reiddg

Just now, Steelers36 said:

It was yesterday afternoon and you can find it on Carmen Roig's YouTube page.  It was more of the usual rah-rah sales gab.  I didn't see all of the questions answered either, nor many of the issues raised here addressed.  That would not be in line with the rah-rah session style.

Thanks, I'll look at it.  Can't find where I left my look of surprise but when I find it, I'll use it...😉

Early in the thread, it was mentioned that there was a Princess webinar, for TAs I believe, to discuss the new Sanctuary Collection.  Anyone on here or following attend it?  I'm curious if any meaningful information came out of it.

3 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Thanks for the illustration.  And for clarification - yes, Suite guests already had included access to the Signature Suite sub-section within the Sanctuary.  So, I do agree that the only added benefit if Premier package.

 

For the Minis and handful of special Balconies, they did not have the Sanctuary access.

 

I am not surprised there is a huge money-grab here and it won't take long for savvy guests to figure it out.  The question is, will they give up their habit of booking Suites and drop down in protest or switch to another line?  Guests like me are certainly not chomping at the bit to fill ay void and snap up those expensive Suites.

Wow!  Thanks for the details.  Yes, I don't see myself booking Suites in the future.  That's robbery, plain and simple.  I guess it's time to try out MSC who matched my Princess Elite level with Diamond status.

3 minutes ago, capriccio said:

I've seen some comments here on CC that the Lounge access is still restricted to the original 80 cabins in the Signature Collection but I haven't seen a direct quote on that.  Having looked at the pictures of that lounge, I have my doubts that it was even big enough to old a sizeable percentage of the Signature Collection passengers.

Yes, the lounge is limited to Signature suite guests (agree with your assessment of lounge size). If you look at the Sanctuary Collection description on the PCL website under Premium Amenities and Services, it says "And if you’re a Sanctuary Suite guest, you’ll have exclusive access to the Suite Lounge"

57 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

Dog,  since you have already booked the cabin, are you not 'grandfathered in'.

That is what I was understanding.

While the official SANCTUARY thing begins Oct. 14,  and also begins with all bookings made after this announcement...  I thought that all existing bookings were granted SANCTUARY access...  Just not the included package.

That is correct.  That's what the Princess rep told me on chat and said it was for all sailings in 2025.  I booked a Reserve mini-suite in April 2023 on the Sun for January 2025, which has now qualified me for the Sanctuary Collection sans the Premier package.  

21 minutes ago, galveston gal said:

I have not seen anywhere that the Reserve mini-suites under the old system are allowed access to the Sanctuary.  I think that would be wonderful if it was true.  Hoping someone has this information.

It says in the Sanctuary Collection description that access to the Sanctuary Club is included.  For this deal, the only thing in the Collection that is not included is the Premier package.  I too booked a Reserve mini-suite.

14 minutes ago, CalTexCruiser said:

So what cabins are assigned the Reserve Class dining and what are assigned the Signature dining--or has that distinction been removed?

I’m wondering the same thing.  What exactly is the “private” restaurant for the Sanctuary Collection?

Just now, JimmyVWine said:

You already know the answer to that question!

Yes, indeed!

Just now, capriccio said:

The Sun Deck/Sanctuary is one of the major reasons we booked an S9 (it certainly wasn't for the terrible short backed balcony chairs that don't even recline a bit).  This is a Caribbean cruise and we always book the Sanctuary for the entire week on other Princess ships. I was already concerned about the apparent lack of any shade now I can add being concerned about even getting any place to sit. 

Agreed!  We like to book the Sanctuary on the Carib cruises as well and you're exactly right, we'll be lucky to find a seat.  Are we now going to run into the same issue as at the main pools with people reserving chairs that stay vacant for hours?

5 minutes ago, Mishkin said:

Oh for sure, there are only 80 chairs in the Sanctuary and they are putting 215 cabins in there now. The Cabana Deck will probably be less crowded now 🙃

7 minutes ago, capriccio said:

What has changed, in addition to the astronomical fare increase for future bookings, is that the already booked suite guests will be sharing the same amount of space with more than twice as many people as when they originally booked.

That's what I was wondering as well - you've exploded the amount of people with access to the Sanctuary.  Yikes!

4 minutes ago, dog said:

Keep an eye on Travel Summary under Special Services- I did not get email but my D0-aft has the Sanctuary Collection listed now.

Mine has changed to show "Sanctuary Class Indicator"

4 minutes ago, Mishkin said:

On the Sun Princess there is the Signature Lounge and Restaurant for Suite guests as well as a Reserve Collection Restaurant. 

 

Yes, I recall when booking our Reserve MS that we had our own restaurant but I'm wondering which "private" restaurant they're referring to in the Sanctuary Collection promo.

48 minutes ago, Mishkin said:

I agree Princess did a terrible job with the wording for suites guests. Nothing seems to have changed for the suite guests other than the fact that you can no longer book it without a package like you used to be able to. The upgrade really applies to people in the Reserve Collection, who now get Sanctuary Access.

Exactly.  I was wondering though, was the private restaurant originally for both Signature and Reserve or were they separate?

53 minutes ago, mw82den said:

Got the email saying that our booking had been ‘upgraded’ to the Sanctuary Collection (penthouse suite on Sun Princess).

 

I had already purchased Princess Premier to go with it - would I be eligible for a refund on that, if it’s now already included?  
 

EDIT: seems not.  I just noticed that it’s called out in the FAQ for existing bookings.

I too received the email informing me of the complimentary upgrade.  The note said I should upgrade to the Premier package but when I researched it on the Princess website, it said Premier was included.  I reached an agent on chat and she said that the 2025 Sun Princess bookings made prior to April 2023 were given the upgrade but it excluded the Premier package.  Same cabin, they're just including the Sanctuary Collection amenities.  I couldn't get an answer but I'm guessing she meant the Reserve and Signature bookings were upgraded.  I can't imagine ALL bookings were upgraded but who knows?  I'm anxious to learn more about it though.

1 minute ago, Host CJSKIDS said:

We had no issues getting an uber when we did just this and they were also busy with disembarkation.  It was easy.  

Good to know, thanks.

7 hours ago, MissP22 said:

The above solutions will work but why not park elsewhere at half the price & use their free shuttles to get to and from the ship?

We've tried offsite parking and every time we use a shuttle (hotel, parking lot, Princess); it's always been a nightmare.  I'll pay for the convenience and ease of the terminal parking garage.

I'm on the same cruise as @Alaska Lily and I was just thinking the same thing as some of the respondents here so I'm glad I found this thread.  I've done the free Princess shuttle from one terminal to another - it's not pretty and I don't ever want to go through that again.  I'm thinking we'll just get to Terminal 21 early, drop the bags and park back in the Terminal 2 garage.  I'm guessing Uber and taxis will be busy with disembarkation at Terminal 2 but I'm sure we can find something.  I like the idea of excessive tipping to the taxi or Uber to compensate for the short ride.

Thanks for the advice!

On 2/12/2023 at 8:34 AM, skynight said:

Just some thoughts, not solutions.

Tech does not solve everything although some think it does and develop cumbersome programs to solve problems that may not exist

Spots in the sanctuary vs the number vs demand is a far less of a percentage of the total number of passengers than something like specialty dining. 

Sanctuary spaces are very limited.

Demand varies depending on itinerary.

Sanctuary is available to all passengers which exceeds 3,000.

There are maybe enough lounges to serve maybe 2 to 3% of the total passengers.

Lounges would have to be placed in fixed diagrammable locations to allow you to select them. Specific lounges would require descriptions regarding shade, sun, view, etc on specific itineraries. They could not be moved around as they are now.

Moving the reserve time to some date or days prior to sailing would only move the demand to an on line day and hour on that date. It would also basically eliminate any customer that books late.

The Sun Princess may have some solutions. Princess has decided to separate passenger lounging areas by class.

 

 

You are correct in that technology doesn't solve everything.  However, I must respectfully disagree that technology can't solve the Sanctuary reservation issue.  I've been in IT for over 40 years and have seen some excellent technology solutions created.  This one wouldn't be that difficult.  Furthermore, it's ridiculous to force passengers to make the mad dash to the Sanctuary to make an in-person reservation and it's equally ridiculous to put the crew through it as well.  They have better things to do as do the passengers.

I can state unequivocally that a robust reservation system can be implemented without a lot of work.  First, the challenges:
1.  Sanctuary configurations differ from ship to ship - some more than others.

2.  Sun & shade (partial or full) vary by ship, by itinerary, by weather.

The solutions:

1.  Just like when you buy a reserved seat for a movie, game, concert, or flight, there's a seat map available and you can choose your seat.  A lounger map for each ship can be created and displayed in the app or the website.  The loungers are always in the same configuration at the start of the day so having fixed positions on a map would be fine.  They could even provide a 3D rendering of the actual Sanctuary on each ship so you can do a virtual tour. The map can display occupied and available seats by day and you can have the option to choose the same seat for the entire cruise, if available.    A suggested full/partial sun/shade can be specified but personally, I would avoid that or disclaimer the heck out of it (see #2).  Just like with dining reservations, they would commence by loyalty/cabin class.  

2. First and foremost, a disclaimer is required in a big bold font.  Nothing is guaranteed - for the challenges I stated.     One can never be assured they will get their desired amount of sun.  It's a crap shoot on every cruise.  One needs to face facts on this topic.  That said, there are loungers on many of the ships that can be designated all/partial sun or all/partial shade.  Again, those can be highlighted in the depicted configuration but no guarantees. 

As I previously stated, it would save the labor supporting in-person reservations and the ridiculous mad dash for passengers to the Sanctuary on embarkation day.  On our last cruise, when one couple made it to the Sanctuary podium at the entrance, they were there for almost 20 minutes deciding if they want sun/shade and calling their friends to get their choices.  All while the rest of us were standing in the sun waiting.  All of us in line did applaud when they finally turned to leave...

3 minutes ago, rj59 said:

The Ruby line in SF was evidently due partly to it having to use a secondary pier, since the Majestic was occupying its usual pier. Other factors suggested were having to wait to disembark covid passengers, etc. On a Carnival sailing out of Seattle, they wouldn't allow people into the terminal without showing their ArriveCAN. They didn't check the codes on my two stops in Victoria--imagine the logistics of checking over 5,000 people most days, many arriving at 7 or so, although I did read of the Ovation of the Seas being checked, perhaps as punishment for it not being done ahead of time, like the Canadian customs form everyone also has to take. Perhaps it will be gone by late August, like testing before international flights or the 2-day cruise testing requirement for cruises visiting Canada. 

 

Personally, instead of rushing to get on board early to start eating, I'd drop bags and either try to pick up an electric bike outside the terminal (Lime or Veo apps), or take an Uber from the terminal to Olympic Sculpture Park and enjoy a lovely walk along the water back to the terminal.  It's about 2 miles from the park to the terminal, with a walking lane and a bike lane. I've actually used the electric bikes to get to and from the terminal on my last cruise a few weeks ago. Not waiting in lines and crowded areas also decreases covid risks, although they were insisting on mask wear inside the terminal.

Interesting.  Thanks for the info!

Just now, Eaglecw said:

The best PEL lounge I’ve ever been in is the one at San Pedro. The PEL lounge at Pier 91 is a couple office partitions with a small folding table with some rolls and coffee on it and a few chairs, at least that the way it’s been on the last 5 cruises we’ve been on out of Seattle.

 

Everyone has to fill out the ArriveCan information and get the QR code before they cruise out of Seattle even if you’re not planning on getting off the ship in Victoria. Your cruising in Canadian waters, it there requirement. I heard that they were checking for ArriveCan QR codes at Pier 91 and those who didn’t have it weren’t allowed into the terminal building. I look at it as just being part of the game.

 

I would have to agree with you on San Pedro.  Not much to it but it was better than FLL for sure.  Thank you so much for the ArriveCan info.  I had a feeling it was required for entering Canadian waters but you're the first person that's been able to explain it.  As you saw in my post, I planned on completing it but was just wondering if it was required.  Thanks for clarifying!

13 hours ago, Eaglecw said:

We have a 11-11:30 boarding time next week at Pier 91. At Pier 91 in Seattle the PEL lounge is kind of a joke, just don't expect much and you'll be fine. Make sure you have everything you need to get on the ship. ArriveCan is the one everyone seems to be confused about.

Thanks for the info.  Since we live in FL, we mostly cruise out of FLL but have left out of LA as well.  So far, none of the PELs have been anything more than a separate waiting room near the gangway.  Happy to have a smaller waiting room and priority boarding though.

I'm glad you brought up ArriveCan.  I've filled out everything and am waiting on the 96hr pre-cruise time to complete the app and get the receipt.  However, I've found no clear info that we require it.  We're not taking any excursions that go into Canada nor are we getting off the ship in Vancouver.  Do you know if this is something Princess will verify for everyone or does it happen once in Canada by Canadian authorities? 

20 minutes ago, Sea Hag said:

We've cruised three times since the restart and arrival times on the app. First one was an Alaska roundtrip Seattle. We had Princess transfers and had chosen early boarding. When the bus arrived at the cruise terminal, we all just went in together. Nobody checked boarding times at all. Second cruise was southern coastal, roundtrip San Francisco. We had a suite for that one, drove to SF, and had early boarding. We were directed to wait in the PES waiting area, just like always based on loyalty level. Nobody checked boarding times at all, so when the PES waiting area was called, we all went in at once. Third one was northern coast, roundtrip San Francisco. For this one, they actually checked, but it was after we'd already gone in and gone through security. They checked at the green lane desk and directed us to the PES waiting area. We saw photos of horrendous lines after we were already on the ship, but we didn't encounter that. The actual checking in procedure for all three cruises was very good.

 

We sail again in August, the Discovery sailing before yours, and it beats me what they'll be doing in the way of checking boarding times.

Thanks for the feedback.  It's kind of what I thought - YMMV, but for the most part not enforced.  I think we'll just head to the terminal at our normal time and then head to the PEL.  Have a great cruise!

We're on the 7-day Inside Passage embarking 8/28 on the Discovery Princess.  I've read through a number of threads on the new arrival group boarding process and I'm coming away with the impression that it really doesn't matter what you choose, (and if the Medallion app will function properly to allow you to choose in the first place...), you'll be able to board pretty much whenever you arrive as long as boarding has commenced.  It seems to be even more the case if you have Elite or Platinum status or you're in a suite.  I've not read anywhere where cruisers were made to wait until their scheduled boarding time.  Just want to make sure as we like to arrive early (10:30 - 11:00) and wait in the Elite/Platinum lounge.  In all our cruises, we've never had to wait more than 30 minutes or so.

I was browsing the Princess Cruises forum on Facebook and saw pictures of horrendous lines outside of the terminal in San Francisco recently and people were saying it was a 2 hour wait to board.  I'm thinking that was an anomaly but would like to hear other cruisers experience in the boarding process:  breeze through?  disorganized mess? enforced/unenforced boarding times?

Thanks in Advance and Happy Cruising!   

52 minutes ago, mel2022 said:

The Port Valet FAQs state that:

 

"Due to local custom regulations, you will disembark the ship in the first disembarkation group."

 

Can anyone with recent experience confirm that this is accurate? We have some folks in our group who are not early risers and would prefer to get off the boat later in the morning.

Well, there you go then; CBP requires it.

30 minutes ago, gvgseg said:

I am considering Port Valet for when I disembark NCL Encore in August and probably won't depart Seattle until an 8:30pm flight. Am I reading it correctly that if I use Port Valet, I am required to disembark as part of the first group off the ship? If possible, I'd prefer to stay on the ship as late as possible that morning.

I am using Port Valet for the first time in August and while I've read that you'll depart in the first group, which for our Noon flight is fine, I don't recall reading that you would be "required" to depart - maybe I missed that.  I can't imagine they would require you to leave just because your luggage did, but who knows?  Maybe it's a TSA/CBP thing?  If you don't get an answer from others on this board that have done it before, I would recommend talking to GS when disembarkation papers arrive in your stateroom and explain the situation.  Best of luck.