QUESTIONS ABOUT ARRIVING DAYS ONLY ON HOTEL WITH PRINCESS

[rabin1]

Hello

I have never done this before and I am VERY OCD.

Although I have traveled quite a bit I have never done this part with Princess before and would appreciate your answers from those who have done this NOT before Covid  but after.

Thank you in advance

QUESTIONS:

1. I prepaid the hotel based on their suggestions. Do I get any paperwork ahead of time from Princess for the hotel? Worrying with all Princess issue hotel won't know paid.

2. They are supposed to pick me up at the airport and take me to the hotel. Will they?

3. They are supposed to take me from the hotel to the pier day of sailing. Will they?

4. Would I be better off making my own arrangements from airport to hotel and from hotel to pier?

5. Do they help with luggage?

6. Are their hotels okay or should I book my own.? I prepaid Princess.

7.. Anything else you think I should please tell me

 

Thanks again

Kathy

 

[cr8tiv1]

@rabin1it would be helpful to know which port you are leaving from.  

[rabin1]

13 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

@rabin1it would be helpful to know which port you are leaving from.  

Oops sorry. LA which I think is San Pedro

[Thumper007]

Go on the web and find your Travel Summary.  Your hotel and transfers arranged thru Princess will be printed there.  Print it off and take it with you.

 

[rabin1]

20 minutes ago, Thumper007 said:

Go on the web and find your Travel Summary.  Your hotel and transfers arranged thru Princess will be printed there.  Print it off and take it with you.

 

I did that already. Is that all I will get from Princess??

[cr8tiv1]

I surmise that you are flying into LAX.  Princess has contracted with 2 hotels (LAX Marriott/Hilton in Long Beach).  I would personally pick Hilton in Long Beach.  There are things you can walk to and do for the night (just be aware of your surroundings).  NOTHING near Marriott.

 

If you booked a hotel through Princess, it will include all transfers and baggage handling.

 

https://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-destinations/cruise-ports-and-hotels/

 

They will pick you up in the baggage area AFTER they drop off previous cruise passengers and deliver you to your hotel.  You will need to claim your baggage from the carousel.  That translates to after 10 AM.  A bus will pick you up in the morning and take you to the cruise terminal.

 

NOW...if you really prefer to do the planning, that's a whole different ball game.  Most passengers stay at the San Pedro Crown Plaza or DoubleTree.  But getting there is a real hassle from LAX.  If you hire a private service that will pick you up at curbside/baggage claim, and transport you to San Pedro, it will cost you about $100 - $150.  If you plan to take a shared ride...you need to get yourself over to the shared ride lot off site by bus or foot.

 

 

 

[Mflem1278]

We always use Princess hotels and transfers.  It is what we are most comfortable with.  No, you won't get any other paperwork from Princess except what is listed on your travel summary.  When you land you will go to baggage claim and get your luggage.  There will be someone around holding up a Princess sign.  Sometimes they have a portable small little kiosk type thing but the Princess sign is always very prominent.  Sometimes you have to look for them.  They will have your name on their list. You might have to hang around for 20-30 minutes if they are waiting for others on different flights.  We have never had to wait very long.  Someone from Princess will then escort you outside to the transportation to your hotel.  It could be a full size bus, or it could be a mini-van.  Depends on how many people.  If Princess uses more than one hotel in that city, yours may not be the first drop off.  Again, it doesn't really take that long.

 

When you get to the hotel and check in, they will give you a packet telling you what time to have your luggage out and what time and where to meet in the morning for your transportation to the port.  Often times the hotel has a Princess desk down in the lobby but the Princess rep usually doesn't show up any earlier than the time listed in your packet.  The rep will make sure you get on the right bus and off to the port you will go.  Your luggage will meet up with you in your cabin.

[Mike45LC]

As Mflem suggests, you need to get your baggage from the airport Baggage Claim and drag it with you to the Princess representative in Baggage Claim.  You will then have to drag it out to the bus/van at the airport.  There should be a person to load it onto the bus/van.  There should be a person to unload it at the hotel.  The hotel should have a bellhop to take your bags to your room.  Then, the bell-staff pick up your bags and you next see your baggage in your cabin.

 

Be sure to keep your necessary paperwork, passport, medicines, valuables, clothing to wear onto the ship, etc.  outside of the baggage that you have the bellman take to the ship for you!  Every cruise, some people leave their paperwork in their luggage and don't have it available for check-in, and others (or maybe the same people) are wearing their pajamas because all their clothes are packed.  

 

[dog]

From LAX by taxi, Uber, Lyft is easy

 

Hilton & a Crowne Plaza that many of us book ourselves in San Pedro with shuttle to pier.

at end of cruise take princess transfer to airport.

Edited July 7, 2022 by dog

[highloyo]

Uber and Lyft are not that easy to connect at LAX. It requires a shuttle with all your luggage to the ride share pick up area. You’ll be there with about 100 or so other people.

[AnyMajorCruiseDude]

47 minutes ago, highloyo said:

Uber and Lyft are not that easy to connect at LAX. It requires a shuttle with all your luggage to the ride share pick up area. You’ll be there with about 100 or so other people.

 

48 minutes ago, highloyo said:

Uber and Lyft are not that easy to connect at LAX. It requires a shuttle with all your luggage to the ride share pick up area. You’ll be there with about 100 or so other people.

Shuttles run continuously.  We prefer to just walk as it is close by.  Easy and quick.

[cr8tiv1]

1 hour ago, highloyo said:

Uber and Lyft are not that easy to connect at LAX. It requires a shuttle with all your luggage to the ride share pick up area. You’ll be there with about 100 or so other people.

 

I had no choice and did this once.  Hawaiian cancelled ALL of my flights into LGB for 4 months during the start of the pandemic.  I was forced to stay in Hawaii (I know...haha).  It was either fly in to LAX, arrive late at night, catch a ride share, that got me home at 12:30 AM or stay in HNL for another few months.   Never again will I fly into LAX. 

 

Yes, if you are coming in on Southwest, the lot is across the ramp.  If you come in on United, (Terminal 7) you will have to walk/bus across the parking structure.  Any other terminal is a long haul (or bus it).  It is a zoo/mess/"what was LAX thinking ?!.  

 

When Jet Blue deserted Long Beach, it created such a void.  There are no direct flights from Florida.  But LGB is a much friendlier airport and easier to get to the port.  

 

You are trading off convenience (Princess Hotel/transfers) verses do it your own.  Only you can decide what is your comfort level.

[rabin1]

Another question?

I am flying direct on Delta FLL to LAX. I am staying at the Hilton. I do not want to have to deal with any of the stuff you guys are discussing. Does anyone know of a car service that will help me with the luggage and take me to the hotel? I don't want to take the transfers from Princess even though I paid for them. Also will figure out a way to the pier not on Princess bus or whatever they use.

Thank you all for the great info.

Kathy

[dog]

13 hours ago, rabin1 said:

Hello

I have never done this before and I am VERY OCD.

Although I have traveled quite a bit I have never done this part with Princess before and would appreciate your answers from those who have done this NOT before Covid  but after.

Thank you in advance

QUESTIONS:

1. I prepaid the hotel based on their suggestions. Do I get any paperwork ahead of time from Princess for the hotel? Worrying with all Princess issue hotel won't know paid.

this will be in your Travel Summary in Prrsonalizer 

13 hours ago, rabin1 said:

2. They are supposed to pick me up at the airport and take me to the hotel. Will they?

yes a rep from Princess meets you outside baggage claim & directs you to coach

13 hours ago, rabin1 said:

3. They are supposed to take me from the hotel to the pier day of sailing. Will they?

yes, the rep will give you time to depart from hotel to pier by their coach/ van

13 hours ago, rabin1 said:

4. Would I be better off making my own arrangements from airport to hotel and from hotel to pier?

sorry that I answered this above

13 hours ago, rabin1 said:

5. Do they help with luggage?

yes, on/ off coach & porters take it right at terminal

13 hours ago, rabin1 said:

6. Are their hotels okay or should I book my own.? I prepaid Princess.

Hilton is usually ok

13 hours ago, rabin1 said:

7.. Anything else you think I should please tell me

my suggestions are posted above.  Sorry none of us could help you earlier. Have a wonderful cruise.

13 hours ago, rabin1 said:

 

Thanks again. You are welcome 

Kathy

 

 

[phabric]

15 hours ago, dog said:

From LAX by taxi, Uber, Lyft is easy

 

Hilton & a Crowne Plaza that many of us book ourselves in San Pedro with shuttle to pier.

at end of cruise take princess transfer to airport.

Plan on doing Hawaii cruise roundtrip from  LAX and staying at Crowne Plaza hotel.   Never used LAX airport before.  Will probably use Air Canada from Toronto (YYZ) Canada.

 

Will taxis be outside the airport?

How much would a taxi cost be from LAX to the Crowne Plaza hotel?

[CineGraphic]

12 hours ago, rabin1 said:

Another question?

I am flying direct on Delta FLL to LAX. I am staying at the Hilton. I do not want to have to deal with any of the stuff you guys are discussing. Does anyone know of a car service that will help me with the luggage and take me to the hotel? I don't want to take the transfers from Princess even though I paid for them. Also will figure out a way to the pier not on Princess bus or whatever they use.

Thank you all for the great info.

Kathy

 

What's the point of paying the inflated Princess hotel price if you don't want to deal with the hassle?

I know you pre-paid....if they allow you to cancel, I would and then book directly. There are lots of fine hotels in Long Beach and San Pedro to choose from.

[cr8tiv1]

1 hour ago, phabric said:

Plan on doing Hawaii cruise roundtrip from  LAX and staying at Crowne Plaza hotel.   Never used LAX airport before.  Will probably use Air Canada from Toronto (YYZ) Canada.

 

Will taxis be outside the airport?

How much would a taxi cost be from LAX to the Crowne Plaza hotel?

 

You would need to get yourself from Terminal 6 (opposite end from taxi pick up location) to the LAXit by bus or hoof it.   https://www.flylax.com/lax-it

 

@rabin1  I am not sure if you are cancelling your Princess hotel/transfer or only taking part of it.  If you are starting from scratch, these are some options:

 

DoubleTree Inn (Hilton) San Pedro

 

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lgbspdt-doubletree-san-pedro-port-of-los-angeles/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-DT-LGBSPDT&y_source=1_MTM3MjY3MS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ==

 

Although I did not use this service, my sister booked it and had to cancel.  She did a lot of research and thought they were reliable and honest.  They would have picked her up curbside baggage area.

 

https://curbsideexpresslax.com/book-us/

 

 

 

 

 

[rabin1]

2 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

You would need to get yourself from Terminal 6 (opposite end from taxi pick up location) to the LAXit by bus or hoof it.   https://www.flylax.com/lax-it

 

@rabin1  I am not sure if you are cancelling your Princess hotel/transfer or only taking part of it.  If you are starting from scratch, these are some options:

 

DoubleTree Inn (Hilton) San Pedro

 

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lgbspdt-doubletree-san-pedro-port-of-los-angeles/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-DT-LGBSPDT&y_source=1_MTM3MjY3MS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ==

 

Although I did not use this service, my sister booked it and had to cancel.  She did a lot of research and thought they were reliable and honest.  They would have picked her up curbside baggage area.

 

https://curbsideexpresslax.com/book-us/

 

 

 

 

 

Car service just booked. They are doing the meet and greet for me. THANK YOU very much.

Now I need a hotel

Kathy

[PacnGoNow]

25 minutes ago, rabin1 said:

Car service just booked. They are doing the meet and greet for me. THANK YOU very much.

Now I need a hotel

Kathy

https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/san-pedro/laxpv/hoteldetail

 

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lgbspdt-doubletree-san-pedro-port-of-los-angeles/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-DT-LGBSPDT&y_source=1_MTM3MjY3MS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ==

 

Everyone has suggested these two in San Pedro.  We are using the Crowne Plaza.

 

 

[Rick&Jeannie]

Sorry to "hijack" the thread...but our group of 6 is about to do this in Seattle.  We've booked w/Princess a hotel 1 night before and after the cruise.  Do we *have* to set luggage out in the hallway pre-cruise?  Can we not just self-carry it down in the morning to meet the bus to the ship?

[cr8tiv1]

1 hour ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

Sorry to "hijack" the thread...but our group of 6 is about to do this in Seattle.  We've booked w/Princess a hotel 1 night before and after the cruise.  Do we *have* to set luggage out in the hallway pre-cruise?  Can we not just self-carry it down in the morning to meet the bus to the ship?

 

No experience, but they may send luggage on via a truck.  Bus/Van may not be able to accommodate passengers and ALL of their luggage.  Carry on, maybe.

[skynight]

16 hours ago, rabin1 said:

Car service just booked. They are doing the meet and greet for me. THANK YOU very much.

Now I need a hotel

Kathy

Been to San Pedro many times. If booking hotel on your own I would recommend going direct to San Pedro or Long Beach when your flight arrives. There frequently is a lot of traffic on the LA freeways. Without traffic it is about a 45 minute drive. In San Pedro recommend the Double Tree which is a few miles from the World Cruise Terminal or the Crown Plaza which is in downtown San Pedro within walking distance to some restaurants, waterfront and the World Cruise Terminal. Double Tree has the luxury edge, and is near a seafood restaurant. Doubletree also has shuttles to downtown if you want to shop for wine, dine or whatever. Both have transfers to the pier.

Princess has been using the outer pier, pier 46, instead of the World Cruise Terminal for some voyages. In any case the hotel shuttle would take you there.

[PacnGoNow]

17 minutes ago, skynight said:

Been to San Pedro many times. If booking hotel on your own I would recommend going direct to San Pedro or Long Beach when your flight arrives. There frequently is a lot of traffic on the LA freeways. Without traffic it is about a 45 minute drive. In San Pedro recommend the Double Tree which is a few miles from the World Cruise Terminal or the Crown Plaza which is in downtown San Pedro within walking distance to some restaurants, waterfront and the World Cruise Terminal. Double Tree has the luxury edge, and is near a seafood restaurant. Doubletree also has shuttles to downtown if you want to shop for wine, dine or whatever. Both have transfers to the pier.

Princess has been using the outer pier, pier 46, instead of the World Cruise Terminal for some voyages. In any case the hotel shuttle would take you there.

Is there a place close to CP to pickup wine?  A block or 2?

[rabin1]

New question. I used the CC recommendation for the car service. Very nice company. I don't really like the buses etc I want my own help which they are doing. The reason I am going early is I want to do something in LA the Saturday before getting on ship. Maybe even Friday since I am getting in at 10.

Princess has me at the Hilton Long Beach. I have been reading a lot of bad reviews about old and dirty. Anyone know anything about that?? Crowne Plaza looks better. I am going to try to get tickets for a TV show or go to one of the parks. I have done that before so not sure what I will do. I just don't like old and dirty. I can get the car service to take me to the port on Sunday so please give me some suggestions. Not about the expense. I am more into easy. Should I stay downtown or near downtown. Last time I stayed there was at the I think it is a Marriott attached to the place where they have the Oscars. I was there for a week. I don't want to call the PVP yet to change transfers and hotels until I know what I am doing. I already am paid and the cruise isn't until December. Please help me find something.

Thanks

Ms Pickie

Kathy

[Mflem1278]

14 hours ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

Sorry to "hijack" the thread...but our group of 6 is about to do this in Seattle.  We've booked w/Princess a hotel 1 night before and after the cruise.  Do we *have* to set luggage out in the hallway pre-cruise?  Can we not just self-carry it down in the morning to meet the bus to the ship?

Our experience has been you put your large luggage by your room door (inside, not out in the hall) and they come and pick it up mid-morning. The exact time is in the information packet they give you at check-in. They take it to one of the "ballroom/conference room" areas of the hotel and you later go down and identify it as yours so all luggage is accounted for and gets on the correct bus.  All the luggage (except what you choose to carry on the bus) is loaded under the bus.  You don't see your large luggage again until in your cabin.  Now if you have a carry-on that you can put on your lap (I personally have a backpack) or squeeze it into the tiny compartment above your bus seat then yes of course you can keep it with you.  I always keep my carry-on with me but again, my carry on is a backpack. 

 

I don't know why it is that way, but that is the way Princess has done it on all 14 cruises that I have been on.   So I guess I didn't really answer your question, just telling you what my experience has been.