Newbie Questions (last sailed on PCL in 2008)

[fsufancc]

Sorry if these have been answered but sometimes the board is overwhelming to me when looking for answers (see the over 2,700 posts in the dine my way thread – woof).

Assumptions:

We are sailing on a 5-night trip on the Crown in Feb. (41-year Anniversary)

San Francisco to San Diego and Ensenada (R/T)

We are in a standard balcony room and have upgraded to the Premium package.

 

1.       Does Princess assign boarding times?

          a.       When do they do this?

          b.       If not, how early do boarding time slots open up on the App?

2.       Will there be a time where I can pick a set dinner time or is there just anytime dining?

3.       We are getting the Premier package. It says we can pick a Medallion accessory at some point.  Do you do this once on ship or pre-order via the app?

4.       Can I ask for top shelf liquor for a mixed drink and not run over my $20 ceiling? Example: Woodford Rye for an Old Fashioned or Gran Patron for a margherita as an example.

5.       Can I assume that a double on the rocks will be charged to me as 2 drinks and not a single drink at a double price? 

6.      “High Tea” will be served on sea days? Mrs Fan likes to do this.

7.       Will there be entertainment in some of the bar areas? Acoustic Guitar, piano, or similar.

8.       I saw a Youtube video where the person was eating at Sabatini’s and it was a 3.5-hour ordeal?  He was not happy and I would not be either. I assume that this is not typical.

9.       Is there anywhere on the Crown to get sushi?

10.     I have seen mixed messages on the self-serve laundry. Is it free or is there a cost to run the machines?

11.     Any recommendations specific to the Crown would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks to all who respond.

Oh – and Go Noles

[Steelers36]

36 minutes ago, fsufancc said:

Sorry if these have been answered but sometimes the board is overwhelming to me when looking for answers (see the over 2,700 posts in the dine my way thread – woof).

Assumptions:

We are sailing on a 5-night trip on the Crown in Feb. (41-year Anniversary)

San Francisco to San Diego and Ensenada (R/T)

We are in a standard balcony room and have upgraded to the Premium package.

 

1.       Does Princess assign boarding times?

          a.       When do they do this?

          b.       If not, how early do boarding time slots open up on the App? 

This has been gone since end of July last year.  Show up no later than the time indicated in your Travel Summary.

 

2.       Will there be a time where I can pick a set dinner time or is there just anytime dining?

You can use DineMyWay in the App or Web Version after you have made full payment.  You can try earlier, but by policy, it shouldn't work for you.

 

3.       We are getting the Premier package. It says we can pick a Medallion accessory at some point.  Do you do this once on ship or pre-order via the app?

You can order in the App.  I think I have read at least one thing isn't on board.

 

4.       Can I ask for top shelf liquor for a mixed drink and not run over my $20 ceiling? Example: Woodford Rye for an Old Fashioned or Gran Patron for a margherita as an example.

Most drinks will fit under $20.  You may go over that and then you pay the difference only, plus 18% gratuity.

 

5.       Can I assume that a double on the rocks will be charged to me as 2 drinks and not a single drink at a double price? 

It should be done as policy, but people report that sometimes a friendly bartender knowing you as a repeat customer will not count as two.  Does it matter that much?
 

6.      “High Tea” will be served on sea days? Mrs Fan likes to do this.

Yes.  

 

7.       Will there be entertainment in some of the bar areas? Acoustic Guitar, piano, or similar.

Yes.

 

8.       I saw a Youtube video where the person was eating at Sabatini’s and it was a 3.5-hour ordeal?  He was not happy and I would not be either. I assume that this is not typical.

Yes, that is hardly typical.  You can take time if they don't need the table or you can move it along.  Let the waiter know.

 

9.       Is there anywhere on the Crown to get sushi?

Likely, but IDK for sure.  Look up Food and Dining on Princess.com and you can read all the types of food locales and what ships they are on.  Perhaps @dides can post link to the latest chart for casual dining.

 

10.     I have seen mixed messages on the self-serve laundry. Is it free or is there a cost to run the machines?

You get tokens by waving Medallion at a machine in laundry room.  $3/wash.  $3/dryer.

 

11.     Any recommendations specific to the Crown would be greatly appreciated.

None for now.  Very broad open-ended question.  Are you looking for cabin, dining, drinks, entertainment, top deck, excursion?  Why not sign up on your Roll Call and join that thread and see what fellow cruisers are doing?  You can find RC's in another Forum on Cruise Critic.

 

 

Thanks to all who respond.

Oh – and Go Noles

IDK if any are repeats, but I noticed you were asking a lot of newbie questions the other day.  You really could have just made an update post in that thread. 

 

Love above on each line number for comments I may have.

 

Edited October 20, 2023 by Steelers36

[Rick&Jeannie]

@fsufancc... you REALLY owe @Steelers36 a beer for stepping through and answering all of your questions!  He did a great job!  I don't think there's anything to add!

 

 

Edited October 20, 2023 by Rick&Jeannie

[wallyj]

@fsufancc you do not ‘pick’ a medallion accessory with the Premier Package. Princess gives you a ‘clip’ as the accessory. If you go to the Princess website and scroll down where they describe the packages, under Premier they show a ‘stripped’ clip, but the one being provided currently is a solid blue color that is supposed to be exclusive to the Premier package. FYI, Ocean front on the ship sell the other colors of clips for $6.

 

It will be in your basket automatically when you order your medallion. If you have it shipped to you, it will be with your medallion, if you decide to pick up at port, it will be in the bag with your medallion.

 

You should also be able to make your 2 specialty dinner reservations on the APP and it should recognize you have Premier and not charge you for the first 2 reservations. Since you have a short 5 day cruise, I imagine reservations will fill quickly.

[Steelers36]

19 minutes ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

@fsufancc... you REALLY owe @Steelers36 a beer for stepping through and answering all of your questions!  He did a great job!  I don't think there's anything to add!

 

 

🍺

Edited October 20, 2023 by Steelers36

[Steelers36]

2 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

Love above

How did that word get in there?

[scooter6996]

4 hours ago, fsufancc said:

9.       Is there anywhere on the Crown to get sushi?

10.     I have seen mixed messages on the self-serve laundry. Is it free or is there a cost to run the machines?

 

Was on Crown end of last month so can offer some Crown-specific info

 

No dedicated sushi venue like on some other ships. I saw some very basic sushi on the buffet one or two times in a summer 2022 cruise on the Crown, but never went to the buffet this time around.

 

Laundry was free. There are slots for tokens, and you can buy tokens if you wish, but if you just push the slot in empty it still starts just fine. My guess as to why is because not every deck has dispensers at the moment. I had to go to 5 different deck laundrys to find a working detergent dispenser. I'm sure once every laundry room is equipped with dispensers they'll be more inclined to charge for laundry operation again.

 

[dides]

24 minutes ago, scooter6996 said:

 

 

No dedicated sushi venue like on some other ships. I saw some very basic sushi on the buffet one or two times in a summer 2022 cruise on the Crown, but never went to the buffet this time around

@Steelers36 tagged me to include the link to the latest Casual Dining Venues post although the SushI question has been answered above

 

Here you can see Crown has the Salty Dog Gastropub and Vines venues with menus etc.

 

 

Edited October 21, 2023 by dides

[Rick&Jeannie]

2 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

How did that word get in there?

Dang auto-correct! 😝

[trbarton]

6 hours ago, fsufancc said:

Sorry if these have been answered but sometimes the board is overwhelming to me when looking for answers (see the over 2,700 posts in the dine my way thread – woof).

Assumptions:

We are sailing on a 5-night trip on the Crown in Feb. (41-year Anniversary)

San Francisco to San Diego and Ensenada (R/T)

We are in a standard balcony room and have upgraded to the Premium package.

 

1.       Does Princess assign boarding times?

          a.       When do they do this?

          b.       If not, how early do boarding time slots open up on the App?

2.       Will there be a time where I can pick a set dinner time or is there just anytime dining?

3.       We are getting the Premier package. It says we can pick a Medallion accessory at some point.  Do you do this once on ship or pre-order via the app?

4.       Can I ask for top shelf liquor for a mixed drink and not run over my $20 ceiling? Example: Woodford Rye for an Old Fashioned or Gran Patron for a margherita as an example.

5.       Can I assume that a double on the rocks will be charged to me as 2 drinks and not a single drink at a double price? 

6.      “High Tea” will be served on sea days? Mrs Fan likes to do this.

7.       Will there be entertainment in some of the bar areas? Acoustic Guitar, piano, or similar.

8.       I saw a Youtube video where the person was eating at Sabatini’s and it was a 3.5-hour ordeal?  He was not happy and I would not be either. I assume that this is not typical.

9.       Is there anywhere on the Crown to get sushi?

10.     I have seen mixed messages on the self-serve laundry. Is it free or is there a cost to run the machines?

11.     Any recommendations specific to the Crown would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks to all who respond.

Oh – and Go Noles

1.       Does Princess assign boarding times?

          a.       When do they do this?

          b.       If not, how early do boarding time slots open up on the App?…No assigned boarding anymore. If you’re Elite with Princess you are one of the first to board. I get to the terminal around 9:30 am so that I’m one of the first into the terminal & can get the seat that I want.

 

2.       Will there be a time where I can pick a set dinner time or is there just anytime dining? You do that on the Medallion App where you pick the time & dinning room that you want. 
 

 

3.       We are getting the Premier package. It says we can pick a Medallion accessory at some point.  Do you do this once on ship or pre-order via the app? You can order from the App or wait until you’re on the ship. 
 

4.       Can I ask for top shelf liquor for a mixed drink and not run over my $20 ceiling? Example: Woodford Rye for an Old Fashioned or Gran Patron for a margherita as an example. Yes you can order from the top shelf & pay the difference if it’s over $20. 
 

5.       Can I assume that a double on the rocks will be charged to me as 2 drinks and not a single drink at a double price?  I’m not sure. 
 

6.      “High Tea” will be served on sea days? Mrs Fan likes to do this. I believe so. 
 

7.       Will there be entertainment in some of the bar areas? Acoustic Guitar, piano, or similar. Yes there will be some. Check your Medallion app prior to your cruise to see what’s offered. 
 

8.       I saw a Youtube video where the person was eating at Sabatini’s and it was a 3.5-hour ordeal?  He was not happy and I would not be either. I assume that this is not typical. Yes that doesn’t look typical. 
 

9.       Is there anywhere on the Crown to get sushi?  I’ve looked at the deck plans & didn’t see any. 
 

10.     I have seen mixed messages on the self-serve laundry. Is it free or is there a cost to run the machines? No it’s not free but you buy tokens in the laundry. 
 

11.     Any recommendations specific to the Crown would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have 35+ cruises with Princess. Any other questions please ask. 
 

I do not require anything except for a BIG thanks!

 

Tom😀

Edited October 21, 2023 by trbarton

[Steelers36]

10 minutes ago, trbarton said:

................. You didn’t say what level you’re at. .........

 

 

Tom😀

The OP is a self-declared newbie and that is why I did not mention anything that Elites would get.

[travelin.sisters]

you have gotten a lot of really good info so I will just add a couple of things:

 

they have tea on sea days but Mrs Fan might not consider it "high tea" it is enjoyable but not fancy like on some ships...in a corner of one of the dining rooms, usually shared tables, they will have tea, some little sandwiches & desserts & scones which will be brought around on trays

 

we cruised the Crown to Hawai'i in March & I did a "live" with a ship tour, lots of photos, dinner at Sabatinis, daily schedules & thoughts about the condition of the ship, If you are interested, the link is in my signature.

[fsufancc]

@scooter6996 as a recent sailor on the Crown.  Does Vines have a full bar offering or is it just wine?

 

@travelin.sisters, I call it "High Tea", but I saw that it was tea and servers coming around handing out small cakes, sandwiches, and such.  Kind of a "Middling Tea" LOL. 

 

Thanks for everyone who has responded.  Since the pandemic shutdown, we have sailed RCL, and HAL and now we will go on PCL.  Each cruise line has their own quirks and policies.  

 

I too have my own quirks and preferences. Don't really care for the shows, won't use the casino unless it is relatively empty (not smoky).  I love to sit and enjoy a nice drink and listen to some music (HAL Music Walk was great). We are both cruisers who use it to relax and be served a little bit.

 

@Steelers36 Got to see Superbowl X as a teenager growing up in South Florida. My old man had Dolphin season tickets and got the Steelers/Cowboys Superbowl tickets via a lottery for season ticket holders. Lynn Swan was MVP with his acrobatic catches.  I remember the parking lot being littered with Steel City beer cans as the Steeler fans outnumbered the Cowboy fans probably 10 to 1.

[scooter6996]

8 hours ago, fsufancc said:

@scooter6996 as a recent sailor on the Crown.  Does Vines have a full bar offering or is it just wine?

 

(…)

 

I too have my own quirks and preferences. Don't really care for the shows, won't use the casino unless it is relatively empty (not smoky).  I love to sit and enjoy a nice drink and listen to some music (HAL Music Walk was great). We are both cruisers who use it to relax and be served a little bit.

I believe it is just wine but if you wanted to partake in the charcuterie board casual dining option with beer or cocktails I’m sure a waiter at vines can make it happen. Alternatively good spirits is a stones throw away across the atrium on the same deck to bring back over to vines, or you could just use the medallion app to order to your location. 
 

Luckily the casino on the Crown is pretty sizable and as a result has a decently sized nonsmoking area. 
 

Crooners bar will have a pianist most every night. Wheelhouse bar will have singers and guitarists. Both have great drinks and relaxing atmosphere 

[trbarton]

On 10/20/2023 at 9:11 PM, travelin.sisters said:

you have gotten a lot of really good info so I will just add a couple of things:

 

they have tea on sea days but Mrs Fan might not consider it "high tea" it is enjoyable but not fancy like on some ships...in a corner of one of the dining rooms, usually shared tables, they will have tea, some little sandwiches & desserts & scones which will be brought around on trays

 

we cruised the Crown to Hawai'i in March & I did a "live" with a ship tour, lots of photos, dinner at Sabatinis, daily schedules & thoughts about the condition of the ship, If you are interested, the link is in my signature.

Does your link take us directly to the live with the ships tour?  I tried it but it just took me to the beginning of your thread. 

[trin880]

On 10/20/2023 at 8:09 PM, trbarton said:

5.       Can I assume that a double on the rocks will be charged to me as 2 drinks and not a single drink at a double price?

Yes, it is charged as 2 drinks. My husband has been ordering his double Hennessy VSOP and for Plus package it has been showing up as 2 drinks.

[travelin.sisters]

50 minutes ago, trbarton said:

Does your link take us directly to the live with the ships tour?  I tried it but it just took me to the beginning of your thread. 

yeah, it ended up being a long thread...I gave you the pages & post #s for the various decks in answer to your question over on that thread, so hopefully that will be helpful

[fsufancc]

7 hours ago, trin880 said:

Yes, it is charged as 2 drinks. My husband has been ordering his double Hennessy VSOP and for Plus package it has been showing up as 2 drinks.

That is what I was hoping for.  I can get a double bourbon Old Fashioned or just a double bourbon or scotch on the rocks.  I have a simple margherita recipe for home that is a double shot of silver tequila, a shot of triple sec and the juice of 1/2 lime.  No added syrup or that nasty green stuff sold as mix.

 

Another question specific to the Premier package about the photo package.  I know you get several prints, but what is the unlimited digital?  Do they give you a link to a file to download, CD, memory stick? 

[wallyj]

2 hours ago, fsufancc said:

 

Another question specific to the Premier package about the photo package.  I know you get several prints, but what is the unlimited digital?  Do they give you a link to a file to download, CD, memory stick? 

With Premier, it comes with 3 prints. Currently on the Discovery,  the photo manager said they prefer you download the pictures on your own device which the link can be found in the APP, so make sure you download the APP to the device you will be using.
 

You can also view ‘all’ of your pictures via the APP on your own devices. On my last cruise earlier this month on the Majestic, they do not print ‘any’ of your pictures, like some of the older ‘grand’ class ships, for you to review and view pictures of other passengers.
 

When you view your pictures on the photo department monitors, you can customize/crop/rotate your picture before having it printed, without any additional charge. Initially the screen showed a customization charge of $5, but when you finalize the order, it was credited back, so there was no charge, this was for ordering my 3 included ‘prints’ with Premier.

 

Princess may provide a complimentary ‘USB’ drive for your downloaded pictures, but unless you have a device to verify the pictures are not corrupted, there is some risk. I would do both, download onto your own device and get a ‘USB’ if they will provide.

 

On one of my Emerald sailings a few months ago, the ship ran out of all the complimentary ‘USB’ drives and only had ones for purchase if I wanted my pictures on a USB, which is why I said the ship ‘may’ provide.

 

Princess now uses facial recognition, so when the photographers take your picture, you do not need to provide your cabin number or anything else. 

Edited October 22, 2023 by wallyj