sultan_sfo

41 minutes ago, SargassoPirate said:

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Likewise, a cheap bottle of wine with some fresh bread and stinky cheese on a park bench overlooking the grand canal in Venice is priceless.

 

 Wonderful!!

May I also add:

Cicchetti (mini dishes similar to Spanish tapas, eaten at bàcaro (Venetian taverns) or bacari (standing bars).

8 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

 

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Obviously, Alitalia (BTW, their new and correct name is ITA Airways) has this policy.

...

 

(In the meantime, if anyone reads this who has dealt with Alitalia via EZ Air and has any first hand experience with them, we'd love to hear about how it went.)

We had an ITA E-Z AIR direct SFO-LHR flight about 6 months ago. I was able to book seats on the ITA website as soon as I booked E-Z Air (not ticketed). At that time I paid USD $39 pp for mid-cabin Economy Seats. There were also better location Economy seats more toward the front for USD $54 pp.

When we boarded, I was glad I paid and booked seats because boarding groups for Economy was first group those who paid $54, then next group those who paid $39, and the last Economy large group that may have been those who waited for seats to be assigned free one day before flight date.

Remember LAX requires an airport shuttle from terminal to where one gets UBER or Taxi unless one books Black UBER. Lots of info on LA cruise critic site.

One can walk to the Taxi/Uber pick up point but it is cumbersome to walk with luggage. Google "LAXIT". Not sure where Princess Transfer has pick-up.

3 minutes ago, schnapperin said:

totally get it if I want an limoncello spritz - but to change out the gin for sparkling wine which I can order upstairs to be charged two drinks? That’s slightly annoying (but will simply head upstairs from now on) 

I meant Vodka Negroni (changed my reply).

1 hour ago, aring75 said:

Stopped by Vines last night because I thought I’d try to get my wine in a “better” glass. The bartender there said he could only give me a small glass if I was leaving the area. I would not be allowed to take the larger glass to the dining room. 
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______

This has been a regular policy for many years. Unfortunately, Vines had to implement this policy because many pax never returned those expensive glasses and took them to their cabin.

 

 

25 minutes ago, schnapperin said:

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one is just slightly rude (asking for a Negroni with sparkling wine instead of gin and was told they would need to charge two drinks (wouldn’t mind that but there is nothing different))

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Again, this has been old policy -- I like to order Vodka Negroni and the Bar always charged for 2 drinks!

 

 

44 minutes ago, teddie2 said:

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They are from Italy so I would say fussy about any italian food they eat.  I read somewhere the fettichini alfredo tasted like it was from olive garden..

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1. I cannot imagine anyone being "fussy" about "Italian" food would want to eat Fettuccini Alfredo in any restaurant! Just my opinion.

2. Please let them know that the Maitre D' (or DORO) on Island P. is Italian so they need not worry.

On 11/5/2023 at 2:48 PM, rsbg1 said:

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 don’t know why lol .. We want to go from SFO airport to the cruise dock May 15-26 and back to the airport.  Ted

2 hours ago, rj59 said:

Skip the transfer and order a Lyft or Uber.

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Cruise Departure: SFO to Pier 27:

SF has moved Uber / LYFT (but not Taxis) to the "Uppermost" floor of the Parking Garage. So please ask at the Luggage Arrivals where to get the Elevators to go there. If you choose this option, it is best to call for Uber/LYFT "after" you arrive at the location where you get Uber/LYFT.

Cruise Arrival: Pier 27 to SFO:

My recommendation is to use a Princess Transfer if you are using EZ-Air. One can purchase the Transfer at the Excursion Desk. Otherwise, if you do not want a Princess Transfer, one has to be at a specific location after picking up your luggage where Uber/LYFT can pick you up.

3 hours ago, phabric said:

I will be on the Island. 

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Which bar can I get coffee?

I assume you want specialty coffee.

Also at Casino Bar Deck 6(less crowded -- you may see a sign at Good Spirit when it is crowded suggesting Casino Bar).

Also at Amuleto inside Horizon Ct.

20 minutes ago, dog said:

Your title does not match the chart you posted.

 

Yes --  it does!  $8235 minus $3997.

We liked the Island.  Our problem on ships that have the IC is that the Atrium has always been full with  the Atrium chair hoggers! There is no where to sit.

22 hours ago, tml1230 said:

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2 pick questions....can you recommend the best place for early morning coffee?

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1 hour ago, KKB said:

My understanding is that there is coffee (the good stuff!) at the Good Spirits Bar as well as the buffet. 

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Yes to both KKB replies. But at the Amuleto Bar in the buffet (not the self serve).

Also, early in the morning the Casino Bar has coffee and some pastries. The Casino Bar faces both the lobby and the Casino and there are couches in the lobby where one can also sit down.

 But remember like in all the ICs, unless one has one of the packages, there will a charge for the good coffee.

21 hours ago, sultan_sfo said:

When was the last time you applied for Aus ETA visa?  ...

13 hours ago, startedwithamouse said:

Last month.

 

We're on the Majestic next week going to Australia.

Thank you.  I used  the Aus ETA Visa App over a year ago (when it was first introduced) -- will need to use it again next month (Nov). Hopefully the later upgrades have improved the App.

33 minutes ago, startedwithamouse said:

Download the app, it will ask a series of questions and guide you to the proper one. 

When was the last time you applied for Aus ETA visa?  I ONLY post when I have specific knowledge and have gone through the process.

23 minutes ago, waltd said:

And what is the work around for those that don't have a smart phone?    Can it be done on a laptop?

Thanks

Sadly NO because it has to be done using the Aus ETA app. Laptops that I am familiar with cannot download the ETA app. And even if one is able to download the app, laptops cannot directly scan to the App. I generally use my iPad for many Apps eg. Princess Medallion App. But I was unsuccessful using iPad for the Aus ETA App. So I had to use DW's iPhone.

3 hours ago, uncleg44 said:

I will make several cruise stops in Australia (Feb. 2024). I've attempted to apply for online visa but find it very confusing. I'm not tech-savvy. Any suugestions would be most appreciated.   GF

As of last year, the inexpensive and immediate way for Australian ETA visa is by using a smart phone. I agree with you that the on-line way using a smart phone can be frustrating. One has to really look at those videos. All the steps are easy except the scan for "Reading The Passport eChip"-- even though I am tech savvy it was hit and miss even for me using an i-phone. Just keep at it or seek help from some friends!

1 hour ago, skynight said:

I would imagine the Horizon Ct. It should be open until midnight.

Keep imagining! Not so -- HORIZON COURT on Island P.  closes at 10:30pm

2 minutes ago, coco2/27 said:

I’ve seen a small selection of food snacks on a cart by the windows in Good Spirits bar off the piazza, too.

Not in the evening.

BUT -- we have always been able to order available items using the App for delivery at Explorer Lounge at least till midnight.

46 minutes ago, Gary72 said:

Looks like I am out of luck as it would probably be considered transporting between domestic ports...Yuck.

If you board in Vancouver, Canada, legally you are OK to disembark in San Diego. But Princess has to arrange for Immigration and Customs for you in San Diego -- so you have to request a "Deviation"..

3 hours ago, ldubs said:

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But, is having a blank check necessary?  We are able to access that info on line.  Unless, that is, you are saying these places might actually require a copy of the check?   

Thank you. You are correct. DW did not know how a cash transfer is done. So when she went to the billing dept of the initial hospital, they asked her whether she had a check with the routing #s! Fortunately, the transfer amount was within her balance in the acct.

Small additions to my much earlier post:

As I mentioned earlier, the releasing hospital has to certify that pax is stable in order to get a transfer to another hospital. Two more points:

1. Commercial Airline would not allow a patient with IV and the releasing hospital often releases the patient with IV. So either MedJet or Air Ambulance with medical personnel becomes necessary.

2. The releasing hospital outside the US may want CASH payment of bills (not credit card). So a cash balance in your checking account helps. And one must carry "one" blank check from one's bank account to have the requisite numbers at the bottom of the check so that cash can be transferred. Many Travel Insurance coverage helps with this issue of cash -- so reading the travel insurance coverage is important.

Also look for other help that the Travel Insurance provides -- like booking air fare with accompanying required medical personnel if commercial flight is permitted.

1 hour ago, AZjohn said:

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If I had a serious medical issue on a cruise there is no doubt I want insurance to get me back to the US for medical treatment (getting off soap box now☺️).

 

Cheers

Actually the process is a bit more complicated.

Even MedJet is just Hospital to Hospital.

One Actual Scenario:

When Princess dis-embarks a PAX at some port, Princess has connections with a local hospital.

If the pax's medical status is serious (eg cannot be flown immediately to home-port),

Princess arranges the pax to be admitted to the local hospital.

Once the pax is hospitalized at that port, one of 2 events are required (MedJet or no MedJet).

The hospital has to certify that the patient is stable to be discharged from that local

hospital and can be put on a flight home. Or that port hospital must be satisfied that the pax is stable and has been given admission to another hospital. Then either using MedJet or Air Ambulance the transfer is allowed. Admissions to a US hospital requires the pax's physician to arrange the admission to the US hospital.

2 hours ago, chamima said:

 

 

Were they open late?

I like to get a cup of tea before bed and am trying to figure out where to do that on a ship without an International Cafe.

Thanks

The Horizon Court is always open only until 10:30 pm. Self serve Tea and Coffee.

The other place that normally serves Coffee and Tea -- Good Spirits Bar on Deck 5 is open late.

The Explorer's Bar and Casino Bar (both on Deck 6) also serve Tea and are open till mid-night.

My info is based up to June 28 2023 -- but Princess keeps changing Bar Times. But the 3 Bars always have hot water.

5 hours ago, chamima said:

Could someone please comment on what Amuleto is on the Island Princess.

I know there is no International Cafe on that ship so are the hours in this part of Horizon Court longer or are more coffees or light snacks available there?

 

Thanks

AMULETO also has a "BAR". So it is easy (if one has either PLUS / PREMIER package or one is just willing to pay the charge) to order Fresh Orange Juice / Mimosa / Wine (limited varietals availability) / Beer / Cocktails / Juices. If the Horizon Waiters get to know that you are a regular Bar person, they are happy to serve you promptly. Sometimes the Bar is overloaded -- so the Bar Tenders are busy.

20 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Are you sure?  ...

16 minutes ago, Thrak said:

 

I would be highly surprised if that was the case.

I do NOT care whether either of the 2 EXPERT posters believe me or NOT!

GS has done it MANY times for us. Even our Room Steward tells us the battery needs to be replaced.

On a long cruise -- sometimes even in a short one -- the medallion is not replaced. The GS just replaces the battery.

1 hour ago, firsttimecruiser88 said:

So I got a shock of my life today when I receive the final journey account bill

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So just to warn you, Caymus winemaker dinner is $140 cover charge per person!

 

I feel like I should make a complaint, but don’t even know how to. We’re already off the ship.

We have always had to sign up for any special wine tasting events (eg Tuscan Dinner, Chef's Table, Wines-Of-World Lunch etc) and the slip shows the cost. The waiter also gets some credit for signing up the pax. I am surprised that you did not have to sign up.