New Things on Princess -- Will HAL Follow?

[jhannah]

Over on the Princess board there's a report of information given at a Princess seminar. Here are some of the new things that line offers:

New menus are being implemented with over 300 new recipes and they are in place on some ships now and will be phased into others through the end of next year.

There is a new Sabatini's menu and menu upgrades at Sterling Steakhouse.(Princess' alternate, extra-charge dining facilities.)

Chef's Table ($75.00 per person, includes wine and champagne, and cookbook worth $38.00) is now available on some ships.

Coming throughout 2009, waffle stations in buffet, the return of lemonade, evening canapes in various places (free), chilled face cloths, misting stewards, and free hot chocolate and bullion on deck in Alaska. (HAL has chocolate and pea soup.)

Live entertainment in the Piazza.

More destination specific entertainment (folkloric shows, etc.)

New TV stations with ESPN, Sports Center, and BBC World.

Fitness at sea with "Gillian Clark" piped in to TV in cabin to work out in cabin.

Yoga for kids "Karma Kids". Also guest entertainers just for kids.

Launch of WIFI (for fee) to all staterooms.

On all Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, and Hawaii cruises a golf pro will be on board. Nike club rentals and purchase.

So what do you think? Like these? Want to see some/all on HAL ships?

[RuthC]

Don't we already get waffles, wifi, free canapes, ESPN and BBC World, on HAL?

I know I ate waffles and watched BBC World on the E-dam. I remember passing on the canapes. And I saw the wifi cones in the passageway ceiling.

[InTheWASide]

New menus are being implemented with over 300 new recipes and they are in place on some ships now and will be phased into others through the end of next year.

HAL announced regional specific menus earlier this year.

There is a new Sabatini's menu and menu upgrades at Sterling Steakhouse.(Princess' alternate, extra-charge dining facilities.)

PG menu is new on Eurodam and I would imagine it will go fleetwide if it's well-received.

Chef's Table ($75.00 per person, includes wine and champagne, and cookbook worth $38.00) is now available on some ships.

This was on Westerdam when I cruised June 1-8. We would have done it, but had already spent close to our designated limit earlier in the cruise. I think its more or less fleetwide

Coming throughout 2009, waffle stations in buffet, the return of lemonade, evening canapes in various places (free), chilled face cloths, misting stewards, and free hot chocolate and bullion on deck in Alaska. (HAL has chocolate and pea soup.)

HAL already offers waffles, has lemonade on the lido deck in warmer climates, has hot appetizers in places like the Ocean bar (or at least it was the OB on Amsterdam), chilled facecloths are a standard... again in warm climates, misting stewards?? (Does this mean someone comes by, gently hoses you down and moves on??) I know Eurodam cabanas have misters, and yes... HAL has hot chocolate available on deck in Alaska (also always in the Lido and via room service) and pea soup that I LOVE... and I'll be the first to admit I am violently opposed to peas... so that ought to tell you something :)

Live entertainment in the Piazza.

The atrium (prob about as close as it comes) areas really aren't equipped for anything, but there is live entertainment in MANY venues on each ship, throughout the day and night

More destination specific entertainment (folkloric shows, etc.)

Depends on where you go. I know the grand voyages offer a lot, Alaska have the native speakers and artists onboard in Alaska...

New TV stations with ESPN, Sports Center, and BBC World.

HAL has ESPN (international), Sportscenter and BBC on the ships


Fitness at sea with "Gillian Clark" piped in to TV in cabin to work out in cabin.

Yoga for kids "Karma Kids". Also guest entertainers just for kids.


Not aware of anything, but that might soon change if the spa rooms on Eurodam with yoga mats and videos are any indication and get good feedback

Launch of WIFI (for fee) to all staterooms.

I thought I heard someone say Eurodam was fully wired... Might be mistaken

On all Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, and Hawaii cruises a golf pro will be on board. Nike club rentals and purchase.

With the exception of Prinsendam, no HAL ships have a golf area, or no LONGER have a golf area. I doubt it

[jhannah]

I've had waffles, too. But they're always cold because they're sitting under hot lights for a while. (Same with pancakes.) Maybe I read too much into the list, but I had the idea of more of a waffle station ... with various toppings, etc.

300 new recipies is a tad different, IMO, than regional changes.

I ate in the PG on the Eurodam. What was new? Did I miss something?

Where are the chilled washcloths? I've never seen them. Cruised in a very hot Western Mediterranean a little over a year ago and never saw any.

Maybe I don't get out as much as I should! ;)

[usha]

I have to say that the ONLY thing I enjoyed on Princess that wasn't available on HAL was MUTS (movies under the stars). While on HAL, I surely wouldn't miss MUTS.:p

[lorekauf]

I've had waffles, too. But they're always cold because they're sitting under hot lights for a while. (Same with pancakes.) Maybe I read too much into the list, but I had the idea of more of a waffle station ... with various toppings, etc.

300 new recipies is a tad different, IMO, than regional changes.

I ate in the PG on the Eurodam. What was new? Did I miss something?

Where are the chilled washcloths? I've never seen them. Cruised in a very hot Western Mediterranean a little over a year ago and never saw any.

Maybe I don't get out as much as I should! ;)
I haven't seen the chilled washcloths on HAL either. The lemonaid has been MIA for a long long time too. We must be hanging around the same places:D .

[ger_77]

We had chilled washcloths on the Maasdam in Feb/07 for our Southern Caribbean cruise - I particularly remember being handed one (they were on large trays and were dispensed with tongs) on our return from a shore excursion in Roseau, Dominica and again at Curacao. We were with friends who were on their very first cruise and they were so impressed by all the little things HAL provided, that they booked another cruise while onboard.

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

[hammybee]

Where are the chilled washcloths? I've never seen them. Cruised in a very hot Western Mediterranean a little over a year ago and never saw any.

Maybe I don't get out as much as I should! ;)

I haven't seen the chilled washcloths on HAL either. We must be hanging around the same places:D .

They are still available on the HAL I sail. Maybe it's a timing issue.

I suspect that when the majority of passengers return to the ship, the crew is more focused to getting them an and moving them along, than dispensing chilled washcloths.

[usha]

The chilled cloths are a copy from Celebrity,
(and a good thing to copy, I might add:) )

[caribbeanboy]

On the Noordam I always had to wait for the waffles a few minutes.

[Loreto]

We had chilled washcloths on the Rotterdam last May in Egypt...first time I've ever seen that. Very welcomed!:)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Over on the Princess board there's a report of information given at a Princess seminar. Here are some of the new things that line offers:

New menus are being implemented with over 300 new recipes and they are in place on some ships now and will be phased into others through the end of next year. HAL has been introducing new items on some ships.

There is a new Sabatini's menu and menu upgrades at Sterling Steakhouse.(Princess' alternate, extra-charge dining facilities.) Hopefully the new menu for the Pinnacle on the Eurodam will be introduced on the other ships -- and soon!!

Chef's Table ($75.00 per person, includes wine and champagne, and cookbook worth $38.00) is now available on some ships.Westerdam has introduced something similar -- Signature Dinner - 6 courses -- chef cooks in front of you -- all wine included -- $79 per person.

Coming throughout 2009, waffle stations in buffet, the return of lemonade, evening canapes in various places (free), chilled face cloths, misting stewards, and free hot chocolate and bullion on deck in Alaska. (HAL has chocolate and pea soup.) We have been getting freshly made waffles on the ships for a couple of years now.

Live entertainment in the Piazza.

More destination specific entertainment (folkloric shows, etc.) Hawaiinan dancers on the Hawaiian cruises exist -- many of the Baltic and Med cruises have folkloric shows -- maybe we could have the Tinglets for Alaska?

New TV stations with ESPN, Sports Center, and BBC World. Thought we had this?

Fitness at sea with "Gillian Clark" piped in to TV in cabin to work out in cabin.

Yoga for kids "Karma Kids". Also guest entertainers just for kids.

Launch of WIFI (for fee) to all staterooms. I was able to use my laptop - without being plugged in -- on the Maasdam and Ryndam.

On all Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, and Hawaii cruises a golf pro will be on board. Nike club rentals and purchase. Shore excursions can arrange for you to rent golf clubs at the golf course if you don't bring your own. Be a waste of money to have a golf pro on cruises.

So what do you think? Like these? Want to see some/all on HAL ships?

JMO -- but it sounds like Princess is catching up with us.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We had chilled washcloths on the Rotterdam last May in Egypt...first time I've ever seen that. Very welcomed!:)

We have had the chilled washcloths on several of our Mexican, Panama Canal and Caribbean cruises the last year or so.

[Krazy Kruizers]

On the Noordam I always had to wait for the waffles a few minutes.

I like them hot as well. On the Westerdam, they would make several up at a time and place them in a bowl with a lid to keep them warm -- didn;t have that on the other ships. I would just explain to the man in charge that I liked mine hot and didn't mind waiting why he made a couple for me.

[m steve]

the new Chef's table and the new menu in Pinnacle when we sail on Noordam in Nov. We only had cold towels on X, never on HAL. I would love a single charge for wifi in cabins like $50 for the whole cruise or am I fantisizing?

[peaches from georgia]

There used to be a golf pro on the first Vistas, but that didn't last too long. They had a golf area where you could get a lesson, hit into a net, arrange to play in ports, etc. My DH played with the pro several times on the Oosterdam in the Caribbean. He wasn't kept very busy on the ship, however. And it is so easy to make your own golf arrangements online before you leave home with whatever course you want to play in any port. The resort courses all have online sites and it works very well doing it on your own online.

[GeriatricNurse]

I've had waffles, too. But they're always cold because they're sitting under hot lights for a while. (Same with pancakes.) Maybe I read too much into the list, but I had the idea of more of a waffle station ... with various toppings, etc.

300 new recipies is a tad different, IMO, than regional changes.

I ate in the PG on the Eurodam. What was new? Did I miss something?

Where are the chilled washcloths? I've never seen them. Cruised in a very hot Western Mediterranean a little over a year ago and never saw any.

Maybe I don't get out as much as I should! ;)

I have never seen the chilled washclothes either! However, X has tons of them readily available at the gangway upon returning to the ship(s) from a shore excursion!

Also, X has a lovely tradition of offering/serving champagne & orange juice immediately upon boarding their ship(s) on the day of embarkation! A nice touch! Perhaps HAL should consider doing it as well!

[GeriatricNurse]

I haven't seen the chilled washcloths on HAL either. The lemonaid has been MIA for a long long time too. We must be hanging around the same places:D .


Too bad HAL cannot have a dedicated lemonade station in the Lido like X has in their (Horizon Court)!

[GeriatricNurse]

The chilled cloths are a copy from Celebrity,
(and a good thing to copy, I might add:) )


Hi Usua:

You got that right!

[Love the beach]

On the Noordam I always had to wait for the waffles a few minutes.

Me too, and they had a couple of fruit toppings available with them, as well as whipped cream.
We also had the chilled washcloths upon our return to the ship on our Jan. 08 sailing--(don't recall if they had them in Jan.07).

[GeriatricNurse]

the new Chef's table and the new menu in Pinnacle when we sail on Noordam in Nov. We only had cold towels on X, never on HAL. I would love a single charge for wifi in cabins like $50 for the whole cruise or am I fantisizing?


Same here!

[GeriatricNurse]

They are still available on the HAL I sail. Maybe it's a timing issue.
I suspect that when the majority of passengers return to the ship, the crew is more focused to getting them an and moving them along, than dispensing chilled washcloths.


? Please elaborate

[GeriatricNurse]

Me too, and they had a couple of fruit toppings available with them, as well as whipped cream.
We also had the chilled washcloths upon our return to the ship on our Jan. 08 sailing--(don't recall if they had them in Jan.07).


Sounds like it might be more of a "hit & miss" concern on the part of HAL rather than a "timing" issue on the part of the passenger!

[twinkletoes4445]

[/SIZE][/B]


Sounds like it might be more of a "hit & miss" concern on the part of HAL rather than a "timing" issue on the part of the passenger!

We had the chilled washcloths on our first HAL cruise (Southern Caribbean 2007). Sometimes we were back on the ship early...sometimes with the bulk of the other passengers...and one time we were at the end, but someone always handed us a cold washcloth (they used tongs). It was NICE. We were hot, hot, hot...

Our second HAL cruise is coming up shortly (next winter), so it will be interesting to see if they continue this practice.

[cruiseapril]

Like the idea of folkloric shows.

[jhannah]

HAL does bring local talent onboard from time to time. But it doesn't appear to be often. We had two different groups come on to entertain us during the Eurodam inaugural cruise. One especially was very, very good.

[twinkletoes4445]

New menus are being implemented with over 300 new recipes and they are in place on some ships now and will be phased into others through the end of next year.

New items would be good. I'm all for trying something new. My only suggestion would be cutting back on the mushrooms. I hate mushrooms and it seems like they are either on or in the vast majority of items on the menu.

I just hope they don't replace the Parmesan Crusted Chicken.


Chef's Table ($75.00 per person, includes wine and champagne, and cookbook worth $38.00) is now available on some ships.

This would be nice to have. We didn't notice anything offered like this on our HAL cruise.

Coming throughout 2009, waffle stations in buffet, the return of lemonade, evening canapes in various places (free),

I love waffles. I only recall seeing waffles that had been prepared in advance and in a warming tray, so ordering one and getting it hot would be nice. Lemonade would be nice as would canapes.

chilled face cloths, misting stewards, and free hot chocolate and bullion on deck in Alaska. (HAL has chocolate and pea soup.)

We had the chilled face cloths on our Caribbean cruise. After being out and about on a hot day, this was very nice. The misters would also be something I'd like.

For a colder climate...chocolate and bullion would be something I'd enjoy.


Live entertainment in the Piazza.

More destination specific entertainment (folkloric shows, etc.)

These would be something we'd enjoy.

Launch of WIFI (for fee) to all staterooms.

Free would be nice, however, we'd just settle for WiFi in our cabin. Last time on the Zuiderdam WiFi wasn't working, or there...don't remember, but there were only a few places on the ship that we could use our laptop, and our cabin and the Neptune Lounge weren't two of them. I am hoping things are different on the Noordam.

On all Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, and Hawaii cruises a golf pro will be on board. Nike club rentals and purchase.



Hubby would LOVE this.

[hammybee]

[/size][/b]


Sounds like it might be more of a "hit & miss" concern on the part of HAL rather than a "timing" issue on the part of the passenger!

I think we are saying the same thing. Perhaps when a serious number of tour buses are unloading and passengers are in long lines, the ship's focus turns to moving people.

Most passengers pause when they recieve the washcloth. Multiply the pause by say 1500 passengers and you have a log jam.

[RuthC]

I've had waffles, too. But they're always cold because they're sitting under hot lights for a while. (Same with pancakes.) Maybe I read too much into the list, but I had the idea of more of a waffle station ... with various toppings, etc.
Jim, on the E-dam I got breakfast every morning at that first station after you enter from mid-ship---the one where waffles are made to order. As I waited my turn I would watch him make fresh waffles---there are four small Belgian waffles on one pour. Maybe one or two would be claimed immediatley, and those remaining stood a few minutes. But it's not like there were a lot made in advance---such as some foods on the main line are.

I ate in the PG on the Eurodam. What was new? Did I miss something?
I don't remember the E-dam's PG menu being different, either.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I have never seen the chilled washclothes either! However, X has tons of them readily available at the gangway upon returning to the ship(s) from a shore excursion!

Also, X has a lovely tradition of offering/serving champagne & orange juice immediately upon boarding their ship(s) on the day of embarkation! A nice touch! Perhaps HAL should consider doing it as well!

Years ago everyone was able to get a free glass of champagne on the first day -- you just had to know where to look for the yum yum man holding the tray of them.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I don't remember the E-dam's PG menu being different, either.

This was the menu that Copper 10-8 posted:

Here's Eurodam's PG menu:

The Beginning:
French Onion Soup King Louis XV, Lobster Bisque, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Vine Ripened Beefsteak Tomato Salad, Baby Arugula Salad, Caesar Salad, Dungeness Crab Cakes or the Pinnacle Ocean Platter

The Grill:
Filet Mignon, New York Strip Steak, Bone-In Rib Eye Steak, Porterhouse, Colorado Lamp Chops, Grilled Veal Chop, Chicken Breast, Filet Steak Diane or Filet Mignon Burger.

Sea Food:
Broiled King Salmon, Broiled or Poached Lobster Tail or Cedar Planked Black Cod with Shrimp Scampi

The Intrigue:
Land and Sea (Surf & Turf), Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, Roasted Vegetable Tower

Side Dishes:
Creamed Spinach, Sautéed Button Mushrooms, Sautéed Onions, Asparagus, Scalloped, Whipped, Jumbo Baked or Shoestring Potatoes and/or Basmati Rice

The Finale:
Not-So-Classic Baked Alaska, Warm Grand Marnier Chocolate Volcano Cake, Velvet Soufflé – Chocolate or Vanilla, Creamy Homemade Raspberry Cheesecake, Chocolate And Raisin Bread Pudding, Pinnacle Crème Brulee, Fresh Seasonal Fruits and Berries, Premium Ice Cream or Sorbets and/or the Assortment of International Cheeses.

[twinkletoes4445]

Thanks, KK (and Copper).

We've not tried the PG for dinner, but I think we will on our next cruise. :)

Do you think this is the same menu that will be on the Noordam?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks, KK (and Copper).

We've not tried the PG for dinner, but I think we will on our next cruise. :)

Do you think this is the same menu that will be on the Noordam?

So far I have not heard of any other ship having the menu. Still the same old one.

[Susie51]

We had chilled wash clothes and lemonade on Zuiderdam on E. Carib. cruise in Nov. 2007.

[m steve]

X take can their washcloths and put them on their balconies where you can't smoke. I'll stick to HAL and their liberal and adult smoking policy.

[Pam in CA]

I agree with several of you that HAL has some nice things that Princess is just now offering, such as canapes in the evening. And, I wish Princess would offer a full breakfast room service menu (it's just fruit, cereal, juice, muffins, etc.) However, I've been on several Princess cruises that offered marvelous folkloric shows so IMHO, this isn't something new. The best one I've ever seen was in Dakar in 2005; absolutely marvelous. That spoiled me for every folkloric show I've seen since.

We were recently on the Crown Princess which has the new menus and frankly, we weren't impressed, often getting something from the "Always Available" offerings. Some people love the new menus but from our standpoint, there are just so many entrees with a mushroom sauce that you can eat. One thing Princess does better than HAL is they have more Always Available items, from appetizer to entree so that you can have a shrimp cocktail or caesar salad every night if you want.

Very few Princess ships have a Piazza so having live entertainment there isn't a biggie. I saw jugglers and someone riding a unicycle while on the Crown but I'd really prefer the piano player or string quartet that perform throughout the day and evening on most Princess ships. I guess if I were traveling with children and it was a cold or rainy day outside, having a juggler would be entertaining. That certainly wouldn't sell me a cruise on one line or the other.

It sounds as though HAL is introducing WiFi to cabins but from the responses here, it doesn't seem to be fleet-wide yet so perhaps Princess and HAL are on the same page rolling it out ship-by-ship.

[Crusing Bob]

I don't know that HAL got the idea of cold washcloths from Celebrity because Disney also does this.

[edinburgher]

We disembarked Prinsendam earlier this month. Freshly made to order waffles were available every morning in the self serve until 1000. That station serves ice cream in the afternoon. various toppings and creams available.

There were individual bowls of hot appetisers (4 pieces, more on request)served every evening in the Oceans Bar at 5pm and 7pm and also an offerring from trays of cold appetisers. At 11pm someone came around with trays of cold snacks. I have no idea about other lounges and bars but would think they would have similar.

On Rotterdam in March 08 on our S America (the cooler side) we had a folkloric group of musicians and dancers onboard in the evening of our overnight Buenos Aires. They were very very good. Obvious they had performed this show a hundred times before.

And we were served pea soup and bowls of chilli on the outside decks (but not at the same time!:) )

On Statendam in summer 07 we were served pea soup more than once on deck in Alaska.

[twinkletoes4445]

So far I have not heard of any other ship having the menu. Still the same old one.

Thanks for the info. :) We're going to be on a 10-day cruise, so I think we're going to try the PG a couple of times.

[leoandhugh]

Those improvements or additions announced by HAL, while nice, are no deal breaker or deal maker as far as we are concerned. Of much more significance are the pricing, the itinerary and the ship itself - we do not find the huge new giants of the sea to be an attraction to us - more like something to avoid

[leoandhugh]

OOPS sorry I meant the new things offered by Princess too late to correct

[m steve]

and putting Tamarind on all the ships for a few years until something new comes along? That menu is really exciting. A reason to sail Eurodam inspite of all the other problems.

[newmexicoNita]

Over on the Princess board there's a report of information given at a Princess seminar. Here are some of the new things that line offers:

New menus are being implemented with over 300 new recipes and they are in place on some ships now and will be phased into others through the end of next year.

There is a new Sabatini's menu and menu upgrades at Sterling Steakhouse.(Princess' alternate, extra-charge dining facilities.)

Chef's Table ($75.00 per person, includes wine and champagne, and cookbook worth $38.00) is now available on some ships.

Coming throughout 2009, waffle stations in buffet, the return of lemonade, evening canapes in various places (free), chilled face cloths, misting stewards, and free hot chocolate and bullion on deck in Alaska. (HAL has chocolate and pea soup.)

Live entertainment in the Piazza.

More destination specific entertainment (folkloric shows, etc.)

New TV stations with ESPN, Sports Center, and BBC World.

Fitness at sea with "Gillian Clark" piped in to TV in cabin to work out in cabin.

Yoga for kids "Karma Kids". Also guest entertainers just for kids.

Launch of WIFI (for fee) to all staterooms.

On all Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, and Hawaii cruises a golf pro will be on board. Nike club rentals and purchase.

So what do you think? Like these? Want to see some/all on HAL ships?
talk about a competitive world? It looks like every line is updating everything, added new programs, trying to outdo each other. Now, let's watch the prices reflect the changes.

Nita

[Jade13]

Where are the chilled washcloths? I've never seen them. Cruised in a very hot Western Mediterranean a little over a year ago and never saw any.



The chilled mint scented cloths are new and I was told on Noordam (Eastern Med) they are now fleet wide. They were at every port. We did the Western Med on Westerdam in 2007. They are one of the new pluses!

[gizmo]

I have seen the chilled washcloths on both 2006 and 2007 Caribbean cruises. :)

[PathfinderEss]

This was the menu that Copper 10-8 posted:

Here's Eurodam's PG menu:

The Beginning:
French Onion Soup King Louis XV, Lobster Bisque, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Vine Ripened Beefsteak Tomato Salad, Baby Arugula Salad, Caesar Salad, Dungeness Crab Cakes or the Pinnacle Ocean Platter

The Grill:
Filet Mignon, New York Strip Steak, Bone-In Rib Eye Steak, Porterhouse, Colorado Lamp Chops, Grilled Veal Chop, Chicken Breast, Filet Steak Diane or Filet Mignon Burger.

Sea Food:
Broiled King Salmon, Broiled or Poached Lobster Tail or Cedar Planked Black Cod with Shrimp Scampi

The Intrigue:
Land and Sea (Surf & Turf), Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, Roasted Vegetable Tower

Side Dishes:
Creamed Spinach, Sautéed Button Mushrooms, Sautéed Onions, Asparagus, Scalloped, Whipped, Jumbo Baked or Shoestring Potatoes and/or Basmati Rice

The Finale:
Not-So-Classic Baked Alaska, Warm Grand Marnier Chocolate Volcano Cake, Velvet Soufflé – Chocolate or Vanilla, Creamy Homemade Raspberry Cheesecake, Chocolate And Raisin Bread Pudding, Pinnacle Crème Brulee, Fresh Seasonal Fruits and Berries, Premium Ice Cream or Sorbets and/or the Assortment of International Cheeses.

What's different about this menu? Looks like the same menu Hal has had in the PG since the creation of the same. I've been having the Beefstake Tomato Salad, Filet Mignon, Scalloped Potatoes, and Creme Brulee since the PG opening.

[iancal]

It is great that they are changing the menus. I hope they do it more often and that other lines follow suit. And add more regional specialties. But, it would be nice if they could ditch the baked alaska w/parade.

We like Princess, but they should also be including a complete revamp of the buffet area (HAL could serve as a model), upgrading their mattresses to something similar to HAL, and ANY improvement to that awful stuff they pass as coffee would be an improvement. Don't care about waffles, ice cream, the cookbook or the TV channels. Don't care about wifi unless they lower the cost-otherwise we stick to the land base internet points as much as possible.

[heavenly]

Princess Rewards Loyal Passengers With Additional Benefits
Tue Aug 26 2008, by Travel Trade Staff

The Princess Cruises loyalty program, Princess Captain's Circle, is adding new benefits for its Platinum and Elite members.
New benefits for frequent cruisers include:
Wireless Internet Access - Members can now choose to use their free Internet package minutes on their personal laptops in wireless hot spots or in the Internet Cafes. This benefit rewards guests with a credit of $75 to $400 per person towards Internet use, depending on cruise length. Wireless connection is available on all ships in various locations and this new member benefit will be available fleetwide by Winter 2008.
Exclusive Phone Number - Members will have their calls directly routed to the Circle Desk through an exclusive phone number expressly for Princess' most loyal cruisers. Calls to the new number will be referred to a membership representative so passengers can check on their cruise history, member status and benefits.
Vacation Protection Upgrade - Beginning with Summer 2009 cruises, the line is introducing a new Princess Vacation Protection program that will replace Princess Travel Care, and will feature additional benefits. For North American Platinum and Elite Circle members, Princess will provide a complimentary upgrade to the higher level Princess Platinum Vacation Protection, offering members more coverage than before, including a 100% "cancel for any reason" benefit. The new Platinum- and Elite-level benefits are for passengers who have taken at least six and 16 cruises, respectively. The Princess Captain's Circle offers an array of loyalty benefits including Launch Savings discounts for early booking, free mini-bar set up, free laundry services, priority tender embarkation, complimentary wine tasting, a boutiques discount, preferred embarkation and disembarkation, a Referral Rewards program and last-minute sailing opportunities.

[Pam in CA]

Don't care about wifi unless they lower the cost-otherwise we stick to the land base internet points as much as possible.Actually, being able to use your own laptop using the Internet package does lower the cost of WiFi. Otherwise, it was charged at $.50/minute with no discounts available.

[m steve]

that the internet charges on ships are rediculous. I just go to internet cafes in port and pay less than $5 for an hour on high speed connections.

[doone]

We had leomonade on the Veendam this past March, every day at 10 a.m.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Hey doone -- what weeks in March were you on the Veendam?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Princess Rewards Loyal Passengers With Additional Benefits

Tue Aug 26 2008, by Travel Trade Staff

The Princess Cruises loyalty program, Princess Captain's Circle, is adding new benefits for its Platinum and Elite members.
New benefits for frequent cruisers include:
Wireless Internet Access - Members can now choose to use their free Internet package minutes on their personal laptops in wireless hot spots or in the Internet Cafes. This benefit rewards guests with a credit of $75 to $400 per person towards Internet use, depending on cruise length. Wireless connection is available on all ships in various locations and this new member benefit will be available fleetwide by Winter 2008.
Exclusive Phone Number - Members will have their calls directly routed to the Circle Desk through an exclusive phone number expressly for Princess' most loyal cruisers. Calls to the new number will be referred to a membership representative so passengers can check on their cruise history, member status and benefits.

Vacation Protection Upgrade - Beginning with Summer 2009 cruises, the line is introducing a new Princess Vacation Protection program that will replace Princess Travel Care, and will feature additional benefits. For North American Platinum and Elite Circle members, Princess will provide a complimentary upgrade to the higher level Princess Platinum Vacation Protection, offering members more coverage than before, including a 100% "cancel for any reason" benefit. The new Platinum- and Elite-level benefits are for passengers who have taken at least six and 16 cruises, respectively. The Princess Captain's Circle offers an array of loyalty benefits including Launch Savings discounts for early booking, free mini-bar set up, free laundry services, priority tender embarkation, complimentary wine tasting, a boutiques discount, preferred embarkation and disembarkation, a Referral Rewards program and last-minute sailing opportunities.


We are Elite Members on Princess -- haven't sailed on them for quite a few years.

But some of the new perks -- we had -- like the free first set up of the mini-bar; free laundry service; a 10% off discount in the Boutiques.

But I sure would love it if HAL gave free Internet service for those of us who have sailed on them quite a bit.

[doone]

KK, I was on the 2-week cruise, February 24th into March.

[Krazy Kruizers]

doone

We just missed -- you were getting off on March 9th when we got on.

We did the 7 day beginning on March 9th and the 14 day beginning March 16.

[kakalina]

Perhaps it has something to do with the length of the cruise? We always take longer cruises. On these long cruises we have always had the iced washcloths served by a deck steward as we prepared to reboard the ship. These were greatly appreciated in the Amazon and French Polynesia.

There has always been lemonade served free on the Lido. The problem with the lemonade is that it is available for such a short time. I think it was 10:30 to 11 am.

The PG menu as of last Feb was the same, but I love the food served there so it isn't a problem. I wouldn't mind trying some of the newer dishes listed.

As for the excercise program in your cabin; I don't think there's near enough room for stretching out and doing them unless one has a penthouse suite.

Yoga for kids? I choose cruises that aren't likely to have kids on them so I wouldn't care one way or another.

Our last cruise not only offered a Chef's table but a murder mystery dinner. It was great $79pp included all the wine you could drink and a lovely dinner in the PG. The cast from the production shows played the parts and you might have had a stranger at your dinner table. One with neferious thoughts and murder on his/her mind. I hope they have one again next month.

As for local folkloric shows, we've seen plenty. In Hawaii they brought on local lei makers who taught us how to make them, local hula dancers and a children's dance program. In French Polynesia we had the "star lady" who took us out on deck and showed us the Southern Cross among other things, we had a childrens folkloric show in Tahiti, we had dancers and storytellers in Bora Bora. I've been extremely pleased with the local color HAL provides.

[doone]

Was it the same itineary each week or different?

[Krazy Kruizers]

The 7 day cruise was the Western Caribbean.

The 14 day cruise was like your itinerary.

[Taxguy7]

X take can their washcloths and put them on their balconies where you can't smoke. I'll stick to HAL and their liberal and adult smoking policy.
Liberal, yes. Adult, no. An adult has respect for his/her neighbors.
Been there, done that.

[JimVrhovac]

These have been around for years when returning to the ship in port.

At least 8-9 years in our recollection

Ruth & Jim

[JimVrhovac]

If every line had the same menu's and the same perks we would be complaining because there is no differences between them.

We like the uniqueness of the differences between the lines and hope it stays that way.

Ruth & Jim