West Coast Gal

I really enjoyed that!  Thanks for finding it and posting it!

4 hours ago, nini said:

It is the "subject to availability" phrase that prompted me to call Princess. The rep explained that they had to CYA, in case they ran out of tests.

okay I am probably going to hit the palm of my hand against my forehead . .  what does CYA stand for.?

13 hours ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

Not necessarily.  It is all dependent on the quality of the ship's internet signal from the satellite.  Given that you will be close to a "mainland" you may very well have good internet/WIFI.  Also...what is the itinerary (i.e. where are you going to be during that last sea day?)

We are on the May 1 - 9 Ireland Scotland Princess cruise, last day is at sea from Glasgow to Southampton

16 hours ago, defbref said:

If my home country requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test result for re-entry following my cruise, will Princess administer and cover the cost of the test?

If a negative COVID-19 test is required for re-entry into your home country, subject to availability, Princess will cover the costs of any COVID-19 test administered on board within the timeframe required prior to travel. Please note that if your travel plans go beyond the validity of the onboard test, you are responsible for securing and paying for your own test.

Guests are encouraged to review their home country’s health authority and travel websites to understand the latest guidance on required testing and timing for return travel.

 

From: CruiseHealth™ FAQ: Sailings from the the United Kingdom - Princess Cruises

 

Assuming your sailing from UK as you posted in the UK board, if not check the princess website for the correct info for your sailing

Oh this is lovely information, yes we are on the May 1st - 9th out of London -  Ireland & Scotland

1 hour ago, defbref said:

 

Which cruiseline ? Lots of them allow you to get a Covid test done onboard (at a cost) for exactly this reason.

Princess in May

On 3/17/2022 at 9:17 AM, Rick&Jeannie said:

Now if only the US would lift the requirement for testing to get back home!

So I hope you can help, I am trying to figure out how to get a COVID test before we fly home.  The day before we dock we are at sea, so no video.  And of course the airline changed the flight from when we booked and now is 12:15  . . .  wouldn't it be cool if the cruise ship's medical would set it up for the day at sea???  Do you know any resource?

52 minutes ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

Elites are not limited in how much they can send. Your turn around time may be 1 to 3 days depending on how many elites are using this perk at the time. Elites do not get same day service free like those in full suites. 

Thank you so much, I really don't use the laundry much, I have only sent a single bag during a cruise before.

Another question about laundry -  I know it is a perk for Elites also, it is limited to only one page as an Elite perk?

31 minutes ago, curmudgeon98 said:

What worked best for me was to do what I could, then go away for an hour or two, then try again to get more entries in.  Over the course of about 24 hours, I eventually got everything in.  My suspicion is that there are some periodic processes running in the back end that clean up inconsistent data formats.

Agreed, I found this to be the way to make it work also!

I saw a lot about a crossing during November.  What about coming from the Canary Islands to Fort Lauderdale towards the end of April, how is the seas and weather then?

By the way, very interesting reading, Thank You!

Do you need a new Medallion for each cruise - I tried reading through the thread but it is a lot of screens

Another question, if you have a beverage package how does that work with ordering?

On 3/5/2022 at 10:01 AM, relmondcrsise said:

I have Princess Plus and am hoping I can have beverages

I am curious, what is Princess Plus?

1 hour ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

I've heard this about other large European airports, particularly Heathrow. I think they are having some difficulties calibrating how willing people are to start traveling again with how many personnel they need onsite for immigration.

 

Best tip I've heard is to do the electronic immigration wherever you can. These are called eGates in the UK and US passport holders can use them. I've also used them at FCO (Rome).  I think they are also available in Amsterdam and Frankfurt. Not at CDG, unfortunately....

 

Good information, thank you for sharing!

I was just researching online for Dun Laoghaire.  The bus that is offered for the "on your Own" tour says it is 45 min into Dublin . . . found out it is can be a 20 min drive, but traffic is so bad during rush hours that it is more like 45 min.  

I haven't been there but we are leaning to take the train, called the DART that runs every 15 min to 20 min to Dublin.  Wondering what others have to say

I want to thank everyone for all the good comments, I have taken a big breath after reading all the comments, going to forgo the service and just look for the green line and go for it!  Grin and buy a super bottle or 2 of wine for dinners with the money I save!

12 hours ago, Hlitner said:

There are quite a few VIP/Concierge companies (easy to find by using a search engine such as Google) but I do not think you will find any for $100.  That being said we have never thought they were worth the money for those who are mobile and can handle their carry-on luggage.  What will often happen is a concierge service can help ease your way through the terminal and speed you through the immigration/Passport Check.  You then get to the luggage area relatively fast and find yourself waiting 30 min plus for your luggage.  By the time the luggage arrives so has everyone else from your flight (who did not pay any extra money for VIP service).   Nearly all European airports have luggage carts (either free or for relatively low cost) that you can use to ease moving lots of luggage through a terminal.  On nearly all our trips we have found Customs to not be an issue (we simply move through the Green (Nothing to Declare) line with little delay.  

 

But we do understand that some folks just like the experience of having a personal escort awaiting their arrival.  There is something nice about a person standing with a sign or tablet with one's name.  Is that worth $150 - $300?  

 

Hank

Well that was 2017 pricing -  I just know that we landed early morning the the lines for customs were jammed packed .  This time we land early evening, so maybe the lines won't be so long. 

On 3/6/2022 at 12:52 PM, MsSoCalCruiser said:

He gave back $9,000?  Oh, my!  

I know RIGHT! 

And thank you in advance

In 2017 we came to Paris and were met outside our flight by a concierge service that walked us through the airport, passed big lines and right up to customs (we had a line of 3), then through over to pick up luggage and brought us to our car service.  Does this still exist and do you have recommendations of who to use?  It was the best $100 we spent on the trip!

DH just won $9000 in jackpot bonuses on the first night on the slots . .  the rest of the nights . .lost . . .lost . . .lost . . .lost - gave it all back with a little extra

32 minutes ago, MsSoCalCruiser said:

A few years ago I suggested TV trays for the cabins. I was told that it was a great suggestion but still no TV trays. 

It is a great suggestion, but they make more money if you buy a drink with dinner

We were lucky, we booked the 2023 Princess World Cruise (our first) with free drinks, free wi-fi and free gratuities  (though I know we will still tip more). Even though we aren't big drinkers, though it covers coffee drinks and bottled water also, so I figured out that we saved a lot of money.  I would imagine in future years that cruise prices will be going up to make up for all of their loses over the last few years.  So it would be a great idea to do the homework .. .  it also is helpful to get a TA who specializes in cruises.  if you want to go that route and can't find one, let us know.

On 2/25/2022 at 6:04 AM, boridog said:

I hope you are referring to being in Anchorage in June 2022?  We will be starting a cruise there on the 18th, arriving early on the 16th.  Tried to book a hotel for the 2 nights in advance and found out that alot of smaller B&Bs are sold out for the 17th(maybe 18, 19 as well?) because…there is a big marathon that weekend in Anchorage PLUS big celebrations for the Summer Solstice!!!! Maybe this would interest you?

Great information THANK You!

On 1/18/2022 at 8:17 AM, disneyochem said:

We have a very similar trip planned this summer as well—NB Princess Majestic, SB Norwegian Jewel—and will have about 12 days to play with.  We saw a lot of Alaska this past summer (3 week DIY land tour) so our trip this year is focusing on those areas we missed.  From our summer travels I highly recommend the Matanuska Glacier Trek, Gold Star level train ride, Homer, and kayaking in Resurrection Bay.

 

This year (we’ve rented a car), after spending the night in Anchorage, we’re staying two nights in Kennicot Glacier Hotel visiting the Wrangell Elias NP, two nights in Valdez, one night at Sheep Mountain Lodge for another glacier trek, two nights at Denali before returning to Anchorage.  We’ll take the train to Seward and spend a day there before boarding the Jewel.

 

You can do quite a bit of traveling without a car but having a rental will certainly give you a lot more options.  Just prioritize what is important (wildlife, water sports, hiking, fishing?) and focus on those activities.  Alaska is huge—you will not be able to see it all but what you will see/experience is spectacular!

 

 

I really enjoyed reading this, and gives me a lot of things to consider.  Thank you so much for sharing!