Gretchendz

Just have to say that the TITLE of this thread made my heart take a thump--and not in a good way. More like "What? How would that be possible?" Having said that, if you are really stuck, go to the front desk and ask very nicely if they have a closet of leftover items. Last cruise on QM2 hubby forgot to pack a jacket for dinner (but he had his tux!). After checking out the shop, I said "Hotels often have a box of items that guests have left (usually many cell phone chargers)--let's ask." He was doubtful. Sure enough, the person we happened to ask was the "keeper of the closet. " She was delighted to take us behind the curtain and let us choose from a good selection of men's and women's apparel. He found a lovely sportscoat that fit him that he used throughout the cruise. She even said we could keep it, but we didn't 🙂

No one knows, of course. However, I am a bit surprised it took Princess this long, given how many other lines in their space have essentially the same program. I think customers in general prefer it to the apparent mystical "Upgrade fairy." Cunard may decide not to do it, as they are run somewhat independently. On the other hand, Princess and Cunard, of all the Carnival brands, are most closely joined at the hip.

For sure--they designed them to have a very shallow draft!

Yes--this is why so many go with other lines. Viking's payment policies are much more stringent than comparable(or even superior) lines. Personally, I would book elsewhere.

No one really knows. AMA hasn't said and I doubt they will say at this point given how Covid has been such an up and down thing. A large number of AMA cruisers want a fully vaccinated crew and guests, so if they relax the rule they stand to lose those guests. On the other hand, ocean cruises have been dropping the vaccination requirements at a faster rate than I would have predicted. As @CastleCritic alluded to, you also must consider what the specific countries on the itinerary require. As an example, when I was Germany last Christmas, they were MUCH stricter than the US regarding showing CDC cards and wearing a mask to go indoors almost anywhere. My advice to this person would be to not plan for the trip if they don't wish to get vaccinated. It's like all the countries I cannot visit if I choose not be vaccinated for yellow fever. If things change, and there are still cabins available later, they can maybe join the voyage. I should note that AMA currently has an exemption process: "AmaWaterways is currently operating our river cruise ships with vaccination rates approaching 100%. To align with the current international travel environment and country entry requirements, we have recently updated our guidelines. We have in place an exemption process that may result in a small number of guests onboard who are not fully vaccinated due to religious, medical and other guest considerations. These guests will be required to complete, and have available to show at time of embarkation, a negative PCR or Antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to embarkation or a Covid-19 recovery letter no older than 60 days prior to embarkation. We kindly advise guests and their travel advisors to remain up to date with travel entry requirements of each country being visited as it is each guest’s personal responsibility to ensure they meet the travel entry requirements of each country."

Christmas 2021 we were one of the very few Americans visiting Christmas markets in Germany--primarily Berlin, Lubeck and Hamburg. My recollection is that credit cards were widely accepted at the markets. It was awesome as people were so happy to see (a few) tourists back. Also, I think every market we went to had an ATM, so I would not worry much about bringing enough cash. They'll be happy to see you!

You can always buy ME jewelry 🙂

One more point for AMA (if I sound like a zealot, maybe I am) but AMA does the little things...one example, most of the premium lines include airport transfers. But for most that means, drop the traveler off at the airport and they are on their own. With AMA the driver helps you through the airport, helps with luggage, gets boarding pass, etc.

And one more positive for AMA--they have announced to TAs free economy air on most 2022 sailings from US and Canadian gateways. I don 't think it's on the public site--so call a TA 🙂

BTW, I just remembered this very helpful comparison chart: https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/comparisons/

AMA! Definitely over Viking--and most of the others for that matter. They include so much! They have some terrific wine cruises. They keep winning awards from travel agents for their exemplary customer service. Currently offering free economy air for 2022 cruises. My main beef with Viking (Ocean and River) is their payment policies are much more restrictive than industry standards. (as @TakingFlight noted).

Definitely agree re using ATMs...just a few other points. We go to Europe often enough that we keep any extra Euros in an envelope at home for the starter money for the next trip. Re ATMs, we have a Chase account that pays our ATM fees so not an issue for us, but if that is not the case for you, think carefully about taking out enough cash so you are not hitting the machines more often than necessary. 🙂 As others have noted, credit card acceptance is more prevalent with every trip!

Find a new TA! In case you have not seen the consumer flyer. 18065215_RoyalUp_Consumer_Flyer.pdf

1. Military: To thank the brave men and women of the American and Canadian militaries for their service, Princess Cruises® offers up to $250 free onboard spending money* for veterans as well as active, retired or disabled military personnel. This special military benefit is eligible on any cruise, any time of the year and can be used to purchase a wide variety of amenities and experiences including Lotus Spa® treatments; dining in our specialty restaurants; gifts, jewelry and clothing in our onboard boutiques; and Princess Cruises shore excursions. NOTE: Not sure if it is still active, but there was a similar program for Australia and New Zealand. Also, the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and Reserves. 2. Shareholder: https://www.carnivalcorp.com/static-files/50351a91-4dc0-4f6b-bfec-684647e6129f 3. Also, don't forget the referral OBC: https://book.princess.com/captaincircle/referralRewards.page

Of course, everyone has their own preferences...just wanted people who do choose to use TAs that this is something they can ask them to do 🙂

If you have a TA, they can do it for you in minutes.

What @broadwaybaby123 said. Also, if your group is that large, I suggest you work with a travel advisor who does cruise groups. They can set up a special webpage for family members to get all the info, provide information on their needs, and facilitate payments, etc. for you. Also, I assume you know that, depending on how many cruise cabins are booked, you will be eligible for extra perks and/or savings (although this is not exclusive to RCCL--most lines do this.). Depending on what you want and size of group, you can probably have a special party or reception, for example. I think cruises are great choices for family reunions--there's something for everyone.

No link yet-was announced to TAs today. But it is implied in the FAQ: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/best-price-guarantee-policy

RCCL announced today: Effective immediately, the Best Price Guarantee onboard credit option value will be 100% of the price difference (previously 110%). Please note this change refers to the original Best Price Guarantee program and not the Cruise With Confidence program.

Not trying to be an apologizer for the excursion problems some of you have noted as they are not acceptable. However, it is worth noting that it seems like many of the early Alaskan cruises (most all brands) this year have been experiencing difficulties with local excursion operators. Hopefully, these problems will be sorted out quickly!

Sometimes yes, sometimes no--depends on Princess's rules for that fare. No doubt it is tougher after final payment, but sometimes possible.

Not true--TAs can refare and rebook! In fact Princess recently changed their TA system to make it easier.

By the way, @rd64, are you aware that Princess often offers Canadian guests the ability to book with Canadian dollars on par with US dollars? That alone can be a significant savings for Canadians over Americans. That alone, depending on the exchange rate is worth 25% or more.

They are teachers, but sadly they do not qualify for this discount. I live in Michigan and I see Florida residents get extra discounts on cruises, Disney, etc. all the time. My sister who lives in California often gets special rates on cruises for California residents.

You can book it with a TA if you prefer.