3 day cruises - Who's been on one?

[Oh2B@C]

Four-day cruise out of LA in September had two wine tastings (the less expensive one that is free for Elite and a more expensive one), Captain's Table, and Ultimate Ship Tour. I don't think they had a most-traveled event, but I'm not sure - since I probably would not have been invited.

 

They had Platinum/Elite/Suite reception in Skywalker's each evening, but no Captain's Circle party. Instead, they gave each Platinum and Elite a voucher for a free drink at the Platinum/Elite/Suite reception in Skywalker's. However, the voucher did not arrive until the second day, so you couldn't use it the first night (margaritas and guacamole).

 

They did have the mini-bar setup.

 

Princess states that they only do the most traveled passenger and the captain's cocktail party ONLY on trips of 7 days or more.

[jimgo140]

I wouldn't bother with such a short cruise. Seven days would be the minimum for me, but longer would always be preferred.

[PunkiC]

When we worked, we used to do short pacific coastals just to get away for a long weekend, but now that we are retired we tend to do longer cruises to and from more distant ports.

 

Generally speaking, the longer cruises have an older, more sedate, crowd, with a lot less children, especially during the school year. Summers and holidays have a lot more families and kids.

 

I remember a one-day from Vancouver to Seattle, where by far the majority of the passengers were Chinese and all of the announcements were in both English and Chinese, and all of the tables around the pools were filled with people playing Mahjong. I love hearing the clatter of the Mahjong tiles. :)

 

On another coastal we once had a bunch of Vancouver firemen who dressed and talked like pirate throughout the entire cruse. They were an absolute kick. :D

[chamima]

We had a Window Suite (I'll send you the pictures soon, Jackie!) and got all of the suite perks as well as the Elite perks. Dinner at the specialty restaurants was complimentary on the first night so we didn't see the MDR menu.

 

There were four wine tastings - the regular one that's free to Elites and the Maitre d's winetasting for $25 (not sure about the price), plus two in Vines - Old World and New World. Those were $15 plus 15%, and well worth attending - better pours and more interaction since they were limited to 12 people.

 

We had one set-up in our suite and called room service for the second. We opted for coffee cards (2) in place of another round, swapped out a few items and ended up taking home 8 little bottles of vodka and gin.

 

We sent our Friday clothes out on Saturday and they came back Sunday night. I wonder if anybody noticed on Monday that we were wearing the same clothes to the office.:p

 

The 2 free drink coupons we got were good in most bars - Vines wouldn't take it, but we had no problem redeeming them in the casino.

 

We arrived at the pier around noon and Elites were called to board around 12:30. There was a VIP waiting area that was pretty full by the time we arrived, but we managed to find a few seats for all of 10 minutes.

 

By the way, their handling of the wine was to pull people aside if they saw the bottles going through the scanner and they had to be checked in, even if it was a single bottle. A couple that went through security in front of me took 15 minutes to get from there to boarding, and missed the Elite window. They didn't see mine, for reasons unknown since it was right there in my bag, so I just walked on through.:)

 

 

 

I wouldn't say that it was the same as a Carnival cruise, but it was definitely a much livelier crowd than we've seen on Princess before - lots of young and young at heart people, plenty of drinking and carousing. We were on the 10/4 weekend 3-nighter. Our favorite winetender in Vines said that he'd never seen bar receipts so high (he was thrilled). He was pulled out of Vines on Saturday night to help out at the casino, which was packed, a first in our experience.

 

A fight broke out in the casino on Sunday night. I was there, but missed it, but apparently one guy landed on the floor. There was plenty of drinking, lots of cigar smoke coming into the WS hallway until I closed the hall door and lots of people having a very good time.

 

There were a few passengers who didn't get the memo about no formal night, and there were more who didn't know what "smart casual" means. It all made for great people watching.:)

 

I wish we had time to book one of the other short cruises to take advantage of the sale, but we are as booked as we can be for this fall. Three more trips on Golden!:D

 

Thanks Jean!

I think you answered all of my questions.

We'll just leave the wine in the checked luggage. That way they can call us to the "naughty room" later if they want but we'll be able to board quickly.

We have an aft suite so if things get too "lively" we'll just stay back there.

My husband is a vegan and I'm a vegetarian so the specialty restaurants are kind of a waste for us. :confused:

What did you do with two coffee cards for a 3 day cruise? I still have 2 totally unpunched cards from years ago when they had the BOGO coupons . We cruised a lot that year and I thought I'd use them up but didn't so I don't mind using punches now for my specialty teas and cappucinos .

We are looking forward to our first vacation EVER with only one suitcase! No snorkeling gear, no tux and I'm going with only ONE extra pair of shoes! :D

[cvpends]

I booked the 3-day on the Golden to take advantage of the deal. A few days on a cruise ship sound better than a few days at home, LOL.

 

I have a question regarding the future cruise credit. Will I be able to use it towards an already booked cruise, or must it be used towards a new booking? TIA!

[melsal]

On the 11/24 Golden Princess roll call the Patters from a September 3 day cruise are posted. It should give a good idea of what to expect. Looks like they pack a lot into the 3 day.

 

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[cvpends]

On the 11/24 Golden Princess roll call the Patters from a September 3 day cruise are posted. It should give a good idea of what to expect. Looks like they pack a lot into the 3 day.

 

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Forums mobile app

 

Thanks for this tip!

[jeeper2]

We just returned from a 7 day. Our personalizer also said 12:30. We thought we would get there at 12:30 and avoid the crowd. When we arrived they were still boarding. Elite passengers were allowed to walk right on at that time.

 

Thanks for the info! Sounds like they started boarding well before 12:30.

 

I don't think I could wait until 12:30 to get to the pier, though! Don't mind being early and waiting to board...kind of like the excitement and anticipation, and don't want to miss the opportunity for a relaxing lunch in the dining room!

 

I'm wondering if they have a the Platinum/Elite waiting area for these short trips, in LA? It was available for the repositioning in May, but not in Seattle and Vancouver last month.

[waltd]

They do have an area for Elite and it was open. It is right next to the x ray machines and security. I think we have decided that we will go earlier next time. We found the parking lot extremely full this last week and we had to park farther away and it was a bit of a walk. Hopefully getting there earlier we will get a parking spot closer to the ship. They do have a shuttle bus that runs around the parking lot. Not sure if they have the bus on every cruise or not.

[jeeper2]

They do have an area for Elite and it was open. It is right next to the x ray machines and security. I think we have decided that we will go earlier next time. We found the parking lot extremely full this last week and we had to park farther away and it was a bit of a walk. Hopefully getting there earlier we will get a parking spot closer to the ship. They do have a shuttle bus that runs around the parking lot. Not sure if they have the bus on every cruise or not.

 

 

Thank you, waltd! Exactly what I wanted to know, and your info regarding the parking lot reinforces my desire to get there early.

[Bruin Steve]

I wouldn't bother with such a short cruise. Seven days would be the minimum for me, but longer would always be preferred.

 

Hey, I prefer 14 night cruises myself...BUT, most of us don't have the time or budget to take too many of those...I only get so many weeks of vacation a year...

3 night cruises, for most of us, serve a particular purpose...ASIDE FROM our normal, longer cruise vacations, sometimes you just want to get away for a quick weekend...

Whereas I might not bother with a three night cruise if I had to fly across country to get it, for those of us who live a short drive from a cruise port, it's a great way to spend a nice long weekend out of town...The prices usually beat whatever one can get driving somewhere and spending three nights in a hotel...especially for those of us in SoCal...Ever priced decent hotels in Santa Barbara or Palm Springs or other places one might want to go for a short weekend?

The 3 night cruise gives us a chance to get away, to get in a relaxing cruise experience...and to do it at a reasonable price.

 

 

We found the parking lot extremely full this last week and we had to park farther away and it was a bit of a walk. Hopefully getting there earlier we will get a parking spot closer to the ship.

 

Remember, the parking situation will vary depending on the number of ships in port that day...and on the number of ships recently cruised out of port...and the timing on those sailings...

 

For example, for our November 24 Golden Princess sailing, along with us in port that day will be the NCL Star--leaving on a 14 night Panama Canal trip to Florida...And the Sapphire Princess leaves the day before us for the 7-night Mexican Riviera...and the Star Princess will have left the Wednesday before on a 15 night Hawaii round trip...10 days before, the Island Princess leaves LA on a 15 night Panama Canal cruise to Florida...

 

You've got to figure that not too many people on the NCL Star will be leaving cars in the parking lot since their cruise ends two weeks later in Florida...But, OTOH, not too many people arriving that day on the Star (also a 14 nighter FROM Florida) will be removing cars from the lot.

 

And, it's doubtful there are too many cars left there for two weeks by passengers on the Star Princess, though some might leave a car there for 15 days!

 

So, basically, the cars on the lot that morning should be only from the passengers on the Sapphire...The rest of the cars there first thing in the morning should be those of passengers from the previous sailing of the Golden--who should all be departing that morning--and the only arriving passengers looking to take those spots are those of us embarking on my sailing of the Golden!...

 

OTOH, we have been on cruises out of LA when there have been three large ships in port on the same day...Those times are when the parking is at its worst...

[centralcalicruzer]

Hey, I prefer 14 night cruises myself...BUT, most of us don't have the time or budget to take too many of those...I only get so many weeks of vacation a year...

3 night cruises, for most of us, serve a particular purpose...ASIDE FROM our normal, longer cruise vacations, sometimes you just want to get away for a quick weekend...

Whereas I might not bother with a three night cruise if I had to fly across country to get it, for those of us who live a short drive from a cruise port, it's a great way to spend a nice long weekend out of town...The prices usually beat whatever one can get driving somewhere and spending three nights in a hotel...especially for those of us in SoCal...Ever priced decent hotels in Santa Barbara or Palm Springs or other places one might want to go for a short weekend?

The 3 night cruise gives us a chance to get away, to get in a relaxing cruise experience...and to do it at a reasonable price.

 

 

 

 

Remember, the parking situation will vary depending on the number of ships in port that day...and on the number of ships recently cruised out of port...and the timing on those sailings...

 

For example, for our November 24 Golden Princess sailing, along with us in port that day will be the NCL Star--leaving on a 14 night Panama Canal trip to Florida...And the Sapphire Princess leaves the day before us for the 7-night Mexican Riviera...and the Star Princess will have left the Wednesday before on a 15 night Hawaii round trip...10 days before, the Island Princess leaves LA on a 15 night Panama Canal cruise to Florida...

 

You've got to figure that not too many people on the NCL Star will be leaving cars in the parking lot since their cruise ends two weeks later in Florida...But, OTOH, not too many people arriving that day on the Star (also a 14 nighter FROM Florida) will be removing cars from the lot.

 

And, it's doubtful there are too many cars left there for two weeks by passengers on the Star Princess, though some might leave a car there for 15 days!

 

So, basically, the cars on the lot that morning should be only from the passengers on the Sapphire...The rest of the cars there first thing in the morning should be those of passengers from the previous sailing of the Golden--who should all be departing that morning--and the only arriving passengers looking to take those spots are those of us embarking on my sailing of the Golden!...

 

OTOH, we have been on cruises out of LA when there have been three large ships in port on the same day...Those times are when the parking is at its worst...

 

I agree Steve, we've done a number of those cruises, even one on (gasp) Carnival out of San Diego during the Swine Flu epidemic that was only $139 per person! We've enjoyed them all and have never found them to be a total party cruise, it's a great way to have an inexpensive weekend away.

I never thought about what ships might have sailed just before ours, we are on the cruise after you and it looks like the only other ship that will concern us is the Sapphire. Let me know what time you are getting off the ship and I'll try to be there to take your parking space! ;)

[luvcdays]

On another coastal we once had a bunch of Vancouver firemen who dressed and talked like pirate throughout the entire cruse. They were an absolute kick. :D

 

Sounds like a hoot! Sorry I missed it.

[LCTrippers]

Cvpends – you can only use the FFC for cruises booked after they were deposited. This sale is a good reason to have more than one. Luckily we had 3 and I used one for our Jan. Hawaii cruise and yesterday we were able to use another for the coastal deal. Still have one left but will buy another when we go on 11/4.

 

jeeper2 – yes the Platinum/Elite lounge is open before boarding.

 

Critterchick – did you take advantage of the complementary specialty dining restaurant for suite bookings on a 3 or 4 day cruise?

 

We just got back from 4 back-to-back Coastals. 4 day Catalina, 4 day Santa Barbara, 3 day Ensenada, and another 3 day Ensenada.

 

These are the only 3-4 day cruises we’ve been on with Princess, all the others have been 7-15 day cruises and I’d say the average age was down 10 years with a few school age kids. We had a great time and didn’t find people any different in attitude or behavior - just a bit younger and a little more active. Even the kids and young adults were polite.

 

The 3rd of the 4 cruises was the 10/4 weekender critterchick spoke about. The average age dropped another 20-30 years. Lots of activity and imbibing. Lots of little kids too. Most were polite unless you near a bar or the casino. I didn’t see the fight in the casino on Sunday because of my experiences there on Saturday night. The BJ table was filled with rude people doing stupid things. But that was due to the heavy lubrication. 3 times in a row they blew my hands by hitting or not hitting what they should - and this was 5 out of the 7 players at the table. I left and didn’t return until the next cruise. The dealers told me people were splitting face cards when the dealer has a 10 on that cruise and that’s the way it is on most of the weekend cruises. The players pay no attention to what the dealer suggests so they just smile and take their money.

 

The bartenders loved it.

 

Away from the casino though everyone seemed just as polite and nice as any other cruise – just a lot younger.

[critterchick]

I wouldn't bother with such a short cruise. Seven days would be the minimum for me, but longer would always be preferred.

 

No need to look down your nose at the experience. It's a nice way to spend a weekend without having to drive somewhere in traffic.

 

Thanks Jean!

I think you answered all of my questions.

We'll just leave the wine in the checked luggage. That way they can call us to the "naughty room" later if they want but we'll be able to board quickly.

We have an aft suite so if things get too "lively" we'll just stay back there.

My husband is a vegan and I'm a vegetarian so the specialty restaurants are kind of a waste for us. :confused:

What did you do with two coffee cards for a 3 day cruise? I still have 2 totally unpunched cards from years ago when they had the BOGO coupons . We cruised a lot that year and I thought I'd use them up but didn't so I don't mind using punches now for my specialty teas and cappucinos .

We are looking forward to our first vacation EVER with only one suitcase! No snorkeling gear, no tux and I'm going with only ONE extra pair of shoes! :D

 

You are welcome - have fun!

 

We only have one punch on one of the coffee cards. I still had 6 punches from Sapphire Princess in March, so first we used that one up. But they don't put the sailing or ship on the "swap" card, so the pristine one will probably get a workout next year. And we have three more coastals this year, so the punched card will probably be used up. The real question is what we will do with two setups for the next two cruises!:D

[critterchick]

Critterchick – did you take advantage of the complementary specialty dining restaurant for suite bookings on a 3 or 4 day cruise?

 

 

We did, but almost missed it. We had friends with us and were going to go to Sabatini's on Saturday night, but then I read the welcome letter from the HD, saw the complimentary dinner and changed our reservation to Friday.

 

Thanks for the info! Sounds like they started boarding well before 12:30.

 

I don't think I could wait until 12:30 to get to the pier, though! Don't mind being early and waiting to board...kind of like the excitement and anticipation, and don't want to miss the opportunity for a relaxing lunch in the dining room!

 

I'm wondering if they have a the Platinum/Elite waiting area for these short trips, in LA? It was available for the repositioning in May, but not in Seattle and Vancouver last month.

 

Our friends and I arrived at the pier a little after noon and boarded around 12:45 with the Elite group. IMO the VIP waiting area isn't all that comfortable and it was pretty crowded. DH arrived at the pier around 1:30 (he had to work) and pretty much breezed onboard except for having to check his wine bottle in.

[chamima]

No need to look down your nose at the experience. It's a nice way to spend a weekend without having to drive somewhere in traffic.

 

 

 

You are welcome - have fun!

 

We only have one punch on one of the coffee cards. I still had 6 punches from Sapphire Princess in March, so first we used that one up. But they don't put the sailing or ship on the "swap" card, so the pristine one will probably get a workout next year. And we have three more coastals this year, so the punched card will probably be used up. The real question is what we will do with two setups for the next two cruises!:D

 

Thanks again!

Now I have a new dilemma - we'll never even use up ONE set-up so should I chance that they won't date the coffee cards and get them for my collection just in case they would honor them in the future? ;) :confused:

What an awful problem. :p

[luvcdays]

No need to look down your nose at the experience. It's a nice way to spend a weekend without having to drive somewhere in traffic.

 

Well said Critterchick! I didn't remember reading "Who thinks the 3 day cruises are too short"!

[Sailfish]

We cruised the last 7 night Island Princess Alaska voyage in September this year, followed by a three night cruise to LA on the Golden Princess; made the transfer in Vancouver. The biggest difference I noticed on the three night voyage were the large numbers of unsupervised kids and teens on the three day voyage.

[AJs Grandpa]

Thanks again!

Now I have a new dilemma - we'll never even use up ONE set-up so should I chance that they won't date the coffee cards and get them for my collection just in case they would honor them in the future? ;) :confused:

What an awful problem. :p

 

 

I suppose there is always "a chance," but they did put a date on ours for the 10/7 cruise. I'm sure it depends upon the degree of attentiveness paid by the room service person issuing/delivering them.

[rdsqrl]

Thanks again!

Now I have a new dilemma - we'll never even use up ONE set-up so should I chance that they won't date the coffee cards and get them for my collection just in case they would honor them in the future? ;) :confused:

What an awful problem. :p

Maybe you could swap cards with someone who will be purchasing theirs on that future voyage and who doesn't plan to use it for brewed coffee? I'd certainly swap with you, as I only use the punches and thus don't care about the date as long as the punches are there -- surely, I'm not the only one not using it for brewed coffee ever. This seems like it would be ethically okay . . .

[LCTrippers]

So let me get this straight – you get 2 coffee cards for one bar setup. If you’re both elite you get 2 setups in a suite which is 4 coffee cards. Hmmm.. at 15 punches per card that’s 60 double espressos on a 3 day cruise!!:eek::eek::eek:

we're going to need a nother bar setup just to come down.:p

[rdsqrl]

So let me get this straight – you get 2 coffee cards for one bar setup. If you’re both elite you get 2 setups in a suite which is 4 coffee cards. Hmmm.. at 15 punches per card that’s 60 double espressos on a 3 day cruise!!:eek::eek::eek:

we're going to need a nother bar setup just to come down.:p

decaf, babe.

Edited October 19, 2013 by rdsqrl

[LCTrippers]

decaf, babe.

 

What's the point?? Like smokin' rope or drinkin' near beer:D

[Blk_Amish]

I wouldn't bother with such a short cruise. Seven days would be the minimum for me, but longer would always be preferred.

 

Lol, recently I said to my son, who by the way doesn't have a job, a pot to pee in the or a window to throw it through, if he wanted to do a 4 days cruise. He said, it was too much work. He is a freshman in college.

 

I would like to try one soon.

 

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Edited October 19, 2013 by Blk_Amish