July 25, 2021 Live From Majestic Princess Alaska sailing

[Cruise Raider]

12 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

 

I didn't even think that they were boarding that early.  Mine has the earliest boarding at 11:30 but it's great you got onboard even earlier.

 

How was embarkation?  And how thorough was the checking of vaccination proof?

 

We flew in this morning and our plane landed at 9:00 AM.  After getting our luggage, we took our time getting through the airport before ordering an Uber for a ride to the pier.  Fair warning, when you order an Uber in Seattle, there are all sorts of taxes and fees added to the fare, including the airport pick up tax, but that is probably everywhere.  
 

Embarkation was a breeze!  They did check the vaccination cards very throughly.  We were in embarkation group A with a green lane pass and we were through check in in a matter of two minutes flat.  
they are strict about what kind of mask they want you to wear in the terminal.  They gave my DH a medical mask to switch out with the gaiter mask he had been wearing.  

Security seems to be more strict for boarding … more like getting onto a plane.  But, no real problems with that for us.  
 

Anyway, I think we were onboard by 11:00 AM and received a warm welcome by the crew that were lined up as we entered the ship!  Everyone was generally happy to see guests back on board!  
 

 

[Cruise Raider]

10 hours ago, Jeter02 said:

Were you allowed to take off your face mask once you walked on board the ship?

Yes we were, although they do kind of encourage to wear one … just a couple of mentions that we’ve heard.  I’ve only seen like two or three guests wearing masks, though.  

I do want to add that Juneau is having an uptick in CoVid cases and are asking that guests wear masks on excursions and if they are indoors.  

 

Edited July 26, 2021 by Cruise Raider

[Cruise Raider]

10 hours ago, Wavelet said:

While our cruise isn’t until Oct ‘22 (I know way off😆) I’m really interested in following this thread. Especially in the onboard experience and what is similar/different from precovid cruises.

 Thanks for starting this topic and have a great time!

There are 2200+ passengers onboard for 60% occupancy on this sailing.  
It doesn’t feel super crowded and the lines are no bad at all anywhere you go onboard,  

The feel is very similar to pre-Covid days with just minors changes noticed (ie: the waiters can no longer place your napkins in your lap, they don’t leave butter or a bread basket on the table … they serve each individual guest as needed, no more ice buckets in the room unless you request one, no more pillow chocolates).  We noticed people bumping arms rather than seeing any hugs.  The crew seems extremely happy and more than willing to help.  
We did received a Patter for today and a listing of events for tomorrow but we were told all paper will be going away within a couple of days.  
The WiFi was kind of wonky while we were still in Seattle.  We just happened to be walking by the spa and I tried to scan the QR code for their menu of services and it just wouldn’t work.  A very knowledgeable hair stylist helped us out.  It appears that we have to type login.com after connecting to the MedallionNet WiFi … then it worked.  I remember that from my last MedallionNet cruise on the Royal pre-pandemic, but not until he reminded me.  
the shows don’t appear to have any blocked off seats in the theater (we did see a few blocked off in Princess Live) and not sure if you really need a reservation to go to many of the activities, events, shows.  But, keep in mind  that we are only at 60% capacity and they will be raising it from here on out.  
Our cruise director, Dan Flaconer (sp?) is a kick!  So upbeat, full of energy and is funny as can be!  
The service has been fantastic!  The Princess dancers out on an incredible show during the sail away party!  We had very warm day in Seattle with beautiful sunny skies so, it was perfect for the on deck party!  

 

We did find out that elite passengers will indeed get 10% off on their shore excursions with a few restrictions.  If booked prior to the sailing, you will receive the discount back as OBC during the sailing.  
 

The luggage valet service is being provided by the City of Seattle and the earliest your flight can be is 11 AM.  More on this later …

I understand Jan Schwartz will be onboard when we are in Juneau.  We have a long tour booked through Princess that day so not sure if we will get to see any talk she gives.  
 

 

[caribill]

6 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

, more pillow chocolates).  

 

Oh no!!!!

 

6 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

 
the shows don’t appear to have any blocked off seats in the theater (we did see a few blocked off in Princess Live) and not sure if you really need a reservation to go to many of the activities, events, shows.  But, keep in mind  that we are only at 60% capacity and they will be raising it from here on out.  
 
 

 

At any event you went to, did they check if you had made a reservation for it pre-cruise?

[caribill]

48 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

 

Embarkation was a breeze!  They did check the vaccination cards very thoroughly.  We were in embarkation group A with a green lane pass and we were through check in in a matter of two minutes flat.  

 

Was there any priority check-in for elite/suite/platinum cruisers?

[Jeter02]

3 hours ago, Dunk said:

My heart literally skipped a beat when I saw the "no Fettucine Alfredo" post! 

Oh no. I'm so glad I was able to point that out on the menu to make your day. All remains right in the world with our delicious fettuccine. (It's one of my absolute favorites as well 😉)

[Jeter02]

2 hours ago, caribill said:

 

Oh no!!!!

 

 

At any event you went to, did they check if you had made a reservation for it pre-cruise?

I do I'm so sad and by the pillow chocolates. Definitely would put a smile on your face before going to bed to see that extra little sweet treat.

[Jeter02]

2 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

There are 2200+ passengers onboard for 60% occupancy on this sailing.  
It doesn’t feel super crowded and the lines are no bad at all anywhere you go onboard,  

The feel is very similar to pre-Covid days with just minors changes noticed (ie: the waiters can no longer place your napkins in your lap, they don’t leave butter or a bread basket on the table … they serve each individual guest as needed, no more ice buckets in the room unless you request one, no more pillow chocolates).  We noticed people bumping arms rather than seeing any hugs.  The crew seems extremely happy and more than willing to help.  
We did received a Patter for today and a listing of events for tomorrow but we were told all paper will be going away within a couple of days.  
The WiFi was kind of wonky while we were still in Seattle.  We just happened to be walking by the spa and I tried to scan the QR code for their menu of services and it just wouldn’t work.  A very knowledgeable hair stylist helped us out.  It appears that we have to type login.com after connecting to the MedallionNet WiFi … then it worked.  I remember that from my last MedallionNet cruise on the Royal pre-pandemic, but not until he reminded me.  
the shows don’t appear to have any blocked off seats in the theater (we did see a few blocked off in Princess Live) and not sure if you really need a reservation to go to many of the activities, events, shows.  But, keep in mind  that we are only at 60% capacity and they will be raising it from here on out.  
Our cruise director, Dan Flaconer (sp?) is a kick!  So upbeat, full of energy and is funny as can be!  
The service has been fantastic!  The Princess dancers out on an incredible show during the sail away party!  We had very warm day in Seattle with beautiful sunny skies so, it was perfect for the on deck party!  

 

We did find out that elite passengers will indeed get 10% off on their shore excursions with a few restrictions.  If booked prior to the sailing, you will receive the discount back as OBC during the sailing.  
 

The luggage valet service is being provided by the City of Seattle and the earliest your flight can be is 11 AM.  More on this later …

I understand Jan Schwartz will be onboard when we are in Juneau.  We have a long tour booked through Princess that day so not sure if we will get to see any talk she gives.  
 

 

Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your first day experience and observations. This was lovely. Wishing you a continued fabulous Cruise back out to sea as you travel North to Alaska. 🥰

Edited July 26, 2021 by Jeter02

[Jeter02]

I would love it if someone onboard was able to confirm that if you choose a dinner dining time on MC that remains the same throughout the week, do you still (like traditional dining) get to keep your table and waiter throughout the cruise?

 

 

Edited July 26, 2021 by Jeter02

[GonzoWCS]

3 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

There are 2200+ passengers onboard for 60% occupancy on this sailing.  
It doesn’t feel super crowded and the lines are no bad at all anywhere you go onboard,  

The feel is very similar to pre-Covid days with just minors changes noticed (ie: the waiters can no longer place your napkins in your lap, they don’t leave butter or a bread basket on the table … they serve each individual guest as needed, no more ice buckets in the room unless you request one, no more pillow chocolates).  We noticed people bumping arms rather than seeing any hugs.  The crew seems extremely happy and more than willing to help.  
We did received a Patter for today and a listing of events for tomorrow but we were told all paper will be going away within a couple of days.  
The WiFi was kind of wonky while we were still in Seattle.  We just happened to be walking by the spa and I tried to scan the QR code for their menu of services and it just wouldn’t work.  A very knowledgeable hair stylist helped us out.  It appears that we have to type login.com after connecting to the MedallionNet WiFi … then it worked.  I remember that from my last MedallionNet cruise on the Royal pre-pandemic, but not until he reminded me.  
the shows don’t appear to have any blocked off seats in the theater (we did see a few blocked off in Princess Live) and not sure if you really need a reservation to go to many of the activities, events, shows.  But, keep in mind  that we are only at 60% capacity and they will be raising it from here on out.  
Our cruise director, Dan Flaconer (sp?) is a kick!  So upbeat, full of energy and is funny as can be!  
The service has been fantastic!  The Princess dancers out on an incredible show during the sail away party!  We had very warm day in Seattle with beautiful sunny skies so, it was perfect for the on deck party!  

 

We did find out that elite passengers will indeed get 10% off on their shore excursions with a few restrictions.  If booked prior to the sailing, you will receive the discount back as OBC during the sailing.  
 

The luggage valet service is being provided by the City of Seattle and the earliest your flight can be is 11 AM.  More on this later …

I understand Jan Schwartz will be onboard when we are in Juneau.  We have a long tour booked through Princess that day so not sure if we will get to see any talk she gives.  
 

 

Thanks for the information

 

Cheers

[Jeter02]

One other question I really truly hope I'm not being much of a bother, if you choose to have breakfast or even lunch in the main dining room if anyone can let us know do you need to book a reservation on the MC app, or can we just go straight down and be seated right away as a walk-in?

 

Once again I do truly appreciate all of you who are being so kind and lovely to share your experiences with us as it is a great wealth of knowledge.

[antmaril]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!  I am booked on the Sky Princess for January 2023 (was on her in January 2020).  It’s going to be very hard to wait so long to cruise again.   
 

Have a wonderful cruise!  Alaska is spectacular!

[silviaeaston]

6 hours ago, nini said:

Seattle has a sound ordinance- no music for sailaway.

Here is your Love Boat jingle (hope it comes thru) Taken from my daughter's front porch in Queen Anne in Seattle (volume up... jingle starts on 20 sec mark)

[chabad]

During dinner in the main dining room where you guys handed actual menus or did you have to scan a QR code to pull up the menu on your phone?

[cruiseesusee]

I would be interested to know if the gym is offering any classes.

 Thanks 

[Sea Hag]

Given how quickly it looks like boarding went, I'm not sure anybody will be able to answer this. Did anybody who's on the ship now notice anybody getting denied boarding because of rejected vaccination records?

[jwcdis]

Hi cruisers, good morning!
By any chance can you help answer to if the Gongcha tea place is open?

Edited July 26, 2021 by jwcdis

[Cruise Raider]

17 hours ago, farsight said:

Did they offer any complimentary Princess masks? 

No masks are offered.  

[Wishing on a star]

We enjoyed Dan Faloner!

I called him our little younger Ricky Gervais....

Anyone who was on the Regal who were on the sailings before the pandemic, with the other cruise/entertainment director will know what I mean when I say...

"WALK THIS WAY!!!!  WALK THIS WAY!!!"

Hahaha!

If anyone on board gets a chance to speak with him,  you should mention that!

 

Okay,  NO prime rib,  and NO knockwurst/bratwurst on deck!!!

No!

Edited July 26, 2021 by Wishing on a star

[Cruise Raider]

13 hours ago, Piperpals said:

Don’t see any Crooners on the Patter. I know the Magestic wasn’t built with a Crooners due to target market but also read the the vip area in the the Casino may be converted? Wondering if there is a piano bar?

There is a piano bar .. it’s at the Crown Grill Bar.  It’s not anything like Crooners on any ship we’ve been on though.  It’s just relaxing piano music.
the VIP gaming room has actually been turned into the Vista Lounge.  Oceans Blue was playing some fantastic music there last night!   

[riffatsea]

I'd like to know I anyone without the app got on board?

I havenit but am curious about all those on here who talked about jot using apps

[cruzsnooze]

Thanks for sharing. If you happen to go to guest services can you ask if printed patters will be available after they go paperless.  I'm sailing on the Grand in Sept. and am absorbing all the information. I am not using the APP so am interested in how boarding went to check in at the pier. If an phone is required to view the dining room menu I suppose they will have some regular printed ones. 

  Thanks again for sharing.

[Cruise Raider]

13 hours ago, Thrak said:

 

I'd miss the prime rib although at times it hasn't been all that snazzy. I did see 3 starters I'd like though. 😁I've never had Princess Southern Fried Chicken. I have to wonder how well they do with that. Also, I like to eat my fried chicken with my fingers. I'm unsure how the other diners would feel...

I had the chicken last night.  It was pretty good and not greasy at all. It was easy enough to cut with a knife.  The breast portion had no bones in it.   I’m not sure I would compare it to a traditional Southern fried chicken, though.  They ask you if you would like white or dark meat or a combo of the two pieces.  
The shrimp appetizer was to die for.  I think if I were to order again, I would do a double order of the shrimp with an appetizer portion of the fettuccini as my meal.  I did appreciate the chicken wasn’t greasy so, that was a good choice for me as well.  My DH had the pork tenderloin last night and said it was delicious.  Just of note, he had the beef medallions at lunch and said it was outstanding.  That brings up a good point that the Symphony dining room was open for the embarkation lunch.  The hours were from noon to 1:30 and they were still seating people at 1:30.  If you had a let embarkation time, you’d miss out on it, though.  
 

I also wanted to mention that they give you real menus in the dining room.  The menus are also a available on your tv, though.  I wasn’t successful in pulling them up on the MC app but the internet connection was a bit wonky  yesterday.  They did change our dining room reservations from the Concerto to the Allegro dining room last night.  There doesn’t seem to be any problems there but we are only at 60% capacity on this sailing.  

[mina]

Would appreciate knowing if the Spa Thermal Suite is actually open - given that the patter mentioned the Thermal Suite as part of the tour on the first day.  I cancelled my prepaid purchase given the princess site  notices that it would not be open.   Thank you.  

[Denali2003]

 

What is a Sharp Box?

 

Did Princess do any rapid Covid testing of passengers prior to boarding?  Will they be doing any random testing?