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mtnesterz

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Everything posted by mtnesterz

  1. May vary from ship to ship and the itinerary. On our most recent, Congee, or Jook, Porridge, whatever you prefer to call it, was every morning, but taste varied, maybe just the person assigned to the job. Definitely leans to the Asian style regarding available additions. You could also get either oatmeal one day or Cream of Wheat the next. Lunch and dinner, yes to both.
  2. We were there, Diamond Princess, in Sept. '23. Suggest reading threads about Japan and Immigration in the Ports of Call section here. We learned so much doing that and I can't imagine those that don't have the resource such as we have on CC. Even got personal advice on the Yunyu Kakunin-Sho, which otherwise was a 150 page download of instructions. We have traveled to several countries in Asia, and lived in Singapore for a time. But Japan is unique, so be well read as you can. We enjoyed out time and hope you do too,
  3. Many of us miss the old Princess too. This is your thread and while thread drift will happen, if you feel it has gone too far astray, someone is unkind or don't want to get an email 7 years from now, notifying some newbie quoted your original post, you can click the three dots in the upper right and have the thread closed. I understood that your discontent centered around the food. That is why I responded on the food aspect. I will tell you we have one more cruise booked with Princess and we are overdue for a winner. The last, in August '23 was full of disappointments, mostly nature's work, and one selfish person, which were all out of Princess control. So, one more chance. Thinking of trying HAL, but even the HAL board posters say there are cutbacks. So, you say you have two cruises booked on other lines. Which cruise line(s) are you going to try?
  4. We were also on the Diamond late last Summer. Sorry you didn't take more opportunities. You were on a SE Asian sailing, but you missed the Indonesian Beef Rendang by not going the buffet even once? It was the high point of our food onboard. As good as when when we lived in Singapore. Filipino and Indian dishes are also regular in the buffet and these were also good. I always think of where the staff in the kitchen hail from and figure those country's foods are a good bet. Conversely, Thanksgiving dinner on Princess is a bad joke for the same reason. Also sorry you didn't try their churrascaria, Wish you'd asked about this in a live from on this sailing, I would have suggested trying Brazilian barbeque. Locally, they make a show of bringing your meat comes to the table on skewers. A step up from a regular Steakhouse. You call yourself a foodie, someone who sees food in part as adventure. Then say you were bored by repetition and in response didn't try anything new. Hope you enjoy your upcoming bookings more than this one.
  5. Sorry I can't help you. You may have better luck in the Ports of Call section, Europe, Mediterranean, Spanish ports. Good Luck!
  6. My wish for you is that someday, you receive an offer to go, because you are discerning in your appreciation of the art form. They will try to recreate the ambiance, but that Victorian mansion overlooking LA is spooky and that adds in a way you'll never find on the ship. And my guess is you won't mind dressing for admission. There are those here that would rather stuff their suitcase with rubber ducks, door decorations, smuggled booze, travelling wine kit, water picks, blow dryers, snack foods, 3 or 4 electronic devices and a power strip to charge them. Anyone who travels often has learned to travel light. Wear a sportcoat on the plane and roll up a tie in the pocket. "I must have the S3 suite, but $35 for a checked bag? I'm not packing a tie for dinner then." For magic, go to the Magic Castle. For comedy, sometimes you can just read Cruise Critic.
  7. All in how you look at it. The other way to see it is that Magic Castle maintained that much control over their product, demanding the same standards for using their name. We have been invitied to the Hollywood location twice. The dress code is unwavering. But it's the professional member magicians, like @Wonders By Wallis, you come for and Princess contract workers who've learned a few simple beginner effects would not astound. A dress code gives me hope standards are high across the board and more than just another Princess money grab. I can't prove it, but that is my hope.
  8. Thank you for posting this. That was my choice for Medicare and it is reassuring to read.
  9. There are some posters here about whom I wonder when they're actually home, they cruise so often. Will be interesting to read their recent experience on other ships in the fleet.
  10. I might mention, because someone previously had a similar question didn't realize. When you say $100FCD for your deposit for your '26 cruise, you'll really want a FCD for each passenger, not one per cabin reservation. If all three are going, it would be three, meaning $300, then receive a total of $450 in shipboard credit. If you, or Princess, cancels, it goes back to your account. You still need to book within a year. If you change your mind, and don't want to use them, or the book-by time runs out. You get your money back. I mentioned that to tell you it's really a no-brainer to buy. Another thing, some are reporting trouble with bookings done on the ship. Get your FCD on the ship, book at home through your CVP or TA.
  11. We always ask for one first day and it is changed before we turn in.
  12. Well, not a ritual, but certainly something newer than 2007 and must be done and you need to do it right after boarding. This may be unique to Princess, I haven't cruised other lines recently. Go to your cabin, if you can get in, and turn on the TV. You no longer go to a life boat drill. You watch a safety video on your TV, then go to your Muster station and tap your Medallion on the device at that location. Some here will say watch it on the App while having a drink at a bar, but whatever you do, just be done with it and start having fun.
  13. Yes, E632 is on the Ruby, which along with the Emerald and Crown make up the Crown Class, so cabins with that number have the same views, IIRC. As to my meaning, I don't want to be critical, rather to encourage to appreciate something good that they had. Most Obstructed Views look at the side of a tender, or between two of them. That's a great view they got for the same price. Ships move, they're machines and make noise when cutting through the water and things clank around on the steel parts of the ship. Anyone who cruises a lot knows little things can go awry on a cruise. You have to roll with it, to some extent. You look for the good. That was my intention.
  14. For someone on their second Princess cruise, you managed to get one of two of the best OV cabins on Crown Class ships. Up to you, but we try for these cabins and you should feel lucky to have snagged one. What a view for little more than the price of an Inside! For other's viewing: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/gallery/image/12484-ruby-princess-cabin-e632-obstructed-view-los-arcos-cabo-san-lucas-on-new-years-eve-2018-mx-riviera-7-nt-12292018/
  15. We were on the Emerald in August of last year. Ship full, over lower berth capacity. Many kids on summer vacation. Should have known better. The ships are going to be crowded for now. All I can tell you is what you already know. When crowds gather, there will inevitably be the inconsiderate few who are selfish, impose on others, or just drunk. I felt the crew should have handled some situations better, chair hogs, card playing in the buffet at mealtime... but on this sailing, to my view, they didn't, and the ship being so very crowded, it's harder to just look the other way and go on with your vacation. Agree with startedwithamouse, pack your patience.
  16. All I know is that when I did what you describe, I got the same message as you, but if I scroll down to the bottom of that log-in screen, then I get a second log-in option. Which worked for me. Come to think of it, the way I learned of that I had the same problem and called the Ocean Navigators. So, my only other suggestion is to call them. Ultimately, we both pay for their services. Good Luck!
  17. We use the web version instead of the app. When you log in, use the option to log in using your booking number. Scroll to the bottom, (depending on your screen.) Good luck.
  18. I see no reason why this would not be allowed. As long as the hall is not blocked in an emergency. May also request assistance embarking, disembarking. You may not be aware, there is also a disabled cruising section here on CC, if you have additional questions regarding this. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/114-disabled-cruise-travel/
  19. We cruised Japan on Princess in October of '23. You list your name a Debra so I will make an assumption you are asking about women's wear. Most evenings just wear casual as if you were going to a local restaurant. The Mrs. always wears a long dress on Formal Nights with flat shoes and a shawl to dress it up, no accesory jewelry. Her whole idea is to pack things that don't take up much space. Most women did the same, that I observed. If you are going with a male, Formal Nights, I'd say about half the men wore either at suit or sportcoat and tie, the other half wore a polo shirt or similar and slacks. Not one tuxedo.
  20. We did one cruise over Thanksgiving. Would not do it again. Thanksgiving dinner is the center of it all and the chefs have no idea what a Thanksgiving meal is supposed to taste like. What came to the table was heavily salted turkey and salty sides cooked to mush. The only time we've walked out on a cruise dinner as did several others. Had a hamburger on deck for dinner. Not many families, but it was before the 3rd and 4th guest promotions Princess does now. A very high percentage of men dressed for dinner given the holiday, if that matters to you. Go if your schedule works and the price is right, but don't go for the food.
  21. We too are in San Juan on an upcoming, but two things. Join your roll call and ask there, though this thread will likely get moved to the Ports of Call section. Also, for future reference, you can find ships in port daily schedule online for most ports. San Juan is not as specific in this matter, from what we viewed. I'm told the Pan American terminal is used for cruises that begin and end in San Juan, not for visiting ships. Find Dock 4, Muelle Quatro on some maps, near the fort. Not knowing more than you state, that I my guess.
  22. The whole business of specialty/casual/popups dining is an upcharge. Someone is going to say, but we bought a package so it is free. Well, they paid for the package. Some apparently forget, all of us have already paid for dinner (in the MDR) with our fares, it's just if passengers are willing to pay extra for whatever value they hope to receive. So my joke almost a year ago about the Opening Gambits was to poke fun at the sham of it all. But we reached our limit and now, nearly a year after I posted on this thread, we are sailing on a line with no upcharge for dining, or "Crew Appreciation," admitting that our base fare is substantially higher to compensate.
  23. I don't drink, but even I must admit, that sounds delicious!
  24. Use your favorite search engine and look up tipping culture for a particular country. "When in Rome..." A tour book from your library would help too. From living in SE Asia, I understand how it is perceived as insulting, but that was long ago and don't know about today. Not saying someone should or shouldn't tip. Just saying, be a respectful traveler.
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