LACruiser88

We use black electrical tape.

Menú from the Enchanted Princess, Dec 2023.

Very easily!!! 🤣

We don't use their toilet paper, we always bring our own baby wipes.

You didn't miss anything, the sake was not very good.

We also take a photo of the laundry slip...

We only send out items that a hot dryer will not harm. So, only about 50% of our items are sent out. The remainder we wash in the laundry room and hang dry in our cabin.

One FCD per person, two per cabin. 🙂

We have done this several times on Princess pre-pandemic. I do not know if this is still possible? Lots of procedures have changed post-pandemic. 🤷‍♂️

The below is my post from the 54 day cruise roll call (3/13/26). This has been in place for as long as we remember. On voyages of 45 days or longer a FCD can not be used as the deposit. We did apply 2 FCD's towards this cruise to receive a 3% fare reduction and those 2 FCD's were refunded to our credit card. This is a very strange application of FCD's, but it ended up saving us $1,300. This also raises your refundable deposit to 5% of the total fare. We have done this on several recent cruise bookings that were over 45 days in length.

December 21, 2023 9:15 AM EST CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC REPORTS RECORD FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR REVENUES WITH CONTINUED STRONG BOOKINGS AND EARNINGS MOMENTUM Tracking ahead of SEA Change targets MIAMI, Dec. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) reports fourth quarter and full year 2023 earnings and provides an outlook for the full year and first quarter 2024. Key Highlights Full Year 2023 Full year revenues hit an all-time high of $21.6 billion. Full year cash from operations was $4.3 billion and adjusted free cash flow was $2.1 billion (see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below). U.S. GAAP net loss of $74 million and positive adjusted net income of $1 million outperformed the September guidance range (see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below). The company made debt payments of $6 billion, reducing its debt balance by $4.6 billion from its peak in the first quarter of 2023 and ended the year with $5.4 billion of liquidity. The company entered 2024 with its best booked position on record, for both price and occupancy Fourth Quarter 2023 Record fourth quarter revenues of $5.4 billion with record net per diems (in constant currency) significantly exceeding 2019 levels and above the September guidance range and record net yields (in constant currency) (see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below). Booking volumes for the two weeks around Black Friday and Cyber Monday reached an all-time high for that period. Total customer deposits reached a fourth quarter record of $6.4 billion, surpassing the previous fourth quarter record of $5.1 billion (as of November 30, 2022), by 25 percent. "We ended the year on a high note with another record-breaking quarter that exceeded expectations and achieved positive full year adjusted net income. In fact, we consistently outperformed in all four quarters of the year, buoyed by a strengthening demand environment across all our brands," commented Carnival Corporation & plc's Chief Executive Officer Josh Weinstein. "Net yields for the fourth quarter continued on a positive trajectory, were significantly higher than a very strong 2019 and even higher than we had anticipated, enabling us to overcome four years of high cost inflation to deliver five percent higher per unit EBITDA than 2019 (holding fuel and currency constant)," Weinstein added . "Thanks to a strong second half of 2023, we are already tracking ahead of our plan to achieve SEA Change, our three-year financial targets calling for the highest adjusted ROIC and adjusted EBITDA per ALBD in nearly two decades. Based on our 2024 guidance, we expect to deliver another big step forward, positioning us more than halfway toward realizing all our 2026 SEA Change targets. With nearly two-thirds of 2024 on the books already, we are well positioned to obtain another year of record revenues and adjusted EBITDA," Weinstein noted . Fourth Quarter 2023 Results U.S. GAAP net loss of $48 million, or $(0.04) diluted EPS, and adjusted net loss of $90 million, or $(0.07) adjusted EPS, was above the better end of the September guidance range (see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below). Adjusted EBITDA of $946 million exceeded the September guidance range, driven by continued strength in demand, which is driving ticket prices higher (see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below). Record fourth quarter revenues of $5.4 billion, with record net per diems (in constant currency) significantly exceeding 2019 levels, and above the September guidance range and record net yields (in constant currency). While gross margin yields were down 4.6 percent, net yields (in constant currency) exceeded strong 2019 levels by 7.8 percent. Occupancy in the fourth quarter of 2023 was over 101 percent, in line with the company's expectations and historical levels. Gross margin per diems were down 2.3 percent compared to 2019, while net per diems (in constant currency) exceeded 2019 levels by over 10 percent and were three percentage points better than the midpoint of the September guidance range. Cruise costs per ALBD increased 12 percent as compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Adjusted cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD (in constant currency) increased 11 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 and were in line with September guidance (see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below). Total customer deposits reached a fourth quarter record of $6.4 billion, surpassing the previous fourth quarter record of $5.1 billion (as of November 30, 2022), by 25 percent. Bookings "We entered the year with the best booked position we have ever seen, and now have nearly two-thirds of our occupancy already on the books for 2024, at considerably higher prices (in constant currency). We continue to experience strong bookings momentum across the board, with our European brands showing remarkable strength during the quarter with booking volumes running up well into the double digits at considerably higher prices (in constant currency)," Weinstein noted. Weinstein continued, "Our yield management strategy to base load bookings is clearly working as we pull forward booking volumes on strong pricing. We continue to build on that momentum with our ongoing advertising investments and lead generation efforts, increasing support from our trade partners, and the exceptional guest experiences our team members provide onboard every day, helping to deliver millions of cruising advocates." Booking volumes during the fourth quarter continued at significantly elevated levels, above both prior year and 2019 comparable periods, while recent booking volumes for the two weeks around Black Friday and Cyber Monday reached an all-time high for that period. Pricing on bookings during the fourth quarter was considerably higher than prior year pricing (in constant currency). The cumulative advanced booked position is at considerably higher prices (in constant currency) than 2023 levels, with each quarter of 2024 booked above the high end of the historical range. 2024 Outlook For the full year 2024, the company expects: Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $5.6 billion, over 30 percent growth compared to 2023 Net yields (in constant currency) up approximately 8.5 percent compared to 2023, with full year occupancy returning to historical levels and nicely higher net per diems (in constant currency) reflecting continued strength in pricing and onboard spending Adjusted cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD (in constant currency) up approximately 4.5 percent compared to 2023 For the first quarter of 2024, the company expects: Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $0.8 billion, more than double the first quarter of 2023 Net yields (in constant currency) up approximately 16.5 percent compared to the first quarter of 2023 with occupancy returning to historical levels as the company closes the remaining occupancy gap in the first half of the year Adjusted cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD (in constant currency) up approximately 9.5 percent compared to the first quarter of 2023 primarily due to higher occupancy levels, the timing of advertising investments and dry-dock related expenses compared to the prior year See "Guidance" and "Reconciliation of Forecasted Data" for additional information on the company's 2024 outlook. Financing and Capital Activity "During 2023, we made debt payments of $6 billion and ended the year with just over $30 billion of debt, which is $3 billion better than we forecasted just nine months ago during our March conference call and almost $5 billion off the first quarter peak," noted Carnival Corporation & plc Chief Financial Officer David Bernstein. "And looking forward, we will continue to evaluate refinancing opportunities and opportunistically prepay additional debt. Furthermore, we expect durable revenue growth to drive increases in adjusted free cash flow in 2024 and beyond, which will be the primary driver for paying down our debt balances on our path back to investment grade," Bernstein added. During 2023, the company generated cash from operations of $4.3 billion and adjusted free cash flow of $2.1 billion, making a significant contribution toward rebuilding the company's financial strength. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the company reduced its debt by another $725 million and for the full year made debt payments of $6 billion while ending the fourth quarter with $5.4 billion of liquidity, including cash and borrowings available under the revolving credit facility. In addition, the company amended an agreement with one of its credit card processors and now expects an additional $800 million to be returned during the first quarter of 2024, representing substantially all of the credit card reserves balance as of November 30, 2023. Sustainability The company continues to work aggressively towards its greenhouse gases ("GHG") emission reduction goals and ambitions through innovative projects aligned with its four-part emission reduction strategy: fleet optimization; energy efficiency; itinerary efficiency; and new technologies & alternative fuels. In 2023, the company: Reduced its absolute GHG emissions by over 10 percent as compared to its peak year of 2011, despite capacity growth of 30 percent over the same period. Achieved a 15.5 percent reduction in fuel consumption per ALBD compared to 2019 and expects another four percent reduction in fuel consumption per ALBD for full year 2024 compared to 2023. Now expects to achieve its 2030 GHG emission intensity reduction goal four years early, targeting more than a 20 percent reduction in emission intensity by the end of 2026 compared to 2019. Surpassed its 2030 goal to achieve shore power capability for 60 percent of its fleet, seven years ahead of schedule; now, 64 percent of the company's fleet has the capability to connect to shore power. Successfully piloted the use of biofuels as a replacement for fossil fuel on one additional ship, bringing its cumulative completed biofuel pilots to three ships. Delivered 38 percent reduction in food waste per person relative to its 2019 baseline, nearing its interim goal to reduce food waste by 40 percent per person by 2025, and on pace toward its 2030 goal of a 50 percent reduction.

If you are Elite, you can book dining reservations right after booking the cruise.

We always purchase them on the first day of our cruise via the app. Very simple.

Looks like we will have quite a few Cruise Critic folks onboard! 🙂

Our TA explained that on cruises of 45 days or longer you can get a 3% fare reduction from Princess by paying a higher deposit. This can only be accomplished by calling them at time of booking. This works for us and the deposit is fully refundable.

We sure do!!! 🤪

Our TA called Princess and got us a 3% reduction in fare by applying two FCD's towards the fare, not as a deposit. Our refundable deposit was $1,900 for the two of us. We did same thing for the 51 day Majestic cruise in Dec '24. We booked a M1 mini-suite.

Yes, our TA booked it first thing this morning. Stateroom Type View Stateroom Amenities Interior from 4,759* per person Oceanview from 6,969* per person Balcony from 9,179* per person Mini-suite from 13,959* per person Suite from 24,899* per person

It opened today for Elites, I do not show it as being sold out?

@Coral We just booked the 54-day, 3/13/2026, Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific, roundtrip from San Pedro, on the Island Princess voyage. Thanks again for the heads up! 🙂

Thank you for taking the time to give us your impressions of the ship. We have not been on the Island in a very long time. Today, we are booking the 56 day, roundtrip LA, March of 2026 voyage on the Island. Great itinerary for us west coast cruisers! And, I know what you mean about the RC dining room stare downs!!!

To update this list - Do not push the "Quote" button. (It creates a copy that the next person cannot properly update). - Instead: Find the most recent post with the list. - Select and copy all of the text in that post, including these instructions, except the previous poster's "change notes". (copy from To update this list down to <Copy to this line . . .>) - Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the "Reply to this topic..." box. - Paste your copied text into that box to create a new post. - Make your modifications to the list. - Add your "change notes" at the bottom. - Click the Submit Reply button just below your new post. - Confirm that everything is correct! You can edit for up to 20 minutes after posting. SHIP Captain Cruise Director Entertainment Director Director of Restaurant Operations CARIBBEAN Vincenzo Lubrano (leaves Jan 2024) Ozren Marelic (leave) Olivia Guthrie Luke Bonney Oscar Perego CORAL Gavin Pears Jason Allen Lauren Meyer [photo with Jason] Herminio Marques CROWN Christopher Lye (leaves March 2024) Vincenzo "Renzo" Lembo (leave) Jody Miles (leaves April 2024) Kylie Chappell Mariusz Czemarmazowicz DIAMOND Paolo Arrigo Stefano Ravera (leave) Natalie Costa + Mikiko Ikemoto Tim Donovan Fahey Jean Paul Musiu DISCOVERY Alessandro Genzo (leaves Jan 2024) Tony Ruggero (leave) Cole Bockman (as of November 29, 2023) Neil Rose Catalin Ionel EMERALD Giuseppe Castellano (leaves March 2024) Fabrizio Maresca (leave) Fernando Duran Geof O’Rourke Rui Pereira ENCHANTED Mario Ciruzzi Nick Nash (leave) Jayson Douglass Madison Adams Nicola Furlan (leaves Jan 2024, returns April 2024) GRAND Michele Bartolomei Karen Rogers Matt (last name?) [photo with Karen] Giuseppe Franchina ISLAND Marco Cataldi (leaves Mar 2024) Paul Slight (leave) Jaclyn Friedlander (leaves Jan 2024) Andi Sanders (returns Jan 2024) Susan Rawlings Daniele Rosafio MAJESTIC John Foster (leaves Jan 2024?) Nikki “Nikki Jayne” Robertson Ron Goodman Carlos Marques REGAL Aldo Traverso (leaves Jan 2024) Tim Stringer (leave) Allie Ambriano Martyn Moss Francisco Patricio ROYAL Andrea Spinardi Lloyd Flay Kelvin Joy Paul Ciobanu RUBY Mario Tani Steven Lewis (leave) Jessica Caballero (left mid-cruise in December 2023) Jaclyn Friedlander (joins Jan 2024) Michael Kujawski George Drugan SAPPHIRE Todd McBain Paolo Ravera (leave) Armando Merin Tobias Stewart Daniele Saredi SKY Marco Fortezze Aaron Hawkins Caitlin Messerschmidt Ciprian Hoidreag STAR Gennaro Arma Nick Nash (relief) TBA TBA TBA SUN Craig Street Paolo Arrigo (relief) Dan France + Corinne Steel (CD duo) Neil Rose Claudio Giuliani <Copy to this line so there is space to type "change notes" after this line> Claudio Giuliani will be the DRO on the new Sun Princess. Carlos Justina (a former DRO) will be the F&B Director.

You cannot dine in the Reserve Collection (RC) dining room if you are not in a Suite or RC Mini-suite. They can dine with you in the other MDR's.

The 50% off cruises are no longer available. Last week on the Enchanted, they had a few 20% and 30% off deals but the itineraries were not appealing. Now that ships are sailing at or near full capacity there is no need for the deep discounted fares.