cruzsnooze

Thanks, I will check when it says it's time. Balcony cabins were sold out for I had to take a GTY. I love the hump balconies and would pay extra to pick my cabin but this time that wasn't possible. I will be happy where ever they put me because I want to be happy not sad.

What if you're not using an app. Will it show up online in the set sail pass on the computer?

I'm an American and feel tipping has gotten out of hand. It's not a free drink, nothing is free as everything you get has been "included" based on your fare or earned as a repeat customer.

I don't drink so never looked at the Plus Package.

At the pier is the latest and the porters will know your cabin number and give you a luggage tag. Sometimes it's in your personalizer a day before.

I sailed Japan on the Diamond last June. The ship was just fine, no issues. I didn't care for the shore excursions, Japan is all about shrines and Budda and beautiful gardens and nothing much more based on the shore excursions. I loved Thailand, Viet Nam. Singapore, Cambodia and Hong Kong which were vibrant exciting cities with lots to see and do.

Recently in June Kai Sushi was no cover charge but A La carte menu.

Well as a suite passenger I can tell you the experience has gone downhill. They eliminated such simple items as a pen and paper by the phone, limited upgraded bathroom amenities, no more canvas tote bags, no more included internet, no complimentary room service and the list goes on....... My next cruise is on RCL's Navigator of the Seas and I'll be comparing.

The number of people who are diabetic have increased in years and they do not drink empty calories with sugar IE alcohol. There are people who are members of Bill W who don't drink. There are Mormons who usually don't drink. And then there are people like me who don't drink except a glass of wine making any of these packages impractical. I bring my laptop and set it up on the desk and both of use it so need for more then one device. There are other amenities in these packages I don't use or like. It will be interesting to walk by the specialty restaurants and see how full they are after the implementation of the packages that include specialty dinner every night.

If you're booking directly with Princess just call their reservation line. If you're booking with a TA give them the gift card number and pin. It doesn't allow you to use a gift card online.

I can confirm that on my June cruise the most traveled lunch was replaced by a cocktail party since I was invited as a most traveled. It was limited to 40 passengers. I prefer the lunch and won't bother going to the cocktail if invited.

Gift card credit gets put back onto gift cards not cash. If I could get cash for my gift cards I'd buy a thousand dollars worth at 8% discount just for the cash but of course that's not reasonable. You can use it for casino, just charge to your folio at the casino and it's deducted from your on board credits.

Other than the continental breakfast from room service you will incur a fee unless you have one of the higher priced alcohol packages. Suites do not get complimentary room service anymore. Breakfast in the specialty restaurants change the hours of service on sea days vs shore days. There will be a letter in your suite telling you everything about your suite amenities.

The daily gratuity is a suggestion that can be adjusted up or down or removed at your discretion at guest services. If you do nothing they will add the fee to your account.

And you've already probably paid your auto gratuity and MDR meal for the day so it's more then people realize. As long as people keep paying they will keep upping the fees.

It's essentially more then the $45 since you paid for dinner in the main dining room too.

I cruise both Princess and RCL frequently. Both seem to have App glitches which is why I refuse to use them. I do everything online on my laptop or on the phone and request a confirmation email. As long as the cruise gets away with these glitches they will continue to steer people into using apps instead of good ole fashion customer service.

The sob story of a crew member to get more tipping. They don't hand out a list of who removed their gratuity and they don't print a list of who gave cash as they went along. These scare tactics have taken on a life of their own. If and I say IF there is a list of names in the galley it is for the waiter to know what passengers they are serving in traditional dining NOT who removed gratuity.

It has been established that the pool is fleet wide. It is also established that gratuity is not put on Australia or New Zealand who are in the pool. So we here in the US who are big tippers compared to most countries are carrying the pool for the fleet. I also know from a friend in Corp. that Princess keeps 10% administration fees. Everyone is free to do as they see fit as long a the company allows one to decide how much they choose to add to their labor costs.

Deck 7 at the back is reserved for handicap seating.

Princess is foreign flagged and does not follow US labor laws. The policy of who gets into the pool has way too many people like "revenue generating" crew. I don't care to tip the Bingo callers or , or the entertainment crew, the cruise director and his staff? My opinion is validated by Princess hence the ability to reduce the amount I wish to donate to their overhead. My opinion is just as valid as anyone else's.

I just did a Japan Cruisetour in June this year. All this hype posted is nothing new just reiterated hype. I personally did not care for the cruise. The crew were fine it was the tours. They all were similar, see a temple, see a budda, see beautiful grounds and repeat next tour. People did not speak English and wifi was generally not available. In contrast I did enjoy Asia in other countries such as Viet Nam, Cambodia, Singapor, Hong Kong and Thailand.

The suggestion might increase but it is still at the passengers discretion to adjust or eliminate them. I personally reduce mine to $10 PP PD which is what I believe actually goes to crew after Princess takes their admin fee and does employee of the month and employee incentives and employee party. Many report removing them and using cash to the crew that actually serves them. It is entirely up to you to do as YOU see fit. Now the cheerleaders will start posting.........................................................

The question the OP asked has not been answered. YES you can go to guest services and get a regular cruise card. People with pacemakers are advised to avoid contact with the medallion within several feet of the chest due to the magnet in the medallion. This would be a feat in an elevator. The rectangle plastic holder is available for a fee, the lanyard is complimentary.

Some truth but not all. Younger families with children will not be filling the ships on longer cruises such as Trans Atlantic. Younger families will be stuck home when school is in session. Younger people with kids probably have a different budget then retires with time and money to use. Young families may do more land based Disneyland, Sea World, Six Flags Magic Mountain vacations. It would be wise to cater to all ages.