paradiselivin1

Several years ago when we cruised out of Barcelona on a TA; we were able to book a flight a full month prior to the cruise to spend more time in Portugal and Spain. We not only flew in early but were allowed to fly into Lisbon for a cruise departing from Barcelona. Hope that hasn't changed. It was a great perk for us at the time. Happy travels!

We received ours earlier, too. Conflicted about keeping the TA in place or opting for something else. If it leaves from Barcelona, we'll probably hit the same ports as we did on our last TA from there. Was looking for something a bit different on a new ship..

You don't have to but it's advisable with such a large group especially if you are picky about your dinner time.

I had read that you don't have to be a member to buy the gift cards ~ is that still true?

Find your roll call...that's the 1st step.

On 4/6/2024 at 2:35 PM, lx200gps said:

driving to Boston is even easier than driving to New York

You can easily take the train to NYC as an alternative which is what we do from upstate NY. We did that last summer and will do it again in June. Beats driving!

Never had a problem driving or taking a quick flight from TPA. Doesn't change a thing for those of us on the West coast or even some inland that won't use Brightline. Never mind..

Have never had that issue but will remember your "fix" if the same should happen on our upcoming cruise(s).

On 3/15/2024 at 2:41 PM, BSCarlow said:

How was the weather... I can understand the rain but temperature wise?

Don't remember it being too cold when we weren't on the open RIB's but felt raw with the rain. We walked in every port and while I don't remember the temperatures, we walked comfortably on long walks. Simply prepare to layer and bring along rainwear even if it's the little ponchos you can get in a pouch. Think that what we used once when caught short. If it hasn't already been mentioned when you researched the ports; if you are in search of trinkets/magnets, etc. in those ports you will need to get off early! Slim pickings and you may find yourself with northing to take home (other than junk) if it important to you! Enjoy!!

I'll gladly take them. I've had to throw out a few as the handles were ripping. Great for grocery shopping.

19 hours ago, Prometheus1 said:

Booked on the 16 day TA on Star in 2025

Sailing along with you on Deck 12 in a cabana mini suite. Looked interesting and thought we'd give it a try.

On 2/23/2024 at 3:18 PM, Thrak said:

I take a picture of the laundry spread out on the bed before putting it in the bag.

We do the same!

Just booked '25 TA from Southampton.

I'm claustrophobic and only did an inside cabin on the 3 night inaugural sailing of the Sky in the US so we could move up to Elite a few weeks later for our cruise to Antarctica. Just not an inside person but it was fine for those few days. We confused our cabin steward as my husband had the cabin next door for the same reason and never slept there! Everyone should have a good idea of their comfort levels and simply book what works for them. We've found a liking to mini suites so guess balconies are a thing of the past..

Our last Princess cruise was on the Caribbean last August. Yes, it's an older ship but we had a great trip (although weather in Greenland was not the best ~ not their fault) but we had some of the best crew on board including Jody Miles as CD. We've been on inaugural cruises and have loved the experience of a newer ship but we've enjoyed our cruises on Caribbean even in the days with her engine problems. We go for the itinerary more than the ship but I've never shied away from this one no matter what others think. 

Have brought my own but also am going more toward the screw tops as well. Much simpler.

20 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

That doesn’t sound right to me.  If they charge you in March, probably go through at the rate

at the time?

 

I’d want them to charge me now at the current price.  You want to see MedNet on your travel summary and the price you paid.  
 

If you look now, and see it on there as paid, then you’re okay.

I hear what you're saying. I printed out my personalizer where it shows that we "purchased" it and it shows yesterday's date on my print out. Will take it with me to fight if it comes to that.

We had to call Princess. We are Elite but they didn't show the discount on the new app. They answered in less than 5 minutes. We don't have to pay until final payment is due in March. Thx OP.

On 6/6/2023 at 6:46 AM, fstuff1 said:

I took this tour:

https://www.norwayexcursions.com/en/tour/alesund-from-fjords-to-trolls/

We booked this tour with lunch when we'll be there this June. Looking forward to it after seeing your review. Many thanks!

We were just there in August and it was grey and rainy for most of our time cruising in Greenland. We also docked in Nuuk (my least favorite port) and tendered in the other two ports. That being said; we did excursions in every port even in a driving rain as we had already paid and doubt that we'll be going back. It may have been uncomfortable in that little RIB but we loved it none-the-less. The tenders ran without a hitch and have no complaints. So darn many icebergs as we were heading out from the last port. Enjoy!

7 minutes ago, coo359a2 said:

Princess ships in Norway and other European itineraries we have been on used the USD for onboard charges so there will be no “lousy exchange” rates for you on your Norway cruise  

I guess I may have misunderstood but I don't think so?  Reacting to post #7 and the chart that Thrak posted regarding conversions for those of us with shareholders benefits... We were on a US branded ship in New Zealand that used AUD for onboard charges and the conversion was as stated on the chart above where we had $250USD in benefits that were converted to AUD. We were on Princess Majestic ~ US brand....

2 hours ago, nmguy27 said:

On Celebrity,  they'll do a 45% sale on holidays, which can really add up!

Just got 50% off on some of ours for a March cruise. 😁

Did the same or similar cruise in January. Yes, we definitely paid the usual gratuities and did get the OBC conversion that Thrak stated above.. When we cruise in UK/Norway this summer; expect that we'll also pay the usual gratuities as Americans and get another lousy exchange..

Interesting. We disembarked on August 27th. Have seen nothing yet.

Had a classic Caesar salad the other night on the CB. No kale and no chick peas on mine. Wasn't very tasty tho'...