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Thanks...I "thought" I added the fine print. IF....your airline makes the call to alter your travel plans...then...they will do the changes for free. OOPS

I just used the Platinum Studio on the Caribbean Princess this summer. It is located on the top deck (think level as Sanctuary, but in a hidden area). The photographer met us at the SPA elevator and then walked us up some random stairs. Of course, by the time we got to the studio, we were rather wind blown. I tried to do this on 2 previous cruises (2023) and both other times, they were "closed".

Often airlines will make the offer to change your flights for free. If your airline did not do this, then you are responsible for any changes.

The MDR menu is on the television. You can order from the MDR anytime the MDR kitchen is open (breakfast, sea days/lunch and all dinners). I have done this on various occasions. I am on a low sodium diet so am able to see the next day's menu to preorder my dinner. When I was in isolation for covid, I was able to order my dinners through room service from the MDR.

Of the multiple embarkations out of San Pedro, I was only escorted on the ship (Grand) once, just after the pandemic. Never again and never from any other ports. I thought it was a really nice gesture. The escort had his trusty iPad and zoomed right in on us (medallion finder). I would love to see that happen again, but not holding my breath.

Even if you paid for your flights in Air Canada, it may not equate to Princess issuing your tickets immediately. You may request Princess to issue your tickets before 45 days. But at that time, it becomes a restricted fare and you will not be able to modify it (example: if the fare should drop between 90-46 days, you could still reface for the lower price and receive a refund of the difference…if you purchased a flexible fare. With a ticketed ticket on Air Canada, you might be able to select your seats early….for a price. Only when you check in 24 hours are seats “free”.

Disclaimer: I know absolutely zero about diabetic monitors. A simple search says to keep your bluetooth on. If this is the case, you won't need wifi. Will insulin delivery control work in Airplane mode? Toggle expanded content The Omnipod 5 System is safe to use at atmospheric pressures typically found in airplane cabins during flight. Always check your glucose frequently during flying. Though the Omnipod 5 System is safe to use at atmospheric pressures typically found in airplane cabins during flight, the atmosphere pressure in an airplane cabin can change during flight, which may affect the Pod's insulin delivery. The Omnipod 5 App sends and receives information from the Pod using Bluetooth® wireless technology. Before flying, check your airline's policy regarding the use of Personal Medical Electronic Devices that communicate using Bluetooth technology. If use of a Personal Medical Electronic Device using Bluetooth technology is allowed, set your Omnipod Controller to airplane mode so you can communicate with your Pod. Airplane Mode is a device setting that will turn off cellular and Wi-Fi network connectivity but keep Bluetooth active. If you are using your smartphone, make sure to check that Bluetooth is enabled after you turn ON Airplane mode. ALWAYS keep the Bluetooth setting ON. If you turn this setting OFF, you will not be able to use the Omnipod 5 App. https://www.omnipod.com/current-podders/resources/omnipod-5/faqs/mobile-apps#:~:text=connectivity

If the cancelled (onboard) excursion was applied to your onboard folio, it will take a little over 2 weeks. I disembarked on 8/14 and had a check in my hands by the beginning of September. Check will come from c/o Bottomline Technologies, Paymode-X for Princess Cruise Line Ltd. I was in error. I cancelled an excursion pre-cruise....and kept hunting for the refund on my credit card. Made several calls to Princess and was told it was processed. It took me to the third agent to get a more detailed account. My bad....I was looking at the wrong credit card. Sure enough, the correct card was refunded almost immediately upon cancellation. OOPS.

I read this yesterday that cruise ships will not be impacted. I knew I should have saved the link, but a simple Google search will bring up any article. https://www.thestreet.com/travel/carnival-cruise-line-comments-on-the-impact-of-the-port-strike

My error. The first two passengers are required to have the same package (Standard, Plus, or Premier). Sorry for the confusion. You son is fine with or without an additional package. With that in mind, the premier will come with 8 internet connections that are sharable. You might be able to pay as you go for your son plus daily crew appreciation. You won't be able to share your drinks with your son.

You have many issues to deal with. It would be best to compartmentalize each issue. Not to be concerned: 1. Keep your reservations for 1 and deal with adding your daughter when she gets on. You may/may not be able to do this during your first leg. Speak to the Assistant Manager of each restaurant. There is no need to track down the Maitre d'. He has several managers that will be able to help you. 2. Your guaranteed stateroom could be assigned up to the day you embark on your second cruise. A Lido Deck cabin (MC) might not be assigned. Princess has a warped sense of humor when it comes to guarantees. What they deem as an "upgrade" you may not want. You will have no other choice if nothing is showing available in assigned cabin category. 3. Do you have a Travel Consultant that can help you fix your son's birthdate? 4. If you have the Premier Princess Package, anyone else in your cabin will also default to that same package.

The Medallion and Princess app function differently. The Medallion (coin) opens your door, identifies you, allows you to charge items, gets you on/off the ship, etc. The Princess app gets you prepared for the cruise and will work better once on the ship. In the meantime, many of these functions can be done with the web version. Princess Corporation needs a better marketing team. They have so many misnamed double duty names. Don’t get me started on the ship’s INTRAnet verses the Starlink INTERnet. Reserve Class Dining Room and Main Dining Rooms. FCD/FCC. Welcome to Cruise Critic. Hope you find success in making dinner reservations.

It will be interesting to know how Princess will deal with asthmatic individuals or those sensitive to smoke when they check in to a stateroom that had previously been occupied by a vaper? Will Princess do a top to bottom thorough cleaning of the cabin and/or offer a compensation for a medical visit?

You could be correct. This last cruise was out of Southampton. But then again, I really haven't noticed the shortage. Maybe not impacting my cruises. I do know that when they restarted, they had a very difficult time getting back their crew. Either because of work visas expiring, they got other jobs, or for whatever other reasons. I would have thought this would be satisfied by now.

I enjoyed Iceland on a bus tour. But my nephews (50's) enjoyed the adventurous nature. Lots of hiking and exploring. They are also foodies. Something for everyone.

I would do the Norway cruise and then fly to Iceland for 6 days. Be prepared for sticker shock though, Iceland IS expensive. I "heard" that Icelandic Air allows for stop overs when flying TransAtlantic. Not sure if they only allow you a day or if you could extend it to 6. Best of both worlds.

A Japan cruise focus (in my opinion) should be on the culture and her people. For most American's this is truly an experience. Second to the culture is the scenery. During my 9 day cruise last spring, I visited 2 castles but never went in to any. Didn't do any temples (been there/done that before). FOOD....was my first priority. Ate my way through the country. Interacted with the locals as much as I could. Enjoyed the Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) at their peak. Went to local malls and shops since the exchange rate was so good. I was fortunate to have a relative meet us in Yokohama and take us through one of the many gardens prior to the cruise. The Japanese are one of the friendliest and polite people in this world. I am not as ambitious as a friend of mine who spent a month traveling through Southern Japan by train. (Food and beer). They will be going back this New Years to participate in their celebration (big event). It will be helpful if you do your homework. I know that time at each port is very limited. I was at an advantage growing up in Honolulu. I knew their culture and foods. I knew their geography. I knew about many of their towns and things to see/do. I really wanted to see/perspective how the Atomic Bomb affected Japan. I fell in love with their escalators that went up and down....and flat (moving walkway). So many fascinating technological advances.

I was on the CB this summer. Except for my non-functioning thermostat, I thought this was one of my best cruises. Maintenance came in every time I needed to readjust my temperature. Inconvenience, but they were more than willing to do this. Crew was beyond exceptional.

August 2024, the Caribbean Princess still had a cigar lounge manned in the evenings with a bartender.

I did inquire about washing and no drying but was advised that this was not possible. I can understand that, it would be very difficult for your steward to return wet/damp clothes. I did do a few items in my bathtub since it needed special care. Drip dried them. I did check off an item in the cleaning side of the chit, but didn't notice if it was cleaned or laundered. I sent out a lot of laundry on the CB and all were returned without any damage. I do hate those tags. Some are so hard to remove.

My experience (and only my opinions/theories/observations). I have been on 10 cruises with a total of 98 days since cruising resumed (2020). Only caught covid once and it was on a ship (well technically on a bus). Have been "exposed" to several active covid family members, but never caught it from them. I am positive my covid case was from a very long excursion day on a bus. Symptoms showed up within a few days. Finally decided it wasn't asthma and confirmed by Medical Center and isolated. I was wearing a mask for most of the time when out and about the ship. I felt falsely secure since the weather was nice and I was outdoors. In my opinion: Today's covid is much more contagious and less lethal. But incubation time is just a few days. If you get covid: You are on a 7 day cruise, you will probably test positive when you get home. You are on a 14 day cruise, you will probably test positive while still on your cruise. I was recently told (after my sister brought covid to my house after a family graduation in another state) that all she had to do was wear a mask while testing positive and as long as she had a fever (ref: Kaiser). No other restrictions as long as she wore a mask. Isolate for 5 days from onset of symptoms plus fever free for 24 hours. Covid is not just from a cruise. Air travel can be a source. Somebody has got to bring it on the ship with them. I thought I could avoid getting it since I am vaccinated to the max and still wear a mask when in crowds or around people I don't know well. I am in the minority. But the two states I am in have higher than average cases of covid. You will see a lot more people wearing masks in Honolulu. I am not about to stop cruising or traveling. I am just cautious and proactive. My case was very mild. Some are not as fortunate. I believe Covid is hear to stay.

The space is there. There is a display of medallion accessories, but I have never seen anyone manning the area. It has tables and chairs to enjoy your premium dessert.

That used to be my favorite spot….when it didn’t have the slots but did have a nice sofa. What a waste!

Anshika was a terrific concierge, but she recently left the ship. Have you met her replacement? The Wheelhouse for suites was a nice addition. I would continue to go to Sabatini’s for breakfast if Ivan will permit it. Easier to modify the “rules” in a smaller venue. Better perk than RC MDR. I have not been on a Royal class ship and do love my Grand class ships. Enjoy the rest of your cruise now that you are settled in. Have you considered talking to the Hotel General Manager about moving Jolene into you suite since she paid so much for a solo?

Pack your sun screen and shorts. It is still rather hot in the islands. Mid 80s but at least we have trade winds. Pack an umbrella for the occasional morning (mauka/mountain) showers or use as a sun canopy.