pjrockman

4 hours ago, Gayesy57 said:

My husband and I were on the Diamond Princess in July 2017. We pre-bought the photo package and found it to be fantastic. Then we were planning a repeat cruise back in April, and had already bought the same package. We had to cancel that cruise at the last minute due to my health. We have booked a similar cruise for September, and the all-inclusive package doesn’t appear as an option anymore. I read online that it is not available for cruises from China, Australia or New Zealand, but ours is around Japan. Does anyone know if it will be available closer to the cruise date, or if not then, once on board?

See my post above...In number 7 of the Terms, Japan excluded.

Safe Journeys, Paul

32 minutes ago, kywildcatfanone said:

My last one was 9:45, got off the ship at 7:15, and at the gate at 7:45. 

Thanks.  I never sweat it too much from FLL with SW Air.  Can always reschedule at the last moment.  Best and most likely case, I’m in D.C. around noon....worse case, I spend the day at the beach in Fort Lauderdale...

Safe Journeys, Paul

We still see it at least once on a 7 or 10 day, sometimes twice on a 10.  Others report some success with asking for it more.  Some say they were turned down for additional service on other days.

We never ask, since we enjoy it the one time and we don’t want to get bored with it.  

Mangia! Paul 

Personally, I never minded the names posted with or without kids.  I, like some, enjoy reading the CC status, only for an idea of what type of cruise it is (many Elite vs many first or second timers).  To me, it’s actually harder to see with the digital screens vs the color of the Seawitch on the paper card.

However, I don’t begrudge those who prefer to remove.

Regarding the Medallion and the threat of folks finding them and accessing cabins, I’d like to report that I saw no gangs (on scooters or otherwise) roving the halls waiting to hear the correct door to unlock.  We immensely enjoyed the unlocking aspect of the Medallions.

Safe Journeys, Paul

3 hours ago, sherryf said:

 

Only sealed, prepackaged food (granola bars, boxes of cereal, etc.) allowed off the ship in Alaskan ports.  I have seen them tell someone to stand aside and finish their coffee or throw it away.

I’m sure I’ll get reasons....

But, the coffee one does confuse me.  DW has been told in Europe and Caribbean to discard before disembarking.  I get the fresh fruit one, because of disease and bugs, but brewed coffee?

Safe Journeys, Paul

We’ve done both on NYE.  As others have said, the menu is the special formal night menu in the main dining room.  However, the Crown offers flexibility.

Here is what we find is different for us on NYE.  Once we had early dining in Main at 5:00.  We were finished eating around 6:30 and it felt like forever until the NYE festivities began!  By the time midnight struck 5.5 hours later, we were like over it.  So, I’d recommend a late Club Class dinner (or late anytime Dining if you have anytime), or a late Reservation for the Crown (or other Specialty Dining).  It makes the evening more relaxed for us.

Hope this is helpful.  Safe Journeys, Paul

P.S.  Love the Hats and Tiaras.  Just like the old time NYE parties...

8 hours ago, cruisequeen4ever said:

I’ve never noticed the smell up above. The smoking area is along the window side so not where the open staircase area is. Also, such few people smoke in there now that it’s a small smoking area. 

Agree.  Smoking is just permitted on the more narrow machine side of the tables.  I can’t even smell it at the tables or the other machine side.  Also, no smoking on Formal Nights.

Safe Journeys, Paul

Routinely do 10:30 or 10:40 SW flight from FLL with luggage.  We just make sure our disembarkation group is one of first couple groups after self-carry group.  Taxis are well organized and waiting.  Even with luggage we have been at gate at 8:15.  I wouldn’t try it from the TAs because of Customs and Immigration.

Toying with trying the 9:40 flight next time....

Safe Journeys.  Paul

In our opinion, not even in the same league as the Grand Class.  Can’t comment on the quality that you describe, since the provisions should have the same source.  You describe the food differently than we believe.  But, the selection, in our opinion, always leaves us looking for Royal Class Ships for our cruises.

Specifically, yes: a Benedict, a scramble, and a burrito du jour each day, in addition to the fried eggs (runny or hard) and cooked to order eggs and omelette station.  Additionally, there’s about a 100 other selections....  

As you can tell, we enjoy the Royal Horizon breakfast buffet over the Grand Class breakfast buffet.

Mangia, Paul

Sure.  Sometimes, we just order the main without the starch or veggies.  Unfortunately, it’s usually on the third plate for the two of us.....

Mangia!  Paul 

2 hours ago, flutprop said:

 

Someone missed changing the line "starting from $199USD"  and yet they start at $249. I just double checked and your screen shot is the entire offer. I guess there could be some package for cruises up to 6 days, but it is not listed.

Nope! See attached small print on page 2 of the terms. Not available on cruises less than 7 days.

Hope the screenshot attaches.  If so, I really do like the new attachment ability of the new CC platform/website.  If it doesn’t successfully attach....then it’s just me...

Safe Journeys, Paul

24 minutes ago, jwattle said:

They have now reintroduced the all included photo package, with the price depending on the length of the cruise.it can still be a great deal for those of us who enjoy bringing those picture memories home.😀

Agree.  It appears that they also changed it back to getting all pics of people in other cabins (without the package) as long as there is someone in the photo from the cabin with the Package.  That’s how it started, but it was reported here that at some point last year they were requiring that everyone in the pic had to be in a cabin with the package.  That was a problem.  

We enjoy the package because of of the Port Pictures!  Like others, while Princess was price testing, we paid $49, $99, $149, and the $199 for this package!  Now we will pay the $249.

Safe Journeys, Paul

Here is my post from an earlier Vow Renewal Thread and hopefully the attachment of the Photo Package Price Sheet from the Royal Princess in January 2016.  I concur that the Private Renewal Package with the Captain was one of the best highlights of any of our cruises and well worth it to us, including the pics and video.

”

“Hope this attachment works. It is the pricelist that was given to us when they showed us the video and the photo montage. The top portion shows that the original renewal package includes an 8 x 10 and choice of frame. Package 2 got us the additional two 8 x 10, the about 150 4 x 6 proofs and the DVD musical montage put together by the photographer of all our pics set to music. That was $279.99.

Ours wasn't negotiable. It just followed the (hopefully) attached price list. The only difference between package 2 and 3 is $120 additional for the thumb drive of all of the proofs.

As you can see on the bottom, the video of the ceremony which included all of the picture spots as well was $200.

If the attachment doesn't come through, be patient, I will continue to try to attach either a pic or the pdf.”

Anyway, if the attachment works, you can see that the new reported prices in this Thread are so much higher from the attached Price Sheet, that it seems something is out of whack.  Maybe the Platinum Studio follows you around now?  All in all, we paid $225+-  for Vow Renewal Package, $279 for Picture Package #2 and $200 for the Video.  Total, including Renewal and what came with the Renewal Package = $725.

Hope this helps.  Good Luck and Safe Journeys.  Paul

1323068191_PrincessRenewalPics.pdf

9 hours ago, dubldeck said:

if your looking for a good spot for Pizza, check out Tony's Napoletana.  Its in little Italy on Stockton street.  Best Pizza I have ever had, oh and the cannoli's are to die for.  Get there early as there is always a wait, but just learned you can check in ahead of time on Yelp.  Enjoy SF!!!

Thanks, Dubldeck.  We had Tony’s on our list with a couple of other Pizza places.  We will try to get to Tony’s now that you validated.

Safe Journeys, Paul

Thanks to both.  I did read TLC’s blog when I booked.  I always read his travel adventures.  However, I did forget about Eater, so I updated myself on the latest openings, etc.

Thanks for the validation of Sotto Mare, ScottCa.  What else do you need other than Seafood and Pasta!?!  Well....a little of that good bread to sop up the broth is also a must!

Thanks again.  Paul

Thanks for this updated topic.  How about Sotto Mare for cioppino.  Tourist? Good? Or Both?

Also would like to hear local suggestions for Italian, Chinese Noodles, and Pizza (any style as long as it’s great!).  Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and Safe Journeys.  Paul

I figured there would be more people on the Princess board that had not sailed NCL and would be interested in hearing about the experience. Those on the NCL board have typically already sailed NCL and know what to expect...

Thanks, ceilidh1. I was curious and I appreciated the review. Nice to hear a perspective from a Princess cruiser. Plus, it avoided all of the negative comments from NCL regulars.

Thanks again and Safe Journeys, Paul

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I’ve said it before and will say it again:

Kudos and Thanks always to Chengkp75 for the knowledgeable insight into the intra-workings of and on a ship. I always appreciate chengkp75’s comments.

Thanks again, and Safe Journeys. Paul

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I'm a walker and the most annoying thing on the Promenade deck are people who congregate in the middle of the walkway chatting. Then there's a certain group who walk arm-in-arm going 3 and sometimes 4 across taking up the whole deck. There's certainly some lack of common sense used on the ship, especially those walking in front of you and they come to a dead stop and I almost plow into them.

So, there should be no promenading on the Promenade Deck...

Hmmm....Paul

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You still start down in the spa and then are brought up to the Sanctuary. When you are finished with your massage there, you are again brought down to the Spa. You will still have the same experience and will use the same facilities with the exception of the location of the treatment room. That's all that is up in the Sanctuary, are treatment rooms.

 

 

 

I have had quite a few massages on the ships, including couple's massages in the Sanctuary on the Regal. After the first time with the hard sell, I now tell them that I am not interested in purchasing ANY items through them other than what I have booked. Don't even bother telling me if you found knots or things I need this, etc. After that I"m no usually bothered so our experiences have been generally good without any issues.

Ditto. DW and I have done it all and still do (except that crazy cleanse one!!). Our couples one in the Sanctuary had three basic differences than below deck.

1. They sent us up to the Sanctuary to change, because we were going to end there, since we did the one with Sanctuary snacks and downtime after the massage. They did start 20 minutes late, but extended the session 20 minutes;

2. After the 30 minute snacks and downtime in the special room in the Sanctuary, we dressed and departed from there; and,

3. We found it much more intimate in the Sanctuary as we were the only ones around. It also was quiet and had much better ventilation in that room.

Other than that, it was the same. We preferred the couples massage in the Sanctuary over the regular spa rooms because of the space, ventilation, and privacy.

Never had a problem with the spas on the ship, since we already understand the higher costs and the sales pitch. As others have said, a quick, polite ‘No’ at the beginning has always stopped the pitch. They don’t want to waste their time either! Regarding what they say about your skin during a facial, your body during a massage and your feet, hands, nails during a mani or pedi is absolutely no different than at good land based spas. And guess what...we already know our skin is too oily, dry, scaly, blemished, etc! Some that comment on the cruise spas may have never used similar facilities at home, so it can be shocking at first.

Tip...Know what to expect and enjoy. Other than massages, facials and pedicures, my favorite is an old fashioned Royal Shave. Who would have thought? I am glad that I tried one. Now I don’t shave on a cruise. I get 3 Royal Shaves on a 10 day cruise!!

Safe Journeys, Paul

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Chengkp75,

You do not need to clarify or explain your comments. I find your posts most informative on the inner-workings of ships and I trust your information. Thank you. Likewise, I value certain posters such as Pam (to name one) for her experiences, as well.

I rarely ever comment on tipping threads because I find some posters’ comments boorish. We consider ourselves blessed to cruise and have enjoyed every Princess Cruise. We give extra tips to most everyone who serve us and won’t stop now. We fully understand the ‘double tipping’ concept and knowingly triple tip. We are fortunate to cross paths with many crew members on multiple cruises and enjoy the reunions. We also treat them with drinks, etc when we see them in ports. The good crews on Princess are a major reason that keeps us loyal to Princess.

Safe Journeys. Paul

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Our experience was a little different. There were hardly any taxis available and those that were there wanted a long trip. Even offering 20 euro per passenger ( there would have been at least 6 that wanted to go to the train station ) was no good. We ended up in a cab with a couple who were going to Rouen and got dropped off along the way. The driver was adamant that there were no trains and he persuaded another couple to let him take them to Paris instead of the train station. We dug our heels in and were dropped off and no worries with the train. It was a strike day but there were still allocated trains running. The SNCF guaranteed that if they had the train as running it would. Getting back no issues and taxis lined up outside the station. One word of advice Paris traffic is horrendous we made our train back with 2 minutes to spare. Another suggestion dont take the boat ride on the Seine there is only commentary downstairs but the best views are upstairs. And in lots of cases trees block the views. It also cost us close to 2 hours of time. HOHO bus route strange but conmentary very good. We purchased tickets online but they would not accept them as there was no barcode to scan. Had to buy another lot. Still glad we went to Paris but we had our hearts in our mouths at times.

Hello, HoneyandHoney.

Weighing our options, as well. At that time, did you catch the current charge that the driver was asking for the ride to Paris?

Thanks also to Hlitner for your advice on this board.

Thanks, Paul

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As to a previous poster who said the package wasn't worth it, I think the value of the photo package is an individual decision. I do it for the digital pictures for my photo journal. I like the combination of snapshots and professional photos. I've paid $99 when they first offered it for at least 3 cruises, and $200 on three other cruises. To me the package is worth it. I view getting our pictures taken as entertainment. As the photographers get to know us, they try more creative poses and more candid type photos. It's a lot of fun having the package (I know, we could get our pictures taken and not buy anything), and my photo journals are great because of the package. But then, that's my opinion...

Agree entirely. Just DW and me on most cruises now and we have a ton of fun with the photographers. We’ve had the $99 deal several times, the $199 current pre-purchase deal several times and even a hybrid $149 deal one time when Princess was searching for the sweet spot for pricing the package. It’s even more fun when they remember you from previous cruises. It’s a cruise...do what you enjoy, and that’s one of the things that make us happy. Plus, it’s great to make DDs look at all the pics when we return home to rub it in that they had to work!!

Safe Journeys, Paul

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Don’t normally comment on old threads, but since it was reopened....

A single supplement appears to be necessary for more reasons than recouping the second person’s onboard spending. If the price for one person in a balcony cabin is 1/2 of what two people in a balcony cabin is, than my wife could get a balcony cabin at the bow of the ship and I could get a cabin aft for the same price as our one balcony cabin. Of course, then we would never have too far to walk to the bathroom. It would also make getting ready for dinner easier with two small bathrooms instead of one.

Just trying to provide another rationale for the need of single supplements. Some newer ships on other lines are providing some mini studios for singles, but many singles are still opting for a regular cabin due to size.

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Agree 100%, Maxwell. Counting our days to our next one. Currently, only have two scheduled, and of course, on Princess.

Love seeing the Princess Ship in Port when we turn the last corner. And, I love my first slice of Pizza and DW, her first Drink of the Day on deck.

Don’t sweat the little things, because we feel blessed with the ability to cruise on our favorite cruise line.

Safe Journeys, Paul

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