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Just a bit of clarification. The Cruise Critic Meet and Greet is an (un)official gathering of passengers. Officers are invited to attend (not mandatory). Several showed up, introduced themselves, and opened up a Q &A session. It is always a treat for officers to take time out of their busy schedule to meet with passengers. Yes, this is a “short” 7 day cruise…that is very port intensive with only 2 sea days to cram in all of the normal activities like trivia, bingo, art, etc. Many of the venues needed to be “shared”. There are 3 production shows scheduled. Not sure they will all happen since the cruise is only half over: Rock Opera, Blame it on the Boogie, and Magic to Do (yet to come). Due to scheduling and flying entertainers in/out, the Tenor in Rock Opera came in and flew out. The Magician for Magic to Do, flew in Day 2 of San Francisco, did a solo show, will do production show and fly out from LA.

I am not a WhatsApp user. I was only told that it can be used on board. I did try it…but it was in port AND I had cell service too.

I was told by a crew member that the WhatsApp is their lifeline to others on board and family/friends far away. It is the one app that is "approved" by Princess so "escapes" any blocking by the INTRAnet. iMessage, on the other hand, sort of gets around the barriers (I don't know how). I am able to iMessage people on a ship from land and they can in reverse (without being connected to the internet). But the one time I tried to do it while we were all on the ship (I had cell service/they did not), it turned green. (Longer story about why I WASN'T connected to the INTRAnet.) Sorry, way above my comprehension. So I reluctantly installed the Whatsapp app.

I sailed on a repositioning cruise from Vancouver to LA a couple of Septembers ago on the Grand Princess (not a Royal Class ship). Our sail away was at a reasonable hour that we could enjoy all the day time passings of Lions Gate Bridge, Vancouver Island, and all of the islands between Vancouver and Seattle. I was amazed how many smaller islands dotted the passage way. There is absolutely no way that a Royal Class ship could maneuver those channels. I enjoyed watching us cruise this section of the "map". I could be wrong since I've never been on a Royal Class ship. I am sure if I am, someone with more experience will set me straight.

This is the only place to find pretzel rolls. I just wish it wasn’t so out of the way and so late in the afternoon.

Guess they have been "observers" since 2015. 15 posts/starts is still a newbie.

Just had a live chat conversation with Dan asking this question. First answer referred to FCC. no...that's not what I was asking. Second attempt...I won't bother you all with the non-descript version of conversation. Third attempt...I gave up.

In my experience: I have found fares. Email what I want to my TA (she's wonderful). She calls me to ask me if this is really what I want since my FCD would be used as a non-refundable deposit. This is why I keep using her. She looks out for me.

@capriccio has outlined the best step to take TODAY. Clarifications: GF has not yet applied for a passport? Son will/will not go? Cancel for any reason covers this particular situation? I'm sorry that this cruise isn't working out the way you had hoped. Seems like it was a really nice gesture.

OOPS...Should have been 100%. I need a refresher typing class. Is that even offered anymore. Thanks @voljeep for being my editor.

Free cruise (at current fare) PLUS 100$ REFUNDABLE OBC

If you have not started your travels...it's great. I was hoping for one from my side of the world. Nothing to lose if you are not already there.

@Cariboocruisers YOU win the best thread of the day/week/month/year. Love it. Now watch this turn into chair hog battle. Thank you so much for "bearing" the weather to share this with all of us. Welcome to Cruise Critic. Will be looking out for more posts from. you.

Here's my story. I will try to be brief (not easy). LA to Hawaii, no foreign port. One cruise: I was taking off things for my daughter. Her old pink piggy bank, Trader Joes, Macy's, etc. Stopped at security. DId I clear this with customs agents? "NO"...I need to find an agent. Off they went. One hour later. You are cleared to go because we couldn't find anyone. NEXT TIME...clear the night before. Another cruise: Go to Customer Service Desk to declare the things I was taking off the ship. They knew nothing...I told them I had to....they did some "research". Finally got back to me several hours later. I had to fill out a customs form AND meet with a CBP agent at 7 AM in the MDR. Went down with my customs form AND items. Waited, waited, waited, finally sent outside to sit at Good Spirits Bar until they process offloading crew. Went back in around 8 AM. Met with Customs agent. Showed her my items. She asked for receipts and documentation. Huh???? Some of these things belonged to my daughter. They are "very old". Back and forth with each item. A penguin bank, Trader Joes, wrapping paper, etc. Finally spoke to her in "local" talk. That did it. Cleared to take off items. Had to stop at security and wait for clearance. That's the last time I used Princess as a shipping agent ! Nawiliwili is a fascinating port to watch the ship maneuver in to the harbor. Recommend this to everyone. No one ever takes me up on it.

INTRAnet: Ship's internal network INTERnet: WiFi for purchase/Medallion Net INTRAnet: Is used to run the Medallion Class app. You can see what is going on while on the ship. You can use it to contact Crew Chat. You can use it to locate fellow passengers...if you exchange information. You can use it to order drinks and food. You can use it to see your onboard account. You can use it to set up reservations for Dine My Way You can use it to see the Patter. You can use it to gamble on your device. **** You can use it to send iMessages from iPhone to iPhone. + + INTERnet: You will have to purchase Medallion Net/WiFi to get email, search the web, or do any other things you would normally do with an Internet connection.

Arrived in my mail overnight. A day before departure. Disappointed, but not surprised. Low bid, Full ship. Was anticipating a move over offer….haha.

Time to start formulating plan B. The general consensus has been that GF will not be able to get on this cruise without a passport. Obtaining a passport this late in the game doesn’t seem like it will be issued. So what’s next? Insurance may cover you and your son under cancel for any reason (except for lack of travel documents). You both have passports. Cancel for a different reason and request Future Cruise Credit? Time to move on to the next step. I’ve heard of passengers making appointments for emergency passports. Made appointment, walked in and out with one in hand. Someone just told me about this happening….can’t recall who it was. Good luck https://affinitytravelcert.com/document/pdfs/PCT_Plt_Landing.html

I do hope her parents wait at the port with GF. I would hate to see her left at the terminal as you and your son sail away. Good to know that she was third for free. I would call and see if you can cancel her out of your booking before Embarkation.

Same rate if you pre-pay, pay on board, or use OBC on day one. Which leads to an interesting segway. If I purchase Plus/Premier Beverage package before cruise, I am charged more because it becomes part of the fare (insurance). Then...why am I NOT charged more for purchasing "part" of the beverage package (aka: Medallion Net)? Am I only charged a portion of the Beverage package toward my insurance? HMMMM....mmmmm

rate times 12 days divide by half (50%). One device: $90 Four devices: $400

From all of the post increase beverage threads, I don't think you will have a problem with signing up for a class. Princess/passengers have not posted what the classes are, or when they are.

Here's ELUA's update 23-24 schedule. Hope this helps.

@mamamusings I hope you have a great balcony location. I'm still waiting and holding out for last minute assignment. Some have said that it can still happen. I'll believe it when I see it. Just checked...my bid. When I click on submit new bid, it says: "Not Eligible for Upgrade" Not a good feeling. When will I know if my bid is accepted? Your bid can be accepted anytime from the moment it is submitted up until one day before departure.

My sister used the self laundry on the Diamond. Expected to be done by dinner. Went back to check. 1. Waited 30 minutes. She didn't push the correct buttons. Washer did not start. Luckily there was crew in there that helped her. 2. Waited another 30 minutes. Clothes washed but NOT spun dry. Dripping wet, she put it in the dryer. 3. Went to dinner. Checked on dryer mid-dinner. Nope...as expected, not dried. Customer Service gave her another token. 4. Left dinner again. Nope...not dried yet. 5. Took almost 2 hours to dry the very wet clothes. Washer malfunction was reported. Customer Service kept giving her tokens.

I sure hope you win your bid. IN the same boat (literally). If you win your bet, i "could" win your cabin. in limbo, pending.