lolane1

On 2/23/2024 at 8:30 PM, Thrak said:

 

My wife was told "No" when inquiring about free laundry tokens.

That's a shame.  I got 6 tokens last summer from Guest services. We sailed on the Emerald.

Well, it looks like my original email to Princess customer service was wrong.  I resent another to customerrealtions@princesscruises.com and got an immediate acknowledgement of receipt.  I explained that I made a reservation on the app for 380 dining as I was afraid it would be booked out before the cruise, especially since it is now open to all guests.  I received a lovely email from the customer service department.  They canceled my reservation and rebooked the same time and date as I originally selected at no cost.  Credit already posted on my credit card.  They rock!!!

Just now, dansgirlie said:

You’ve got to decide what is best for you. For me, I’ve spent far too much time and energy that I cannot get back. This is living in my head. Gave them a time limit if they don’t respond in my time limit, and I will most certainly contact BoA. They will credit it back. Princess or should I say carnival Corp. is so huge,  they wouldn’t even notice a couple of chargebacks. 

I am beginning to think this is the best course of action because there is no way I will accept onboard credit.  

I, like dansgirlie, am considering contacting my credit card company.  I received the email concerning the 360 experience clearly stating it was free:

There is no reason Princess should keep my $298  leaving me to sort it out with the concierge on the ship.   As mentioned before, if you don't make your reservation now, there is a good possibility that it will be sold out when you board, or you might not get the time slot you prefer.  As it is, we had to settle on an early slot on a port day.  There weren't too many choices left.

I did send an email to customer relations but have not yet heard back from them. It's been 2 1/2 weeks. I'll give them a bit more time. However, in the past I have heard back  pretty quickly and that was not to ago. I am truly disappointed that Princess could not get their act together over this issue. 

On 1/30/2024 at 10:53 PM, clkelley said:

We were on the Emerald to Hawaii in August last year and absolutely LOVED it. The cabin was spacious, (R747) the bed was really comfortable and our cabin steward took fabulous care of us. Our cabin was not accessible, but we had two small mobility scooters. There was plenty of room to store those in the cabin. We hopped around the dining rooms and had exceptional service each and every time. We ate at the Crown the first night and Sabatini's the last night. Both were exceptional. We had a great time in the casino and playing bingo each day. We had some challenges on the cruise and the staff handled them beautifully. (We were in the Pacific days before the Lahaina fires). They immediately canceled and refunded our excursions, rerouted us to Kona instead of Lahaina, and provided a great list of excursions for the replacement port on very short notice. We also were arriving back in LA when the hurricane was supposed to hit. They sped up, stopped in Ensenada a day early for about 3 hours for paperwork (not allowed to disembark), then we arrived in Los Angeles a day early. A lot of people left the ship the day we arrived, but as our flight home was not until the next day, we stayed on the ship. No hurricane, but it was pouring down rain, so we just chilled out on the ship, played some trivia, did some laundry, just relaxed, took the opportunity to explore some areas of the ship we had missed during our voyage, and had our fabulous final night dinner at a very empty Sabatini's (Although the view of the commercial port was not what we envisioned). We LOVED the formal nights and took the opportunity to really "doll up" (including wash and set hair/makeup appointments each time). We also took huge advantage of the professional photographers, and had a black and white custom photo session. We went to the spa introductory session, and both booked manager special treatments, and really enjoyed those.

Nice happy photo.   Looks like we were on the same cruise.  So many medical emergencies, hurricane, fire in Maui, change of ports and sadly a person overboard.  However, it was one of the few times my daughter and I became very close to several of the staff.  And we had a great time despite all the mishaps.  The crew were phenomenal, warm and welcoming, especially two people in the Sanctuary and one particular bartender who created some pretty exotic non alcoholic drinks for us off the cuff.  We stayed in a mini suite and yes, she couldn't hide her age because of the old round structure where the old style TV's were placed., separating the two areas of the room.  But that didn't bother us at all.  The Emerald was a great ship to sail on.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.  But, I would definitely

avoid the Caribbean Princess as I experienced plumbing issues that no amount of lipstick could fix.   

4 hours ago, MissP22 said:

A paint job would be the least of my worries considering the age of the ship. Plumbing issues and bad AC would be at the top of my concerns. 

 

 

Oh yes. Your concerns are valid.  I sailed on her 5 times so, so long ago.  The last sailing we had really bad toilet issues (carib deck aft) that we had to keep using public toilets periodically for several days.  They never really could get it fixed well.  That was the last of that ship!  

15 minutes ago, bphman said:

Just heard back from Princess.  Very impressed by the person who called replying to my email and answered several questions.  I would have responded to CC sooner but my dog was in my chair and I couldn't get to the computer.  I did book 360 on the app and was charged but I got the date and time I wanted.  He told me that any booking for 360 would be handled through customer relations as the ones answering the phones at the 800 number have been instructed to say that the 360 perk will no longer be offered.  I will get refunded.  I also asked about specialty dining on embarkation day.  That cannot be booked ahead and can only be booked onboard.  They do save spots for suite guests and it is complimentary.  So, I am very pleased with the service given.  My suggestion is to email customerrelations@princesscruises.com.  They are in the business to make you happy.

Thank you so much.  I figured I would eventually get refunded for 360 and it is reassuring to know that I will not be shut out of the Crowne grill or forced to eat at 8:30 the first night of the cruise.  Happy sailing.

1 hour ago, PacnGoNow said:

You could send an email to customer relations and see if they will credit these charges.  If not, I’d tell the concierge once OB.  Let us know.

 

customerrelations@princesscruises.com

 

Thanks!  I actually did that last night.  I also found the 360 listed as complimentary on my original booking confirmation from June of last year. I am not so crazed this morning LOL.   

Original booking under general information:   "360:An Extraordinary Experience available to Suite Guests. Suite guests can look forward to receiving an exclusive invitation to 360: An Extraordinary Experience available exclusively on Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess. 

I also remembered that customer relations were very respomsive fixing another issue for me in the not too

distant past.  I'll update if I hear back otherwise I'll bring the original booking printout with me on the ship.
 

Thanks but I don't do What's App

I'm sailing in a suite on April 20th with my daughter.  I didn't realize thr 360 dining was an issue.  Thank goodness for Cruise Critic.  I did book before December and my travel summary says 360 is complimentary.  However, I just went to book and several of the dates are booked out. I am more than annoyed. So I booked what I could.   Additionally, the free specialty dining on the first night shows only really late availability in the Crowne Grill.  What the heck?????  Looks like I would be charged for that too.  I wish Princess would get their act together.  So much for paying for a suite with these perks. I am not going to book the Specialty dining and they had better accommodate me on another night.  Plus refund the charges for the 360 dining. Oh yeah, $298 already showing on my credit card. Who can I write to to have these charges reversed now?

3 hours ago, Eno said:

Oh well, guess will eat solo one day. 

Thanks

You have the Premier package which has unlimited casual dining.  Your husband can go with you and order a cocktail or another beverage and at least keep you company.    

Oh for goodness sakes.  Bring a roll-up puzzle mat like my daughter and I do.  We do ours in our room  but would definitely work for any public space.  No excuses.  Hoggy.

16 minutes ago, chamima said:

 

What is a "throw cushion cover"?

The covers on the pillows that are on the couch or possibly bed used for decoration.  They usually have a zipper for easy removal and cleaning.  Yay.  I'll be on the emerald soon.  

12 hours ago, LACruiser88 said:

The Captain just announced that the ship currently has over 700 cases of gastrointestinal infection and that they have increased their sanitary precautions.   😬

Wow that is a huge number.  According to the CDC, this has to be reported to the Vessel Sanitation Program when more than 3% onboard have gastrointestinal infection when in US waters or within 15 days of arriving to US or when flatly just more than 2% onboard are affected. 

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/gilist.htm

To put that in perspective the last outbreak on the Emerald  was 3/17 though 4/1 and only 99 passengers onboard had it (4.66%) and 21 crew members 1.76%.  

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/outbreak/2023/Emerald-Princess_3-31.html

I'll be sailing on the Emerald in a few weeks but I am sure they will thoroughly clean the vessels before the next cruise.

Having done some research, hand sanitizers DO NOT kill Noro.  Thoroughly washing your hands will.  So, be careful if you are worried; rewash your hands after using the utensils in the buffet.  

On 7/12/2023 at 6:39 PM, Teechur said:

According to medical professionals, sanitizers have no effect on viruses. They only work on bacteria. Hand washing is the only way to get viruses off of your hands.

With that said, I do the same thing because then it feels like I've done something! 😷

For information purposes, this is not quite correct.                                                                                While sanitizers don't work on norovirus because it is encased in a capsid,  sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol are effective on coronaviruses.                                                                       

Taken from New Jersey Covid-19 information hub: "If used properly, alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is an effective way to kill the COVID-19 virus. Hand sanitizer is often faster and easier, however if you have the option, you should wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds. This is overall the most effective way to get rid of the coronavirus and other viruses."                     

https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/coronavirus-information/slowing-the-spread/is-hand-sanitizer-effective-against-the-virus

A friend of mine and I were doing a Mediterranean cruise, leaving day of during the summer months from New York City.  We had separate rooms on the ship and we both had princess platinum insurance.  A huge rainstorm occurred in New York, delaying flights.  We both were on the tarmac of Kennedy at the same time, different planes, waiting for take off.  After just about  three hours, my plane took off.  She waited 5 hours on the tarmac and then returned to deplane.  She contacted EZair but the amount of planes and hotels she would have needed to catch up to the cruise was ridiculous and she could only be connected at the second port.  She canceled and got refunded with a cruise credit.  I cruised.  You just never know.  I am leaving for Hawaii in a few weeks on a 16 day cruise and I am flying in to LAX a day early. Did not book though EZair and bought separate insurance with a generous payouts for possible scenarios.  New York no longer allows for "cancel for any reason."  My first port is Hawaii, five seas days later.  If I miss the cruise, at least I can head off to a beach in Hawaii.  

7 hours ago, Ombud said:

Comes in a variety of colors for formal night

Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore!

White sneakers happen to be on trend now and worn with everything from casual to dressy outfits, both men and women.  No one will look twice so be comfortable and don't give it another thought.  

6 minutes ago, 20165 said:

Thank you and aside from Dining, is there any other areas they would not be allowed in?  I thinking of NCL Haven or Celebrity Retreat where they have areas for only those guests?

 

 The Concierge Lounge for one, if one is on your ship.

12 hours ago, donaldsc said:

 

We have done a fair bit of Azamara cruising in the past.  I have an all black outfit that I wear on white night.  My wife says that I am being totally ridiculous and I agree that am being ridiculous.   As far as Halloween is concerned it is a great holiday for the kids.  If I went trick or treating with my shot glass do you think that they would fill it at each stop.  I might feel differently about Halloween then.

 

DON

Yay Don, You have redeemed yourself!!  I think for those of us who may be past dressing up for Halloween  the shot glass idea is F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!  There comes a certain point in time when dressing up is is passe - an all black outfit, super! It's NYC's standard attire. You'd fit right in. 

39 minutes ago, donaldsc said:

It is hard to believe that people actually take these color coded events seriously.. 

 

DON

LOL  It's hard to believe that you believe people actually take these color coded events seriously.  Seriously! Do you also say the same about Halloween parties?   JUST KIDDING YOU!  . Not my cup of tea but it makes a lot of people happy.  Live and let live and try not to be a naysayaer.  Let your hair down............. unless there isn't much left.  

On 6/2/2023 at 9:58 PM, bjkTX said:

Maybe this will help,  From the video it appears the balcony is about half covered - at least on that deck 🙂  The aft facing balcony cabins are our favorite - especially the corner ones on the Grand class ship so you can see to the side and back (C753/752).  We have had those the last 5 and have C-753 on two booked 🙂

 

 

I just booked this room.  They  are on Baja deck Aft - B736, B737, B738, and B739.  Very large and half covered balcony

5 hours ago, caribill said:

As mentioned by others, using EZAir for international travel gives the biggest $$$ savings when compared to what the airlines charge, especially when doing air in one direction.

 

For domestic flights, EZAir is usually no better than airline pricing.

 

A flexible EZAir flight booking can be cancelled with no penalty up unto 45 days before the first flight or the cruise starts, whichever comes first. If Princess cancels the cruise, you will get your EZAir $$$ refunded, but if booked with an airline, you will be subject to airline rules which usually require using any credit (less any feea) within a year of when the booking was made. Since bookings with an airline can be made up to 330 days in advance, you might actually have very little time left to use that airline credit. And your alternate use of that airline credit might be for a destination that the airline (or partners) does not fly to.

 

And as mentioned in another post above, if your ship is late in reaching the disembarkation port, Princess will take care of rebooking EZAir flights and there will be no additional cost to you. If booked directly with the airline, you will be responsible to dealing with any needed rebooking and any additional costs.

 

By the way, EZAir does not require flying in on the day of embarkation or out on the day of disembarkation. You can usually select flight days two weeks or more before/after the cruise. And, also, you do not have to fly home from the disembarkation city. For example, you could disembark in Southampton and fly home from Paris.

 

EZAir flights do not cover all of an airline's flights, so you might find better scheduling or routing if booking directly with the airline.

 

And not all airlines are available with EZAir. Southwest may be available, but not with flexible fares.

Thanks for all that information. I never thought about disembarkation flights  if the ship is delayed. Good to know.  Southwest?  I have a bit of concern there after that big debacle in December and now I believe they’re under investigation for unfair and deceptive practices.  But then again, most airlines have had their issues lately with pilot shortages and flight cancellations.

9 hours ago, gottagocit said:

Also keep in mind EA flights fall under your princes protection cancel for any reason insurance that you can purchase for your voyage.  Since almost all economy tickets are non refundable that could be huge if you have to cancel. 

I don’t know when it happened but New York now does not allow you to purchase cancel for any reason insurance.

1 hour ago, Prost Seattle said:

You can frequently save more money if you book a vacation package from the airlines.  A vacation package can be just a flight and a rental car or one hotel night.  Look into it as the fare you can get from the package is cheaper than anything you can get individually.

 

My example:  in 2021 we got 3 RT FC tickets from SEA-HNL and 10 days of rental car (that made a package as we had a condo) for less than the lowest priced RT FC tickets.  

Didn't realize you could do that.  For now, too many arrangements have already been made but will definitely keep this in mind for future cruises. Good suggestion.