pjrockman

I plan on buying OBC, as well. We just like everything pre-paid. However, I now have the Princess Visa and I understand that buying Casino Cash doesn't qualify for double points, but it doesn't say that I can't buy OBC with it for double points (unless I missed it, and will be quickly corrected). If so, it will be the same as what cardholders do by cashing in their points after their cruise to maximize the credits.

Not sure if my logic is correct. If not, fire away....

Safe Journeys, Paul

On the Regal on April 14, bought two each for DW and me on the same form and used the Dropbox. Got all four letters for all four FCCs in our email two days after our cruise. So, no problem for us in April...as a matter of fact, we already used one each!

The time before, I tried to hand the form directly to the Rep and she insisted that I use the Dropbox!

Paul

We had an excursion booked one time in Grenada, but for unknown reasons it was cancelled. We found a shore tour to drive around thru the spices. The smell was wonderful & we had a great day.

 

On Dominica we did not book anything; instead, we walked around the old slave market & talked to the people. If a vendor did not have something you wanted they would show you to someone who might have. We also (and this is one of our all-time favorite cruise memories) went to the beachfront bar right near the ship for two rum punches. It's a good thing we were right at the ship or we might never have found our way back!

 

Our screensaver is from Dominica of us playing drums with Rastaman...he took a great photo of us. We'll be back there in October & maybe we can get the same photo with our Sister-in-law.

 

Steve & Pete

Hi, Steve and Pete,

Thanks for the info. Any chance that you remember the Bar's name in Dominica? Any additional info on it would be appreciated. These are the things that we like to do. The market and bar sounds like a great day!

Thanks. Paul

And, back to your question....

Been in the (all the way) front premium suites several times on the Royal (Regal next week). We didn't notice it too much in the cabin, but the walks down that hall to the cabins are back and forth. We have been on Baja and above, and even though it is wavy up there, it doesn't bother us.

Hope that helps. Safe Journeys. Paul

I vote for the "boring"

Second the motion.

I'll stick with Princess. Not that old, by the way. Just our style.

Agree with you. Loved the Royal three times. Trying the Regal next month.....

Thanks for your comments. "Stair" issue didn't bother us. Loved the Enclave, as well.

Thanks again, Paul

Go to the Gift and Services page under 'Booked Guests'. You will need to then download the whole 17-19 page brochure that includes all of the numbers and prices. The actual order form is the last page. Print it and fill it in and Fax it to 661/753-0182. Or, you can call 855-500-7690 to order direct; or there is a mail address as well.

Hope that helps. Safe Journeys. Paul

I have followed this thread and have been researching each product mentioned. I am intrigued by the topic. If you believe that alcohol is the magic ingredient, then the Clorox spray (02174) has 70% content, as opposed to the other listed products (mentioned above on Amazon) that only have 63%. There is also limited info on the Benzalkonium Chloride products.

However, this page that I found on the Iowa Public Health site indicates that neither alcohol nor BZK are effective against Noro. I will continue to look for a product (other than straight up bleach!)

Hope this link comes through: http://www.idph.state.ia.us/idph_universalhelp/MainContent.aspx?glossaryInd=0&TOCId=%7BA30556B6-DD0B-4C83-BF8E-18B046B954F1%7D

However, if not, Google idph Noro and it should pop up.

Hope this helps, since it won't settle the debate.

Paul

Backround:

 

Hello Fellow CC members, my name is Leslie, I am 58 years old and will be traveling with my wife on this cruise. We both have been on over 40 cruises on Celebrity,Princess,RCL,NCL, Carnival, HAL and Disney. Our last cruise was on the Carnival Dream in August/2014. We are currently Platinum members on Princess and Elite members on Celebrity. Our last Princess cruise was on the Caribbean Princess during hurricane Sandy, we were supposed to go to Bermuda, but we ended up being diverted to Boston. Our 4 day cruise turned into 6 days because New York had closed their ports. But we still had a great time. We are currently booked in cabin A210 which is a " sideways" inside cabin. As is our usual practice, we are flying in to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, a day before sailing. We are currently booked at the Best Western Plus Fort Lauderdale Airport. We found this 3 star hotel on Hotwire for $118.00, just checked and the cheapest room now is $338.00, so it pays to reserve early. This hotel does provide a free shuttle service from the Airport. We live in New Jersey and this winter has been BRUTAL so we are looking forward to this Cruise. I would like to thank all the people who have posted their reviews and experiences and hope to give back in a small way. I received an e-mail from Princess indicating that the Unexpected Boys will be on this cruise and that the movies that will be Shown on MUTS will be The Judge and the Hunger Games part1. We will be flying Delta to Fort Lauderdale, well that is all for now, to be continued................

Esquire20,

Looking forward to your thread. We have been on the Royal several times and will be on the Regal in April. DW and I were also on the CB for the Hurricane Sandy cruise to Boston. We also enjoyed the cruise since we never were in Boston. We even took the train up to Salem on Halloween since we were still 'stuck' in Boston. Had a great time despite the circumstances. We also thought that Princess handled the whole situation great, including providing custom buses everyday for passengers needing to get back to NYC.

Enjoy your trip. Safe Journeys. Paul

We've not left on our first Regal sailing, March 15, and we've already booked the same ship and itinerary for November 29. My parents seemed quite interested in the Regal after hearing me yammer on, and it'll be their 40th wedding anniversary while we are gone. Very exciting!

 

We booked guarantees for both cabins, but I'm secretly upgrading them to a suite. Shh! ;-)

Very nice gift and surprise for your parents, Tbonecopper.

It was my parents who introduced us to our instant love for cruising on the Big Red Boat in the mid 90s. They took our family on another 8 cruises together, but are now too frail to cruise. However, they relive those days every time we get off a boat with new pictures for them to look at. They couldn't believe how nice the Royal looked.

We have been in a suite twice on the Royal and have one booked for the Regal. They are very nice. The first one was a surprise for my DW and she was on the floor when we entered the suite. Of course, that is all she expects now...

Enjoy your cruise with your parents....there is nothing better than cruising with those you love.

We are blessed. Safe Journeys. Paul

Tracie-Lynn,

Thank you very much for your live 'essays'. This has been a thoroughly enjoyable thread. Normally, I lose interest in a 'live from' forum, but I looked forward to your posts every day. I loved every one of your posts.

Thanks, again. Have a safe, uneventful trip home.

Safe Journeys, Paul

Does anyone know the brand of olive oil that they sell in Sabitinis? I finished it and lost the paper where I wrote the name down to order more.

 

 

 

Thanks!!

Segesta. Princess' exclusive brand of Sicilian extra virgin olive oil.

I haven't bought any. I was going to buy one on the Royal in December, but forgot!! I'll grab one next month.

Hope that helps. Paul

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See Smoking Thread in above Stickies (at top of Princess Thread page). Last page of that smoking policy thread lists the areas on the Regal/Royal.

Paul

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True. However, when it's called "Formal" and the cruise line suggests/requests that you dress accordingly in the dining room, who you are is a measure of the respect you show towards yourself and others. If you choose not to dress accordingly, there are other dining options. Just saying.

Amen. Paul

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We are on a 7 night sail on our first Princess ship. On HAL and RCCL, most people do not wear jeans at dinnertime nor do I. However, on NCL, people tend to be more casual.

 

Please share the usual dress code for Princess on evenings that are considered casual.

OP, Carol.

There will be more than 50,000 people cruising to the Caribbean on Princess in December. You have now heard from about 30 Princess Cruisers on this thread. This is a sample of 0.0006 of the 50,000. Just to put the comments into perspective.

DW and I favor formal on formal nights and no jeans on casual nights. In our opinion, the majority of people are dressed this way. Now you have heard from 0.00061 of the 50,000 on Princess to the Caribbean in December.

I recommend taking a little of each and get your own feel for Princess. We really enjoy Princess because it has a bit of class.

Hope that helps. Paul

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Steve White was the comedian on the first leg and was replaced in St Thomas by Al Katz. Steve White was hilarious, while Katz has to get some new material - we heard most of his act in Grade 3............

 

 

 

David Cats was the illusionist and he was good.

 

 

 

Movies Under the Stars has Godzilla, Million Dollar Arm, Maleficent, Edge of Tomorrow, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Draft Day and Fault in our Stars.

Thanks again, RLK.

I know they change around, I just wanted to know who was making their rounds this Fall/Winter. We like Steve White and are also partial to Carlos Oscar.

Thanks, Paul

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The following all performed on the October 25th sailing:

 

 

 

Inner Mood Quartet

 

 

 

Pianist Nadia Smith

 

 

 

The Score

 

 

 

Steel Pan Player Trevor Cole

 

 

 

Capriccio String Quartet

 

 

 

The Score was the band though.

Thanks for the information, RLK.

Do you remember the comedian, if one was performing? We are curious for our Dec cruise.

Thanks, Paul

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really? I live in italy on the sea, and don't know what a barramundi is...

Maybe they were referring to Branzino or Spigola (European Seabass). That fish is very good, usually served whole encrusted in salt. I think that the Barramundi that is served is an Asian Seabass.

Paul

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FYI, tiled loungers on the Royal are not heated. I specifically asked this during the embarkation spa tour. I don't think laying on cold tiled chairs is very relaxing.

 

 

 

I also prefer facilities with windows. The Royal's thermal suite was interior and very dark in my opinion.

 

 

 

Cost was $199 per person for our 7 day cruise last month or $179 if you booked the first day. Too pricey in my opinion.

Bought the week pass on the Royal last December. Same price as above. Tiled stone beds are indeed heated. I loved the 'pseudo' Hammam steam room. I got my money's worth, but DW preferred the sun deck!! It was never crowded when I was there.

Paul

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Some of my fondest memories of a child were my Grandmother (Granny) and I watching the Love Boat. Granny would always say "some day Alley Poo we're going on the Love boat" and when we finally did my Granny was in heaven. She loved to cruise and she and I became addicted!! I hope she's still cruising in heaven! Hey, maybe heaven is just one BIG cruise ship, I hope so!

I rarely comment on things like this, but I gotta tell you that your comment choked me up. What a nice comment and great memories.

If true, you will find me in line for a slice of pizza at Pregos on the Lido Deck...

Safe Journeys...Paul

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Yes, indeed I do remember! I followed you and Scott last year on the Royal Princess inaugural out of Fort Lauderdale and got some tasty ideas like the Brownie Blast Sundae with Nutella ice cream at Gelato's! YUM!!'

 

 

 

:D

DW and I had two of those last December because of that thread. The Nutella gelato made it extra delicious. Thanks for the tip, Macusr;

Hey, Dave.

Paul

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Is there a lot of walking involved, and is there an occasional place to sit down? This would be on the Regal, also are the robes one size fits all or are they sized? I have seen nothing of this in the Personalizer, so I assume it must be booked on board, correct?

We only learned about it on the Cruise Critic forums. We went directly to the guest services desk as soon as we boarded and signed up for the tour. We were the first two to sign up; but, as I understand (and others have already commented), it is not first come, first serve. If more than 12 sign up, then they do a lottery. However, that may have changed.

There isn't a lot of walking because you are just moving within the confines of the ship, but there is a lot of standing when the Crew and Officers are explaining the details.

Robes are one size fits all. We were the shortest on the tour and the robe goes to DW's ankles. I think that they are the same ones that they sell for about $90 dollars and you could probably try one on if you ask.

Paul

Paul

You were one of the lucky ones. I've seen many more negative posts and personally experienced terrible laundry service on the Royal.....

 

 

 

Bob

Might have had something to do with our Cabin Stewart, Edgardo. He was outstanding. Crazy good....very unassuming and humble but all our needs were anticipated and the suite stayed immaculate. Best Stewart ever for us.

Paul

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Worked very well for us. We were actually fascinated by the service. We had a suite on the Royal in December and always got our clothes back within 24 hours. Clothes were clean and we weren't disappointed. We really found the pressing only service convenient as we had my tux and dinner jacket and DW's gowns pressed as soon as we unpacked them.

Hope that helps. Paul

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DW and I took this tour on the CB three years ago. We absolutely loved the tour as well as the swag. I get all kind of compliments on my chefs jacket that DW had my name embroidered on when we got home. I got both chef jackets and DW got both robes. She hasn't even worn the second one yet since they are so thick and plush. They aren't the (too short) terry cloth ones. They are the good suite robes. We also enjoyed the pics and stationary. Loved the galley most of all where Chef Antonio Cereda spent a great deal of time with us. He was very accommodating. We ran into him on the CB a year later and he remembered us and engaged us in conversation. Also enjoyed laundry operations, print room, backstage, medical center, funnel, bridge and engineering room. All of the top staff and officers, including the Captain, were very generous with their time and they were very friendly and informative. Chief Engineer was a little long, but his passion for his ship was undeniable.

For us it was worth every penny.

Paul

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