Giving gifts/tour/special package to family that is cruising? Any tips?

[figs]

My parents are cruising Alaska on the Island Princess in mid-June. I'd like to set them up with something special (a bridge or ship tour, food, pics, etc) while they're there, but Princess's website seems to offer: Two-three fairly expensive-for-not-much-stuff food packages, and flowers, and that's it.

 

Money isn't really the big problem, I'm more disappointed in the only three-four offerings for gifts to give. Anyone figure out how to get neater things for their loved ones? My parents have worked really hard to get this cruise, I'd love to get them something different and special.

[Toto2Kansas]

So, you did look over all the items for pre-order on the Princess website?

http://www.princess.com/learn/onboard/services/gifts/index.jsp

 

There is not much you can purchase aside from what is listed here direct from Princess. Bridge tours are not publicized and can not be pre-arranged until they request it privately (and even that isn't a sure thing). Even the Ultimate Balcony dinner can not be booked until they would board and make the request.

How about the Ultimate balcony breakfast? That can be pre-ordered. Or photo coupons for them to remember the cruise? Or a shipboard credit to cover your estimate of what they might spend onboard?

[figs]

Yeah, I looked over the gifts page----I was hoping someone would have the inside track on gifts that were more "experience-based", as opposed to a physical object. If they were spa-goers, I'd give them that--sadly, not their thing.

 

I might end up giving the "special occasion" $145 package, but as it requires them to be in their rooms at a given point in the day (twice!), I'm hesitant. They're pretty on-the-go.

[Toto2Kansas]

Yeah, I looked over the gifts page----I was hoping someone would have the inside track on gifts that were more "experience-based", as opposed to a physical object. If they were spa-goers, I'd give them that--sadly, not their thing.

 

I might end up giving the "special occasion" $145 package, but as it requires them to be in their rooms at a given point in the day (twice!), I'm hesitant. They're pretty on-the-go.

 

Sorry, wish I could suggest something different. OK, just a thought, but if money is no object, how about upgrading their stateroom to a better one (would only work if they aren't already booked in a mini suite or full suite)?

[Debathome]

My son gifted us a bottle of champagne. It arrived on mother's day while on our cruise. It came in the form of a certificate that could be used at dinner, in our room or wherever. I believe that if they went through an agent, she/he would be able to set up a like minded certificate that could be used towards other things such as tours etc.

I am sure that whatever you decided will be much appreciated, it is the thought and surprise that is the most fun. :)

[Putterdude]

Our sons contacted Princess and purchased some gift certificates as a Chirstmas gift to us when we were sailing over Christmas and New Years. They had them applied to our on board account which was a most welcomed gift.

[katisdale]

What about a "renewal of vows" package? We did the less expensive package and it was splendid. However you might want to discuss this with one of them first. My DH had a ring made which I did not know about and that was very special.

[OhioDogLover]

We sent casino credit, a coffee card, a couple of bottles of wine, to our parents and their friends once. They got a kick out of it. I think the thought that we had it waiting for them in their cabins was the most important thing. It was fun to do. YOu can just contact Princess and they will arrange it for you. That's what we did.

Ohiodoglover

[wethreecruzers]

For every occasion such as birthdays, Mothers Day, etc, I call Princess and send my mom casino credits. They put a card in her room to let her know. Also, mom has given us credits for Spa Treatments as well as a balcony breakfast which was a nice surprise.

[Lady In Pink]

Hi

 

Call Princess and tell them you want to purchase Dinner Vouchers for your parents for the "Sterling Steak House". The cost is $15 PP, and the steaks and food is excellent. They have 2 Speciality Resturants on the Island Princess. Sterlings and Sabetelli Italian Resturant, which is $20 PP.

 

My DH and I and friends we travel with have made Reservations on a few ships at Sterlings and at Sabatelli's. Enjoyed them both, liked Sterling's more.

 

It will be a nice treat for them. Just tell them to make sure they don't make the reservation the night that they serve Alaskan King Crab or Lobster.

 

Also order them Chocolate Covered Strawberries. If they like Speciality Coffee's, do Shipboard credit and have them get the Coffee Cards, 1 would be enough.

 

Call Princess and ask to speak to someone at the Bon Voyage Gift Dept and they may have some items that are not listed on line.

Make sure you have your parents Booking ID # and Voyage #.

 

Sandy M.