeep said:

Saturday ???  

 

I would file a formal complaint with Princess about this TA … tomorrow , Monday 3/2

 

Yes...Saturday as in almost a week from today!

The TA doesn’t want to do anything. The price has changed several times, different promotions, etc. I won’t be using a TA again. I’m very disappointed. The TA stayed they will try to call on Saturday.....

2 minutes ago, voljeep said:

it's important - find out

 

when in May ?

May 9, 2020

2 minutes ago, voljeep said:

how much are your TA cancellation fees if you pull the cruise from them and transfer it back to Princess ?

 

what TA specific perks would you "lose"

I didn’t know there were TA cancellation fees. I’ll look into that. Would that be a question for the TA or for Princess? I don’t feel we have gotten ANY perks from using a TA other than just someone having the headache of booking it all🤷🏼‍♀️

2 minutes ago, Thrak said:

Are you past final payment?

We paid in full from the beginning. So I’m not sure.

Our May Alaska trip is now down to $969 which is significantly less than what we paid. I called Princess, who wouldn’t even acknowledge me because I used a TA (1st time and won’t be doing that again..). Contacted my TA and she says there’s nothing to be done. Now, I’ve never sailed with Princess, so it’s new to me. But back when we did our last cruise with Royal Caribbean they just refunded the price difference every time the price dropped. Super nice and helpful. So my questions are:

a. Did I just get a bad TA? (Same TA assures us that flying in day of would be just fine arriving literally an hour before embarkation started. Keep in mind we are first time flyers and had no idea about TA)

b. Can nothing really be done?

ps we are flying in day before now but not because she encouraged or recommended it.

On 3/31/2019 at 10:38 PM, bertha_jones said:

I bought a product called the Medallion Mate on Amazon Prime.  It came in the mail really quickly!  It was super handy because it was a flexible slider that allowed my family and me to wear our Medallions right on the watch band.

 

I am posting on a lot of boards because this product saved the trip!  No messing with Fitbit products!

Can you share the link to it? I’m not able to find it.

44 minutes ago, Pharry said:

You can choose what suits you best. Lanyard is free, the others you pay for. 

Do you recommend any of them? Or will the lanyard be sufficient?

New to Princess and the Medallion. We are sailing the Ruby Princess in May. How do I know which pieces are needed to order for the medallion? It gives an option for bracelet, clip, lanyard insert, pendant and sports band? 

50 minutes ago, knicola11 said:

We booked a 9:15 am Coastal Helicoptor flight in Juneau, and also booked a 2pm whale watching trip with Alaska Tails for the same day (June 2nd 2020)

We’ve booked a Jayleen’s Whale Watch at 12 and Coastal Heli at 4:35❤️🙌🏻

What is one (or more) items that you’ve forgotten, wished you had had, or pack every.single.time for Alaska? 
 

Any unique items that a Florida girl would never consider?

I’m getting (Purchasing) items a little at a time second hand or thrift store or borrowing.

I've been looking for a pair of boots/shoes to take with me on our cruise to Alaska. I'm a Florida girl and mostly own flip-flops, ballet flats, heels, anything open toe. I don't want to spend a fortune on something for one trip, but also want something I can wear every day with comfort and waterproof protection. Nothing of which I own lol. We are going on a glacier, whale watching, and fisherman tour. 

4 minutes ago, Mountaineer0313 said:

Jayleen!! We adore her! Booked again with her this August.

That's who we are booked with! I'm so excited💜

12 minutes ago, katrina915 said:

 

To save time,  I take tuna in pouches, turkey jerky, protein bars etc.  Anything prepackaged is okay.

I didn't even think about tuna!!! He loves that with crackers!! Thank you!!

23 minutes ago, VermeulT said:

 

Try again.  I made it public.

https://alaskacruisestatendam2015.shutterfly.com/

 

OMGOSH!!!! The BEARS!!!! When did you go and where did you see them? The Bald Eagle too!

On 1/8/2020 at 9:39 AM, VermeulT said:

And to spread more excitement - this link is to my photobook on Shutterfly from our 2015 Alaska Trip.  It includes some ports that you won't be going to but will give you something fun to look forward to.

https://alaskacruisestatendam2015.shutterfly.com/24

 

It won’t allow me to view them 😔

14 hours ago, ArnoldDonald said:

Have you considered flying in the day AFTER?

That way, you will have no doubts or questions.

Wow. So many things to “insert here” but no sense in lowering myself to your level. I may not be the most cruise and flight savvy and have to ask questions (no matter how silly they seem to you), but at least I’m not rude.

My hubby is a diabetic so we were trying to find the best way to get something into our bags for him. We will get some prepackaged stuff.

4 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

No need to apologize. I wasn't saying that you or your comment were inappropriate. Rather, it's taking ship food ashore is in most cases inappropriate. 

Haven't you noticed those discard bins at the ship's gangways? 

Ok. Gotcha! It’s been a long time since we cruised. 10 years 🤦🏼‍♀️

3 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Inappropriate. Please leave the ziplocks at home.

Commercially prepared/prepackaged/inspected food is often okay. 

Inappropriate? It was a question phrased with a little humor. My apologies. I was just truly asking as it’s been a very long time since I’ve cruised and was kind of shocked the tour people suggested it. Just needed clarification.

14 minutes ago, Underwatr said:

Customs laws in most places won't allow you to take food off of the ship. Count on grabbing something from ashore.

4 minutes ago, GUT2407 said:

Many places will only let you take commercially packaged, sealed, food off the ship.

Thank you. I thought that was the case and found it strange when the tour person suggested it. Just thought I’d ask 😊

Strange question, but we have booked back to back excursions. The excursion companies BOTH suggested we pack a lunch from the boat and bring it along as we will be on both tours a total of 6-7 hours. 

Has anyone did this?  Suggestions? Should I pack some ziplocs😂?

Edited to add we are going to Alaska.