gerryl12

Our experience with Covid testing off Princess was fairly quick but positive. We were the first in line to get tested In San Francisco off the Ruby in January. It took about half an hour for them to get it all set up and we had our results back in just over an hour. It was a positive experience, yes we both tested positive although asymptomatic, but the service was fairly quick.  

We are booked on the Grand Princess for April 19, LA to Vancouver so will have to wait and see if that goes. I have this sinking feeling that Canada is about to loose all Alaska cruising to Seattle forever if we keep messing with it.

We took a Celebrity cruise last month and were denied the RCCL shareholder OBC. The response from RCCL was quote:

" it is not combinable with the discount offer, Opaque Rate 60, listed on your reservation."

I am now going to sell my shares and will not be using RCCL companies again. I have never had this problem with Carnival companies or NCL companies.

Are there any others out there having the same experience?

We booked a Celebrity cruise 14 days Japan. The request for the shareholder obc was refused as it said we got a special fare.

( As a valued shareholder, you are very important to us. The requested shareholder benefit onboard credit cannot be applied to reservation xxxxx as it is not combinable with the discount offer,) Every cruise we take is discounted, who would pay full fare?

We are now going to be ex shareholders of RCCL, and ex cruisers on Royal Caribbean lines.

We mainly sail on HAL or Princess under Carnival Cruise Lines and have never been refused a shareholder obc because we  got a good price. We just did a NCL cruise to Mexico and got a screaming deal and still got the shareholer OBC.

So long Royal Caribbean family.

We booked a Celebrity cruise 14 days Japan. The request for the shareholder obc was refused as it said we got a special fare.

( As a valued shareholder, you are very important to us. The requested shareholder benefit onboard credit cannot be applied to reservation xxxxx as it is not combinable with the discount offer,) Every cruise we take is discounted, who would pay full fare?

We are now going to be ex shareholders of RCCL, and ex cruisers on Royal Caribbean lines.

We mainly sail on HAL or Princess under Carnival Cruise Lines and have never been refused a shareholder obc because we  got a good price. We just did a NCL cruise to Mexico and got a screaming deal and still got the shareholer OBC.

So long Royal Caribbean family.

Over the years I have more than paid for the shares with the shareholder OBC. 

I have RCCL shares also but am selling them as they only work for overpaid cruises not deals.

I had free internet minutes (500) on our last cruise. They have a new system and it didn't work properly. When I signed out it didn't sign out and kept eating the minutes. This was on the Grand Princess. They did refund me some of the minutes but I was afraid to use the WIFI as it was a pain to have to document any time used and then have to go to the computer center each time and argue with them.

I would not pay to use the service, just find a free internet café in port.

You will get a better idea in a month or so. I would imagine that things will improve.

Wash, wash, wash, keep your hands clean and try not to touch things that others maul. Avoid elevator buttons and railings as much as possible.

Most cruise ships can change small amounts needed for short shore excursions 10 or 20 Euros worth, for restrooms, food etc. and most countries (unknown where you are going) will accept Euros if they want a sale.

It helps BUT there are still idiots out there that don't pay attention. Luckily we happened to be staying in Vancouver for the weekend but not only did we have the brightly colored strap around our suitcase it had our name on it too. Yet someone took it. Luckily it was someone who lived in Vancouver. However we still had to cut our day short to get back to the pier to pick it up. I mean, seriously people, do you even look? It had our name in big black bold letters?

Especially after reading some of these I just have it so much easier only travelling with carry-on and small bag. All liquids are 100ml and fit in a 1 quart baggie, for longer cruises buy at the port city and dump. Yes we wear the same clothes more than once (washed) on a cruise but who cares, do you remember and care about what others are wearing. I am not out there to impress any one by bringing my whole closet of clothes.

Never had a bag lost/misplaced when they are in my hand, and so much quicker leaving the airport.

The humidity is just like any other hot islands. similar to southern Caribbean islands with as/or higher humidity.

I would suggest at least two full days if you want to see much. Nice museums, harbour tour, and just the city itself. As was said above, it is a very walkable city with much to see. We spent four days and wish we had more time.

There are no longer "Formal" night just what they call Gala. Which is no jackets or ties required. Some people will dress in a tux or dinner gown but it is not required.

They do have some wine packages which are available on board.

The specialty restaurants are good if that's what you want. We usually do one a cruise just to be different but the food in the dining room is fantastic always.

You will find HAL a step up from NCL or Carnival.

Doesn't matter much which side you are on as you are usually 30 or 40 miles out to sea when you are sailing (except from Vancouver when you go between Vancouver Island and the mainland and then it doesn't matter because the land is right there on either side).

I am just happy to be cruising.

PLEASE NO, NO, NO. Please no radios. They don't work with all that metal and the static and yelling into them are most annoying.

Please , please NO, NO, NO. Just arrange to meet at a time and place.

Most ports that cruise ship stop at do not require a passport. Some ports require your cruise card and government issued ID to re-board the ship. You should always carry a photo copy of your passport with you just to be on the safe side.

We always select anytime dining and many times have solo diners at our table. We usually sail on Holland America or Princess.

In Belize we cave tubed and zip lined with Butts up .. cavetubing dot com . Check them on trip advisor.

We have used them a couple of times and they are great. Last time we were two hours late getting the tender to shore (NCL scew-up) but they were still gathering the stragglers. They are hugely organized and have a good zip-line with two new lines. They are way less expensive than the cruise line.

Zip lining is fun as long as you are not terrified of heights. I 70 went with my 13 yr old granddaughter.

We have taken the train a couple of times and a van tour once to Carcross with Dyea Dave. I would wait until the day of to get tickets because the weather can spoil the whole trip if it is socked in.

We were there with HAL two years ago and there was a shuttle there and back every few minutes. Don't remember the cost but very reasonable.

I always carry a cork screw just to be on the safe side. I do know that your room steward can usually scrounge one up if you forget as I did once.

You do not have to check in when you arrive at the airport or however you get there. Just be at the ship early for the sailing. The check in at the airport is for ship transfers.

She probably won't get another one as she is slated to be sold.

The washers are $2 and if I remember right the dryers are $1. Yes they use quarters and you can get them from the front desk. I think you need cash but it has been so long (6 months).