Janie001

On 3/3/2024 at 8:49 AM, Monthend said:

Do you need reservations  for The Boatyard? I've been many years ago and can't remember. 

You do not need reservations but go early if there are a lot of ships in port.  We were there recently and arrived at 8:30 a.m., by 9:00 there was a large line and later in the morning they were still allowing people in but there were not chairs or umbrellas left.

Add me to the list of people who like them.  I also like regular balconies.  Both have their pros and cons, but another added pro of the IV balcony is that if you like to play cards or games it is easier to do so with the window down vs sitting out on the balcony (less windy).

1 hour ago, Cruise a holic said:

IMO the suite lounge is wonderful.  You also will have access to the suite deck.  The suite is much larger and more comfortable-  Plus you get priority boarding, disembarkation and other perks.  IMO so much better then AQ.  Luminae is a so much better and service excellent.  Blu not so great.

Thanks, we have been lucky enough to cruise in a Sky Suite before, on a different ship, and enjoyed it very much.  I guess I will put in a bid and let fate (or an algorithm) decide.

3 hours ago, bikerunner said:

I had the same thing on my silhouette cruises last week.  The aq suite was for max bid like 750pp. The aqua room was starting at  900pp.  When looking only one aq suite was available and didnt want to move as had same room on my b2b 

I can understand not moving for a back to back.  I just wanted to make sure I wasn't forgetting something obvious!  Glad to hear it isn't just my sailing.  I guess it has something to do with which rooms are easier to sell prior to move-ups.

Hello,

I am trying to figure out what I am missing (or misinterpreting) in the Move-Up process.  The move-up offer for my upcoming cruise on the Silhouette is starting at $960 p/p for an AquaClass stateroom.  The starting offer for an AquaClass Sky Suite is $270 p/p.

I am assuming the AquaClass Sky Suite would have access to the Persian gardens, Blu (based on availability) as well as Luminae and the retreat lounge. I understand I would need to pay the difference in gratuities for the suite (currently included in my prime veranda booking) and their locations may be less then ideal.

Is there something else I am missing?  It seems like a big price differential for what on the surface is a bigger room with more amenities. I have not easily been able to find an answer on this so I am hoping someone can chime in.

Thanks!

1 hour ago, ciship said:

So, is the ship within walking distance?  You said you went back to the ship early.  Did Carnival take you back?

They took us back.  They did one run for people who wanted to go back right away and another later for those who wanted to stay. 

We just did this excursion in February.  It was fun and a bit different from the normal type of excursions we do in the Caribbean.  We did not take advantage of swimming in the pool afterwards (but you have about 45 minutes if you wish to do so), instead we elected to head back to the ship to do some shopping in port.  The food is good and they are generous with the Margaritas!  

7 minutes ago, mperrizo said:

When you exit the area at the far end you are immediately in a Caribbean downtown and in the historic Downtown center. Just a 10 minute walk from the exit of the shopping district is the fort “Fortaleza de San Felipe” that you see sailing in.

How did you find the walk into town?  I am seeing mixed reports about the comfort level people have walking through the vendors/tourist operators outside of the gates.  It is hard to find much information about this.  I am loving your review so far!

On 12/27/2019 at 1:26 PM, Icecoldcranberry said:

Has anyone done the Amazing Race excursion in Cozumel (specifically the one offered through Royal Caribbean)? If yes, is it worth it? Would it be fun for boys ages 9 and 11 years old? What about for my husband and I?

We did this through Royal Caribbean about 6 years ago.  Our kids were just a bit older then yours at the time and we all had a blast.  You can be as competitive or as non-competitive as you like.  We found it to be really well organized and after 10 cruises my kids still rate this as one of their top excursions ever.

1 hour ago, Anubi said:

We did it in April and loved every minute of it.  A truly wonderful and memorable experience.  I strongly urge you to do this.  Princess knows how to do Renewals.  

 

However (and don't you just HATE that word at the beginning of a sentence?),  we were never given a cost on the extra pictures and video and were hit with a totally unexpected and whopping $4000.00USD, about $5200.00CDN, invoice if we wanted everything.  We declined and the price abruptly dropped to $1200.00USD but again we declined.  We did get some lovely pictures for about $300 and we were very happy with those, but were not happy with the way we were sandbagged with this cost.   

As we will be doing this on an upcoming cruise, I am curious if it was a hard sell to buy the photos/video?  We would not purchase it for anywhere near that amount of money and would most likely just be happy with the one photo included in the package.  Should we ask them not do do the additional photos, or are they ok if you just say no after the fact?

We had a similar experience on Celebrity doing a photo session in their studio.  We were very upfront that we would not be looking to spend a lot of money (they would not tell us beforehand what it cost), but they encouraged us to do it and just enjoy the experience.  We did not purchase the package and they were fine about it.  To give them their dues though it was hard to say no to - the were the best photos we have ever had taken of us.

Also since you have done the ceremony, are you allowed to say your own vows or do you just repeat after the captain?  

2 hours ago, grouchomarx said:

But wait I'm confused. It says 7 day pass but then when you go forward it is listing one date only. Can someone clarify?

I am having a similar issue for our upcoming 15 day cruise.  It is offering a 5 day, 7 day and 10 day pass.   The 7 day and 10 day pass are offered only on one date (the first date of each leg) which makes sense to me.  I assume those passes start on the first day of each leg and finish on the last day of each leg.

The 7 day couples pass that I am interested in is only being offered on the disembarkation day of the cruise. I called and was told that I wouldn't be smart to buy that (no kidding).  When I pointed out that it was probably an error on the website the only solution provided was to email customer relations.  Will let you know if I find out anything more.

If we are doing a back to back on the Regal Princess (first leg 5 days, second leg 10 days), is it likely that the MDR menus would repeat?  I.e. would the menu for the first night of each leg be the same and so on?  I am just trying to decide what day(s) to book a specialty restaurant.  I do know that I can book on board, but I prefer to pay as much as I can prior to a cruise before I embark.  I am also assuming if I book in advance and need to change it I would be able to that?  We have not sailed Princess before so advice appreciated.

Thank you.

5 hours ago, JF - retired RRT said:

OP: you didn't ask, but here are a couple of thoughts that are MY favorites for Princess:

1) if you enjoy your cruise and want to go on Princess again...buy at least one Future Cruise Deposit per person. Fully refundable if not used within 2 years, get OBC when used (for 15 days = $75 or $100 depending on cabin), $100 is your full deposit for the next cruise. A great deal. Too late for this one, but...

2) if anyone in your party is a veteran or active military, send in the required documentation and get OBC. For your cruise that would be $250!! Google is your friend for the required proof.

3) Carnival shareholder? OBC if you are. Carnival stock is less than $45 right now. A great time to buy, if you can afford 100 shares.

Good to know.  Being fully refundable within 2 years makes that very attractive.  We are not veterans/military but I do own Carnival stock so I have taken advantage of that OBC.  This is the first long cruise we have taken so the $250 OBC was a very nice perk!

2 hours ago, XBGuy said:

 

On two different Princess cruises I have purchase three-bottle packages.  It seems to me that the price was $99, and you don't get to pick the wines.  It is a package.  Don't be frightened by the price.  These were all exceptional wines and the total price was substantially less than the sum of the wine list prices.  The wines are delivered to your cabin.  If you take a bottle (or two or three) to a restaurant or dining room, you will not be charged a corkage fee.  I really don't know if these packages are offered on every cruise.  Usually, on embarkation day, there is a table set up in the elevator lobby near the buffet where the various drinks packages are sold.  Typically, I bring a stash of my own wine on board, and, so, I haven't looked for this package in several years.

 

Have a great cruise.

This is what I was hoping there would be.  I will keep my eyes out for offerings.  Thank you.

5 minutes ago, steelers36 said:

You did not mention length of cruise, but generally there are wine packages sold on board (inquire night 1).  That said, we don't drink enough wine to use up the minimum of 7 bottles if on a shorter cruise.  We generally use about 1/2 bottle per meal, so about 6 bottles will cover us for a 10-nighter.  You may not see it offered on a 7-night cruise.  If you drink more there are packages with more than 7 bottles.  IIRC, you pay about $31 per bottle and can order any bottle up to $45 off the menu.  If you order something more expensive, you pay the difference over $45.  In all cases (packages or by the bottle), an 18% gratuity applies as with all bar orders.

 

I purchased it as a 15 day cruise but it is two legs of 5 and 10 (which I didn't realize until well after I had booked).  I will check into what is offered on night one of each leg.

15 minutes ago, skynight said:

See above

 If your turnaround is in the U.S. you will be able to leave the ship at any time starting around 7am and up to the final disembarkation call around 9:30am or so. Take you medallions, passport and intransit cards with you. 

That is very helpful info, thank you.  Our turnaround is in the US.  Out of curiosity what is an "intransit" card? Is that something that will be given to us since it is a back to back cruise?

3 minutes ago, janina said:

Yes the Regal does have a fridge that you can put your wine in.  Get a couple of glasses from the bar.  Some have walked into the dinning with their wine.  There will be a sale for free drink packages, but like all sales compare the price to your current price.  They will store your bottle of wine in the dinning if you paid the corkage.  On turnover day you will be able to leave the ship and you can bring 2 more bottles of wine on.  It is truly anytime dinning but there is a number you can call to reserve if you wish.

 

I think you will enjoy the Regal and Princess.

Thank you for the response.  I am looking forward to trying a new line!

We have cruised several other lines (Celebrity, RC, NCL and Carnival) but this will be our first cruise on Princess and I have a few questions.  We will be on the Regal Princess.

• Does the Regal have fridges in the room to store wine brought on board?
• When I first booked the cruise there was an on-board experience for a balcony dinner in the planner.  It no longer shows up - does that mean it isn't done anymore or could it be that it is sold out?
• Can you bring a glass of wine to dinner in the MDR from your stateroom?
• If you bring a bottle of wine to the MDR that you have paid corkage on, will the staff keep it for you if it is not finished?
• We are hit and miss as to whether or not we buy a drink package on a cruise.  The Princess price seems very high and I am certain we would not break even on it at the price I see it listed for.  Does it ever go on sale?
• Are there any other packages that they sell on the boat that are not listed? For example, buy 3 or 5  or more bottle of wines for a special price? 
• I booked this cruise as one 15 day cruise but it is actually a 5 day and a 10 day cruise.  On the turnover day would we be able to leave the ship to do sightseeing or would we have to be processed a special way at a certain time?
• We are doing anytime dining - should we (or can we) reserve times in advance or is it truly anytime?  

Thank you!

2 hours ago, Corby114 said:

Publix Supermarket has a decent selection of wines. They have locations all over the South Florida area. Most stores have a selection of over one hundred different bottles ranging in price from under ten dollars to over fifty plus.

Would definitely be able to find something to suit with that many.  Thanks.

16 hours ago, JohninDC said:

UberXL and can taxis will be about the same fare. Tell the driver what you want and he will know where to stop.

Thank you

1 hour ago, RocCruisers said:

Depending on how fussy you are, CVS, Walgreens, Publix, Winn-Dixie carry wine.  So you can ask to stop at anyone of these chains along the way, or if they know of someplace better like ABC or Total Wine or Wholefoods. 

Thanks, not fussy since we will be in a hurry:)

59 minutes ago, Flymia said:

Party of 5 you'll need an UberXL or an Uber-SUV. But with a stop that is still the best idea than dealing with a taxi. 

 

Flying in the day of cruise is rough and never suggested. 

 

My best idea would be the Wholefoods Market in Downtown Miami. It will be about a 5-10 min drive from that Wholefoods to the Port. Large win selection there. 

Thanks.  Unavoidable to travel day of this time (first time ever in 11 cruises), we have a very early flight booked through the cruise line and because it is summer I was willing to take the risk.  However I am sure I will be extremely stressed out!

Hello,

We are landing in Miami on the day of the cruise and want to stop on the way to the port for some wine.  We are not looking for anything exotic so where would be the most streamlined place to jump out of an Uber to purchase?  

I understand that Uber now allows multiple stops but if there is a better way (i.e. more economical) to do this, feel free to chime in.  We are a party of 5.

Thank you!

49 minutes ago, memoak said:

Regarding wine:  What does your Passage Contract say?  Check section 5, paragraph 3.  It sounds like you bought this as one cruise, so for you it is not a back-to-back cruise.  A back-to-back cruise is where you purchase two contiguous cruises.  If you booked it as two separate cruises you can bring a 2nd bottle of wine on board at the end of the 1st cruise and start of the second.  

 

Last November we booked a 20 day cruise on the Crown which was also being sold as 2 10 day cruises.  We were in a suite and got a free specialty dinner on the 1st night of each 10 day cruise and extra elite mini bars for each 10 day portion so I am betting that you can bring bottles on the 2nd leg as well

We are in a mini suite so unfortunately that won't apply to us.  Will have to see what happens with the wine!

1 hour ago, goofy559 said:

You will be able to bring one bottle per adult on each leg of the cruise.  You can bring more for a $15 per bottle corkage. The enclave is likely to be bookable for just the first 5 days as it is being sold as two separate sailings.  

 

Can't help with the other 2 Qs.  Enjoy - sounds like a great trip!

Thank you.  I did not know about the bringing more for $15 so that might be worthwhile for a longer cruise.