croozer

Ship - Grand Princess

Deck - Emerald, Deck 8

Cabin # - E110

Category - Outside, obstructed view

Port side, very far forward

Accessible - no

Quiet - yes; people could walk by outside but I never heard them

View - no obstruction, walking path outside

Privacy Issues - none

Problems - I knowingly booked this cabin almost all the way forward for the unobstructed view at an obstructed price.  Because of the location, the crashing of the waves was somewhat noisy and a bit rocky, but I actually enjoyed it.

The main problem was the additional beds on the walls.  I've had pull-down berths on the ceilings to make the cabin for 4, but these beds were on the wall and took up precious space in a small cabin. It was very difficult to sidle sideways to reach the bed. and very easy to slam your shoulder or bonk your head as you're attempting to get in or out of bed.  I know what to look for in the future and would never accept this situation again.

Sorry, my pictures keep coming up on their sides.  Please use your imagination 😉 

I've been wearing a mask for so long, I feel naked without it.  If it means keeping others healthy and the cruise lines out of bankruptcy, I will mask up when asked.

Best Meet and Greet invitation ever!  I'm looking forward to receiving mine and attending,  What a great souvenir.

I too shelled out $70 for the Binax test(s) but was able to get a free test at the Walnut Creek CVS.  Here in my home environment of Los Angeles and surrounds, I know a number of places that I can get quick and free tests.  I'm saving the Binax tests in case I want to do two back-to-back cruises on different lines (probably from the Port of Los Angeles or Long Beach) so I can do the proctored test using my internet on the ship and be ready to go on the second cruise without trying to find a testing facility nearby.  It might have been a waste of money but it sure feels good to have them as a backup option.

10 minutes ago, Pamster said:

You’re right. I was actually thinking of the Travel Documents that you can print from the same page as the luggage tags. But I looked at ours for March and it’s not on there. Sorry for the misinformation. ☺️

No apology needed.  You were just trying to help. It's all different now that everything is encoded in the Medallion and the app (which is mind-numbingly glitchy).  It would have been nice if they confirmed exactly which pier it is.

3 hours ago, Pamster said:

should be in your boarding pass. 

Pamster, I don't believe there are boarding passes any more.  I can print my luggage tags from my booking on my computer, but the boarding pass is on the Medallion App--it shows my embarkation time (I'm group A) and there's a QR code.  It just says San Francisco for my Sailing Port and Departure Port.  

1 hour ago, CAZephyr said:

Here is the San Francisco port schedule for this month:  https://sfport.com/files/2021-12/2022.pdf

The following site usually shows pier info...not now:  https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/san-francisco-port-2.  Nice map and picture of the site, though.  Princess will likely post info as the day approaches.

Thank you so much, CAZephyr.  This is such helpful information and exactly what I needed.

Forgive me if this has been asked before, but what pier did you embark from?  I'm sailing on 1/31 and had to search for info that the the ship could be at Pier 27, or it might be at Pier 33.  Did they ever tell you specifically where to go or were you on your own to find the right pier? And thanks for all the great posts.

On 10/28/2021 at 2:04 AM, USC Sailor said:

Total Testing Solutions has some free rapid test sites around LA. 

https://www.totaltestingsolutions.com/

I've used them twice for my testing  before a cruise and I was really impressed.  I've gone to the one in North Hollywood and got my antigen test results in my email in around 15 minutes.  They have other locations, including one near the 405 on the way to the port.  I was in and out in less than 10 minutes, but things may be a bit more difficult now that everyone is clamoring for testing.

2 hours ago, Coral said:

Before Jan Swartz took over - most cruises had inside and outside cabins at 130% single supplement. I would be ok if they went back to that number.

 

There were a lot of singles on my Grand sailing. It is about time that Princess realizes that singles are helping Princess fill ships right now and they are important to the cruise line.

When I heard that the ships were coming back and sailing at limited capacity, I thought this would be a perfect time for the cruise lines to give solo travelers a break and I'm so glad Princess thought of it too.  Not all solo travelers will always cruise alone--if they like a line they will come back with their friends, their family, special grandma and grandchild trips, etc.  I also think a lot of solo travelers book excursions more so than, say, a couple or two couples traveling together who plan their own tours with a cab driver on the pier.  And if they get a deal on the cabin, they splurge at the spa or salons or the gift shops.

55 minutes ago, caribill said:

Is it possible that appropriate management does not realize that single travelers cannot upgrade to Princess+ for the standard $40/day?

 

Let management (starting high up) know there is a flaw in the booking system that does not allow this.

I wondered the same thing.  Last month on the Grand, I wanted to have a friendly discussion with the Future Cruise rep or the Loyalty Club ambassador but they were always very busy and I didn't want to wait in line.  I will try again this month when I go.  I thought perhaps the algorithm hadn't been properly adjusted but a snide Personal Cruise Consultant tried to convince me I was wrong about it (she got nasty after I said that this might be considered discriminatory.)  But I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that perhaps this should or could be corrected and I thank you for your comment and support, caribill.

2 hours ago, iamaqt2 said:

I misunderstood and calculated it as a 7 day cruise.  You're correct that you're at the almost break even point on a 10 day cruise.  Perhaps something that you might consider is the Premier Coffee and Soda package at 23.60 per day.  It includes premium and specialty coffees and teas along with fountain sodas, fruit juices, hot chocolate and “zero-proof” mocktails throughout your entire cruise with this beverage package.

The Premier Coffee & Soda Package is $19.99 USD* per person, per day

That would allow you to only pay for alcoholic beverages as you go.

Thanks, but I'm not at all interested in coffee or soda.  The price for my balcony cabin was $824.  With Princess Plus, it's $1938.  The price for per person for a double occupancy is $749  plus $400  with Princess Plus,  so it's $1169 per person.  I'm getting a break on the cabin, but not getting the same consideration to adding Princess Plus.  I'll stick with paying for my wifi, paying my gratuities and paying for my drinks and still come out hundreds ahead, but I would like to have the experience of Princess Plus like other passengers, especially since I don't need two wifi deals, two gratuities and two beverage packages.

2 hours ago, iamaqt2 said:

For much less than 1100 dollars you can easily have the experience.  Just buy the beverage and internet package a la carte.  You'd be paying gratuities anyway.  That's the only difference in cost.  

I'm not sure how you figure this.  The Princess Plus includes the Beverage Package, Wifi and Crew Gratuities (and recently a Specialty Restaurant dinner and a.  On my 10-day cruise, the wifi is $100, the gratuities are $145 and drink package is $70.79 a day in my booking, or $707.90 for the sailing.  That comes out to $952.90, much more than the $400/per that double occupancy people are paying. I'm still happy with my deal and I'm happy to pay for my drinks, I'd just like to try the experience of freedom.

I took advantage of the low- or no-supplement on the Grand in December.  I'm taking advantage of it (pretty much the same itinerary) on the Ruby in January.  It's a great deal and I don't really care about the ports.  The only downside is you can't get the Princess Plus deal with these, or at least I couldn't on either of my cruises.  While it was $400 per person for double occupancy, I'd have to pay about $1100 more, because I'd pay $400, but would have to pay the full double occupancy rate to get it, which is where the extra money came in.  I sure would like to experience the Princess Plus experience but I'm definitely enjoying the single occupancy rates and I'll have to be satisfied with that.

Every year when I get my shareholder proxy, I immediately scan a jpg or pdf of it before I even sign it keep the scan in my files.  Then all I need to do is send an email with the requested info (booking number, sailing date, etc.) and the scan attached.  The advice for blacking out the other info is spot on, but this method might be easier for next year.  Enjoy your sailing and enjoy your shareholder credit!

3 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

Thanks.  I’ll post when they arrive and the expiration date.

Great idea.  That will help others.

2 minutes ago, CalLuvsCrusingToo said:

What is the Expiration dates on Binax from those of you who Ordered &

received them recently?

 

(I've been waiting to order til new batches with summer + expiration dates)

 

Minutes ago, Fedex delivered the tests I ordered two days ago.  The tests were manufactured 12/09/21and are valid until 11/06/22.  Looks like a fresh batch.  Hope this helps.

22 hours ago, Jadn13 said:

You don’t need to make an appt. You just sign on to emed when you are ready to test.

make sure you make a Navica account and an Emed account.

I just got my tests from Fed Ex a few minutes ago.  I've made a Navica account but I don't have an Emed account.  Is that necessary?  Is there a different app for it?  Or is it contained in the Navica account? This is my Plan B and I hope I don't have to use it but I'd like to be ready if I do.  Thanks for any advice. 

This is great news.  When I disembarked the Celebrity Edge in Fort Lauderdale, we all breezed through with facial recognition.  I also have Global Entry, for which there is often a separate line, but was not needed with the facial recognition.  However, last month I disembarked the Holland America Koningsdam at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro and the line was horrendous.  It was like going back in a time warp.  I'm so happy to hear they have facial recognition now, especially since I'll be sailing the Grand Princess in two weeks, and I thank you for sharing this happy information. 

13 minutes ago, wesport said:

Currently on the Regal. For this whole five day cruise you will be charged 7 % on top of the 18% gratuity for drinks. I highly recommend the drink package. When I called front desk they said it will be charged for the entire cruise with no explanation. Not a large amount , but just a heads up. 

Is it possible someone at the front desk was mistaken or misunderstood about the tax?  I've paid the tax while we were close to shore but once we were far enough away in international waters there was no surcharge.

I submitted my request for my 12/5/21 sailing on the Grand Princess on 11/13/21.  I just noticed this morning the shareholder credit had been applied to my account.  It's not instantaneous but it's there in plenty o' time, so I'm a happy camper.  Um, I mean I'm a happy sailor.  Bon Voyage to all!

10 minutes ago, victory2020 said:

It will be , just came back from the Grand

Thank you, thank you thank you!  Very nice of you to respond.  I hope you enjoyed your cruise.

I always look forward to the embarkation lunch.  It's a civilized way to start the cruise and I'm so happy to hear that it's back.  With the hope of it being available on my Dec. 5 Grand Princess sailing, I signed up for an 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. check-in time slot.  We shall see!

14 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

Right.  Well call them up and call them out on it.  Ask for Customer Relations.  I agree, it is poor on them to do something that outrageous.  Perhaps a little extra per day if they want, but the example you provided is nuts.

Amen to this comment and the one following, too.  I probably will contact them, and thank you so much for your support.

1 minute ago, Steelers36 said:

You probably need to ask Princess to explain their logic.

 

If you look at the PLUS price it is $1,299/pp.  That would indicate a normal Saver price of $899/pp.

 

Now, for a Single, double the $1,299/pp = $2,598/sgl.  And then subtract out the extra $400 which you do not pay and you get $2,198/sgl.  Which is what they show.  All good IMO.

 

On the Saver front, notice it is $849/pp and not the expected $899, so they dropped it $50 for double occupancy. 

For a single, I guess I would expect $849 x 2 or $1,698/pp.  Clearly, they seem to be charging much less than 100% for single supplement.  It's only a 25% bump.

 

So, I can interpret what they are doing, but I cannot explain why they want full boat price if electing PLUS, but are willing to give a single a huge break on up-charge for the Saver.

 

I'd just take that great Saver fare for a single and worry about my Grats/Internet/Drinking otherwise.  If you do inquire of them, you might point out that a guest would have to be a total math dunce to book the PLUS as a single.

 

Yes, I agree, which is why I'll be happy to buy my drinks and pay my own tips. (Not to mention I have shareholder credit and travel agent credit to spend). But they've decided to give solo travelers a break and only charge a 25% supplement, perhaps because bookings were slow, perhaps because they wanted to keep the population down for CDC requirements as we get back to sailing.  I have seen other lines totally waive the supplement at rare times.  But I can't condone them then saying "Oh, but we're going to take away one of the perks that everyone else can get by bringing your total up to what you would have paid if we hadn't given you the break to begin with."  I understand HOW they got to this figure, I just think it's wrong to mislead people.  Anyway, thanks for engaging in this and I apologize for hijacking this lovely wine thread.