When Princess restarts cruises this summer, what would you like to ask the first passengers when they're back?

[ontheweb]

I'd like to know were passengers without smartphones (or passengers who locked theirs in the safe) able to enjoy their cruise.

 

And I suppose I'd like to know for those who did use all this Medallion stuff, did it crash. 

[PescadoAmarillo]

1 minute ago, gardenbunny said:

How great to see you back!!!  Hope all is well!! What made you decide to cruise again?  When I read your last comments in 2020 it appeared your cruise blog would end.  Withdrawal was so hard last year…

Thank you!  All is well, or as well as can be expected given the events of the past 16 months. I am most likely the only person who was not chomping at the bit to be traveling again. I was bored at home but it was a good, settled kind of boredom, and I loved not having to prepare to be away. I know, it’s impossible to understand, but while traveling for months at a time is fun, preparing for it and keeping things going while we are gone is not. We decided to try just one cruise, to see what it’s like, and I’m now very ready for it. I had not intended to blog again, but this cruise is so notable simply because of its timing that I feel I want to document it. 

[Thrak]

1 hour ago, Sea Hag said:

It's all so weird. I guess they were just getting it done as quick as possible. I set our appointments up online and gave them my cellphone number. That's what we used to access the state site for COVID vaccinations. They said to bring all the insurance info and such, but then they never asked for anything. Guy in the parking lot asked to see our driver's licenses to make sure we were age elligible, but that was it, They had us fill out our own info on the cards, and that's all that's on my hubby's. 

 

Have you tried Enloe Hospital? If you got your shots same place as we did in Chico, then Enloe might have your records.

 

We got them through Enloe in an empty building over by the new courthouse area. Good call on checking there though. I won't hold my breath but it's one more place to check.

 

EDIT: Nope. Logged into the Enloe portal and looked at the COVID link. Even though we did get the vaccine through the auspices of the hospital, this is what I find under my name.

 

Edited June 29, 2021 by Thrak

[Sea Hag]

4 minutes ago, Thrak said:

 

We got them through Enloe in an empty building over by the new courthouse area. Good call on checking there though. I won't hold my breath but it's one more place to check.

That's where we got ours. Good luck!

[billco]

I am on Alaska cruise in September.

I would like to ask the first cruisers in July and August:

How was the internet speed?

When you were ordering food and drinks from anywhere on the ship, did the server expect a tip?

Did they have Yoga classes? Were there new restrictions on Gym usage?

Was the signal in the Piazza good enough to order a cappuccino from the International Cafe with the App?

Did they have they have the Platinum/Elite lounge open in the evenings? 

What features of MedallionClass weren't ready for prime time? What worked pretty good?

Did they have a comedian that made stale cruise ship pandemic jokes like they use to about the food and taking showers?

Were the pro medallion and anti medallion folks able to get along?

Edited June 29, 2021 by billco

[Coveguy4]

2 hours ago, Thrak said:

 

Sigh... Still working on getting the record from the state. Your post is not that encouraging as far as it actually being any advantage to have that info.

myvaccinerecord.caph.ca.gov

[Roberto256]

What cutback disappointed you most?

[dreaminofcruisin]

7 hours ago, memoak said:

I am sure that they would deliver it but you will probably be charged for it.  The drinks package states that it cannot be used for room service

 

Does it still say that? I have read this like 6 times and I don't see it.... 🤷‍♀️ I know it used to say that, but I can't see it.

Can you tell me the section it is in? Thanks.

 

https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/food-and-dining/beverages/

 

[Thrak]

30 minutes ago, dreaminofcruisin said:

 

Does it still say that? I have read this like 6 times and I don't see it.... 🤷‍♀️ I know it used to say that, but I can't see it.

Can you tell me the section it is in? Thanks.

 

https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/food-and-dining/beverages/

 

 

Not only does it no longer include the restriction against drinks delivered to the stateroom but it also specifically states that drinks over the price limit will be charged the difference in price. No more ambiguity about full price vs price difference.

[t&atravel]

This clause may exclude room service.  Not sure.

 

• The package may be used on our private islands, all food and beverage venues, and other areas such as the theater or public spaces that offer beverage service. Selections and service are limited to each venue’s menu offerings and operating hours.

[dreaminofcruisin]

1 hour ago, Thrak said:

 

Not only does it no longer include the restriction against drinks delivered to the stateroom but it also specifically states that drinks over the price limit will be charged the difference in price. No more ambiguity about full price vs price difference.

 

So now I found this...to add to the confusion.

In the FAQ for Princess Plus:

 

What’s NOT included in the Premier Beverage Package?
The Premier Beverage Package does not include souvenir items, room service, vending machine or mini-bar items.

 

At the very bottom of this:

https://www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/princess-plus/

 

So, it would be nice to know....which of these seemingly inconsistent documentations is correct?

This is especially true if you watch some of the Medallion videos which say you can order in your stateroom, head for the pool and they will find you. Or....perhaps you could order on a wall panel...could you then go anywhere---even back to your stateroom? or maybe you have to wait in the elevator bank for the drink?

 

For those of us who have cruised a while with Princess and the Beverage Package...we "know" the past rules...but how would someone new to Princess know whether or not they could have a drink delivered to their room while using the package?

 

Inquiring minds want to know.... 🤪

 

 

Edited June 30, 2021 by dreaminofcruisin

[mjmalino]

16 minutes ago, dreaminofcruisin said:

 

So now I found this...to add to the confusion.

In the FAQ for Princess Plus:

 

What’s NOT included in the Premier Beverage Package?
The Premier Beverage Package does not include souvenir items, room service, vending machine or mini-bar items.

 

At the very bottom of this:

https://www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/princess-plus/

 

So, it would be nice to know....which of these seemingly inconsistent documentations is correct?

This is especially true if you watch some of the Medallion videos which say you can order in your stateroom, head for the pool and they will find you. Or....perhaps you could order on a wall panel...could you then go anywhere---even back to your stateroom? or maybe you have to wait in the elevator bank for the drink?

 

For those of us who have cruised a while with Princess and the Beverage Package...we "know" the past rules...but how would someone new to Princess know whether or not they could have a drink delivered to their room while using the package?

 

Inquiring minds want to know.... 🤪

 

 

We did not have a drink package, but we did sail on the Sky in early 2020. They were giving people their first drink ordered through the medallion app free as an incentive to use it. My husband doesn't drink so he ordered one from his app for me to be delivered to our cabin. We were charged the price of the drink, but I don't believe there was a room service fee included.

[Thrak]

@Dreamin of Cruisin

Looks to me like you haven't checked lately. That appears to be the old terms. This is what it has to say about the Beverage Package now:

 

The Premier Beverage Package

Terms and Conditions

 

What is Included

• The package includes all beer, spirits, wine by the glass and cocktails $12.00 USD and under as listed on our menu(s), or $16.00 AUD and under for voyages departing from and returning to Australia and New Zealand.
• The package includes bottled water (500ml only), fountain sodas, fresh juices (if available), specialty coffees and teas, Frappés at Coffee & Cones, milk shakes (if available) and Red Bull energy drinks.
• The package provides a 25% discount on the following excluded items: all bottles of wine, one liter bottles of water, canned soda and bottled juices.
• The package may be used on our private islands, all food and beverage venues, and other areas such as the theater or public spaces that offer beverage service. Selections and service are limited to each venue’s menu offerings and operating hours.
• If dining at a specialty dining venue, a large bottle of water (one liter) of still or sparkling is covered by the package.
• The package includes one souvenir tumbler based on availability and while supplies last.

Package Details and Qualifications

• Age restrictions apply for purchases of the Premier Beverage Package.
• The Premier Beverage Package is US $59.99 per day plus 18% service charge (totaling $70.79 per day) for all itineraries except Australia. For all Australian-based vessels, the package is AUD $86.99 per day which includes a service charge. You will be charged the full amount for the complete voyage at the time of purchase. The package is not available for pre-purchase for voyages departing from and returning to Australia and New Zealand.
• The Premier Beverage Package must be purchased for every day a passenger is sailing. Partial / pro-rated packages or purchase for segments of a guest’s voyage are NOT accepted.
• The package may be pre-purchased up to four days prior to boarding the vessel.
• The package is offered onboard on embarkation day, and is NOT sold after embarkation day.
• The package is NOT available for pre-purchase within three days of sailing.
• The package is NOT available for voyages under seven nights for Australian-based itineraries, or voyages two nights or under for all other itineraries.
• The package is NOT refundable or transferable once purchased onboard, and for advance purchased packages, NOT refundable or transferable within three days of sailing.

Exclusions and Limitations

• Does NOT apply to bottled spirits or bottled wine or any items offered in retail venues or shops onboard.
• Can NOT be used for Mini-Bar items. Additionally, the package cannot offset the cost of, or be a substitution for, special or private events such as cocktail parties, wedding receptions or similar. Please contact Group Onboard Services for additional details or clarification.
• Souvenir Glassware is excluded but is available for the additional charge of the glass only.
• Excludes beverages offered via self-service or vending machines.
• Excludes and is not combinable with other Programs, Promotions, Onboard Specials, or Events such as Wine Tastings, Chef’s Table, Buckets of Beer, Buy One Get One type offers, Specialty Dining cover charges, or food items for sale such as ice cream, etc.
• Not all exclusions or limitations can be foreseen or published here and may exist or be implemented without notice.
• Pricing is subject to change without notice and for vessels designated in a foreign currency, packages purchased in advance may vary from onboard pricing due to timing and currency fluctuations. Guests will NOT incur additional charges, nor be issued any credits or refunds for such currency variances.

Terms and Conditions

• Alcoholic drinks are limited to 15 beverages per 24-hour period (6 a.m. to 6 a.m.). Alcoholic drinks requested above the daily limits are at the discretion of the shipboard management and crew and charged at regular menu prices.
• Non-alcoholic drinks do NOT have this limitation nor do they count toward this maximum.
• Only one beverage is allowed per passenger per order (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
• Items selected that exceed the $12.00 USD or $16 .00 AUD price are charged according to the difference in price.
• Packages may NOT be shared, are NON-transferable and NON-refundable.
• Shipboard management reserves the right to add additional restrictions and revoke or cancel the Premier Beverage Package at any point during a guest’s voyage for any reason with or without a prorated refund. Additional actions may be taken if guests:
  • Become intoxicateded
  • Provide beverages to other guests or do NOT comply with the terms, conditions and limitations of the package
  • Exhibit behavior that is inappropriate, a safety risk to themselves or others, or become offensive or disruptive to other cruise guests or staff
  • Exceed, or attempt to circumvent, the daily limits and service limitations outlined

Princess Cruises may modify, amend or update the terms and conditions of our beverage packages at any time with or without notice to guests. The terms and conditions as published on princess.com on the date of sailing will apply.

[dreaminofcruisin]

46 minutes ago, Thrak said:

@Dreamin of Cruisin

Looks to me like you haven't checked lately. That appears to be the old terms. This is what it has to say about the Beverage Package now:

 

The Premier Beverage Package

Terms and Conditions

 

What is Included

• The package includes all beer, spirits, wine by the glass and cocktails $12.00 USD and under as listed on our menu(s), or $16.00 AUD and under for voyages departing from and returning to Australia and New Zealand.
• ...

 

I'm not sure what you mean? Both of my posts were pulled from the Princess website today.....?

 

[tanyaewa]

If it doesn’t include room service… what about hallway service?

I can stand outside and wait for it 😉

[caribill]

13 hours ago, Thrak said:

 

@PescadoAmarillo

 

Not sure what has changed since I often read your blog but...

 

When using the link in your signature I get this:

================================================================

Did Not Connect: Potential Security Issue

Firefox detected a potential security threat and did not continue to www.pescadoamarillo.blogspot.com because this website requires a secure connection.

What can you do about it?

www.pescadoamarillo.blogspot.com has a security policy called HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS), which means that Firefox can only connect to it securely. You can’t add an exception to visit this site.

The issue is most likely with the website, and there is nothing you can do to resolve it. You can notify the website’s administrator about the problem.

 

Works OK for me with Firefox with the link that existed when I tried it.

[Steelers36]

16 hours ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

Thank you!  All is well, or as well as can be expected given the events of the past 16 months. I am most likely the only person who was not chomping at the bit to be traveling again. I was bored at home but it was a good, settled kind of boredom, and I loved not having to prepare to be away. I know, it’s impossible to understand, but while traveling for months at a time is fun, preparing for it and keeping things going while we are gone is not. We decided to try just one cruise, to see what it’s like, and I’m now very ready for it. I had not intended to blog again, but this cruise is so notable simply because of its timing that I feel I want to document it. 

I totally understand the lure of experiencing the world tempered with keeping things going at home as well as family and such.  We have a lot of prep work coming for our Fall 2022 plans. 

 

Will be looking for folks who report on CC, but happy to know you are going to blog the voyage as there is so much changed and new, the experiences you have will be very informative and I know they will be a most interesting read.  (The other day I was thinking about how you usually open the voyage once on board as all comes right in the world with a napkin placed in your lap for lunch).

Edited June 30, 2021 by Steelers36

[CanuckCurlers]

How did you feel not knowing if the person eating beside you or laying on a lounge beside you or sitting in  the theater beside you was vaccinated or carrying Covid?  5% is a lot of people on a large ship.

[Steelers36]

2 hours ago, CanuckCurlers said:

How did you feel not knowing if the person eating beside you or laying on a lounge beside you or sitting in  the theater beside you was vaccinated or carrying Covid?  5% is a lot of people on a large ship.

I won't be on one of the first cruises, but I would care less.  I am fully-vaccinated and not worried about Covid-19.  Besides, if they were allowed in theater, they would have to be wearing a mask according to rules.  And be wearing them all over except in cabins and when dining.

[LACruiser88]

3 hours ago, CanuckCurlers said:

How did you feel not knowing if the person eating beside you or laying on a lounge beside you or sitting in  the theater beside you was vaccinated or carrying Covid?  5% is a lot of people on a large ship.

It is the same thing walking thru the grocery store or at a restaurant.  We are vaccinated and we can't control who walks by us or sits near us.  Life goes on...

[memoak]

2 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

I won't be on one of the first cruises, but I would care less.  I am fully-vaccinated and not worried about Covid-19.  Besides, if they were allowed in theater, they would have to be wearing a mask according to rules.  And be wearing them all over except in cabins and when dining.

I saw some info from RCL that the non vaccinated passengers will not be allowed in the casino, nightclub and many bars.  Also they will be only allowed in a section of the theater.

[CanuckCurlers]

17 hours ago, LACruiser88 said:

It is the same thing walking thru the grocery store or at a restaurant.  We are vaccinated and we can't control who walks by us or sits near us.  Life goes on...

But I'm not sharing the ventilation system for 12 hours with them, haven't been in a restaurant as yet either. We have a cruise booked for February and I was comfortable with a totally vaccinated ship but not so sure about it now. DH has always been a much stronger cruise enthusiast than I am.

[RRFan]

Platinum & Elite cruisers on the first cruise, come back and let us know how much they charge you for the formally free WiFi benefit that has been downgraded. Also did they only charge you 50% or did they charge you 100% and give you a 50% non-refundable OBC?  Thanks!

[Sea Hag]

1 hour ago, RRFan said:

Platinum & Elite cruisers on the first cruise, come back and let us know how much they charge you for the formally free WiFi benefit that has been downgraded. Also did they only charge you 50% or did they charge you 100% and give you a 50% non-refundable OBC?  Thanks!

I would be really ticked if they gave 50% non-refundable OBC. I doubt that's likely.

[RRFan]

12 minutes ago, Sea Hag said:

I would be really ticked if they gave 50% non-refundable OBC. I doubt that's likely.

Look for other threads. That is exactly what Princess Reps have told people. I lie not.