luggage off plane and how to princess transfer

[teach21566]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what is the process for your luggage off the plane and to the ship??? Do we have to go to luggage area and pick up our major pieces to board on transfer, or are they automatically picked up by princess??? Also we are flying into ft lauderdale, where are the princess transfers??? Are there signs. We are traveling with two small children and I would like to get as much detail as possible to avoid confusion. I will have enough with the kids in tow. Thanks everyone

[larsen]

Yes, you have to claim your luggage in the baggage section before turning it over to Princess. Long gone is the ease of having it wisked away for you as it now is a security risk. With two small kids in tow you might assign hubby to grab a porter or luggage cart (think cost is $3) and then you three wait while he deals with gathering the bags.

I would also suggest you consider taking a cab rather than Princess transfers to get to the ship. The transfers involve you taking a bus and you have to wait until it fills up. Two fussy kids is no way to start a wonderful trip. The cab will probably cost the four of you less anyway. Just tell the cabbie what ship you are taking and he will deliver you there and also help unload your luggage directly to the Princess porter who will put it in the bin to be loaded on the ship.

Make certain you have enough 'stuff' in your hand luggage as it can take a couple of hours before you see that luggage again - but have no fear it will show up!

And, nothing asked here is ignorant! Luggage, transfers and the like are always confusing even to us more experienced sailors. Please, feel free to keep asking questions about anything that comes to mind.

Crown '93,Star '94, Regal '95,
Sun '96, Crown '97, Dawn '98,
Dawn '99, Sun 2000, Dawn '01,
Grand '02, Coral '03,Star 6/28/03, Sun 3/10/04, Star 02/27/05

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=FF0000&cdt=2005;2;27;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500 Star Princess Sailing

[sue d. miller]

I agree with grabbing a cab, There are many in front of the terminal. Much faster. You will have to wait awhile on the bus for other passengers to get on.

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY..... GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

[teach21566]

thanks you are oh so kind. We are going with some other people too, so the cab thing is out, but I do understand your advise and really appreciate it, that being said. Once you grab your luggage, where do the bus transfers for princess wait?? Are they clearly marked??? How do they know we are suppose to be on them?? We paid already through our TA. I am going to smuggle juice boxes and other stuff in one whole suitcase. With all the money princess spends on food, I am surprised they charge for juice and soda, not angry, but just surprised. thanks for your help

[larsen]

There will be a Princess rep to direct you to the bus loading area. In fact they may even meet you at the end of the passenger walk way before you get to the baggage are. They will be dressed in white blouses and blue skirts and will be waving a Princess sign that is pretty easy to spot. Since you have transfers they will have a manifest and will check you off and give you directions. There will be signs and no one will let you get on the wrong bus.

By the way - juice at breakfast or room service carries no charge. We also get extra and stow it in the in room refrigerator. Same with milk.

Crown '93,Star '94, Regal '95,
Sun '96, Crown '97, Dawn '98,
Dawn '99, Sun 2000, Dawn '01,
Grand '02, Coral '03,Star 6/28/03, Sun 3/10/04, Star 02/27/05

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=FF0000&cdt=2005;2;27;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500 Star Princess Sailing