coldweather

Hello.

I always have travel insurance.  My need for travel insurance has changed so I need to understand the new policy choices/process.

I booked a cruise for summer 2025 (well over a year from now).  I understand to purchase insurance that includes Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) and pre-existing condition coverage, I need to purchase the policy soon after deposit is made.

Let's say I did that.  I booked a cruise for over 1 year before sailing and I purchased an insurance policy with CFAR and pre-existing coverage.

If the cruise price DROPS prior to final payment I have always been able to have my travel agent provide me the current/lower price.  Sometimes this is technically a cancel and rebook as I receive a new/updated booking number.

Questions:

If I reprice my cruise to get a lower price does this invalidate my insurance I purchased at the time to booking?

If I cancel my cruise prior to final payment and get a full refund of my cruise price, can I also cancel my insurance policy?  Technically I didn't use it.

Thanks for your input. 

We had a similar situation except it was one of the travelers who got sick.

Hospitals have standard forms for "return to work" that document someone cannot return to work for x days and/ or cannot lift x pounds.

We asked the surgeon in the hospital to state right on that document that the traveler is not allow to travel and requires at home care for 60 days.  This 60 days overlapped with the cruise dates.

I understand that your parent does not work but you need a form documenting the restrictions for your parent and the REQUIREMENTS of his care should be helpful. 

fyi.  I also asked the hospital case manager for a signed letter on letter head stating the restrictions and requirements.

Don't leave it up to a claims examiner to "determine" that your parent needs at home assistance.  If there is an official document with the requirements and time frame included that should put facts/dates on the claim that help you to get reimbursed.

Best wishes.

Same experience.  My 6 excursions are the exact same price they were 2 weeks ago.  Now the price says it reflects the 20% savings.  It was a pain to go look at each excursion to conclude there was no savings for us. 

I am a fan of having "travel insurance" for any non-refundable travel costs.  Rather than spending money on a "travel insurance policy" to cover 1 trip, I prefer to have my travel expenses insured by my hotel-branded Chase credit card. This credit card also provides 1 free hotel night per year which basically pays for the annual fee. 

I am happy to report I just received no-hassle, full reimbursement for a cruise canceled due to a medical emergency of one of the passengers.  The person is well now but was hospitalized just prior to sailing. 

It is very important while you are in the midst of a medical emergency to have the doctor put in writing restrictions on lifting and travel. Ask the doctor to state in writing "no travel for x days." Don't leave the interpretation up to the claims adjustor to determine if a cruise passenger has had enough "recovery time" and should be on the cruise.  It will be near impossible to chase down an ER doctor weeks or months after a hospital visit to have restrictions documented because the insurance is asking for more detail.

Keep in mind that trip insurance provided by my credit card does NOT include any health/emergency medical coverage while on my trip.  Be sure your private health insurance covers this. (Call to find out.)

Tip - Consider a credit card that includes trip insurance.  Ask for the coverage in writing.  They have a nice booklet they send you. I now add this small booklet to my travel papers.  If I experience disruption while traveling I will be able to read the details of my coverage and make appropriate decisions. 

29 minutes ago, Thrak said:

We have never done a cruise tour to that area but have done two Connoisseur Cruise Tours to Alaska. We loved them and were pleased to have so much taken care of for us. If we ever do another Princess Cruise Tour we will almost certainly do another Connoisseur tour.

Hello Thrak  @Thrak

We are looking into a cruise tour to Alaska this year (2024).  We have cruised before but have never paired a cruise with a cruise tour.

We are looking at a Connoisseur Cruise Tour (RB5) or Denali Explorer (HB5) or Off the Beaten Path (MB6).  I am struggling to understand what is different with each tour.  (I do understand MB6 is a day longer.)

I can see the Connoisseur Cruise Tour includes Breakfast and Dinner as part of the land tour.  It also includes the "Tundra Wilderness Tour" that is an add on for the other tours.

Can you please help me understand a bit more about what is included in the Connoisseur Cruise Tour?  Does this tour help you get reservation in the lodge restaurants to avoid long lines?  Are there other tours/services/perks that may be included that I am not seeing? 

Since the lodges are somewhat isolated it seem that everyone who stays there must need to use the lodge-restaurants.  Also, I am assuming many people are trying to get ready for tours that start at similar times.  What is the breakfast and lunch food rush like?  Is there a restaurant open for lunch at the lodges?

Thanks for your help.  The prices are all over the place and it is hard to get a handle on what is included. 

What sailing dates are changed?  Thanks.

2 hours ago, Butterbean1000 said:

It doesn't baffle me.  We have  created a society of victims.   I'll tell you what baffles me. People who don't get trip Insurance. In our case, we are spending just under $5000 for our next cruise.  The cost of the cruise, airfare, parking, hotel, food, tips, and travel insurance, etc.   I don't know about the rest of y'all, but that's a lot of money for us.  Why wouldn't you spend a couple of 100 dollars to insure your investment?  There are innumerable things that can happen to interfere with your plans.  Sorry, not sorry for those without trip insurance. 

In case some folks do not know, some premium credit card companies offer trip insurance for no extra cost as long as you charge your travel using that credit card.  (This does NOT include travel HEALTH insurance.)

I agree. Travel insurance is a very good purchase.  Instead of paying the premium, some travelers may want to consider upgrading their credit card.  I have a chase credit card branded with a major hotel company.  After paying the annual fee I receive 1 night free in their brand hotel and trip insurance for an travel I book using their credit card.  The fee pays for itself. 

Yes, consider travel/trip insurance from the traditional sources but also look at the credit card options.  Choose what works best for you. 

Just last month I sent an old fashioned paper letter mailed via the post office to Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy asking her to consider adding more variety to the ports of call and to restart sailings from San Juan even if just seasonally for the winter.   The current ports of call have too many Bahamas and too many repeats.  

In case you want to join me:

• Christine Duffy President Carnival Cruise Line 3655 NW 87th Avenue Miami, FL 33178
• (305) 406-5437
• cduffy@carnival.com

I could use some clarification on this FCD process.

Here's an example.

I am on a 14 day Princess cruise in an inside cabin.  I purchase 2 FCD for $100 each.  Total $200. This $200 FCD is charged to my onboard ship account.  On the same cruise, I am then credited to my onboard ship account $75 per person for a total of $150.

Can I apply the $150 OBC toward gratuities (no premier package).

I have 1 year to use my $200 FCD toward a Princess cruise deposit (sailing can be later).

Is this correct? 

How does the refundable part work? 

If 1 year passes and I do not book a Princess cruise the $200 I spent for a FCD is refunded to me? 

If I book a cruise within the 1 year and later (after 1 year) I cancel the cruise is the $200 FCD is refunded to me? 

Are the FCD for named guests or can I give them away or take someone different on my next cruise and use the FCD.

Sorry for all of the questions.  The concept is great.  The process is a bit confusing. Thanks in advance. 

The back of the ship pool attracts adults but, to my knowledge, is not an adults only pool area.  It is the closest you will get to adults only. 

The back pool has no party-games or activities for kids.  Many adults self select this area. 

 A few things to consider.  It's a large port. When you know which termimals your ships will be at, you can google map the walk.   

If you are able to walk between the ships, be prepared to walk carrying all of your luggage. We did this in Miami between cruise brands and some areas did not have sidewalks.  Turned out ok but was cumbersome with all of our luggage.  Also, if you like to carry on wine, water or soft drinks you will need to make arrangements to get those items prior to boarding ship #2.

You could Uber from ship #1 to a local store to pick up wine/water/soft drinks.  Hang out until your check in time to ship #2.  Then Uber to ship #2,  Looking at Google Maps there are some liquor stores and a Publix not far away. 

When onboard ship #1 I would ask Guest Services for a recommendation on how to get to ship #2. Many years ago in a different port there was a shuttle for crew members changing ships that allowed a few passengers. The shuttle also took crew members out of the port to the local stores they like to shop to stock up. It never hurts to ask. 

Side to sides are a lot of fun.  It's like starting all over with a new crew and new guests. .  

New to Princess.  When checking in I do not see an option to select a boarding time?  Does everyone just show up when the prefer?  I will be blue line. 

@fpsphil. Which Carnival ship were you on?  It's been my experience that a 7 day Carnival when kids are in school is a much different (more pleasant) experience than a weekend cruise when kids are out of school.   

I am looking forward to following your Emerald cruise. Thanks for making the effort to post. 

On 1/4/2024 at 5:33 PM, pinkiek said:

My husband and I are sailing on the Mardi Gras January 13th.  My husband had some minor surgery today and the stitches need to come out on the 16th.  Does anyone know if the ships infirmary would do this.  I know there would be a charge.

 

Thanks

 @pinkiek  Today is 1/16.  I do hope all turned out well but I am curious, how did you handle the situation? 

One suggestion.  I usually print out a detailed hard copy of the travel insurance I purchased. During travel if a situation occurs, I can refer to the policy I bought to know what is covered.  This should help me make good decisions.  This is all in theory because I almost always have the hard copy but I have never had to refer to it. 

1 hour ago, mrell345 said:

One thing I did not mention, it is entirely up to you but I would suggest being up to date on your Covid and Flu shots, RSV shot if you can get it.  There were more than a few people coughing on the ship and a few people were confined to cabin while they got rid of it.  No major infection protocols onboard but you don’t want your vacation ruined by being stuck in your cabin.  We definitely caught something (not  Covid) as we both had stuffed sinuses after getting home.

Good suggestions.  I also plan to bring a bit more OTC medications with me than normal.  It seems the current virus going around is upper respiratory.  I plan to bring decongestants, cough medication, tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, etc.  I always say.... there is no CVS onboard....bring your own but don't over do it.   I also plan to bring covid test kits.  On another Princess thread the OP shared that she used her own test kits and tested positive while sailing. She self reported to medical.  She quarantined in her cabin and Princess offered food from most other restaurants delivered for free not just the standard room service menu.  She also had to follow different debarkation procedures. 

Thanks for sharing your journey.  I enjoyed following along. 

Does anyone have experience with the Medallion OFF of the ship?  I see in the app there is a choice to add your credit card to use for "Shoreside" purchases.  On another cruise critic thread it has been reported that passengers are greeted by name in some of the shore side stores because the vendors can read the medallion.  

Also, can someone comment on the process for security check to re-enter the cruise port area after a day ashore?  Back in the day you used to show your cruise card and a photo id.  Does security staff read your medallion? 

"

Got it.  Thanks.  I see I can only purchase on the app.  

I have looked all over on the website (not app) to purchase the wifi package.  I can't seem to find that option.  Will someone please point me in the right direction.  We have the standard option and just want to purchase the wifi package.  Thank you. 

Thanks for the continued updates.  

Is the wifi working well?  Is it fast enough to stream? 

14 hours ago, mrell345 said:

Thank you for sharing your cruise adventures. Are all of the menus paper based or are they also in the app or a QR code on the table.  Thanks. 

Thank you @karaboudjan.  You have a good thought that the cruise demand may be higher in other locations.

Follow up question - If I do cruise from Sydney in July should I be aware of anything?  For example, in the US if you cruise from NY in the winter the Atlantic Ocean seas are very, very rough.  A few ships continue to sail to the Caribbean but passengers should be aware that is will be rough ride and it will be cold for the days closest the embarkation and debarkation. 

Hello.

I am an American looking to understand the cruise/weather season in the Australia/NZ/South Pacific area.  

Google has informed me that cyclone season runs from November - April.  In 2014 we were indeed impacted by a cyclone for an April cruise from Brisbane to Papua New Guinea.  We missed a few ports.  We are trying to avoid that.  

As I look at the cruise schedules, it seems that most of the south pacific cruises have sailings concentrated from November - April. 

We are looking for a once in a lifetime cruise to visit South Pacific islands.  Fiji and Tahiti and sound fantastic!  We are also interested in cruises with World War 2 history. 

I am seeking information why there are so few South Pacific cruises from May - August.  I do understand that is the winter season. In the USA, winter is a popular cruising time for people who live in the cold (me) to get to warmer weather and to avoid any storms (USA Hurricane season is June - October). 

Thanks in advance for your information and coaching me on selecting my Australia/New Zealand holiday choices. 

It's been awhile since I have been to Aruba.  Will someone please remind me of how that tourist bus to Eagle Beach works? Cost? I recall seeing it but we did not ride it. Thank you.

Bumping.... looking for current information on day passed to Avila/Marriott/Renaissance.

Thanks!