Princess Secrets they Don't Tell You

[jlp20]

This is more information than a “secret”.

The daily “tip” does not go directly to your steward. All monies are put into a “pool” that is divided among certain service crew for each cruise. I forget the percentage the steward gets out of the daily fee, but it’s around $5.50 a day per passenger.

The way it is supposed to work, any tip you give in cash it is to be handed in by the employee and added to the “pool”. If we have a deserving room steward, we tip in cash around the third or fourth day in our cabin away from other employees. If they pocket the money or turn it in is up to them. We gave “phone cards” a couple of times to get around this “pool” idea, but were told cash was more appreciated.

 

It has been posted that anyone removing themselves from the auto tip program is put on a list that is posted in the steward’s area.

 

For those who do not know, room stewards are paid far below minimum wage. They do get free room, board, medical and something like $200 a month. They live and depend on the TIPS. The whole “auto tip” program was started because too many passengers were getting off the ships without tipping.

 

How much is it worth to you to have someone make your bed, clean your bathroom, get you clean towels, vacuum, straighten up all of your belongings left around the room, turn down your bed at night and in general be on call 12 hours a day for whatever whim you have?

 

Crews quarters are extremely cramped, space is at a premium. The thought of giving a “gift” may be nice but they have nowhere to put it.

[Princess422]

The way it is supposed to work, any tip you give in cash it is to be handed in by the employee and added to the “pool”.

 

I thought that was only true if you removed yourself from autotip? If you do the autotip, doesn't the cabin steward get to keep the additional cash? With my next Princess cruise two weeks away, I'd really like to know!

 

If they STILL have to hand in the extra cash, even if you do the autotip - then do you think a combo of cash and gift is a good idea? So that they get to keep something even if they feel compelled to turn in the cash? Or do you think they're likely to pocket the cash regardless (in which case, that's obviously better)?

[Tophat4321]

I thought that was only true if you removed yourself from autotip? If you do the autotip, doesn't the cabin steward get to keep the additional cash? With my next Princess cruise two weeks away, I'd really like to know!

 

If they STILL have to hand in the extra cash, even if you do the autotip - then do you think a combo of cash and gift is a good idea? So that they get to keep something even if they feel compelled to turn in the cash? Or do you think they're likely to pocket the cash regardless (in which case, that's obviously better)?

 

As I understand if you keep the auto on your account any cash tip given to a staff member they get to keep. We tip cash for room service,dining room waiters and steward. I like to tip the steward up front a twenty and any additional tip will depend on service during the cruise. If the service is good then I leave a fifty or so.

[Princess422]

As I understand if you keep the auto on your account any cash tip given to a staff member they get to keep.

 

That was my understanding as well, but jlp20 seems to have different information, and I want to be certain (as I'm sure others do).

[sissy f]

the last few cruises I have been on I auto tip 50% of recommendation by going to pursars desk at the beginning of the cruise, then the remainder is given to my steward, head waiter & asst waiter personally in cash in an envelope. If they go above & beyond, I tip more than the recommendation.

I understand that many people do this as they feel then the people who directly work w/you get the tip rather than the pool. By doing a portion of auto tipping, the ones behind the scenes are still getting something.

[Daddysbaby]

WOW!! What a fabulous thread with excellent tips and advice. I have a little "tip" that I will be trying for the first time myself this December. I have been a member of the Ocean Players Club for many years and spend many nights playing cards in the Casino. I have only recently become aware that if I let the Players Club know when I will next be on a Princess cruise, they will have a "Standard Bon Voyage" package waiting for me in my stateroom. I have no idea what this will be - could just be a free deck of cards - will let everyone know after I get off the ship!

[dotheyes]

hi all, i have been cruising for two weeks and pleasantly surprised that this thread is still humming. here is my updated list for thise who want to cut and paste

PRINCESS TIPS

© .

• Just returned from a great cruise on the Emerald Princess 8/22 - 8/29. Bought the ultimate drink sticker (UKP) and was told that fresh squeezed OJ was free with this sticker. Had to put up an argument with the waiter on Monday AM in the dining room about it, but they finally conceded that it was free with the sticker. Didn't encounter any problems about fresh squeezed OJ the rest of the week. One small disappointment - was told smoothies were free. Found out that the green tea smoothies at the International Cafe were NOT. Otherwise, things were great! Happy cruising, everyone.
  
  
• Check out the Sanctuary $ (search the boards for description using the word Sanctuary) but you have to get there as soon as you get on board if you want to reserve for the entire cruise.
  
• Also Chef's Table is fantastic ($75 per person) but it includes all wine, food, a cookbook, a photo, and a rose for the ladies. I have done it twice and once on the Ruby, and it was the highlight of the cruise. You have to call the DINE line and ask to be put on the list, and there is no guarantee you will get it
  
• Ask your travel Agent to fax a request for the egg crates for bed tell them you want a top sheet as well, as I don't like the duvet cover without the top sheet.
  
• I always ask for a terrycloth robe and usually get it
  
• Most of the evening entertainment is focused on Deck 7, Promenade, with the Princess theater, Crooner's piano bar, Wheelhouse, Explorer's and Club Fusion. But, the entertainment on Deck5 in the Piazza also offers an alternative. For a really lovely place to have a pre-dinner or sunset watching cocktail, try the little area outside (aft) of Adagio. Also, Skywalker's offers incredible views if you prefer to be indoors.
  
• The International Cafe on Deck 5 is not the only place that you can use the coffee card. Use it in the dining rooms for espresso based coffees, and also on a few of the bars on Lido deck for same and brewed coffee. If you ask at one bar and they don't have same, they can tell which ones do.
  
• In the morning, you can get waffles at the pizza stand.
  
• Princess makes lovely ice cream and sorbets, which are on the luncheon and dinner menus. My favorites are the pink grapefruit and honeydew sorbets. They also make lovely soufflés.
  If you want a breakfast (or for us hot tea) delivery before the times that are listed on the order card, just write in the time you want delivery. It will arrive on time, or most likely a few minutes early.
  
• Most importantly, don't disembark without a couple of future cruise credits.
  Have a wonderful cruise!
  
• On our last cruise on the Grand we learned that you can have escargot anytime but you need to let the dining room know 24 hours in advance.
  
• That's true for most dishes. I know we missed crab legs as they were the same night as our chef's table. So the maitre D took the order for us for the next night.
  
• I don't know about the bigger ships, but the small ships have ice cream at the buffet from 3:30 to 4:30 each afternoon
  
• If the ship has "Scoops" or an Ice Cream Bar on the Lido Deck, the ice cream there is now free and they have discontinued the free ice cream at the buffet. Thankfully, I was able to get free chocolate or vanilla hard ice cream at Scoops since I didn't care for the soft-serve. If you don’t like the cones, bring a small, empty dish from the buffet and tell them you have a wheat allergy. They'll put the ice cream in the dish.
  
• At dinner, you can ask to see the menu for the next night, if you don't like what is on the menu you can ask for something different and they will make it for you, they are very accommodating. I also ask for fresh berries for dessert and they are usually very obliging.
  
• Many people think that the salads, sandwiches, and pastry in the International Cafe cost extra, but they are free!
  
• You can order a complementary plate of assorted stuffed olives at the martini bar.
  
• If you bring wine onboard you can pick up wine glasses at any bar or just leave your room steward a note to always leave clean glasses in your room.
  
• If you pre purchase internet minutes before you leave you will get free minutes based on the package you pick.
  
• If you are staying in an interior stateroom leave the TV on the bridge cam channel it will give the illusion of a window and if you leave it on all night it will serve as a night light.
  
• On all the cruises we've been on, we have asked for Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice in the MDR at breakfast, and there was no charge.
  Much better than the frozen concentrate
  
• This no longer exists. They now charge for fresh squeezed. Sorry!
  
• Cookies and milk about 3pm.
  
• Onion soup is available every night
  
• I use room service as my wake-up call. I hang the request on my door before I go to bed, they knock on my door at the time I request and they have coffee and pastries for me.
  
• Yes they have pineapple juice
  

`` I have requested it on the card you fill in for room service breakfast. It isn't one of the choices on the card. Sometimes I get it and sometimes not.

• Yes, you can bring wine, soda and water on board with no problem....enjoy
  
• volcano dessert, available on children's menu basically a huge banana split – yum
  
• - books in the library are free to borrow, as long as you return them before you get off
  

And has anyone mentioned that if you've finished with your own book, there is a little cupboard in the library for 'passenger exchange'? This is open even when the rest of the library shelves are locked and - particularly at the beginning and the end of the cruise - you can find an interesting selection of those paperbacks which people have read and don't want to carry home.

• - popcorn during muts(MUSIC UNDER THE STARS)
  
• - always ask for what you want, the staff try to accommodate to the best of their abilities
  
• I bring packets of Crystal Light [so light to carry] and mix it with water and ice from the buffet and, I'm all set with my drink.
  

You can bring an insulated mug [also very light] and use that to put your ice tea or your soda in. We also bring cans of caffeine-free diet coke.

• One of the dining rooms will be open for lunch on embarkation day although you are usually directed to the buffet. We think the dining room is a better experience and starts the cruse off perfectly.
  
• No one has yet mentioned what we thought was a Big Secret! Our TV on the last 2 cruises wouldn't shut off so called pursers desk. They talked us through how to unplug it, leave it alone for a minute and then replug! Now that in itself was great but, when you open the little door under the TV for the plug, well, there are extra outlets not being used! This was great when the shortage of outlets to recharge everything we needed to recharge was a problem! Not any more.
  
• sit at a slot machine and insert your cruise card (which is also your cabin key) and ask for money from your account to be loaded to the slot machine. The charge that will appear on your account is the amount you asked for with no service fee added. If you go to cashier a 3% fee will be charged. When you are finished at the slot machine, be sure to upload any remaining money to your cruise card (actually, it is to a ship's computer so if you lose your card, the money is not lost -- the cruise card is the vehicle to identify yourself). Then you can bring your cruise card to the casino cashier and ask to be given cash for the money that has been uploaded.
  
• I like being able to launder my own underwear.
  
• Dumb and Dumber on some of the ships with the really good C/D's.
  
• The white pizza day.
  
• The grilled chicken on the LIDO deck at a table for two. The spa/wave pool without the wave machine going
  

· If you want to find out about when your favorite item will be on the menu, ask your waiter or headwaiter, they know and are usually very willing to tell you.

· And beer. We were told beer is not considered alcohol, go figure, and allowed to bring on board at every port. Once not even in a bag.

• When you get to your cabin and meet your steward you can request topsheets for your bed (I don't like having only a duvet over me), extra pillows, ice bucket for chilling wine of champagne, extra shampoo etc., wine glasses, and you can borrow a corkscrew if you want to ask the steward for it.
  
• Some of the first things we do after boarding, is we always request that the steward remove the soft drinks and bottled water from inside and on top of the fridge to make room for our own drinks.
  
• Also, another request right after getting to the cabin is extra hangers. Even if they don't have wooden ones, they do have plastic and metal. Easier to hang things up (evening tops, golf shirts, etc) than making piles in the closet.
  
• Unpacked suitcases usually fit fine under the bed and leave more room on the floor of the closet for shoes. Another stop we make is a trip to the PSD and have them make a hole in our card which we hang on lanyards. Finally, whenever we fly to or from a destination to board the ship, we always include a weight hook to make sure we're not over whatever the allowance is when we check in.
  
• Under your bed is there is stored more bedding - only found it prior to disembarkation when checking that we hadn't left anything behind. Would have been useful as we did feel a bit chilly at night going through the fjords.
  
• You can get cocktails for $2.99 in all the bars after 8.00pm - limited range but includes Pina Colada and Long Island Ice Tea. PC in the Crooners bar was good as it was frozen.
  
• Get your coffee card on the 1st day - this entitles you to 15 coffees but also unlimited pots of tea and I think hot chocolate. You can sit in the peaceful surroundings of the International Cafe -get proper tea in a nice pot and save your coffee for when you really need it.
  
• Unless they changed the conditions within the past year, coffee cards never expire as long as you have at least one punch mark left unpunched. That gets you free brewed coffee in the coffee bars in perpetuity. I know becase I have been carrying around the same ratty old brown coffee card for many cruises. I don't mind the "syrup" served in the DR, but DH prefers the fresh brewed so each morning I stop by and get him a large coffee from "Princess Bucks". A nice tip at the end of the cruise is appropriate here.
  
• You get a lovely hot and tasty cup of tea in the dining room at afternoon tea - the only good tea we got on the ship!!
  
• There is another electrical point under the bed. If you forget your adaptor as we did, you can get one from your room steward but this is hit and miss. We forgot ours but Steward told us he wasn't able to get one for us - other passengers managed to get one though?
  
• If you do laundry onboard I suggest you bring a roll of quarters and powder laundry detergent (can't fly with liquid in carry on and it may leak in checked bag) because sometimes the coin machine and vending machine are empty or don't work. I used Purex 3 in 1 laundry sheets. You throw it in the washing machine and it will release soap. Take the sheet out of the wash a place it in the dryer with the wet cloths and it's a fabric softener anti static sheet. If you can't find the Purex in Wal-Mart or the supermarket you can go to a Laundromat and purchase detergent there or you can just pack powder detergent in Ziploc bags.
  
• If you purchase the coffee card and don't use all the punches for specialty coffee you can reuse the card on your next Princess sailing so don't lose it or throw it away.
  
• I think the soda card is $4.50 a day plus 15% gratuity and the ultimate card is $9.00 a day plus 15% gratuity.
  
• They usually have spa and salon specials on port days. These will be well advertised so it’s not a secret.
  
• If you decide to eat in a specialty restaurant you may want to make the reservation for the last night. The Landfall menu is ordinary with choices like meatloaf (typist note: I love meatloaf) and turkey dinner with stuffing. The only thing you will miss is the baked Alaska which isn’t that great. If you decide to eat in Sabatini’s I would make a reservation for the night that they are serving Italian food in the main dining room.
  
• When we went on our Princess cruise I brought on a case of beer. I carried it in an open Sams Club bag and everyone could see that I had beer. I could hear peoples saying, "Does she really think she's gonna get that beer on?" Low and behold I didn't have any problems. As I was boarding the ship, one of the Princess employees even said, "Miller Lite, my favorite beer." No problem getting it on, at all. I also bought another 12 pack in one of the ports and no problem getting it on there either. We still ordered plenty of drinks on the ship but it was nice to have beer in our room to drink on the balcony. I have heard that it may depend on what port you are going out of but I took a chance and didn't have any problems in Miami.
  
• In May we were on the Caribbean Princess and they offer a Cocktail Hour in the Skywalker Lounge with great appetizers and reduced cocktail (Ony one to choose from at $2.99) of course you could get anything else you wanted at reg. price. Don't know if it will be offered on the Grand 11-08 sailing...hope so, it is available to Platinum and Elite as well as Suite (Not counting Mini- suites) They close off 1/2 the area and do check cards - but if even one in your group is platium just have them pay for the drinks. It is every night of the cruise except the captains party. There will be an invite in your room. We really enjoyed going there.
  
• Ditto on the Purex 1 in 3 - saves a ton of hassle also we carry a roll of quarters change machines are often broken.
  

· You can buy used decks of card (almost new) for $1 in the casino.

· my favorite secret -- if you order the alfredo pasta (really good) ask them to serve in in a Parmesan bowl -- comes in a crispy melted cheese bowl -- how fun!

· If you want to take your own soda, buy the 12 or 24 can "box". Use duct tape and reinforce the edges and corners and "make" a handle. Put a luggage tag on it and put it with your checked bags. No trouble and it's delivered to your cabin.

· Volcano"? It's a banana split like sundae from the kids menu, but my husband never misses it.

· Menus are set up weeks if not months in advance. Every front desk of every restaurant has a three ring binder of the week’s menus. The menus are loaded into the binder for your cruise before you board. On the first day, we simply ask to see the week’s menus and look over what’s happing for the week. We then make our plan for the week there and then. What night would work for Sterling, any rush to get back to the ship on port days or does Horizon Court look good. The MD or any head waiter can show them to y I have always found it at every MD station at the main entrance of any of the restaurants. I have only been asked why I wanted to view the book once and it has always been produced within seconds. Only problem is they are simply in order, not marked Sunday, Monday… We learned to take paper and pen and make notes since a faulty memory can screw up a night’s plans

· Sabatini and Sterling serve fresh deserts that are not usually on the menu of the main dining rooms. At the end of the night when they close down 10:00-10:30, most of the deserts are taken up to Horizon Court. Nothing to plan your evening around, but if you’re in the area it’s something to check out.

· Since Princess cabins have mini-fridges, we bring a small Pur or Brita filter container because we enjoy lots of water. We also mix some of the filtered water in containers with Crystal light tubes which are the perfect size.__________________

• We always bring wine and beer on board -- when we got stuck in Chile because of the earthquake in March we had lots of time to buy bottles of Chilean wine at a very reasonable price -- we just get wine glasses for our cabin -- we pick up local beers and wines along the way. Haven't had any issues with beer, wine or soda
  
• It.s a little inconvenient but I often go up to the Spa to shower. The showers there are great.
  
• The appetizers and sushi are free in the Vines wine bar but they charge you for cheese. We had a nice server on our last cruise. Since we were the only ones in the lounge, he gave us a plate of cheeses for free after I inquired about them
  
• Here's a tip I read a long time ago here on the boards, and believe me, it's worth its weight in gold: Take 3 or 4 of those black metal binder clips, and hang them on the bottom edge of the shower curtain. The extra weight will keep it from swinging in and "hugging" you while you shower. Try it - you'll be amazed at how such a simple solution relieves such an annoying problem! _
  
• When you get to your state room, ask for robe & slippers plus a bed topper, and upgraded pillows....you won't be sorry !!!!
  
• Tipping cash to the bartenders goes a long way. You get better drinks..and some freebies besides !!!
  
• So the condensed version of this tip is: Try new authentic ethnic dishes. Ask what specialty dishes the cooks prepare when they're home, but can't prepare onboard unless requested by a passenger. Order a lot so there will be leftovers.
  
• One more thing I forgot to mention - since you can't bring a clothing iron on board, and going to the laundry room to use theirs can be sort of a pain, a small bottle of Dove wrinkle releaser (which you just spray on, and then smooth out the fabric) works very well on minor wrinkles (but not really stiff creases). If you use it when you first arrive and then hang up your clothes afterwards, they're usually fine. And to avoid the really tough creases, ROLL your clothes instead of FOLDING them when you pack.
  
• On our Emerald Princess cruise a couple of years ago there was dinner with the executive chef which was a new program they were starting. At that time you could only register once you boarded the ship and it was extremely limited (8 people and only done twice on our 10 day cruise). There's an extra charge, but you visit the galley during dinner rush, have French champagne with hors d'oeuvres (fois gras, escargot, caviar) in the galley, then we were seated at a special table with the executive chef and maitre'd in the dining room. Candles, centerpiece of flowers, special menu with free flowing wine selected for each course... After dinner we were presented with a group photo, and a Princess cookbook signed by the executive chef. Cost then was $75 per person, but it was worth every penny. We had full attention of the wait staff and the production certainly drew the attention of all the other passengers in the dining room. Food and wine was fabulous.
  
• Keep in mind that Princess allows each person to bring a bottle of champagne so getting glasses isn't suspect since you keep it in your room fridge.
  
• When you get off of the elevator to go to your room and aren't sure whether to turn left or right, look at the carpet in the halls. On one side of the ship on every passenger deck the hallways have blue carpeting. The other side has blue carpeting as well but there is some red in that side. I can't remember if the red is on the port or starboard side but it sure makes knowing which way to go much easier.
  
• If you go to a computer station in the Future Cruise booking area or Internet Cafe, click on the on screen icon to send a free e-postcard. There is no fee and it's an easy way to let the folks at home know where you are and how you're doing. There is a 300 character limit but you could send more than one message to the same email address if you need to get a longer message out. I used it on the Emerald in May and it worked great.
  
• You can also surf princess.com at no charge in the internet cafe or on your laptop using the wifi
  
• FYI, escargot was on the "everyday" side of the dinner menu and I had it every night on my recent Celebrity Eclipse 14 night Baltic cruise. Great beginnings to 14 marvelous dinners
  
• Perhaps it was a cost reduction, but escargot is not on the everyday side on the dinner menu on my current cruise on Royal Princess. I did ask for it and received an order the next day, but the Head Waiter made a "big deal" out of the fact that I ordered it. It was excellent as always.
  
• This is not a "Secret" and is very obvious to most of us, but when using your own PC onboard and checking your email, never read individual messages while you're online using up your minutes. Download everything by clicking 'Send and Receive' and then read it off line. Compose ALL your outgoing messages in Word, WordPad, etc before you go back online, and then cut and paste them into an email. Also, make sure all your email buddies know NOT to send you emails with elaborate attachments (i.e. all those "forwards") while you're on the ship as downloading them really scarfs up the minutes.
  
• Secret ~ at lunch time check out the menu by the dining rooms, they will tell you what is being served for dinner. If you don't like what you see, go to the Horizon Court, the food is almost identical to what is being served in the dining room, except you don't have to spend three hours waiting and eating.....
  
• Bring along some cheap magnets (you can get them in craft shops--or have a purpose in bringing home souvenirs). The walls have metal in them and you can "hang up" all those pesky papers you get every day in your cabin!
  
• Hi all. On the Ocean Princess you can have almost anything you want just by asking, without extra charge. Order any special dish 24 hours in advance. The free icecream is on in the afternoon. Extra wine glasses etc for entertaining in one's room together with mini-sandwiches and nibbles. You want blankets intead of the duvet - no problem. I think the service is amazing, and the crew so obliging.
  
• Hmmm... There are lots of things to do on the ship, lots of freebies if you hunt for them. There is the initial send off Scavenger Hunt and you find all the spots they want you to go, enter your card in the chance to win prizes. Go to the many poolside events and you have a chance to win Champagne. Art Showings and Auctions have a glass of free bubbly. Enter all the fun contests and competitions for chances to win free bubbly, travel bags, hats, playing cards, Luggage tags, t-shirts, mugs, etc..We always win something on the cruises! I am Celiac and they bent over backwards to make sure I could eat what I wanted! I saw the next days menu and it was adapted so I had gravy, pasta, etc and it was all gluten free! They will do almost anything for you. I love Crab legs as does my son. they brought us an extra serving. And we laughingly teased the waiter how he managed an extra portion and he said he sent the junior bus boy overboard to catch it for us. Now no one else could have extra because they didnt get him back on the ship, it was going to fast. LOL Have a great holiday
  
• duck liver pâté appetizer (they did not have pâté de foie gras, but to me, it's close enough, and delicious), various lamb entrees (I LOVE lamb and hardly ever get it at home - I don't cook and most restaurants don't serve it - so even though they have it fairly often on Princess, I could literally eat it every night!) and couple other menu items (including desserts) that I really liked and asked them to reserve for me again the following night, which they are happy to do. And, yes, the apparently fabulously popular escargot (and I thought I was the only one ).
  
• If you befriend the maitre d, you will have a "special" appetizer at your table each night. This was true for us on the Ruby, Emerald and Caribbean Princess. Of course that comes with a good tip at the end of the week for the special service. Well worth it!
  
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Hotels in Fort Lauderdale

 

· 17th St is the main drag that runs by the terminal which is on the corner at Eisenhower Blvd.

There are quite a few hotels within a long block or 2 of the port.

The Renaissance/Hilton Marina are right on that corner.

· I would recommend the Hilton Marina. It is literally 2 minutes away, has shuttle service, and you can catch the Water Taxi to almost anywhere in Fort Lauderdale AND you can watch the other ships sail in and out right from their pool area! This is a great hotel and I use it every time I cruise out of FL.

· I don't know when you are leaving but we are leaving on 12/8. We booked on Hotwire ( 3 star Hollywood Airport) and got the Holiday Inn Express now listed for $52 per night. Others on our roll call bid through Hotwire on the 3 star Downtown -Las Ollas-Port Everglades and got the Hyatt Place for $59. These rates are for 12/7 but you can check on the descriptions for 12/7 and then look it up for your dates. Both of these hotels have free shuttle from the airport and to the cruise terminal. They do not have free parking while you are on the cruise. I understand that LaQuinta has free parking. Happy hunting.

· We have also stayed at the Hyatt Place booked through Valuetrips - it was a great value. Cost was $89, we used the Hyatt certificates bought through Costco and it worked out about even by the time taxes were added. The nice thing was that there was a shuttle from the airport, breakfast the morning we stayed, and a shuttle to the port - all of the same price. One thing to keep in mind, when we were there they let you start signing up for the cruise shuttle at 3:00 the afternoon before, if you wait too long you'll end up leaving later than you probably want. It really isn't far from the pier so a cab won't cost too much if that’s the case. One other thing, it takes a couple of days to get confirmation of your booking so don't panic if it doesn't show up right away.

Right now they don't have any 2011 prices showing so we are waiting for them to appear to try to get this hotel for our January trip.

· Priceline downtown four star will get you either the Renaissance or the Hilton Marina. Both actually within walking distance of three port but I would not recommending walking. Both hotels are very good. I am currently trying on Priceline for Nov 6 and have been turned down at up to $70. I think it can be had for 85-90. Neither have shuttles but a taxi is only $10.

· We haven’t stayed at Hyatt Place in a few years but have recently seen some not so good reviews. I can get the Embassy for $160 as a Hilton Honors member which is free to join and is a very nice hotel with breakfast and a happy 2 hours included.

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[obendus]

My detailed thread is under Princess Cruises - not a specific ship or voyage. You can click on "Princess Cruises" under the Cruise Critic logo above. Then my thread should be toward the top of the list of threads. It's called "How to Speed up your Cruise Critic Browising". Shee, some people get testy when you tell others how to eliminate their signatures because then you won't be able to see all those past cruises they've been on every time they post.:rolleyes:

 

That's incredibly sound advice for when I check CC while onboard.

Thank you!

[slowpoke58]

We were on the Coral a few years back, and if you go all the way forward on the carribe deck there are doors on each side, unless they have closed them since then, go through these doors and go down the hallway then go out the doors in front of you and you will be out on the very front of the ship. The doors are only open when you go through the Canal as far as I know. But it gives you a great place to tape on your camera of the canal. A lot of people are not there during this time.

 

slowpoke58

[Princess422]

hi all, i have been cruising for two weeks and pleasantly surprised that this thread is still humming. here is my updated list for thise who want to cut and paste

 

Thanks for the updated list! I will definitely be printing out an edited version before I leave in two weeks! Have you picked up any new tips yourself while cruising?

[Sail Mama]

Princess has the best on board booking program in the industry. If you are enjoying your Princess cruise, and believe that there is any chance at all that you’ll be taking another one within the next 4 years, you’ll want to visit the Future Booking representative on board (hours and location noted in the Patter). Here’s how it works: For just $100 per person, you may reserve any Princess cruise, even though the required deposit would normally be much higher ($250 to $900 per person). You’ll still pay the same cruise fare in the end; it’s just that less money will be tied up until final payment. Also (and here’s the really good part), you’ll get an onboard credit (OBC) when you take the cruise, from $25 to $150 per person, depending on the cabin category and cruise length. If you’re unsure about when/which cruise you might want to take, you can also book an “open booking” onboard, good for 4 years. When you do decide on a cruise to take, you simply call your travel agent and ask them to apply the open booking to that specific cruise, and get the same OBC. All deposits are fully refundable at any time until final payment date.

 

 

Thanks.

 

Does the FFC OBC apply for the current cruise or the future cruise? Also, do you know the amount of OBC for each stateroom?

[Sail Mama]

This is more information than a “secret”.

The daily “tip” does not go directly to your steward. All monies are put into a “pool” that is divided among certain service crew for each cruise. I forget the percentage the steward gets out of the daily fee, but it’s around $5.50 a day per passenger.

The way it is supposed to work, any tip you give in cash it is to be handed in by the employee and added to the “pool”. If we have a deserving room steward, we tip in cash around the third or fourth day in our cabin away from other employees. If they pocket the money or turn it in is up to them. We gave “phone cards” a couple of times to get around this “pool” idea, but were told cash was more appreciated.

 

It has been posted that anyone removing themselves from the auto tip program is put on a list that is posted in the steward’s area.

 

For those who do not know, room stewards are paid far below minimum wage. They do get free room, board, medical and something like $200 a month. They live and depend on the TIPS. The whole “auto tip” program was started because too many passengers were getting off the ships without tipping.

 

How much is it worth to you to have someone make your bed, clean your bathroom, get you clean towels, vacuum, straighten up all of your belongings left around the room, turn down your bed at night and in general be on call 12 hours a day for whatever whim you have?

 

Crews quarters are extremely cramped, space is at a premium. The thought of giving a “gift” may be nice but they have nowhere to put it.

 

Yep, cash and auto tip work best.

[rdsqrl]

Thanks.

 

Does the FFC OBC apply for the current cruise or the future cruise? Also, do you know the amount of OBC for each stateroom?

It applies for the future cruise. The amount of OBC you'll get will depend on the length of that future cruise you choose and what cabin category you book. I'd link to or copy the chart from the Princess website if I could find it, but I can't. Maybe someone else knows.

[dotheyes]

Thanks for the updated list! I will definitely be printing out an edited version before I leave in two weeks! Have you picked up any new tips yourself while cruising?

 

JUst have fun and relax:p

[metairiegal]

Thanks for the updated list. I had not read about this before:

 

"When you get to your state room, ask for robe & slippers plus a bed topper, and upgraded pillows....you won't be sorry !!!! "

 

Really, you can get robe AND slippers?! And what exactly are upgraded pillows?

 

Thanks in advance for the info.

[jlp20]

As I understand if you keep the auto on your account any cash tip given to a staff member they get to keep...

 

I haven't looked into this for the last year, but I know this was the policy at least 2007-2009. A few years ago this was the reason the stewards were given phone cards rather than cash. No policy set in turnning in gifts other than cash.

[jlp20]

If you purchase a soda “sticker” put that receipt away in a safe place. The actual “sticker” is no more that a very thin piece of vinyl with very little adhesive. On one cruise our daughter somehow removed the sticker. The story and the receipt got a quick replacement.

[caribill]

the last few cruises I have been on I auto tip 50% of recommendation by going to pursars desk at the beginning of the cruise, then the remainder is given to my steward, head waiter & asst waiter personally in cash in an envelope. If they go above & beyond, I tip more than the recommendation.

I understand that many people do this as they feel then the people who directly work w/you get the tip rather than the pool. By doing a portion of auto tipping, the ones behind the scenes are still getting something.

 

And when you do it this way, by cutting the amount of the auto-tip, any cash you give to the steward and dining room staff will have to be given by them to the auto-tip pool.

 

Only if you do not reduce your auto-tip amount can they keep the cash.

[chloe kitty]

There has been quite a few suggestions about ordering special items the night before. Has anyone ordered the cold fruit soups ahead of time? Unfortunately some of the cold soups are vegetables and not very good.

 

Thx.

[Princess422]

There has been quite a few suggestions about ordering special items the night before. Has anyone ordered the cold fruit soups ahead of time? Unfortunately some of the cold soups are vegetables and not very good.

 

Thx.

 

I haven't ordered ahead for this particular item, but I CAN tell you for certain that as long as they have the item, they will set it aside for you if you ask ahead of time. They will accommodate any food request as long as it is something that is available (they are so good with that); but sometimes they only have enough of something for a day, etc. Even in that case, I would imagine that if you ask (nicely) far enough in advance, they will make it happen. And if you have one at dinner that you enjoy, even if they're running low on it, if you're nice to your waiter, he will set a serving aside for you for the next night. I've definitely done that with other items precisely because I knew they were going to run out.

[metairiegal]

Instead of asking for more hangers, I always bring a few extra wire hangers from home from the cleaners. At end of cruise, if I don't have room in the suitcase, I just leave them behind. (One less thing to ask for since I'm already asking for egg crate, top sheet, robe, slippers, deluxe pillows, and who knows what else!)

[5326jan]

Instead of asking for more hangers, I always bring a few extra wire hangers from home from the cleaners. At end of cruise, if I don't have room in the suitcase, I just leave them behind. (One less thing to ask for since I'm already asking for egg crate, top sheet, robe, slippers, deluxe pillows, and who knows what else!)

 

 

:eek::eek::eek: Wire!!!! you are Joan Crawford's nightmare!!!;)

 

I usually don't hang my clothes on wire. I live in a humid area and after getting rust stains on the neckline of some shirts, have learned to only use plastic. I'm sure in other areas, it's not a problem.

[metairiegal]

:eek::eek::eek: Wire!!!! you are Joan Crawford's nightmare!!!;)

 

I usually don't hang my clothes on wire. I live in a humid area and after getting rust stains on the neckline of some shirts, have learned to only use plastic. I'm sure in other areas, it's not a problem.

 

Of course I never use wire at home! (I'm originally from New Orleans now living in South Florida - yep very humid.) I was talking about on the ship. And even on the ship I wouldn't use wire on good clothes. But since I have so many wire hangers from the cleaners and I probably would wind up throwing them away anyway, I bring a few on trips and they come in handy for hanging nightshirt, workout clothes, hanging shorts across the bottom, etc. They are even good to hang a plastic bag from and to put stuff in it.

[BayCalif-Ariz R Us]

There has been quite a few suggestions about ordering special items the night before. Has anyone ordered the cold fruit soups ahead of time? Unfortunately some of the cold soups are vegetables and not very good.Thx.

 

Interesting that people have different takes on things - I occasionally order the cold fruit soups as an appetizer but find them too much like eating dessert first:rolleyes:. I do love gazpacho, borscht, and the other vegetable cold soups. The kitchen can vary from cruise to cruise so I intend to try as many of them as I can.

[sisatsea]

:confused: Not sure about this. I'm computer stupid. I want to find out about the Princess Cherry Blossom Cruise NEXT year september 2011 sailing from Brisbane. We have booked. It is VERY early I know. Will some kind person point me in the correct direction to find other keen cruisers. Stuff like which page am I really suppost to be on. Sis:o