Caribbean P Jan 9 to Mar 13 live review/updates

[louden]

On 2/28/2022 at 12:35 AM, JetJock_YHZ said:

I disembarked Caribbean Princess Sunday morning. After clearing Customs and exiting the Terminal 2, DocGo was set up for departing passengers only. No sign of any testing area for people returning home. Effective Monday, the 28th, an antigen test one day prior, or a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival in Canada is OK for Canadians heading home. Save yourself some stress and get a couple of Switch-Health test kits. I’m glad I got mine. Safe travels!

 

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2022/02/government-of-canada-lightens-border-measures-as-part-of-transition-of-the-pandemic-response.html

We also disembarked on Sunday.  After confirming our appointments with Guest Services only two of us showed up on the official list.  After much discussion and verifying our travel documents the two guests that were not on the list did get tested.  We waited for the results and told all of us were negative and we would receive email reports which arrived about one hour later.  Three of the reports said negative and one showed No Results.  Fortunately we were staying overnight in FLL and a friend picked us up and drove us to 17th St to have the test repeated.  If we had been flying the same day could have missed flights.  Always have a back up plan.  Safe travels

 

Cheers  Louden

[Waynetor]

Nice sea day today. 

 

At one of the trivia games it was noted we are currently around 45% capacity and next week it will be around 80%.  There will be lots of children next week.  If you are joining the ship next week, be prepared to come to the main entertainments and games in Explores Lounge early.  They are fulling up now and will be worse next week.  I have not heard of any changes for next week as far as opening more dining options but if you don’t have a reserved table in the dining rooms, try to do before Sunday or as early as you can after boarding.  If they keep one the dining rooms closed it may become difficult to get a walk in table at the time you want.

 

I confirmed our spot at the Most Travelled lunch today and asked about the cut-off.  The couple that had the last spot last week, have the last spot again (now 397 nights) despite some people leaving and others joining the ship.  A couple that are over 2,000 nights were on a few weeks ago, left for 2 weeks and are now back.   I asked where our low 600 nights puts us – we are # 16 and 17.  I would expect if everything is back to normal next winter, we would be around the cut off point.  

 

As most readers will know, Princess announced a reduced masking policy for cruises starting March 1 and later.  This morning there was a PA announcement noting the changes take place on the ship effective immediately and we got a notice in the cabin later in the day.  Basically, mask are recommended everywhere indoors but are now only required in the theatre, casino, medical office and during embarkation/disembarkation.  Crew continue to need to wear theirs at all times.

 

It did not take long for many people to drop them.  Many in elevators and in the packed lounges were not wearing them after the announcement.

 

Captain Lubrano will be on until dry dock and after.

[cltnccruisers]

7 hours ago, Waynetor said:

Nice sea day today. 

 

At one of the trivia games it was noted we are currently around 45% capacity and next week it will be around 80%.  There will be lots of children next week.  If you are joining the ship next week, be prepared to come to the main entertainments and games in Explores Lounge early.  They are fulling up now and will be worse next week.  I have not heard of any changes for next week as far as opening more dining options but if you don’t have a reserved table in the dining rooms, try to do before Sunday or as early as you can after boarding.  If they keep one the dining rooms closed it may become difficult to get a walk in table at the time you want.

 

I confirmed our spot at the Most Travelled lunch today and asked about the cut-off.  The couple that had the last spot last week, have the last spot again (now 397 nights) despite some people leaving and others joining the ship.  A couple that are over 2,000 nights were on a few weeks ago, left for 2 weeks and are now back.   I asked where our low 600 nights puts us – we are # 16 and 17.  I would expect if everything is back to normal next winter, we would be around the cut off point.  

 

As most readers will know, Princess announced a reduced masking policy for cruises starting March 1 and later.  This morning there was a PA announcement noting the changes take place on the ship effective immediately and we got a notice in the cabin later in the day.  Basically, mask are recommended everywhere indoors but are now only required in the theatre, casino, medical office and during embarkation/disembarkation.  Crew continue to need to wear theirs at all times.

 

It did not take long for many people to drop them.  Many in elevators and in the packed lounges were not wearing them after the announcement.

 

Captain Lubrano will be on until dry dock and after.

Was there any word about testing requirements?  The Update to CDC Program stated Additional flexibility for pre-cruising testing requirements will become available. Details will be posted to the Cruise Health section of our website.  I don't see any changes to the FAQs, though.

[PacnGoNow]

7 hours ago, Waynetor said:

Nice sea day today. 

 

At one of the trivia games it was noted we are currently around 45% capacity and next week it will be around 80%.  There will be lots of children next week.  If you are joining the ship next week, be prepared to come to the main entertainments and games in Explores Lounge early.  They are fulling up now and will be worse next week.  I have not heard of any changes for next week as far as opening more dining options but if you don’t have a reserved table in the dining rooms, try to do before Sunday or as early as you can after boarding.  If they keep one the dining rooms closed it may become difficult to get a walk in table at the time you want.

 

I confirmed our spot at the Most Travelled lunch today and asked about the cut-off.  The couple that had the last spot last week, have the last spot again (now 397 nights) despite some people leaving and others joining the ship.  A couple that are over 2,000 nights were on a few weeks ago, left for 2 weeks and are now back.   I asked where our low 600 nights puts us – we are # 16 and 17.  I would expect if everything is back to normal next winter, we would be around the cut off point.  

 

As most readers will know, Princess announced a reduced masking policy for cruises starting March 1 and later.  This morning there was a PA announcement noting the changes take place on the ship effective immediately and we got a notice in the cabin later in the day.  Basically, mask are recommended everywhere indoors but are now only required in the theatre, casino, medical office and during embarkation/disembarkation.  Crew continue to need to wear theirs at all times.

 

It did not take long for many people to drop them.  Many in elevators and in the packed lounges were not wearing them after the announcement.

 

Captain Lubrano will be on until dry dock and after.

To add to this:

The Palm DR Aft was opened this week to guests, to prepare for Mar 6 sailings and beyond.  The crew now only eats breakfast and lunch there.  The have dinner now in their own crew area.

 

The new blue cruisers were so excited to ditch their masks…they crowded into their new cruiser party, maskless, for the most part and they had over 450 of them.  I only saw a very few wearing masks.

 

They changed the signs all over the ship to masks recommended and sent letters to our staterooms about the change.
They STILL require masks in the elevators and the signs still say Masks Required, but some of the cruisers cannot read!  Lol

 

 

 

[MissP22]

9 hours ago, Waynetor said:

It did not take long for many people to drop them.  Many in elevators and in the packed lounges were not wearing them after the announcement.

I take it that they dropped the limitation on how many people can crowd into the elevator also?

[PacnGoNow]

14 minutes ago, MissP22 said:

I take it that they dropped the limitation on how many people can crowd into the elevator also?

No…the rules and signs are still posted outside and inside the elevators.

But, many choose to ignore the signs or they can’t read. 😞 

 

Princess CD should really announce it.

 

 

 

 

 

[chamima]

5 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

No…the rules and signs are still posted outside and inside the elevators.

But, many choose to ignore the signs or they can’t read. 😞 

 

Princess CD should really announce it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waynetor -  We sailed the week before you on the CB and found the great majority of people following the guidelines and being extremely considerate of others. No one tried to get in an elevator if there were already a couple of people in it . People kept their distance when possible all over the ship, etc.

Have you found that as the weeks have gone by that consideration has gone out the window?

[cruisingrob21]

4 hours ago, cltnccruisers said:

Was there any word about testing requirements?  The Update to CDC Program stated Additional flexibility for pre-cruising testing requirements will become available. Details will be posted to the Cruise Health section of our website.  I don't see any changes to the FAQs, though.

I think the only thing that changes was that you could take a PCR test 3 days before, or an antigen test 2 days before.  I suppose that meets the definition of "flexibility".

[PacnGoNow]

2 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

No…the rules and signs are still posted outside and inside the elevators.

But, many choose to ignore the signs or they can’t read. 😞 

 

Princess CD should really announce it.

 

 

 

 

 

Well, they just changed the signs at the elevators OB.  Now suggest you wear a mask.  Lol

It still says limit to 6 passengers per elevator.

Ever changing…

[PacnGoNow]

2 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

Well, they just changed the signs at the elevators OB.  Now suggest you wear a mask.  Lol

It still says limit to 6 passengers per elevator.

Ever changing…

I’m seeing the crowds changing each week.  This week is different than last 3 weeks.  Maybe because of the changing rules.  Most people are pretty nice.

[cruisingrob21]

21 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

I’m seeing the crowds changing each week.  This week is different than last 3 weeks.  Maybe because of the changing rules.  Most people are pretty nice.

As the ships fill up over spring break it will be interesting to see how things are handled.  Certainly the cruise lines have had a few months at lower capacity to get all the new processes ironed out.

[MissP22]

41 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

Well, they just changed the signs at the elevators OB.  Now suggest you wear a mask.  Lol

It still says limit to 6 passengers per elevator.

Ever changing…

I'm glad to see they're not mandatory. 

[cltnccruisers]

3 hours ago, cruisingrob21 said:

I think the only thing that changes was that you could take a PCR test 3 days before, or an antigen test 2 days before.  I suppose that meets the definition of "flexibility".

Except the Health Protocols still says 2 and 2 for both.  That's what it's always been.  We were hoping for 3 and 3 but no such luck. 

[cruisingrob21]

15 minutes ago, cltnccruisers said:

Except the Health Protocols still says 2 and 2 for both.  That's what it's always been.  We were hoping for 3 and 3 but no such luck. 

Oh, well I suppose that makes it less confusing.

[memoak]

20 minutes ago, cruisingrob21 said:

Oh, well I suppose that makes it less confusing.

And travel summaries keep going  back and forth. We can get free PCR tests at our health provider so the 3 day would be helpful but so far we have gotten all of our results in 24 hours

[cltnccruisers]

1 minute ago, memoak said:

And travel summaries keep going  back and forth. We can get free PCR tests at our health provider so the 3 day would be helpful but so far we have gotten all of our results in 24 hours

We've always done the home rapid.  Only issue is we take 2 days to travel so we test in the wee hours of travel day 1.  The third day would be a big help.

[Waynetor]

I just got back from the theatre.  I would guess around 80% were wearing mask - should be 100%.  There was a sigh in front of entrance.   I was in the Explores Lounge today for 2 events and there was very few wearing mask and no social distancing.  They did make an announcement at the beginning of events that mask were still recommended.  For karaoke only single singers are allowed.

 

We got a notice today about crew members from Ukraine and Russia.  I know of 1 server from Ukraine but have not heard of any crew from Russia.  The gist of the notice is that Princess is doing everything they can to support such staff by offering aid as needed including internet vouchers, counselling through our company assistance programs, scheduling accommodations and alternate payroll solutions if they are unable to access their bank accounts.  Princess appreciates any support guest can provide to these crew,

 

One of the bar staff became a father this week but he will not get a chance to go home until late May.  A part of the tough realities some crew have.

 

Up to now I have not experienced any issues with the elevators (except too many times some are out of service).  We have rarely had more than 4 in an elevator and have often seen people pass on getting in and say they will wait for the next one.  I would expect with the higher number of passengers next week, any thoughts of social distancing in elevators and most other areas will become just a dream. 

 

Went for a walk today in hot Ocho Rios.  There really is nothing touristy to see in town once passed the port facilities.

[Waynetor]

It was noted today that mask will not be required anywhere on the ship starting March 6.  Mask will still be recommended at all times indoors.  Ports and shops on shore will have their own rules.

 

I asked Oscar, the Director of Restaurant Operations about opening some of the closed restaurant space for next week and he said no changes to what is currently open. 

 

At tonight's Captain circle party, it was noted that currently there are 2236 elite, 324 platinum and over 450 blue members.  This is the first party since we barded that a captain and several officers attended, 

[caribill]

3 hours ago, Waynetor said:

It was noted today that mask will not be required anywhere on the ship starting March 6.  Mask will still be recommended at all times indoors.  Ports and shops on shore will have their own rules.

 

Is smoking still prohibited in the casino and in Chiurchill's?

 

 

3 hours ago, Waynetor said:

 

 

At tonight's Captain circle party, it was noted that currently there are 2236 elite, 324 platinum and over 450 blue members.  This is the first party since we boarded that a captain and several officers attended, 

 

That is the highest number of Elites I have ever heard of, even when ships were at full capacity.

[coopco]

Is there still only one show at 9 p.m.? An early post said that but I’m not sure if that has changed. I’m trying to determine the best time for dinner reservations around the show. Thanks,

[PacnGoNow]

8 hours ago, Waynetor said:

It was noted today that mask will not be required anywhere on the ship starting March 6.  Mask will still be recommended at all times indoors.  Ports and shops on shore will have their own rules.

 

I asked Oscar, the Director of Restaurant Operations about opening some of the closed restaurant space for next week and he said no changes to what is currently open. 

 

At tonight's Captain circle party, it was noted that currently there are 2236 elite, 324 platinum and over 450 blue members.  This is the first party since we barded that a captain and several officers attended, 

Elites?  Maybe 236?

We didn’t go to the party last night.  But, did they announce the mask change at the party?

 Thanks, Tonna 

[chamima]

8 hours ago, Waynetor said:

It was noted today that mask will not be required anywhere on the ship starting March 6.  Mask will still be recommended at all times indoors.  Ports and shops on shore will have their own rules.

 

I asked Oscar, the Director of Restaurant Operations about opening some of the closed restaurant space for next week and he said no changes to what is currently open. 

 

At tonight's Captain circle party, it was noted that currently there are 2236 elite, 324 platinum and over 450 blue members.  This is the first party since we barded that a captain and several officers attended, 

 

5 hours ago, caribill said:

 

Is smoking still prohibited in the casino and in Chiurchill's?

 

 

 

That is the highest number of Elites I have ever heard of, even when ships were at full capacity.

 

 

My guess is a typo - 236. If you do the math with 236 it comes out to 1000, if you do it with 2236 it comes out to 3000. Not likely that full.

[Britter16]

7 hours ago, chamima said:

 

 

 

My guess is a typo - 236. If you do the math with 236 it comes out to 1000, if you do it with 2236 it comes out to 3000. Not likely that full.

It was a typo, there’s only around 1400 on this trip. Next week they are anticipating over 2000 cause  March break is starting. 

The thermal suite stone beds have been cold since Monday. The steam room and sauna worked. I was told today they are working on it but my guess is they will be fixed in dry dock.

It was a special time to cruise wth low passenger numbers and we got unique photos with our masks on. The whole crew made our trip the best ever.

[Waynetor]

The correct elite number is 236. So there are 560 platinum+, 450+ blue, leaving around 450 ruby/gold.  I'm not sure what the historical breakdown would be, but to me those numbers show poor customer loyalty.  

 

The upcoming masking changes for Mar 6 was noted at the party.

 

There is no smoking anywhere indoors.

 

Nice day in Cozumel.  Mostly cloudy so not too hot and no rain. No other ship in the port we were at but there was a NCL ship about 2 miles down the coast at another dock.

 

Sometime between 7 last night and mid morning one of the 2 wheelier bars on my wife's wheelchair came off and disappeared.  (They stop the wheelchair for tipping over backwards.)  It is a very distinctive piece of equipment, but no one has turned it in to the front desk.

 

One of the cruise director staff left last Sunday and his replacement did his first trivia of this voyage today - We have likely done a 1,000 or so on Princess and this was the worst.  Each person doing them tends to have their own style, but this guy had no personality and for most questions he mis-read them and once he got the questions read correctly, he only gave a very short time before going to the next question.   

[capriccio]

1 hour ago, Waynetor said:

The correct elite number is 236. So there are 560 platinum+, 450+ blue, leaving around 450 ruby/gold.  I'm not sure what the historical breakdown would be, but to me those numbers show poor customer loyalty.  

 

I'm interested to know how you reached that conclusion.  Almost 1250 of the 1650 cruisers on board have sailed Princess before.  That is 75%.  I find it encouraging that newbies are also sailing since no cruise line can survive without attracting new passengers.

 

 

1 hour ago, Waynetor said:

 

Sometime between 7 last night and mid morning one of the 2 wheelier bars on my wife's wheelchair came off and disappeared.  (They stop the wheelchair for tipping over backwards.)  It is a very distinctive piece of equipment, but no one has turned it in to the front desk.

 

That sounds very distressing.  Was it stolen or did it fall off?  I hope the latter and that it is found and turned into passenger services.