PensFan1028

Thanks, we will give that a shot.

We are in the same "boat" here :). 

Looking at my Captain Circle History/Future, it shows our upcoming 14 day (booked as single voyage) as 2 credits each. The 1st credit will put us at 15 completed after the 1st week. Would we get the Elite benefits on the 2nd half of the voyage?

The best thing I learned from this thread is that MSC matches loyalty benefits! We have been cruising with Princess primarily, on the first half of our May B2B we will be elite.... the benefits have been completely depleted at this point that loyalty means nothing. Some of MSC's voyages and new ships look like they are worth a try, thanks for the push Princess!

While I understand that none of this (should) change until October,

We have a mini-suite (ME) booked for our upcoming trip and have bids in on Reserved Mini and Signature Suites as I liked the additional perks. I was already excited to hopefully get our bid accepted for Signature Suite... now I'm happy that maybe I get to experience it before it gets wrecked in October (assuming they don't let if bleed into any upcoming voyages leading up to the roll out). I don't know whether to up the bids to improve our chances or cancel them completely?

We have a cruise booked for December 2024 on the Sun.... now may have to convince the rest of the group to take a step back to maybe Regal or Royal. One of our favorite parts of those two ships is the Retreat pool and option to book the Sanctuary should we feel inclined. 

All things change... not always for the better unfortunately. Cruising was always a value + ever changing scenery draw for us. Food quality has fallen significantly, price has skyrocketed. the few things bringing us back is the quality of service (100% on the talent that Princess hires) and the itineraries... and itineraries are even getting a little bland at this point.

Like others here... I'm so confused by the decisions being made.

We were anchored in the channel in Kotor back in 2018 on the Crown. Ship dragged anchor around 9 am due to the wind gusts coming off of the mountains. Was a little bit hectic at the time but once we learned what the emergency was about it wasn't a big deal. They moved the ship further out and changed anchorage direction.

We are scheduled for Kotor on May 27th. I would accept Dubrovnik as a substitute.

Ok that answers my question. Kind of an odd tactic by Princess to show the $150 pp on ice cream that probably less than 5% of people take advantage of. You think maybe just tucking that into a "Plus Package Benefits" or whatever line item might make people the value a little less questionable. ** again I'm not worried about the value as we will continue to book either Plus or Premier as the other offerings do make it worth while to US, but just just some thoughts**

Thank you for the replies. Sorry my basic question was... If I booked this cruise myself and chose Plus/Premier, would it show the package broken down into individual purchases on my Princess travel summary?

I've been looking for the answer to this but haven't found much. Looking at our upcoming cruse we booked through a travel agent, I see the benefits of our Plus package broken down into individual purchases under our "Reservations and Purchase". Also the fitness classes included in the package are showing as "gifts" from our travel agent. Are they getting some kind of benefit out of booking everything under the package separately? We also noticed in the past that our included specialty dining (Premier) showed up as vouchers to our room courtesy of our travel agent as a "gift".

If this is truly the case could I benefit by having the things we will never use (ie. $300 in premium desserts and $220 in fitness classes)

38 minutes ago, voljeep said:

thanks for the drinks ... when you have time, can I have 2 beers and 2 Pelligrinos to take back to the cabin?  Thanks

 

as we leave the final bar and head to the cabin ... Every.Single.Night.

 

and prolly have 3-4 beers and 3-4 waters already in the fridge from the day drinking

Was just going to write the exact same thing. If there is any room left on our 15pp limit.... canned beers or seltzers for the "room" to get close to the cap on the way back to the room at night.

Looks like the Sanctuary is now just the retreat pool that you have to pay to access... somewhat unfortunate not to have any other kid free pools. We do prefer the sunny sections of the Sanctuary on other ships so this may also be a welcome sight to some and may encourage us to utilize it more. The cabanas look nice with a sea view sun and shade, has anyone posted prices?

We are on the 5/25 sailing out of Athens and can't wait!

Just got off of the Regal two weeks ago, we tried Premier mainly because some of the drinks we wanted on our previous cruise were just out of range and we like to have a little better wine choices.

Drink prices have gone up from last year to this year $3 each across the board. When it comes to ordering through the app there is an absolute obvious difference between the new ships that had this technology built in vs. the ones that didn't. We were on the Enchanted last year and received our drinks within 5 - 10 minutes tops once the server knew where you were. On the Regal upwards of 30 minutes or more, almost consistently, had several very warm beers or drinks that the ice had nearly all melted. An earlier post said it seemed like every passenger had a package, I have to agree with that. The pool bars couldn't keep up. The rude people that could clearly see 10 other people waiting that would walk up and bark their order was a constant. The old days of sliding a card seemed to be faster (again, different experience on Enchanted). 

Didn't get a single fancy dessert, wasn't really interested.

Did use our two specialty dining's, Crown Grill was disappointing. Had we not eaten Sabatini's until the last night I may have paid to eat there every night. 

Did order soda (canned and not) and bottled water with every drink order, no problem.

Did order two drinks at a time on one medallion, no problem. Issues came with where you were and what you could order. If you were at the retreat pool lets say and ordered something that may only be made at the wheelhouse bar, they would tell you they couldn't make it. I'm fine with this but there is nowhere in the menu that says what is available in your location at the time.

Bars other than pool did seem well stocked and with premier, I tried a few of the higher shelf items.

Only hit our 15 drink max twice, Princess Cays day and 1st sea day but still feel the package is worth it. Sticking to the Plus package in September because we plan to be off the ship most of the time in New England/Canada.

Seems you were advertised one thing and sold another. I have two courtesy "free" hold bookings in my account right now in this very same state. Not sure what to do about it. I have screenshots of the booking process to verify it very clearly stated "plus" at the same rate as standard.

I have two mock bookings on the "free" curtesy hold as well, both selected Princess Plus, fare didn't change and not showing on the booking.  I have screenshots throughout the whole process. Seems to be a website glitch, intentional or not it is very misleading if you think you selected plus and make it through the full booking believing you have nothing else to pay for. Not sure if it's worth the effort to fight for what I was advertised and offered at the fare shown when "plus" was very clearly selected? 

Yes sorry the $ was a typo.... The question was how to interpret the offer as originally stated vs. how the posting reads now

Original

New

We were scheduled to cruise March 21st. So from what I can tell from the original email, Princess has reworded this to clarify. Per my email (below), we would be given the opportunity to transfer what we've currently paid +$225 future cruise credit.

Per this post, we receive the opportunity to transfer funds +$125 future credit.

We have flown red-eye across the Atlantic twice now to Rome and Barcelona. The plane takes off, you have dinner and then just go to sleep like you would that night. Wake up in the morning 8 hours later like you just slept for the night and you area ready to go. Coming home is a different story and I have no suggestions :)

16 minutes ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

PensFan 1028 -  I think you have hit the nail on the head.  That same couple will be the ones to come on CC and give a scathing review of the ship and Staff.  I have found over the years that being friendly, enjoying your cruise, and not expecting to waited on like royalty results in a very good experience.  We always seem to find a waiter in the MDR, bartenders in multiple spots, and a room Steward that are all awesome.  I credit it to our attitude.  Service folks enjoy waiting on those that are enjoyable to serve.  I should know, because I was in the industry for many years!!

It is likely that they or at least one of them is a member here as we overheard them discussing things about the meet and greet, slot pull and such. But yes, we always have a good time getting to know the staff at the bars and our waiters. I like to feel that we are making their shift go by a little faster by engaging in conversation.

35 minutes ago, XBGuy said:

PF1028, thank you for spending the time to share your experience.  I think most people here on Cruise Critic understand the difficult circumstances under which the ship's crew are working and most are sympathetic.  Still, you story does provide focus.

 

Additionally, you have my sympathy for having your cruise experience diminished.

Thank you. This encounter didn't diminish our experience.... I was just sympathetic with the servers and anyone else who had to deal with that couple. We enjoy every cruise to it's fullest.. with respect to those around us and especially to those providing service day in and day out. Happy New Year.

Barcelona is very simple for embarkation. While we haven't gone directly from the Airport to the ship, I do know that any transfer or taxi will drive you into the port and let you off where you need to be, minimal walking or figuring out where to go will be needed. If you could arrive a day ahead of time and get a hotel, Barcelona is an awesome city to explore during the day and some great places to eat along Las Ramblas in the evening. 

You will most likely be able to board just after 11am, although it may be less crowded if you waited until 1pm or so.

4 minutes ago, sciteach11 said:

As a vegetarian I always figured the chef's table would not be worth it to me, so it's exciting to hear they will accommodate! I haven't heard of the Winemakers Dinner. Is that new? We'll be on the Royal this summer and I love wine, so I'd love to check it out! Is it something you sign up for once on board or ahead of time? How much does it cost?

I've never done Chef's Table but the wine makers dinner is totally worth it if you like wine and good food. We always ask our waiter to sign us up the first night at dinner. I would consult the Maitre d' about substitutions when you sign up. It is $40 per person.

11 minutes ago, victory2020 said:

The dining room will serve fish tacos on a sea day lunch, usually the 3rd one as I recall. Just check the menu outside the dining room after breakfast is closed.

Did not know that...  I was going to suggest you could most likely construct your own at the buffet. I know the Regal and Royal have tacos almost every day at lunch now and there is typically some kind of grilled or broiled fish somewhere on the buffet.

While we've only done one cruise with Carnival... the one thing we really enjoyed was the sing along piano bar and that it was a little easier to have fun without making your own fun if that makes sens. Otherwise, we won't cruise with Carnival again, everything else just didn't compare with prior and recent Princess experience.

I will agree with you on the Trivia, I think Princess hasn't figured that out but it is likely a ship by ship basis. Food variety on the Regal and Royal has been the best of any ship I've been on. The introduced a new menu a few years back that kind of killed quality but on the Royal in December, the food was some of the best I've had at sea.

Oh, and comedy on just about any cruise is pretty bland.... they rotate a lot of the same comedians and content. I was brought up on stage by the comedian to help him come up with a story and felt I made his show significantly better, haha... but I may be bias 😉

I would say it is likely. My wife does not like seafood and they have always replaced any seafood dishes with nice (typically vegetarian) options. 

From what I gather this is typically the Mondavi menu as most people enjoy that menu best. On the Royal in early December we did the WM dinner and had the following:

App: Tiger Prawn wrapped in prosciutto and croissant (my wife had a cheese tart)

Soup: Lentil with granny smith apple and bacon (wife had it sans bacon and was no problem)

Pasta: Gnocci  - *this is seriously delicious 

Dinner: Filet with asparagus and some kine of potato ( I'm sure you could request a substitute for this)

If you enjoy wine, the WM's dinner is not to be missed... our experience all three times has been great food, good conversation with new people and free flowing wine... almost too much wine if that's possible 😉

Not to condone the rude attitudes and non-friendly experience but I would like to offer insight and personal experience. While I do not work in the service industry, the expectations are likely similar to working just about anywhere nowadays. Everyone is expected to to more with less, stretch beyond their personal responsibilities and show up early and leave late. The hours cruise ship employees (especially wait staff) put in would break the majority of people here in a week. Add being away from family for months, eating the same food over and over again, and spending what money you do make to pay for internet to communicate with you family back home... it wouldn't be easy.

With that said, I have personalty experienced an immediate decline in service in a dining room on the Regal by our waitstaff at no fault of their own. When I say immediate, I mean within a day. Let me explain.

Day 1 dining on the Regal, we were greeted by our very friendly waiter and his assistant, talked to them a little, asked their opinions on food and generally enjoyed their company. They provided excellent service.

Day 2, the Maitre d' ushered a woman and her husband to a table near ours which happened to be a very lovely window table for 2. He apologized for something and asked them if this table would better suit them and they obliged. As it were, our waiter and his assistant were assigned this table and quickly met them with menus and introduced themselves. As they were speaking, she cut them off and said something about her request for a curry dish every night and if it would be met.... they had already waited 10 minutes for dinner and were "starving"..... 

Throughout the rest of dinner on just day 2, they were forced to keep up with her constant nagging and nonsensical requests.

Day 3 much of the same, she arrived late and her husband didn't join until 20 minutes later.... requested curry, etc. They had brought a bottle of wine to dinner and requested Riedel wine glasses and were given the explanation that the Riedel glasses were only to be used in Vines and that the dining room glasses were to be used. Again, she gave attitude until her request was met, again wasting time and distracting our wait staff for 5 - 10 necessary minutes. Also claimed to have paid the corkage fee and refused to give them her room key to pay when they asked.

Day 4 or 5 who knows at this point, they show up at the dining room with full (overfull) glasses of wine (Riedel). Half way through dinner, husband leaves with empty glasses and returns again, with them full (overfull). We go to Vines regularly and know they do not over pour. Apparently the rules of corkage fees shall not apply to them so refilling in their room was a better option for them.

At some point she closed the curtains to the window because she caught me looking out at the sunset.... not kidding.

On our way out of dining one night we were sure to inform the Maitre d' that our servers were doing an amazing job the first day and really trying to maintain with the couple's lack of respect for them. Without asking he knew exactly who we were talking about and apologized and was well aware of the situation.

So aside from my long winded story... we try to have a little more penitence for the crew now, knowing that they likely deal with truly disgusting, disrespectful people on a daily basis.

I'm by no way suggesting that you or anyone here has been dealt treatment based on their own treatment of the staff... but it can certainly have an affect on all of us as a whole.

As we arrive on embarkation day most cruises, we have a system to get our non-alcoholic beverages on board without having to fly with 4 cases of carbonated beverages 😉

1. Pack an empty duffel bag or any collapsible bag in your suit case with cruise luggage tag attached

2. Unpack said bag upon arrival to the airport

3. Drop of remaining luggage with porters (don't forget to tip)

4. Carry bag out of terminal, make a right turn and walk to store approx. 1/4" mile up the road

5. Purchase non-alcoholic beverages and fill bag

6. Carry bag back to terminal and offload to porter station without them noticing (avoiding a 2nd, unnecessary tip)

7. Initiate general boarding procedure

8. Receive bag loaded with non-alcoholic beverages with the rest of your luggage

*If you arrive a day early, ignore all of that and just slap a tag on your Coke and drop it with the porters upon arrival to the terminal (they will make sure you know that tips are appreciated)*

We embarked on deck 5 last week... the grand entrance to the piazza.... the elevators are a nightmare the first  few hours regardless but obviously walking forward towards princess theater or to the aft elevators is your best bet. This has been the smoothest embarkation we have ever had. We arrived around 1:30 with maybe 15 - 20 people entering the terminal in front of us.