cr8tiv1

Just because it hasn't happened to you, doesn't negate that it is not occuring on "some" ships. On the Caribbean Princess (July 28 to August 13, 2024), there was a Most Traveled Guest COCKTAIL event held in the Wheelhouse WITH food and bar service. This was different than the Captain Circle Party held in Club Fusion. This was different than the Suite Cocktail party meet the Officers' event. This was different than the Suite (only) Lounge that was moved from PES in Skywalkers to the Wheelhouse nightly.

Are there any car rental agencies within walking distance hotels? Just a thought.

You will have one complimentary mini-bar set up with 10 alcholic and 10 non. You can change out for like items (to take home). On recent cruises, stocking has been an issue with not everything that is usually available. Just ask Edited: Whatever you don't use, the crew will be happy to receive the left over bar items. Suite passengers have "Express" laundry (check upper hand box). I usually leave it on my bed for turn down so don't have to worry about making the (in by) 9 am time. It is usually returned by the time you go to bed. On the first couple of days, I request sevearl laundry bags so that I can do few pieces more often. Assistant Managers in the suite breakfast area vary. The last cruise was terrific. I could order almost anything (except lobster) that I wanted. In the past, I've had managers tell me...."no substitutions". This last trip: crab/avocado omelette, full English breakfast, granola and fruit, breakfast steak, and my own recipe for watermelon salsa. I prefer to have my "regular" table and same wait staff. I am either at the MDR door before it opens or 60-75 minutes after. If you are not particular (and no need to be), you are usually seated immediately or with a few minutes wait. Priority water shuttles is a really nice perk when leaving the ship. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen upon your return.

Wow, you have a very exciting cruise. I did this similar cruise twice in 2023. Loved every port (except for Covid). Nice change from the West Coast itinerary choices. Please keep us updated with the posse on board.

Thank you, but not enough of an incentive to get me on a Royal Class ship. Enjoy.

Another thought. My son-in-law briefly worked for a company doing Covid tests and other pharmaceuticals. He gave me lots of grade AAA ice packs that were used to ship medicines a long distance. Don’t know where you would begin finding these, but try asking around. CVS/Walgreens pharmacies. They may have to return them. Check with hospitals. Blood banks Dialysis centers Amazon sells “Nordic” ice packs.

Checked off bucket list … got to love those (National Park) Passport Books. I am so glad I did this when I did. Also got my stamp from Williamsburg on the same cruise.

And I missed meeting you on this "same" voyage. My loss. Someday.

I freeze a bottle of water and it will pass through TSA security. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/ice#:~:text=Frozen liquid items are allowed,-1-1 liquids requirements. There is a red triangle disclaimer, but I've never had a problem. But then again, I've only done it at smaller airports.

There is a fine line between liquid and solid water. I believe, not sure, what the percentage is. Take a container. Fill it with ice cubes. Insert medication in the middle. Freeze. This will assure med stays in center. Then add water and refreeze to create “Block of Ice” that should pass through security. Store in a small insulated lunch bag. Do not wrap in foil. It will not pass through TSA. Do double bag container/zip lock bag. Better yet, use a vacuum sealer bag. Make sure you have printed prescription label with you. Cargo hold is colder, but I wouldn’t trust airline to deliver luggage on time.

I did exactly the same thing. Price direct with Delta was cheaper than my EZ Air fare. I was still a little more than 45 days out. I cancelled EZ Air and rebooked with Delta (direct). Refund was processed almost immediately back to original form of payment.

This is not a common occurrence on a cruise ship, but it does happen. Thank you for the PSA. I have heard more stories than I can remember from donors who didn't have their card with them. Glad to see others step up to the occasion. Safe travels everyone.

Bar Harbor is a beautiful small town to visit (almost like Carmel, CA). Unfortunately, the new ban will prohibit large ships from anchoring/tendering. Not to mention other issues that may pop up (fog). On my summer cruise stop at Bar Harbor, I was able to get off the ship by 10 AM for an independent tour. My cabin mate sent me a text (that I never saw) that I should plan on getting back to the dock earlier than I had planned. ALL tendering ashore had been suspended and they were sending over empty shuttles to pick up guests that were already on shore. Something about a "technical issue". I got to the dock early and there was still quite a long queue for the ride back to the ship. It didn't help that the ship was far out with lots of lobster pots out....and very slow tender speeds. If you can get to Bar Harbor, it is a wonderful port.

I did not notice, but thought it was "just" an ordinary bus. Lots of taxi's at the terminal and around the town. It is pretty hilly with lots of stairs.

Not quite sure what you are asking. This is what I experienced last Spring and Fall. Ship docks at new terminal…not below Old Town Quebec. A bus shuttle picks you up at the terminal and delivers you to a parking lot near a short “bridge” that will take you across a waterway. The path (5 minute walk) will lead you to the base of Old Town Quebec. The shuttle runs pretty frequently.

@vwhite66 I do hope your problem was resolved to your satisfaction. It is always best to approach a problem with enough information that problem solvers can help you. Princess did right by returning your gift card funds to the original form of payment. Lesson learned: keep old gift cards.

They DID shut down the Wheelhouse on the CB for the MTG cocktail party. The officers were quite visible during the cruise and the captain very personable. If it were his choice, I would have guessed he would have selected a luncheon. But I don't know his frame of mind/or corporate. The officers mingled about the group.

Recently used the coupon (“book”) from my TA. Free sitting with photographer in studio or around the ship. Free 8 x 10. Studio is on the upper-upper deck. You will get wind blown and exposed to the elements (lol). They are out to sell you a package costing hundreds of dollars. The free on is good for that “closed casket” event. I tried 3 times to do this. The first 2 times the studio wasn’t open. In my most recent cruise, there weren’t as many photo locations or photographers wandering the MDR. They did have photographers at every port. Prices have increased. And still no facial recognition kiosks. What a waste.

The red velvet cake was missing a cream cheese frosting. The chocolate cake had a really weird texture (almost sandy) and “wrong” frosting. There is no longer the carrot cake (which I had heard was the best of the three). Instead, there is a black forest cake….that I did not try. It could be that I was not cruising in the US. I have experienced several rotations of the celebration chocolate cake. They replaced the mousse between the layers. I think this is an improvement. Several of the MDR desserts were better than any of these specialty ones. I had more than one “volcano” or make your own sundae in the MDR. I do miss the varied assortment of ice cream flavors they used to have; along with the sorbets they used to serve between courses. Didn’t see the Tyra Banks ice cream anywhere. Oh the memories of long lost Princess.

I was on the CB in July/August and the cocktail party for MTP was in the Wheelhouse and no luncheon.

@MsSoCalCruiser Thanks for sharing. I am sure others will appreciate your candidness. No hot fudge on any ship, but will gladly savor the joy when I do it on land....for you. Princess does rely heavily on dairy desserts and meals. I remember one cruise that every menu/every day had some form of goat cheese.

Nothing during suite breakfast counts toward your beverage package. You can have: All the memosas you want Specialty coffees: American, expresso, latte, cappuccino. Straight champagne

Trust me, you aren’t missing much. Labor intensive. Frozen chocolate and sprinkles are inedible. Melts too fast. Sticky and gooey mess. I would be happy with a good vanilla ice cream with hot fudge (not chocolate syrup). Or bring back the old fashioned chocolate cake with a good milk chocolate frosting. Is there a favorite dessert that you can eat?

I do not believe you can book casual dining options before your cruise. But I highly recommend that you do make reservations for the nights/times you prefer. Most formal nights will occur on sea days.

Someone actually tackled every sundae….