Is it Live or Memorex from Emerald Princess, August 25-Sept 6, 2022, British Isles

[BlerkOne]

Coming soon...

 

Spoiler alert - no issues (yet) with Princess air and first time we've used. No issues other than a learning curve with the Medallion app (so far).

 

I see this was distributed on the current cruise, although we were already planning on masking indoors, buses, etc.

 

 

[BigCheese1]

Oh dear! We are on this trip.
I had seen this reported on one of the YouTube cruising channels today, but have had nothing from Princess so far.
I presume we will get this in the Royal Mail shortly or by email, I suppose.

sigh! I thought we could see the light at the end of the (Covid) tunnel, clearly not.

We are in the UK.

Edited August 19, 2022 by BigCheese1
Just misunderstood previous post!

[BlerkOne]

We're flying into Heathrow if the creeks have subsided, and I am putting Airtags AND Tile Pro (2022) in checked bags. Should guarantee they are never seen again.

[BlerkOne]

4 minutes ago, BigCheese1 said:

Oh dear! We are on this trip.
I had seen this reported on one of the YouTube cruising channels today, but have had nothing from Princess so far. This looks like an actual ‘snail mail’ piece of paper….. we will get this in the Royal Mail shortly or by email, I suppose.

sigh! I thought we could see the light at the end of the (Covid) tunnel, clearly not.

We are in the UK.

As I understand it, it was placed in the cabins. I've seen reports from others on different cruise lines doing British Isles cruises coming home with covid. I guess it is on a cruise by cruise basis. As for masking, I have my doubts on enforcement.

[BlerkOne]

I keep reading about how poor the Internet is on the ship. We'll see. And I have a backup plan or two.

[Jamman54]

Will be following along. We're planning on a similar trip in 2024 or 2025. We like to plan way ahead! 

[BlerkOne]

BOOKING ITINERARY

Date Description Start End Aug 25 No Transfer To Ship               Aug 25 Southampton (London) Check In Begins At 12:30       5:00PM Aug 26 Guernsey (St Peter P Water Shuttle Required Wheelchair Access Limited   7:00AM 4:00PM Aug 27 Cork (Cobh)       9:00AM 7:00PM Aug 28 Dublin (Dun Laoghair Water Shuttle Required Wheelchair Access Limited   7:00AM 7:00PM Aug 29 Belfast       8:00AM 9:00PM Aug 30 Liverpool       8:00AM 6:00PM

Date Description Start End Aug 31 Glasgow (Greenock)       8:00AM 7:00PM Sep 01 At Sea           Sep 02 Invergordon       7:00AM 6:00PM Sep 03 Edinburgh (South Que Water Shuttle Required Wheelchair Access Limited   7:00AM 7:00PM Sep 04 At Sea           Sep 05 Paris/Normandy (Le H       7:00AM 8:00PM Sep 06 Southampton (London)       6:00AM   Sep 06 No Transfer From Ship

 

 

 

[BlerkOne]

We originally had a Baltics cruise on Carnival Pride this month, but as they say, the plan is nothing, planning is everything. At least that is the corporate management mantra. Then tanks rolled in Ukraine.

 

I had some credits remaining from canceled Princess cruises that were going to expire at the end of this year, so switching lines became a no brainer.

[BlerkOne]

We will have to pass a covid test before cruising, but it doesn't have to be monitored. I think we know what that will lead to. We both have been vaccinated and double boosted, so no concerns there.

 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR YOUR CRUISE

It's almost time for your cruise vacation! Please make sure you remember to:

- Download the MedallionClass app to complete all required check-in items.

- Complete online cruise check-in and the mandatory Health Questionnaire (MUST

be completed by each guest at least 24 hours before your cruise).

- All guests age 5 and above must bring original proof of COVID-19 vaccination

(and booster if eligible) and attest to a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within three days prior to embarkation. Self-administered RATs are now accepted. For additional details, visit https://*****/pcl_uktest.

- Select an arrival time to the pier on the MedallionClass app. For the health

and safety of all, do not arrive prior to your assigned check-in time or you will be asked to return at the correct time.

- Bring a mask to wear at cruise check-in and as required on board and in

ports as this may be a requirement even for those who are fully vaccinated.

- The ability to go ashore in ports of call is controlled by the ports we

visit and may depend on your vaccination date and booster status.

[ninjacat123]

Looking forward to some Princess fun!

[BlerkOne]

Included with our fare pp:

Plus Drinks including gratuity (Drink package)

Medallion Net (Internet package)

Crew Appreciation (Tips)

A specialty dinner

"location upgrade" (not convinced about that)

 

In addition:

$100 Casino Freeplay for me

$100 shareholder credit

 

The only issue with obtaining the shareholder  OBC was Princess wanted a form filled out that asked for the same information I provided them (except for the form). So I filled out the form, faxed it in and had the credit within a week.

 

[silkworms]

We arrived back from Emerald last weekend. It was a super cruise.

We wore masks all the time even though they were not mandatory.

It is not a problem having to wear a mask. It is common sense.

 

Our ports of call were similar to yours except we did not visit 

Liverpool. The Edinburgh Tattoo was a slight disappointment as

it is called Military Tattoo and that it was not. Far too many singers 

and Mexican dancers.

 

Favourite excursion was in Orkneys. Don’t miss the Italian Chapel.

We did not do Princess Plus.  The cruise was so port intensive we were

off the ship more than we were on and it was just not financially viable.

 

Hope you enjoy as much as we did.

[BlerkOne]

6 hours ago, silkworms said:

We arrived back from Emerald last weekend. It was a super cruise.

We wore masks all the time even though they were not mandatory.

It is not a problem having to wear a mask. It is common sense.

 

Our ports of call were similar to yours except we did not visit 

Liverpool. The Edinburgh Tattoo was a slight disappointment as

it is called Military Tattoo and that it was not. Far too many singers 

and Mexican dancers.

 

Favourite excursion was in Orkneys. Don’t miss the Italian Chapel.

We did not do Princess Plus.  The cruise was so port intensive we were

off the ship more than we were on and it was just not financially viable.

 

Hope you enjoy as much as we did.

Thank you. Orkneys aren't a port on our cruise. Maybe next time.

 

I wouldn't pay for the drink package by itself, but thought with the bundle discount it wasn't a bad deal, and we can get bottled waters, coffees, sodas and more - it doesn't have to be just booze. Even if the cruise were all sea days I wouldn't hit the daily limit. Although I did see while the "limit" is 15 drinks/day, they could serve you more at the bartender's/managements discretion.

 

"

 

• 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."

[BlerkOne]

I had started the thread early to avoid the dreaded packing. Our flights allow for two checked suitcases each. Go big or go home! I think I have about 3 suitcases of clothes, camera, electronics, and miscellaneous picked out so need to cull some. I will no doubt need numerous breaks from that ordeal. Clothes are easy - it will be the toys that will need some scrutiny.

 

I have some foreign currency, and have checked that at least 2 ATM/Debit cards should be ready for usage overseas. I think I have a membership for just about everything. Overkill, but I imagine many places are hurting for money and times could get rougher.

 

Plenty of KN95 masks and some N95 masks, too. To be continued...

[andimark]

Looking forward to you review... we'll be embarking as soon as you get off the ship!

[BlerkOne]

This won't impact us, but those who follow later might want to know (Sept 16-25)

https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/

 

 

[nini]

Have a great time! We did this cruise on the Emerald this past May. Glasgow had been eliminated and Liverpool added. We also stopped in the Orkney Islands and had a lovely "private" with a local.

 

[BlerkOne]

One of my memberships is with The Royal Oak Foundation which is a US organization in alliance with the National Trust of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You end up with a US tax deduction, basically a Nation Trust membership, and a Supporter Parking Permit. Plus some other stuff.

 

https://www.royal-oak.org/

 

 

[BlerkOne]

3 minutes ago, nini said:

Have a great time! We did this cruise on the Emerald this past May. Glasgow had been eliminated and Liverpool added. We also stopped in the Orkney Islands and had a lovely "private" with a local.

 

We have a mix of Princess tours with some private tours in the mix. My main concern at this point is tendering into Dublin. Need to try to beat the masses.

[BlerkOne]

Looking at what is in the area around Southampton, I'm giving a hard pass on

 

Paultons Family Leisure Park & Peppa Pig World

Paultons, Ower, Nr Romsey, Southampton, SO51 6AL

A family packed day for the children set in 45 acres of adventure wonderland. With over 36 exciting rides for children of all ages as well as a UK first and exclusive - Peppa Pig World. There are several snack bars around the park,selling ice cream and soft drinks. There is also a fully serviced restaurant.

[BlerkOne]

Taking inventory -

GBP and Euros - Check

USD - Check

Canadian dollars - What the heck - leave those behind

 

Oyster cards - Check, but a waste - I later read you can use contactless payment and skip those.

Royal Oak Foundation Membership Card - Check

Historic Scotland Membership Card - Check - not sure why I got that, but am sure I had a good reason?

Historic Royal Palaces Membership Card - Check - for Hampton Court and some others maybe

Westminster Abbey Association Card - Check

[silkworms]

16 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

We have a mix of Princess tours with some private tours in the mix. My main concern at this point is tendering into Dublin. Need to try to beat the masses.

We tendered into Dun Laoghaire for Dublin, right across the road is

the railway station where trains to Dublin are frequent and the cost

only 5 euros pp return. Very good service. Get off at Pierce Station.

Hoho bus in Dublin is just round the corner. Brilliant Irish humorous 

bus drivers.

[BlerkOne]

Perfect!

 

Severe weather, which may impact the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, could affect your upcoming travel with American Airlines. At this time, there is no change in your flight plans. However, to better accommodate customers, American is offering additional flexibility that may allow you to adjust your travel plans without a fee.

Visit aa.com/travelalerts for details.....

 

 

We may get to see how the guarantee works, but I hope not.

 

Late Arrival
Protection

Rest easy that you'll make your cruise if flights are delayed or canceled and get home if you miss flights because of your cruise or transfer.

 

[BigCheese1]

Yes we all dislike it of course, but if that is the rule (I suppose unless you have some exemption or other) then  I guess we all abide by it.

I think this may be as much about crew getting covid as passengers getting covid.

Just got off the live chat with Gary Bembridge (‘ Tips for travellers’ an excellent YouTube channel) and he had not heard about this news.

I’m thinking that if passengers aboard got a letter 18 Aug, those of us boarding 25th will need to abide by this, too. What a pain!

[BlerkOne]

If I have to, I suppose I could drive to Houston, which looks like better weather.