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There is absolutely NO speed advantage to complete the digital website. There was still, at least, an hour’s line. The only reason to do it online is to make sure everything is completed, otherwise, you have to paper and pencil out the information. There are three things to complete: Quarantine QR code (to verify vaccinations) Immigration Customs

You will not need a proctored test. Any over the free/counter test will be accepted. It’s the rest that is bothersome. Take a blank paper place the negative result test on the paper write your full name write the date (day before) place a government issued ID or passport….and… a phone with the time and date. THEN take a photo with another phone. I (OCD) printed out a form with a place to write in the time. Don’t forget to upload this photo to the app. I also created a sub-album on my phone that included every document, visa, screen shots, etc for easy access.

The Diamond is very much welcomed by the locals. They are so friendly and helpful (part of their cultural make up) and is infusing a lot to their economy. You can approach most anyone on the street and, not only are they helpful, but will walk with you a ways to make sure you are going in the right direction. My advice is to download a translation app. It will assist the both of you.

I am not sure what you are considering a shared shuttle. If it is similar to a taxi service and just for the 4 of you, I’m guessing you could ask them to drop you off at the pier terminal. If it is a scheduled bus, you will probably be dropped off at the YCAT and have to weave your way over to the taxi stands on the opposite side. Be aware that many taxis limit you to 2 pieces of baggage for the trunk and “frown” on a bunch of carry ons. Cannot speak about experience from Tokyo.

Congrats to your room steward. It’s always so rewarding to hear that some one has been promoted. I have watched many crew friends make the jump. Latest from Assistant Manager to Assistant Maitre d’. there are many myths circulating, so I will add what I’ve been told. Cash tips ARE NOT pooled….IF….you kept your automatic crew appreciations in tack. I believe poster removes and/or amends value and that may be the reason they have to turn in tips. I could be wrong. Just passing on what I’ve been informers.

I’m glad I am not the only doubting Debbie out there. I have a folder…with dividers for all my travel plans. Hard copies are added frequently. When I travel, I compartmentalize them into these handle dandy pocket folders for this particular trip (flight, immigrations/customs, hotel, cruise docs, visas, flight, etc.) Overkill with screen shots and an album for those same documents?????

You will receive a plethora of response to tipping the room steward. I will mention that I hand it to him as I am leaving the room. Three have been really rare occasions that I could not find him (not fault of his own). What does he do? I have a long laundry list since I am becoming more and more forgetful. Besides the normal changing linens daily, he cleans the bathroom, vacuums, fills your ice bucket, empty the trash, but I am sure you are familiar with regular hotel house keeping. For me, I request: extra wash clothes take my laundry order / and return it ….if I know he can do towel animals, I will request one (don’t need more than 1) extra bar soap remove room service dishes and a few additions requests. I am unsure if he has been newly assigned change out the mini-bar

Princess has changed shopping vendor post pandemic. Out went the Elite Discount too. MDR $10 sale has not returned. Occasionally, you will find a good bargain. Not so much anymore. Are you looking for something in particular?

This is true, BUT, that is why they have repositioning short cruises to get ships up to Alaska. Example…. LA to Vancouver (satisfies PVSA). Vancouver to Seattle (satisfies PVSA). b2b LA to Seattle on the same ship (does not satisfies PVSA). b2b LA to Seattle on different ships (satisfies PVSA). Seattle round trip b2b (satisfies PVSA) Vancouver to Hawaii one way (satisfies PVSA) Hawaii to Australia one way (satisfies PVSA) Vancouver to Hawaii b2b to Australia (satisfies PVSA)

Congrats. Was this a free upgrade? You mentioned that you are starting in LA. Are you doing a b2b? Where is your finally port? PVSA? Applies ????

I commend you for being an advocate for the handicap. Unfortunately, some “handicaps” are not visible from the outside. There is no where in Princess Theater that you can seat (except in nose bleed section) that is accessible without steps. i did find one ship that did not have stairs into 6th deck. Don’t remember if that was the Ruby.

Bet it's not for free ?????

I am shocked to see that there are not 2 pullman's in the ceiling in a quad room. I can see an upper berth in a triple. Having a roll away seems intrusive.

Was that an accessible balcony cabin? I saw one of those forward. Thought it was strange until I saw the other handicap modifications.

Balconies are about the same inside space as an ocean view or interior. There is no sofa on the Crown Princess. The two bunk beds drop down from the ceiling (not "comes out from the wall". Most times (and this is something you would need to ask your steward), the queen turns into 2 twins with the bunks above them. It is really difficult to access the bunks if the bed is in a queen configuration. Difficult for the stweard to make up the room every day. A roll away really won't fit in a standard balcony. Here's a sample of quad rooms on the Ruby (sister ship) https://www.cruisemummy.co.uk/ruby-princess-cabins/

I'm sorry....that's not "chocolate cake". It's the same moussie stuff they have served but only bigger. Where is my ordinary, plain, super great chocolate cake they used to have in Room Service. More reasons not to upgrade.

Could you give us an example of what privacy concerns you have with downloading the app to your iPhone? Do you have other apps on your phone?

Yes, agents are able to gift dinners. But it is a generic $ rather than specific restaurant. Send them a nice card with $$ and wish them a happy voyage.

Isn't this the same as your other thread?

I love seeing you so excited about Hilo. What an amazing town. Happy to see so many places open again. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/09/25/presidential-proclamation-pacific-remote-islands-marine-national-monumen

No money, no deposit, booking will drop off. No worries.

I will generally order the lamb chops at the Crown Grill. I mentioned to my waiter that I had a not so good experience with the Rib Eye Steak the last time. FIrst, he told me I should have said something and send it back. Second, he told me that I should give it a try again, but maybe order it medium rare rather than medium. Spot on. It was flavorful and tender. But I did miss my lamb chops. I like fish but don't care for the Chilean Sea Bass. My sister loved it all 3 times we dined there. She would not order anything else. I am not sure what the reason is behind so many different accounts. But Princess is being true to thine self....inconsistent. As for Sabatini's, I'm an Olive Garden Happy Camper. The food is good. There are many choices. The service is excellent. Just not one of my favorite restaurants. I will go there since my cabin mate joins me at the Crown Grill.

ALL non-alcoholic drinks in a Plus Beverage Package (the one with wifi and crew incentives), does NOT count toward 15 drinks. I took me 4 cruises before a friend enlightened me.

The Palace Theater used to have tours and an organ player. The tours did not resume post covid. It was one of my favorite places to visit. The green belt along the bay (Kamehameha Highway) was created after the 1960 tsunami. I have memories of this one. The Breakwater and park were to shelter the rest of the city if there should be another tidal wave. The last one was when Fukushima had that horrendous earthquake. You could watch the Hilo Bay camera monitor the very small tidal surge.

This is all a mute point since it is too late to get an expedient passport (even when the OP first posted a few weeks ago). I hope "friends" bought good insurance (cancel for ANY reason) or finds a "medical" reason to cancel before the cruise begins in a couple of weeks. It is highly unlikely that this couple will get on the ship. I will be utterly surprised. @JudiinMt Please let us know if you will be cruising alone.