Worldtraveler 4727

Thank you, everyone. Looking into moving to Category E on Deck 6.

14 hours ago, pingpong1 said:

Worldtraveler - Perhaps I misunderstand, but going from an "F" to a "G" would not be an upgrade.  "F" is a Deluxe Veranda whereas "G" is a Deluxe Window (no balcony).  Do you actually mean, "Is this a big enough issue to upgrade FROM a "G" to an "F" on Deck 8 or 9"?  Regards.

Thank you. I meant to write: "upgrade to category E" not F.

Can anyone tell me if the Navigator still has vibration issues aft? I can't find anything posted recently. I'm being offered category F on Deck 8 or 9. Is this a big enough issue to upgrade to category G? Thanks all!

On 5/29/2020 at 1:33 PM, BigHouseFootball said:

Hello Everyone!

 

My wife and I are Royal Caribbean vets but we are strongly considering a Princess for an Alaska cruise in 2022. From my research it seems like Princess is the way to go in Alaska with access to Glacier Bay and the North to Alaska program. 
 

I do have a few questions for the experts here, I tried to limit them as I have already found a bunch of info here. 
 

1.  Anytime vs. Traditional dinning. My wife really enjoys having the same wait staff the whole cruise. If we do traditional we can request a table for 2 at time of booking/on the personalize page, correct? 
 

2.  I see that you can call the dine line each morning and make a reservation if you are doing Anytime. Are you able to make a reservation for the whole week with the same wait staff with anytime? Royal Caribbean does this. 
 

3.  We are probably going to go with a balcony cabin and the ships for the 2021 season are the Coral, Star, and Royal (I realize 2022 may have different ships) but from looking at pictures are there some balcony cabins that are open to those above you who can look down into your balcony? Any suggestions on decks that are best for balconies/which ones to avoid for privacy? 
 

4. Any other tips/advice/info that is specific to Princess that I should know?
 

Thank you in advance for helping this Princess Newbie!

Have you considered taking a Princess Cruisetour (both a land and sea adventure)? My DH and I had a wonderful time in 2018. 

Here is a link to the blog I wrote. It might give you a really good option if you want to try Princess and Alaska. Princess does a great job in Alaska! Our 8 days in the interior were incredible. 

Have fun researching and planning!

2 hours ago, Geoffa30 said:

Hi @Worldtraveler 4727 we didn’t do the Princess land tour in the end but did something independently prior to our cruise. My partner did a blog http://livinglifeonecruiseatatime.blogspot.com/ about our trip. The ordering of the posts and actual dates seem to be messed up now but hopefully it gives some idea of what we got up to. I expect the cruise part will be of more interest. We had an amazing trip. I’m sure you will do too.

Thank you, Geoff! I thoroughly enjoyed the blog and took lots of notes! Much appreciated!

On 3/23/2021 at 5:17 AM, Geoffa30 said:

We aren’t afforded the same cancellation policies in the U.K. as you are in the US, so I highly doubt people will be booking now only to cancel thus losing their deposits. I’ve always found the attitude of booking cruises to snag the best cabins just in case I fancy going on it to be very annoying.

Hello Geoffa, I'm off this subject a bit here, but I am trying to find some comprehensive blogs/information on the Princess land and sea Australia/New Zealand trip, and I ran across a posting on CC that you were booked for 2019. Did you by any chance write a review or blog that you could direct me to? Or do you know of any? Friends and I have booked a 20 day land/sea tour on the Royal for fall 2022. Thank you in advance for any info you would kindly toss my way!

The only information I can find on these cabins are from 2016 and well before.

Does anyone have any advice/information on these four bow mini suites that is more current--especially after 2018 after the Royal was refurbished?

Last June we took the longest land and sea option available with Princess and LOVED it. 

Here is my very comprehensive, day-by-day, review of the trip:

Thank you! I will look into that!

Thank you, John.

Also, anyone use Uber in London? Are there cars available that would hold 4 adults with luggage??

TIA

Thank you all for your replies.

I will have to look at the options AT&T offers....although I think the idea of simply paying up to make one connection to Uber, might be the way to go....

13 hours ago, Globaliser said:

 

From memory, I think that getting out at Russell Square involves some steps, and then lifts (elevators) to street level. Sorry, I have been there a handful of times over the last year but paid very little attention to this. It is not listed as a step-free station on the TfL website so I think this supports my recollection.

 

 

Piccadilly Line from Russell Square (including the caveat above about steps) to Green Park, change to Victoria Line to Victoria, walk to Victoria coach station. I am not sure how many step-free exits there now are at Victoria; IIRC the first one was at Cardinal Place, which is even further from the coach station than the front of Victoria station - a good 10 minutes' walk with luggage, I should think.

Thank you for the added information!

14 hours ago, John Bull said:

Worldtraveller -

 

Heathrow to Russell Square you have two main options.

- there's a direct tube train (Piccadilly line) from Heathrow which takes about 40 minutes and costs about £7pp. It starts at Heathrow so you'd have no problem getting seats together, with your luggage around you - but mon thru fri this will be commuter time and the carriage will get more and more crowded as you get toward central London so with luggage it will be no fun. 

- Probably better to pre-book a fixed-price private transfer. Book a suitable-size vehicle. A standard-size sedan should cost about £45 to £50, I don't know the premium for a larger vehicle.

 

I don't know Uber, but their estimates can be very inaccurate and vary wildly because the fares depend on time taken as well as distance.

A black cab hailed at the rank outside the airport terminal door is by far the most expensive way to travel.

They're convenient for short hops in the city centre, but Heathrow to Russell Square is about 16 miles. 

 

Russell Square to Victoria coach station is almost 3 miles.

There's no direct tube train, and it needs a Londoner to tell you where is easiest to change tube trains and whether it's viable with luggage.

 

For either of those journeys by tube it'd be helpful if you could give us some idea how mobile you are and the amount of luggage.

 

A black cab hailed in the street will cost you up to (?)£20(?) to Victoria Coach Station,  but four plus significant luggage will probably need two cabs - again, a Londoner can help.

Or a pre-booked "private hire" taxi would be cheaper - the folk through whom you have arranged the apartment, or neighbours etc should be able to suggest an operator. "Pre-booked" means phoning mebbe an hour ahead, not months ahead. 

 

Note that the National Express luggage allowance is TWO x 44lb bags plus hand-luggage per passenger.

Bags aren't weighed as a matter of course (this isn't an airline) unless blatantly excessive, and I don't think you'll have any grief.

The driver loads and unloads your luggage.

 

Pre-booked seats are a fairly new feature. They'd ensure you're seated together and £3 is a small premium. Avoid seats at the rear - altho the bathroom is at the back it's not a problem on that length of journey, but seats behind the rear axle (the last 3 or 4 rows) tend to be a bit bouncy.

 

There's a small taxi rank at Southampton coach station, and local taxi drivers tend to swing by looking for trade.

Yes, with luggage you'll almost-certainly need two taxis although a variety of vehicles are used. If only one is available the driver can radio for another or, because the distance is small, can be asked to come back

All Southampton taxis are white, with prominent illuminated taxi signs on the roof.

They're metered, and they don't refuse a fare because it's a short journey - it's a condition of their licence and they're used to short hops.

 

JB 

 

  

Thanks for all the information, John.

Actually, the woman from whom we are renting suggested Yellow CarsTaxi & Mini Cab as a way to get to Victoria Coach Station from the Russell Sq area. I cannot find any information/reviews on them. Can you -- or anyone else-- give me any info on them: reliability? cost? etc

TIA

Kathy

Has anyone used their iPhone with an American AT&T plan in London? I can use my phone with WiFi anywhere, but if I want to call an Uber from Heathrow, I am afraid that WiFi will not reach/be available as we exit the airport and make our way to the Short Stay Car Park, where the Uber stand is. 

Need to buy an international plan?? Doesn't really seem worth it for the VERY short time I'd use it....

10 hours ago, John Bull said:

 

Agreed, G. My estimation is nearest point to nearest point - though the coach station is tolerably compact.

But the same applies (with interest) when talking about cruise berths or especially airport terminals - sometimes I feel like the walk to a boarding gate is halfway to the destination airport!! 

 

JB 

John,

While we are on the subject of transportation, can you tell me the best (most efficient/cost effective) way of getting from Heathrow to central London (Russell Square area). We will arrive about 6am. I have looked at the options of taxis, Uber, the Tube, the bus, and a private car and am dizzy. 🤕 I could use a bit of advice.

TIA

15 hours ago, John Bull said:

Victoria train station and coach station are a few hundred yards apart along Buckingham Palace Road, a level walk that'll take about  3 or 4 minutes.

There's also a tube station at  Victoria rail station.

I would sincerely hope that Princess said Victoria Coach Station, because that's most definitely where they always pick-up.

 

From that same coach station you can alternatively book a scheduled bus direct to Southampton operated by https://www.nationalexpress.com/en 

Similar vehicles, but guaranteed to have a bathroom & wifi.

Cost under £10 per person, but add a max of £10 for a taxi from Southampton coach station to your ship.

 

I believe the Princess  transfer fare is somewhere around $60 pp, so significantly more expensive.

That said, the Princess fare is far more reasonable than the likes of RCI, who even a few years ago were charging over $100.

And some folk feel more reassured by that journey being the responsibility of the cruise line.

 

If your hotel isn't in the Victoria area, come back here with its name & address - there may be easier ways to get to Southampton

 

JB 

John, 

We are 4 adults considering the National Express Bus from Victoria Coach Station to Southampton in August.

The apartment we are renting is in the Russell Square area. I think we'd need a short taxi ride to Victoria Coach Station. 

Can you give us a few more details regarding your experience with the bus, please? 

I read on their website that they allow suitcases up to 44#. Since we are allowed 50# or so, is that an issue?

Also, I read that you can pay 3 pounds more to reserve your seat. Did you do that?

Was the bus full/crowded?

How easy is it to place your luggage in the bus hold and retrieve it? 

When you arrived at Southampton, how plentiful were the taxis to the port? For 4 adults with luggage, would we need 2?

Any and all advice you can give us regarding your experience with the bus from central London to Southampton would be greatly appreciated. 

TIA!

I RARELY book any excursions through the ship. 

A woman on our roll call has booked a bus through Clyde Coast Tourism. The bus will hold 34 people and will take us from Glasgow, the port, to the places mentioned above, and then back to the ship after the Tattoo at a cost of 60 GBP per person**. In addition, a lovely woman by the name of Catriona Stevenson answers all inquiries very quickly at Clyde Coast Tourism, and as an added service of theirs, purchased the Tattoo tickets for us when they became available. Catriona is a dream to work with. We paid for the bus and then the Tattoo tickets directly with Catriona. If you would like to contact her, you can tell her that you would like to hear about the same tour that "Virginia's group" booked for this year's stop in Glasgow (Greenock), which is the port from which we will travel to see the sites and then attend the Tattoo in Edinburgh on August 10, 2019.

**The cost of the bus does not include the Tattoo tickets nor entrance fee to Stirling castle.

I hope that answers your questions?

Thank you for your reply.

I've been reading awful reviews of the bus 

https://www.reviews.co.uk/company-reviews/store/national-express

And it is really making me nervous. 74% of the 80+ reviews give them the lowest rating -- just one star. That is worrisome. I guess I'll go back to concentrating on a private car that is less than or about $120 for 4 people since the Princess transfer from Victoria Coach is $59pp.

17 hours ago, geoherb said:

We went with National Express this past September (but from Victoria Station). It was around $16 for the two of us. The pier in Southampton is walking distance if you can do it.

I have looked into this coach bus option. It certainly is cheaper than anything else.

I understand that the basic price only includes two medium-sized suitcases of no more than 44 lbs. Did you find them to be strict in that weight policy?

I also see where you can reserve a seat with more leg room (for more money, of course.) How far in advance did you book the bus tickets? Was it a full bus?

TIA!

22 hours ago, Turtles06 said:

 

Last year, they wouldn't quote a price until it was within six months of the service.  If you are in that that time frame, simply send them an email and ask for a quote (and ask your other question at the same time).  That's how I've always done it; very simple.   They are prompt in responding.  (Even if it's outside the six months, ask them anyway and see what they say.)

 

BTW, last fall, they were charging £120.00 plus an £11.50 congestion fee for a transfer from central London to Southampton for two people total.  Those prices certainly could be different now (and may vary based on your hotel location), but should give you a ballpark.

 

Please keep one thing in mind: Smiths is based in Southampton, so you may want to use a London-based car service for the transfer FROM London to Southampton (and use Smiths in the other direction).  We used Blackberry Cars last fall, and were happy with them.

Thank you. That was very helpful.

1 minute ago, LHT28 said:

You can get a quote on their website

we will be using them in April  from Southampton to LHR 

Yes, I understand that, but it's too far out to fill out that long form. I do not yet know the flight number etc. Looking for a general idea....

Can anyone tell me who has used Smith's (in particular because of their good rating) what is the charge from central London to Southampton? 

Also, does anyone know if Smith's has a bit of a discounted price if you use them "round trip" from central London to Southampton and then again at the end of the cruise from Southampton to Heathrow?

TIA!

11 hours ago, compozer said:

Worldtraveler,

You are a gem.  You are terrific and so helpful with everyone's questions.    You must be a joy to travel with.   Thanks

Thanks so much for your kind words, Compozer. You made my day!

1 hour ago, jagoffee said:

 

 

Worldtraveler,

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience.  Also a thank you to Caribill for the 2012 version.

 

We are doing the 5 day version of this tour on June 17, 2019 starting in Anchorage.  Sort of a shorter, reverse tour. We are an extended family.  Grandparents (us), our daughter, our son-in-law, and our grandkids (13 and 11).  Of course the Grandkids are the real reason for the trip.

 

We are spending two nights each at the Princess Mt. McKinley and Delani Lodges.

 I have excursions booked on the full days at each location.  My question relates to the shorter arrival days.  One each around noon or so.  I noticed the Activity sheet that you provided for each lodge.  There are some good activities that we could do on those days arrival days.  My current plan is not to book any excursions on those days and just wing it.  I think exploring the area and taking advantage of some of the activities would be worthwhile.

 

What is your opinion of that plan?

I thank you again for you excellent report.  Without the photos of the activity sheets, I would have probably just booked another excursion.

 

P.S.

I see  you reside in Wisconsin.  Our daughter resides in West Bend and we live in Northern IL.  Where do you live In Wisconsin?

I am so very pleased that my Alaskan Trip Report is still helping people make plans for their adventures in that awesome state!

I completely understand your question and dilemma. As a parent and a grandparent, the ideal is maintaining a balance between activities and a bit of down time for everyone. And of course, all kids are different, so I think you have to ask yourself whether the kids, (and their parents, you'd your husband?) are hikers. If so, no problem at either place! Plenty of places to hike and explore. 

At Denali, there are not only trails, but other activities such as the dog sled demo by the National Park Rangers (great show, and you can get very up close and personal with the dogs), but besides that, visitors have several options of activities across the street to choose from. These are private (non-Princess) activities. If you look at page 1 again of my report, entry #17, you will see a photo of the complex, and you can also see across the road what I am referring to--the private tour operators. I believe these links below will take you to the listing of these tour operators. You can look at each, email them and ask if reservations in mid-June are required, or if you can decide once you are there. 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionsNear-g11914881-d277993-Denali_Princess_Wilderness_Lodge-McKinley_Village_Denali_National_Park_and_Preserve_Alaska.html

https://www.denalioutdoorcenter.com

McKinley is MUCH more remote than Denali. Again, there are trail hikes, free Nature Talks, free lectures (like Todd Huston), and of course, the Treehouse to see. However, if you need to be busier than that, you'd have to look into a Princess-operated excursion.

You asked my opinion of what I thought of your plan to wing it those two, half days. I, personally, would not overbook myself or the kids. Denali has much more to chose from, and I don't think you need to worry about finding enough to do. Don't forget that a lot of time will be eaten up by the time you get to the lodge, get settled in your rooms, and have lunch.

As for McKinley, if the kids know in advance that their two half days will be filled with arriving at the lodge, getting settled, having some lunch and then taking in a few trails, I'd leave it at that. They have a full day of activity to look forward to the next day. But you certainly know your children and grandchildren best. If you are all happy to spend a couple hours on the back deck of McKinley playing cards (etc) and watching for "the mountain to come out," then by all means, use your two half days to relax a bit and take in the gorgeous scenery and hope you are among the lucky 30% who get to see the mountain. But if the kids are going to be restless and unhappy, well then, book them up.

I wish you clear skies, moderate temps, an abundance of animal sightings, and the making of some grand family memories!