First Timers Need Advice

[Jldevlin]

Hi, We are flying to Vegas and doing a 3 day return to Vancouver, This way we get to test the Cruising thing as we are Mainly RVers right now. First off Any advice is Very much welcomed, We are wondering if its against the rules to bring a bottle aboard to enjoy in our mini suite on the balcony. Also is there any must see or must do activities we should attend. any help appreciated

Joanne and John

[srphnx]

OK first timers... ship?... line?...port?.. what is in the bottle? Vegas isn't very near an ocean.. so elaborate a little.

Two open Princess bookings
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04
Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98
Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02
Vision o.t. Seas 04/02
Star Princess 12/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
Vision o.t. Seas 10/02
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[CruiseFever]

We were really close to buying a big Fleetwood RV when we took a short cruise for our 20th wedding anniversary. We took a short one because we were not sure if we would like it or not. We fell in love with cruising and there's been no turning back.

I take it your cruise is one of the repositioning series sailing from what, San Francisco or LA?

I think those are a great way to test the waters and see if you like cruising. One cool thing is you don't have to buy gas for the cruise ship.

Here's more info you might find helpful:
http://www.lifeiscruising.com/start_here

Come back here often too before your cruise, if you've got questions someone here will have the answers

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

[seattlekckckc]

It sounds like you are doing the exact same itinerary we are! Flying to Vegas for 3 nights, and then driving to LA for the Dawn Princess?? You will love it - just remember that it is a shorter cruise, so you will not get the variety of entertainment, ect you normally would on a longer cruise, but it is the perfect way to taste it!

You will be hooked, I am sure!

Casey

[GloriaF]

Hi,
Welcome to Princess and to the CC Board!!

We are also RVers as well as cruisers. I love both!! We RV when we can't cruise (around FL), although we did take a 2 month trek across the US last year (in lieu of a cruise) and really enjoyed it. In the spirit of seeing America, we cruised to Hawaii this year.

So, back to your questions: Princess will allow you to bring wine and/or champagne onboard but not hard liquor. Occassionally someone manages to get it past security, as well as beer, but the rules are against it. The prices onboard are very reasonable, tho if you want to pre-order a bottle as a sail away gift to yourself. It will be in your cabin when you arrive.

Enjoy!! And ask all the questions you can think of.

Gloria

Grand Princess, Eastern, April 2001
Grand Princess, Western,April 2002
Regal to Hawaii, April 5-20, 2004

[Jldevlin]

OOPS lol, We are flying to Vegas from Vancouver, after 3 days bussing to LA and boarding the Island Princess and 3 days back to Vancouver. In the Bottle a Wine of some kind. We are on the Aloha Deck mini suite # A505, we also wonder if we may be in a na area that is noisy at nights?

Thank You All

Joanne

[Jldevlin]

Should have read "in an area that is noisy at nights"

Joanne

[Jldevlin]

I am still 7 years away from retirement but we own a campervan and have travelled most of the western States, We love driving holidays but we are ready to try something different, We are just your average couple with average income but this trip is a good deal and I look forward to letting someone else to do the driving http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

John

[sue d. miller]

Welcome to Princess. You will get a taste of cruising on a 3 day. Bet you will be hooked. Don't worry. You will not be alone. All of us are addicted. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Could you tell? Let us know how you liked it, when you get back. Have a great cruise. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[Jldevlin]

Thank You Sue for the Welcome, You are right..that is our fear...we will like it ..a lot http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif...We just need more vacation time!!!

john

[sue d. miller]

If you really love it, just come on back. We got lots of tips to be able to crise for 7 days, like eating cereal for a year to save. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif There is a lot of knowledge here and all are willing to share. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[spongerob]

You'll probably give up Las Vegas in favor of cruising. We did! And we LOOOOVED Las Vegas.

Welcome aboard!

Just completed:
Caribbean Princess Apr 3/04
Golden Princess Apr 10/04
Coming up:
Tahitian Princess Oct 14/04

[jhannah]

Give up Las Vegas???? GASP!

Don't say we didn't warn you! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Just be prepared to book a future cruise while you're on board. They require only a $100 deposit per person, and you get cabin credits based on the category of cabin you later book and the length of the cruise. You won't have to select a specific cruise yet. You'll have four years to use the booking. It's a great deal, and you WILL be ready to plan another cruise before you get off in Vancouver.

'Vegas Jim

[dosi]

Okay so here is the scenario....you win big in Vegas....REAL BIG...then you hop on the ship and are so enamored of the cruising life that you spend all of your winnings on booking future cruises.

When will you be in Vegas and where are you staying? We are there 5/12 and 5/13 and hooked a great deal through Priceline. You will have a wonderful time.

doris

"I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine"--Caskie Stinnett

Elation 10/20/02
Paradise 9/21/03
Star Princess 10/24/04

[srphnx]

Wine is fine, you can even bring it to the dining room, subject to a corkage fee. The ship is a good start, very well reviewed and large but not so big as to keep you wandering around lost for the entirety of the cruise.

In Vegas, go to Bellagio for the Buffet, it is OUTSTANDING, we have driven 4 hours one way for the meal.

The repo cruise you are on is a taste but a cruel one, no one reading this will think 3 days is enough, 7 seems short to most of us.

GOOD LUCK (don't play the slots)

Two open Princess bookings
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04
Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98
Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02
Vision o.t. Seas 04/02
Star Princess 12/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
Vision o.t. Seas 10/02
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[Jldevlin]

Wow, it seems cruising isn't a holiday but a reason for life lol, I will definatley try the buffet in Vegas, my wife has that already writetn down, we are also going to freemont street, usually we always drive to Laughlin but this will be fun, Don't play the slots on board?..they not too loose huh lol, What is a cabin credit? where you pay $100 on ship, we are in a mini suite this time but I am sure that won't happen everytime.
john

[NASH99]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> You'll probably give up Las Vegas in favor of cruising. We did! And we LOOOOVED Las Vegas.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
We did. It was our favorite vacation destination until we went on a cruise.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Also is there any must see or must do activities we should attend. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Yes, go to the sail away party and in the mornings have coffee, etc., on your balcony from room service.
I think You will be amazed. Happy sailing.
Steve

Golden 2/04
Grand 11/03
The three most exciting sounds in the world: Anchor chains, plane motors, and train whistles....George Bailey

[Jldevlin]

Tipping ? .. i know we are paying $10 each a day for gratuities but should we be tipping above that? for services.

[sue d. miller]

Tip the porter that takes your luggage, and the room service is free, but for coffee a buck is good, if you order more, $2 is good. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[srphnx]

A cabin credit is a positive balance on your ship board account, since you are on a three day cruise, you will have $60 in gratuties, now you "HAVE" to spend $40 more just to break even, get the ships tshirt or something else specific to the cruise, it will be a great reminder and conversation starter.

Two open Princess bookings
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04
Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98
Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02
Vision o.t. Seas 04/02
Star Princess 12/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
Vision o.t. Seas 10/02
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[Jldevlin]

Ok Now I am confused lol, A cabin credit is like a gift of $100 for the cabin??? you mean when we go onboard we already have a $100 credit coming to us?
John

[srphnx]

Yes. That is percisely what I mean but I have never heard it phrased exactly that way "a gift for the cabin"... very cute. Yes.. spend it cuz it isn't any good on land.

And that is 100 US... so that is what 2500 cdn?
http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Two open Princess bookings
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04
Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98
Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02
Vision o.t. Seas 04/02
Star Princess 12/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
Vision o.t. Seas 10/02
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[Jldevlin]

$100 US !!!!!!!!! Heck I am retiring if I can convert that to Canadian Loonies.From my end of this forum I have to tell you its like opening presents..everytime I ask a question someone comes on and tells me something really cool about this cruising thing http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gifWell thank you for that tidbit,

john

[srphnx]

Ok, one not so cool thing, I took a newbie on a cruise 4 days ago, we already have another scheduled for one in 3 weeks and she is leaning on me for another in October.. beware Princess cruises can create cruise piggies out of otherwise polite people.

Two open Princess bookings
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04
Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98
Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02
Vision o.t. Seas 04/02
Star Princess 12/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
Vision o.t. Seas 10/02
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[Jldevlin]

I have a leash around my collar to prevent that for the next 7 years, its called a 6:30 call into work lol, so I will have to distribute my 8 weeks a year holiday between, RVing, Camping, fishing,and of course a cruise now, Oh yeah i have the good huisbandly things to do as well when taking a few days off of work, like the paint brush and redesigning the livingroom hehe

john

[Jldevlin]

Hi, Could someone tell me if orange juice or bottled water are charged for,or like someone mentioned here, how much for a coke sticker?? and what does that give you

Thank you for any help

john

[sue d. miller]

The coke sticker was $22.50 pp and comes with a mug. Unlimited soda all week. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[sue d. miller]

There is free juice for breakfast, and at the bar, juice added to liquor, there is a charge. There is a charge for bottled water, but there is water and ice free in horizon court. Bring a large mug http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[Jldevlin]

Thank you Sue, for all the good information, It pays to ask http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif when there are good people willing to tajke the time to help,

John

[srphnx]

Jdevlin/John,

Here is some sage advice, well it is some kind of spice anyway, if you like cruising...(no brainer,eh) book an open future cruise while aboard.

You don't have to specify ship, date or destination, takes only $100 if you only use one name to hold booking, it gets you a minimum of $50 in freebie credits, can be used anytime over the next four years and is fully refundable incase you are unable to take the cruise, i.e. dead. OH, and getting off ship is much, much easier if you think you might be coming back...just a little game we play on our minds.

Steve

One open Princess booking
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04
Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98
Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 11/04
Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02
Vision o.t. Seas 04/02
Star Princess 12/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
Vision o.t. Seas 10/02
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96