UpcountryTravelers

They didn't ask that. They simply said they no longer have cruise cards. Just the medallions.

I asked for a card, I have a collection of cruise CARDs. They said they do not have the option to make a card. Obviously, the medallion has overtaken the card.

After 36 cruises, (pax from 600 to 6,000) I have discovered this: The smaller the ship, the better the service.

Discovery Princess and Island Princess.

We have sailed both Princess and Celebrity. (and 4 other lines, which do not make the top cut). Our favorite is Princess, with Celebrity a close second. Itinerary comes first (our last cruise was Princess, our next is Celebrity). They are similar in many ways. One better in one way, the other in another. A lot is about personal preferences. However, Celebrity is significantly more expensive, especially in onboard costs. (A favorite drink of mine is $8 on Princess and $12 on Celebrity, for example.) Now that we have done 36 cruises, my feeling is that Princess is comfortable and upscale, Celebrity is interesting and upscale. Both provide a great vacation. (The other 4? Royal Caribbean is acceptable, Disney is great with grandkids, we have outgrown Carnival, and MSC is "not no, but HELL no".)

The only thing irritating (and mildly so) to me is that you can't order alcohol from a waiter in the buffet any more. You are supposed to use the app to order. But it is MUCH faster to just go to the Wake View Bar next door and get your drink. (5 minutes vs 20-30). We would get our food, sit at a table, then one would go to the bar and get our drinks.

I wouldn't change just for that. The medallion simply replaces your card and is easier to carry. The app is not needed, and it is nice to have your stateroom door unlock as you approach. Everywhere else, it functions exactly like your card, just easier to carry.

No, you cannot go to Guest Services and get a traditional card. I tried last summer and was informed they no longer do that.

Nope. Not everything, or even everybody.

I saw it recently on another site, but couldn't find it again today. Senior problems. Only one I remember was "Dirty Banana" at $18. (Not my favorite, by any means, but I considered it typical.)

True. Keyword "should". I supposed the brand new ship had it different. Of course with the new drink prices, many drinks will be going over.

It seems that depends on the ship. True on Island Princess, not true on Discovery Princess. (2022 experience)

We haven't seen ANY priority boarding on our last 2 cruises with Princess (last year: Seattle and Ft. Lauderdale). Everyone just goes right aboard when checked in. Everyone. All the same.

We are not ashamed of our last names.

We just completed a 14 day cruise Christmas and New Year. Took two "bricks" of cans: one Pepsi Max, one Coke zero cherry (neither available on ship). Taped them together, taped on a luggage tag, and they were delivered to our stateroom as usual. Easy.

Um, no, I was informed this summer that they do not do that any more.

Discovery Princess, Alaska cruise, July 2022. Atrium bar, No mistake.

I ordered a double Scotch first day on the Discovery. Won't make that mistake again. Charged $16 (double the normal single charge and over the Plus limit, so paid full amount.) Now I order two and pour the second one into first glass.

Um, no you can't get a regular cruise card. I tried this July, but was informed at the desk that they no longer do that. (Wanted one to continue my collection.)

I tried to get an "old school" cruise card on the Discovery Princess in July 2022. They are NOT available any more.

Princess does not tell you that.

You are correct, Sir. I misspoke. The medallion unlocks (does not open) your stateroom door. You hand it to a clerk in the stores or a server in the bars. The app (which Princess seems to tie together) is for uploading your info before cruise, and to order some things onboard (like adult beverages in the buffet). IMO, both have been seriously oversold by Princess. Don't expect any "better experiences" in our next cruise (December), as we now know what to expect.

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Only 9 cruises as Elite (25 total). Never seen any difference in tendering. I suppose it depends on the ship. We were always just in line with everyone else (nothing wrong with that, just don't like false advertising).

Sorry for the multiple posts. CC said to try again, but still said we can't post.