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LACruiser88

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Everything posted by LACruiser88

  1. I'm curious as to what it shows on your Caller ID when they call?
  2. I was hoping they were going to release fall of 2024 cruises too.
  3. We have been emailing the forms since they created the email avenue. No problems, as previously mentioned you want to redact any account numbers.
  4. Pre-covid we frequently received move over offers. This is the first I've heard of move over offers post start-up. This is a strong indication that cruising is getting back to pre-covid capacity.
  5. On our recent Discovery cruise we spent lots of time sitting at that bar, no cover. It is just like any other bar and actually it had what we thought was the best selection of wines by the glass. We are very disappointed in the Discovery and the Enchanted not having a Vines wine bar! We will be on the Enchanted this coming November and will likely hang out there.
  6. For wildlife (or Blue Mountain) tours out of Sydney we have used https://dingotours.com.au/ in the past and will be using them again next April. Jelle is a fantastic guide and will pick you up anywhere in Sydney.
  7. I just printed our tags for our upcoming South America cruise on the Sapphire. Using the normal Chrome printing method did not work for me. I switched over to Microsoft Edge and that did work. Thank you everyone for the suggestions, the short stubby tags were driving me nuts! 😆
  8. We have done the same excursion on a b2b. We used Uber, very easy and cheap.
  9. The prices are identical on all of their ships.
  10. When we disembark in Ft Lauderdale we always fly home from Miami. There are many more non-stop options to LAX. We always use a private car service (Blacklane.com, we use same car service worldwide).
  11. This is the first time I'm hearing this???
  12. When you purchase FCD's they are immediately charged to the credit card on file. They do not go thru your onboard account and you cannot use OBC's to purchase them.
  13. Does anyone know if the packages will be priced the same if purchased onboard?
  14. This is what it looks like for Enhanced Guidelines cruises for our March 5th Sapphire cruise from Buenos Aires.
  15. Thank you for taking the time to describe your experiences onboard. We have sailed on the Majestic numerous times and are looking forward to our next time onboard (April of 2024, 33 days, Sydney to Seattle).
  16. I check prices several times a week on our 7 future cruise bookings. Once in awhile there will be a price reduction, for the most part the fares have increased. We usually book as soon as a cruise is available to book. Since the start-up, fares have rarely come down from the original release prices.
  17. There has been no mention as to when Princess will start to switch over to Starlink.
  18. February 9, 2023 9:00 AM EST Yorktown, Va., to be Featured on Princess' 2024 Schedule, First Major Oceangoing Cruise Line to Visit Virginia's Historic Triangle America's Earliest Settlements, Revolutionary War Sites and Charming Small Towns Provide Guests with Unique Experiences Ashore SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Feb. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, Princess Cruises will call at Yorktown, Va. and Virginia's Historic Triangle, as part of a series of custom-curated itineraries in summer 2024 that will highlight opportunities to experience Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown in addition to visiting the historic seaside town. Princess Cruises is planning five day-long calls – three via Island Princess (2,200 guests/900 crew) and two via Emerald Princess (3,080 guests/1,200 crew) – that will result in a significant economic impact to the region, which has played an important role in American history. Additional details, including specific sailing dates, itineraries and shore excursions, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. "Princess is already well known for our unique itineraries that appeal to our guests who gravitate toward interesting historical and cultural opportunities and Yorktown is perfectly in tune with that philosophy, offering not only a glimpse at the Revolutionary War but also dining, shopping and activity options with wide-ranging appeal. It's a win-win for everyone," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. Padgett added that the new itineraries are even more significant as interest builds ahead of events and festivities across Virginia to commemorate the 250th anniversaries of the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence. "Our community is rooted in history and it is an important part of our visitor mix. We are honored that Princess Cruises sees the value in bringing their customers to Yorktown," said Kristi Olsen-Hayes, Director, York County Economic & Tourism Development. "Additional visitors coming to our area via the cruise line would contribute to the region's economy, benefiting retail, restaurants, and regional attractions, as well as generating revenue for both the Commonwealth and multiple local governments." As the first major cruise line to call on the region, Princess understands and appreciates the significant role it plays in boosting area tourism and, as it does with other homeport and port of call communities, the company will work with local tour operators to showcase the attributes of this fascinating historical region while benefiting local residents. "We couldn't be more excited about this incredible opportunity to add this truly unforgettable destination experience to our already impressive array of itineraries," said Padgett. "As a native Virginian myself, I can attest that an itinerary that offers the chance to visit Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown promises to be a most welcome addition for our guests, providing them memorable vacation experiences that they can't find anywhere else." Yorktown offers 300 years of history from revolutionary battlefields to 18th Century homes. Picturesque streets provide the backdrop for art galleries, antique and specialty shops, while attractions like the Watermen's Museum offer hands-on programs and exhibits for all ages. Entertainment, including Fifes and Drums performances, abounds, and visitors can stroll along the scenic riverwalk lined with charming restaurants and shops that offer a view of the York River. Sure to be a popular shore excursion, a visit to Colonial Williamsburg will allow guests to discover why this was the capital of Virginia and the largest, most prosperous American colony. Men and women from all walks of life strolled these streets, and Princess guests will follow in their footsteps as they re-trace history. They'll also explore dozens of original buildings, homes, and shops reconstructed on 301 acres – most on their original foundations. Rare animal breeds, historic trades, and lovingly restored gardens add layers of authenticity to the Colonial Williamsburg experience. Guests will feel as if they've traveled back in time. Guests opting to visit Jamestown, just a short, 30-minute motorcoach ride from the port, will be captivated by the history behind the original site of the first permanent English settlement in North America and the story of the role of the three cultures - European, North American and African - that came together to lay the foundation for a uniquely American form of democratic government, language, free enterprise and society.
  19. February 8, 2023 9:00 AM EST Shining Debut of New Sun Princess Just One Year Away: Inaugural Team of Esteemed Mariners Announced SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Feb. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The countdown is on! In just one year, Sun Princess will debut in the gleaming Mediterranean. The first of Princess Cruises' next generation ships, Sun Princess will welcome its very first guests onboard for next-level vacations with a host of spectacular new vistas, venues and experiences, along with newly inspired signature spaces, all while celebrating the cruise line's legacy as The Love Boat. "With such an amazing opportunity to elevate the guest experience, it takes an equally talented team of revered mariners to oversee the ship's final stages of construction at the Fincantieri shipyard, then officially take delivery of the ship and welcome the first guests onboard," said Princess President John Padgett. The highly experienced team, with a collective 150-plus years of service, that will guide Sun Princess through the remainder of her construction phase and bring her out for the anticipated inaugural season include Captains Craig Street and Paolo Arrigo; Staff Captains Brian Whelan and Valerio Esposito; Hotel General Managers Ralph D'Souza and Simona Stumberger; and Chief Engineers Gaetano Guida and Davor Pavlovic-Kalifo. "Sun Princess promises something special for everyone and we're pleased to announce the skilled and deserving team, led by Captains Street and Arrigo, who will guide Sun Princess through the remainder of the construction phase and ready her for her shining debut in just one year," Padgett added. Here's a more in-depth look at the maritime professionals who will be instrumental in the ship's progress, delivery and beyond: Captain Craig Street: Captain Craig Street joined Princess as a deck cadet in 1990, following his time at the Warsash Maritime Academy in the south of England that also included training aboard cruise ships. Appointed third officer in 1993, Street worked his way up through the ranks, taking command of Star Princess in 2008, and has since served as captain of 13 Princess ships. Street developed an appreciation for travel at an early age as he spent much of his youth living with his family overseas in various countries including Nigeria, Singapore, Dubai, Tanzania and Saudi Arabia. He was educated at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, Scotland, before joining the Princess family. With a keen interest in flying, he also holds a private helicopter license and when time permits, enjoys playing golf in the amazing ports Princess visits. His favorite ports are those in French Polynesia and Hawaii. Captain Paolo Arrigo: An accomplished mariner whose career spans more than a quarter century at sea, Captain Paolo Arrigo joined Princess Cruises as a deck cadet in 1996 after serving for a year in the Italian Coast Guard. After moving up through the ranks, serving as first officer, safety officer and staff captain, Arrigo was named captain at Princess Cruises in 2017. In addition to his role as captain, Arrigo has worked for Princess' shoreside headquarters on a variety of high-profile projects, including the managing elements of the development and launch of the MedallionClass Experience. His extensive maritime experience and easy rapport with guests and crew made him a natural choice to serve as captain of the reality-based television program, The Real Love Boat, which recently completed its first season and attracted millions of new viewers to the brand. Staff Captain Brian Whelan: A native of Galway City in Ireland, Brian Whelan began his maritime career 23 years ago with Princess Cruises, and over the years has steadily moved up the ranks to his current position of staff captain. A graduate of the Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, Whelan holds a Master Mariners' Certificate and has been named one of 20 leaders under 40 by Seatrade Cruise News, a prestigious cruise industry publication. When he's not onboard ship, Whelan enjoys traveling with his family and lists the Mediterranean as his favorite place to cruise. Staff Captain Valerio Esposito: A native of Meta di Sorrento near Naples, Italy, Valerio Esposito's career spans more than two decades, including the past 17 with Princess Cruises. He started as deck cadet on Golden Princess in 2006, and quickly progressed through the ranks up to his promotion to staff captain in 2018, becoming one of the youngest in the company to earn that position. Over the years he has commanded virtually every ship in the fleet, including Star Princess, Dawn Princess, Coral Princess, Emerald Princess, Crown Princess, Ruby Princess, Caribbean Princess, Island Princess, Diamond Princess and for P&O Australia - Pacific Pearl and Pacific Eden. He is currently staff captain of Majestic Princess. Esposito completed his studies in the South of Italy at Nautical Institute Nino Bixio, nearby his hometown, and holds a Master Mariners Captain License. Hotel General Manager Ralph D'Souza: D'Souza joined Princess in 2006 as a junior purser and worked his way through the ranks and achieved his goal of becoming hotel general manager in 2019. The highlight of D'Souza's career was being chosen to be part of the inaugural team for the new Royal Class series of ships. During his seagoing career, D'Souza has been part of the launch team for Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Majestic Princess. In 2017, he was selected to be part of the deployment team of the MedallionClass Experience, where he was an ambassador of this new and innovative way to cruise with Princess. D'Souza holds a degree in EMBA and a Ph.D. in business administration. When he is not sailing the sea, he enjoys spending time at his seacoast home where he soaks up the abundance of nature around his home by gardening and keeping fit. Hotel General Manager Simona Stumberger: A native of Slovenia, where she studied language and hospitality management, Stumberger began her career at sea in the bar department and further diversified her hotel experiences by working in the guest services department and hand in hand with the hotel and food & beverage division. She is now proudly a hotel general manager, where she shares her passion for travel and impeccable service with each guest. When on vacation, she loves spending time with family and friends, hiking the beautiful mountains in the Alps and looking after her orchids, which are her passion. Chief Engineer Gaetano Guida: Gaetano Guida joined Princess Cruises in 2002 and was named chief engineer aboard Royal Princess in 2017. After earning his nautical degree in July 1999 from Nautical Institute Nino Bixio in Piano di Sorrento, Italy, Guida joined the Italian Navy serving on the "M/V Vesuvio," a refueling ship for other naval ships. He met his wife onboard Star Princess in 2015, and together they have two sons. His hobbies include reading, particularly, leadership and psychology books, and listening to music. Chief Engineer Davor Pavlovic-Kalifo: Davor Pavlovic-Kalifo joined Princess Cruises in 2002, as second engineer and was named chief engineer aboard Sapphire Princess in 2014. A native of Croatia, Pavlovic-Kalifo worked as an engine cadet onboard a cargo ship and then went on to college, graduating as a marine engineer. His first assignment on a cruise ship was Tahitian Princess, where he met his wife. They are proud parents to a 3-year-old boy, and they love spending time as a family in Dubrovnik. When not traveling the world, Pavlovic-Kalifo enjoys deep sea fishing and exploring the Adriatic islands via his motorboat. Several members of this group already are spending time in the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and over the course of several months they will be joined by nearly 1,600 teammates who will serve as the inaugural Sun Princess crew, ready to provide guests the vacation of a lifetime. On sale now, Sun Princess is scheduled to debut in Europe on February 8, 2024, for a season of Mediterranean cruises, followed by Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale later in the year. The 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest vessel will be the largest ship ever constructed for Princess with an array of exciting new dining, entertainment and activity offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories. The ship will be highlighted by amazing, never-before-seen spaces such as The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, the next-level, brand-iconic Piazza and three-story Horizons Dining Room that are sure to have everyone talking.
  20. Here's a link to our Roll Call... https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2776868-march-5-2023-buenos-aires-to-la/page/19/#comment-64788234
  21. We have yet to see a Samsung TV in our cabin. They are almost exclusively LG TV's. On our recent Discovery cruise, they were a newer version of LG TV that did not allow a change of input. So, we were unable to stream via the TV.
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