runner2013

Hi all, Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I'm happy to report DH's buddy made it onto the ship and is having a great time. He did some sightseeing in Italy the day before embarkation and is enjoying his time on board. He still plans to talk to the Next Cruise people regarding his 'future cruise' situation he was told he signed up for by Princess Promotions, (whether or not they can help him, he doesn't know) but otherwise he says he is satisfied. If I heard more i'll report back. P.

HI all, Well, It's go time for dh's buddy. They all leave this afternoon for Italy. They received their cabin assignments, are all checked in on the app, and I believe made all their dinner reservations as well. Not sure if the buddy ended up getting travel insurance or not, didn't want to ask and seem like I was beating a dead horse. They arrive on Sunday, (flying from United States) and don't board until Tuesday the 2nd. Supposedly they have tours booked for the Vatican and one other place. They also have transportation arranged from the hotel to the pier on embarkation day which makes me feel better. My final piece of advice was to bring copies of everything, just to have. You never know what you might need. The buddy did also say Princess Promotions paid for the entire cruise upfront and will be taking payments from his credit card until sometime next year. So, I guess that situation was straightened out as well. Anyway, that's all I've got. If the buddy happens to contact DH while sailing i'll be sure to let you all know. To anyone else who may be hopping on this sailing, safe travels and have a great time😁

I want to say there are a few policies you can buy close to the sailing date, but the options included in them are not the best. If/when I hear anything else I'll be sure to come back here and let you all know. Thanks for your input and advice. As always much appreciated.

Hi all, Just thought i'd pop back in with a quick update. Hubby's buddy asked us for help booking travel insurance for the trip. We thought they already had it through Princess, but his buddy said they felt it was too expensive and wanted to look elsewhere. His significant other has a very sick sister and they're looking for a policy that will cover them in case the worst happens, and they need to leave the ship and fly home. I took him to the sites I usually use but they too, did seem expensive. I advised him to call the company directly and speak with an agent. I felt that would be the best way for them to possibly get the best rate for the option they need. They also have their flights through Princess after all. Originally, he said they did, then he said they didn't, now they do. No idea what to make of this but again we're staying out of it. We also don't know if the buddy has gotten his cabin assignment yet, or if the travel agents/company he's been using this entire time is still taking money out each month to pay for the mysterious future cruise he agreed to when he originally booked. Again, we don't feel there's anything we could do at this point anyway, so we'll let sleeping dogs lie. They are all supposed to leave this Saturday. They join the ship April 1st in Italy. We're hopeful but nervous. Once I hear anything I'll report back.

I didn't even know there was a club being built in Nassau. Now Cozumel as well 🙄. Good for folks and/or families who will use it and enjoy it. But me personally, not that interested in going to Nassau or Cozumel on a large portion of my cruises. I walked around Perfect Day at Coco Cay once, it was wonderful but that was enough. If I wanted a beach vacation, I'd have booked a nice hotel somewhere in the Caribbean.

The Medallion technology is pretty nice. We were skeptical at first but once on board it seemed to work out pretty well. One fun note, when standing by the elevators, watch the big info screens on the walls. They read who is nearby and sometimes will put a welcome message on the screen with your name. We were onboard for our 1st year wedding anniversary and all week every time we approached a screen it changed to a congratulatory message with our pic and glasses of champagne. It was a nice little touch that we appreciated. Definitely something you'd never get from Royal.

We've also sailed with Princess several times. I agree, the display screen outside the room is a very nice idea. It worked out well for us every time.

OOhhh, When does this happen? Every morning or only certain days.: Is it listed in the Compass?

Thanks everyone for the help. This is our first time on an Oasis class ship and we wanted to make sure we know what to expect.

Hi all, We will be sailing on Allure in October. While reading online versions of the Cruise Compass from Jan 2024, it says reservations required under several of the shows. Can anyone who's been on Allure recently confirm reservations are actually needed or is it still just walk up/first come open seating? Thanks

Hi all, First time DH and I are booked on Allure and wondering if we can see the Aqua show from our balcony. We're in Cabin 11729 on Deck 11. We've never been on an Oasis class ship and have no idea what to expect. Tia

Yes, his long-time gf is going but don't know how involved she is with things. DH and I are staying out of things as much as possible at this point. DH tried offering suggestions at the beginning and the buddy wasn't interested. We're hoping for the best.

Only once, when DH and I got married 2 years ago this May.

HI all, Quick update. DH spoke to his buddy the other night and he actually said he feels he bit off more than he can chew. Says he should have stuck with a much shorter, easier to handle trip. DH asked him about the app and checking in, and dinner reservations etc. Guess the buddy has the app downloaded but hasn't done his check in yet. Buddy also told his sister who's going she was in charge of making all the dinner reservations for them. She wants no part of it. Hubby stressed buddy may want to get on the dinner situation sooner rather than later. I hear anything else I'll keep you all informed. When all is said and done, I'm still hoping for a good outcome. 🤞

Hi all, Is there still a happy hour type thing in the Crown lounge every night with free drinks during that time? We just reached diamond and know we receive 4 drink coupons each day, but weren't sure if the hh still existed or was replaced by the coupons . Thanks