Princess Secrets they Don't Tell You

[blueridgemama]

I'm a first time cruiser and this thread was so much fun at the beginning. It was a positive energy read and I was excited to come back to it day after day to learn a new "secret" that would enhance my cruise experience. Now it has become a vehicle for people to complain about what went wrong with their Princess Cruise. It is so discouraging to read so much that is negative:(

[Loralye]

I agree blurridgemama... Most often I pass up this thread because it is just not informative anymore (or fun). I do come back from time go time hoping that things got "back on track". I can't participate just yet (my first princess is in April 2011) but hope to participate come May. I hope to see some good tips and secrets on here soon!!!

[AspensMom73]

I'm a first time cruiser and this thread was so much fun at the beginning. It was a positive energy read and I was excited to come back to it day after day to learn a new "secret" that would enhance my cruise experience. Now it has become a vehicle for people to complain about what went wrong with their Princess Cruise. It is so discouraging to read so much that is negative:(

 

Sigh... sadly, I agree. I'm also a first time cruiser and have this in my subscriptions, but haven't seen many "secrets" on this thread in quite some time.

[compozer]

I guess al the secrets are out.

[CrusinAgain]

I'm a first time cruiser and this thread was so much fun at the beginning. It was a positive energy read and I was excited to come back to it day after day to learn a new "secret" that would enhance my cruise experience. Now it has become a vehicle for people to complain about what went wrong with their Princess Cruise. It is so discouraging to read so much that is negative:(

 

I agree blurridgemama... Most often I pass up this thread because it is just not informative anymore (or fun). I do come back from time go time hoping that things got "back on track". I can't participate just yet (my first princess is in April 2011) but hope to participate come May. I hope to see some good tips and secrets on here soon!!!

 

Sigh... sadly, I agree. I'm also a first time cruiser and have this in my subscriptions, but haven't seen many "secrets" on this thread in quite some time.

 

Oh don't feel this way. No cruise is 100 percent perfect and there hasn't been that much negativity on here. Go read the NCL forum and make yourself feel better knowing you are going on Princess. :)

 

And you can't "escape completely" at home by reading this thread but you will once you go on your cruise with Princess. You will "escape completely" and love it. :)

[mrspaper]

I agree that most of the secrets seem out. the last one I added was getting down pillows. I can't think of anything that hasn't been said.

I hope someone comes along with a new secret, since I have at least one more cruise booked.

 

Maybe I can add one more.

If you make a pre booking deposit, you can check if they have any specials that give double on board deposits. They weren't running any on my last cruise, but they often do.

 

Linda

[kosmic_wino]

I have been impressed will all of the servers on cruises (I've been on Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival - and Princess is definitely my favourite). The servers are unbelievable accommodating. Just tip them extra in cash if they go above and beyond but DON'T REMOVE THE AUTO TIP. They work 12-15 hours a day; each has collateral duties in addition to their normal jobs. Many of them support their entire families with these jobs - most of their salary comes from tips. I believe there are negative consequences for them if you specifically remove one person's tip too. The daily tip gets distributed to your room steward, waiter(s), and other staff - each cruise line does it a little differently and they will explain it clearly for that cruise line. I ususally bring a bunch of US $2 bills to give as extra tips.

 

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.

[chil-laxin]

It has been my experience that it pays to treat your room steward/ess like a person...cut up, have fun, use 1st names!! They will usually respond with a couple of those extra nicities...chocolates, more ice, etc.

 

Here is my example..Because I am really 10 yo at heart I will mention somthing like this---I sure think those towel animals are cool but I like Princess' people way better than Royal---I GET THE SILLY TOWEL ANIMALS:p....so good at reverse psych huh! LOL--( had never even been on Royal until ly!) I realize I am an adult and they are silly but I LOVE seeing how creative they are and I know we are all shocked to learn most anyone can make these!;)

 

Maybe not a secret but more a tip for those who like to get into the spirit of it!

[talcert]

I don't think I saw these posted early, though it's a long thread:

 

Bistro is not the late night buffet--I've seen on a number of cruises "Bistro" listed in the Horizon court in the wee hours. After late nights in Skywalker's lounge I would see the scaled down buffet and figured this was the "Bistro." On the last night of the cruise in October on the Golden Princess I discovered.... the "Bistro" was a full table service, candlelight (electric of course) restaurant. A section of the horizon court was decked out quite nice. Sorry we missed this earlier in the cruise.

 

It paid not to drink--though not listed as an option, I had inquired of the Maitre d' if he could please note for the Chef's Table that I did not drink alcohol. I was pleasantly surprised that $15 was knocked off of the usual $75 charge. Wow. Very classy.... especially considering that the experience would have been well worth the $75 even without wine.

 

It doesn't hurt to ask--I think I packed my coffee card on the last day and though I was willing to pay for brewed coffee, normally free when flashing the card, I asked at the International Cafe "Sorry I forgot my card, do you suppose I could get a cup of brewed coffee." Another passenger stepped up and said, "You can use mine." I replied, "No thank you. I'm sure [name of of the barrista] remembers me." The barrista smiled and said "of course."

 

Mike

 

Thanks Mike! My wife doesn't drink, we are really going to try for the CT and the $15 is a great tip. of course, I agree that it would be well worth $75 regardless!

[LARGIN]

I give a very generic overview of the strengths and weaknesses of all the lines I've worked on in 11 years in my blog. Check it out and tell a friend if you like it.

http://trumpettravels.blogspot.com/

 

Interesting Blog.. Thanks..

[iheartbda]

Sigh... sadly, I agree. I'm also a first time cruiser and have this in my subscriptions, but haven't seen many "secrets" on this thread in quite some time.

Maybe there just aren't anymore.;)

 

However, I will add a "secret" to one of the previous secrets. Someone mentioned an extra outlet near the TV. Yes, there definitely is one but with the flat screen TV, you cannot get to it.:(

[iheartbda]

.............. I ususally bring a bunch of US $2 bills to give as extra tips.

It's better to stick to $1 bills. They are hard to use even in the US since many people have no idea they are legitimate tender. There have been numerous postings that they are even harder for the crew to exchange and they prefer not to get them.

[paul929207]

It's better to stick to $1 bills. They are hard to use even in the US since many people have no idea they are legitimate tender. There have been numerous postings that they are even harder for the crew to exchange and they prefer not to get them.

Yes, outside the US, many people consider US$2 bills to be fake and discard them

[CrusinAgain]

Maybe there just aren't anymore.;)

 

However, I will add a "secret" to one of the previous secrets. Someone mentioned an extra outlet near the TV. Yes, there definitely is one but with the flat screen TV, you cannot get to it.:(

 

We had no problem getting to ours as we just swiveled the tv and plugged in anything that needed charging. This was a good "secret" we had not seen or thought of before seeing it on here.

[yoyosma]

Mullets. Bud Light. And sophistication?

 

That's right - Carnival started a really long time ago (surprised i didn't see reference here) using the Carnival Comfort Bed in an attempt to...get MORE REVENUE! They put in amazing beds and really nice duvee covers that they promote and you can buy off the ship.

 

I'm not a HUGE fan of the cruise line but I can tell you the beds are nice.

 

Don't like Carnival? I can solve your bed problem. I worked on the ships for 11 years and I know how they work. If your ship is 5 years old how old do you think your mattress is? It is more expensive to sail a NEW ship, but you should choose the SECOND newest ship in the fleet. Princess has the Ruby, the newest, and the Emerald. I bet both of those ships have great mattresses. Sometimes it is the AGE of the mattress, not the cost or quality.

 

I give a very generic overview of the strengths and weaknesses of all the lines I've worked on in 11 years in my blog. Check it out and tell a friend if you like it.

http://trumpettravels.blogspot.com/

 

Sorry, but I have sailed on the Emerald 3 times and the Ruby once, they both have miserable mattresses. As do the Sapphire and the Diamond.

[iheartbda]

We had no problem getting to ours as we just swiveled the tv and plugged in anything that needed charging. This was a good "secret" we had not seen or thought of before seeing it on here.

Ours didn't seem to want to move and I was afraid of trying too hard and maybe damaging something but then, maybe I was just being too cautious and a scardy cat.:D:o

[cruiseron36]

Sorry, but I have sailed on the Emerald 3 times and the Ruby once, they both have miserable mattresses. As do the Sapphire and the Diamond.

 

Sorry, I have sailed on the Ruby 3 times and the Emerald twice. The mattresses are GREAT!!!! Don't know about the Sapphire and Diamond.

[iheartbda]

Matresses seem to be just as subjective as food.;):)

 

I had the fear of God put in me after reading about the "cement" beds. Even though we had requested the egg crates, I bought a memory foam topper for a twin bed that I was able to roll very tightly and fit into my carryon. I don't think I REALLY needed it but it all turned out for the best. I cut down on what I normally take and since I gave the topper to the steward, I had room in the carryon for all the things I bought which, otherwise, I wouldn't have.:)

[CrusinAgain]

I have sailed on the Ruby 3 times and the Emerald twice. The mattresses are GREAT!!!! Don't know about the Sapphire and Diamond.

 

Were they different than those on the Crown?

[Toto2Kansas]

OK, here's a TRUE Princess secret. If you've been a little bored on this thread for a while this is a GEM if you like to play slots. Actually, it might ruin your fun, but make you some money.

 

If you enjoy playing the slots and enjoy playing every night, don't read this. Keep on playing and have fun.

 

If you want to get an edge on the odds: Bet big the first two nights then STOP if you are up OR down. Things won't get any better.

 

Why? If you want the full explanation, check out my blog at http://trumpettravels.blogspot.com

 

Good luck and go win some money!

 

That is such a bunch of hogwash (sorry but don't want this to be removed if I typed what I wanted to type). I have lost many times in the casino on the slots the first few nights of the cruise whether I play for an hour or three hours, and won like crazy the last night onboard. In fact, many times I call the cabin that final evening to tell my hubby I won back all I lost during the cruise, plus more, and many times a lot more and I won't be back to the cabin for a while longer. Always on the slots.

[ALDOCRUISES]

I've just been told that "anytime Dining" on the Diamond Princess cost Between $20 and $30 per person at EVERY restaurant. Is this true?

[hansi]

Nonsense. Who has just told you that?

[paul929207]

Not sure who said that but it is WRONG.

 

AD & TD are include in the cost of your cruise.

 

The specialty restaurants do come with an extra charge that is about $20 or $30 per person if you want to eat there.

[iheartbda]

Their other post is even more misinformed than this one.

[elsie3939]

I've just been told that "anytime Dining" on the Diamond Princess cost Between $20 and $30 per person at EVERY restaurant. Is this true?

 

If you choose to dine at one of Princesses' Specialty Restaurants (also same on Royal Carib, Norwegian, Holland, Carnival, etc) it will cost between $20 and $30 per person) If you choose to dine in the buffet or main dining rooms (usually there are several) whether you are on the Traditional (fixed seating) or "anytime dining" plan, there is no charge other than daily gratuities. Daily gratuities are requested (or required) by nearly all cruise lines. I rarely eat in a specialty restaurant. There is more than enough variety for us in the main dining rooms. These specialty restaurants have a multitude of themes. Usually a fine dining steakhouse complete with crab and lobster tails and a pretty fancy Italian Restaurant. Some may include Pacific Rim specialities, etc...

 

Any time dining means just that. You pick the time that you want dinner and go to the regular "Anytime dining room" and the Host/hostess will either seat you or give you a buzzer when your table is ready. I do not personally like this choice but we cruise with many who love it. I like the late Traditional seating with a fixed waiter, at a fixed table and fixed table mates that we can get to know. We always request a large table so that there are always compatible folks to talk to. Waiter knows exactly how you like your food cooked, when you want your coffee, etc, etc...

 

Hope this helps to ease your mind. You will NOT have to spend an extra $40 to $60 per night to eat unless you choose to. So much free food. No room to put it all! I could fill up every night with just the appetizers, salads and soups....I often order two soups as I rarely fix them at home....Just love the cold soups...