Titanfan22

I do not like how the upfront tips have become required over the years. It used to be that you tipped for service for those you came in contact with and all were eager to please knowing our culture is to tip for great service. Now it seams like you tip up front, then for good service you have to tip additionally. For example, if you want prompt service for a drink on the pool deck, tipping is a must. I compare this to an all inclusive resort in Cancun where they say leave your wallet at home and there is no prepaid gratuity listed in their rates. While no tips are required, you must tip if you want better service. I’m ok with this as I don’t feel like the company is double dipping and using it to supplement their payroll. As for our culture, how about when I have to pay $125 for a massage (on or off ship), because I occasionally have back pain, and I get an envelope that says “suggested gratuity” is 20%. What did I just pay $125 for? FYI, I do tip well as I feel compassion for those in the service industry that make an effort to earn it, but I don’t tip twice for the same service. Nor do I tip my Chiropractor or Dentist at all. So, in general, are gratuities a required cost for goods and services, or optional? Should the definition change?: noun,plural gra·tu·i·ties. a gift of money, over and above payment due for service, as to a waiter or bellhop; tip. something given without claim or demand.

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Reset UN and Password again and it finally works. Princess must be reading this board😉

Am I the only one (past passenger) that cannot log in to the Princess website? When I reset password, it still comes back “your login attempt was unsuccessful”. Last winter I had the same issue and called princess, they said it was a temporary issue. Have tried many times over the past year and same response. Called last week and got another person that couldn’t help. Can you access your account on the website without having a current booking number?

Do you think, maybe, all a setting a lower ceiling for “free” food so people will be more inclined to purchase the upgraded “casual” or “specialty” dining to increase profits?

Thanks for all of the great input. Selected EMERALD obstructed over promenade (opposite side from Piano bar) for 12 day Eastern Caribbean on the Regal.

I have not cruised on the Regal or her sister ships. I am cost driven so I am looking at a standard balcony room at the front or the rear of the ship. I would appreciate any input I can get on the following questions: 1). I will be all over the boat, so no matter which end, I’m prepared for a marathon. As far as ride, noise, etc., is there a preference or an advantage to one over the other. 2). Which deck is preferred. I would like to be able to look straight down to the water and side to side from the balcony but don’t want to be any higher than I have to be. I’ve considered an obstructed balcony on Emerald deck over the promenade, however it appears you cannot see right or left past the tender boats? 3). I’ve been told port side is typically better but have no reason why? 4). It appears that the obstructed view is the only way to get a balcony the is deeper. Is that correct? Again, tender boat concerns. (Other than upgrading room) 5). Are there thermal spa facilities like other cruise ships? Any idea what the daily cost would be? 6). I see specialty dining and now casual dining, can someone explain the difference? I’m considering a 12 day cruise and would like to learn as much as possible about this ship. Any other tips would be appreciated also. Thank you in advance!

Tks for the response. The Italian restaurant is available on the App however the Steakhouse hasn’t been since the day I booked.

Any feedback on how to book specialty dining once on board? Tks

Tku. So, for 7 day cruise you 50 cents on the dollar in obc for every $100 spent on future Cruise deposit money

I have not cruised Princess before. Information regarding any or all of the title topics would be appreciated. Cruising solo Jan 29 on the Ruby out of Galveston. As I consider various options the following questions come to mind: Sanctuary: Can you book for the week? If so approximate cost and how / where do you reserve? What amenities give it value? Are there servers taking drink orders? Specialty dining: App has not had the option to book Crown Grill since I reserved months ago. Is there a special way to do it, or how / where would I do it when I get on board? Thermal Suite / Spa : should have thought about this before I booked a room closer to the rear of the ship, lol. Not a lot of info online as to what is available. I’ve seen mainly steam rooms, sauna, and warm ceramic beds. Is there anything else that makes this option appealing, hot tubs? Therapy pools? Etc. Future Cruise Credits: How do future Cruise Credits purchased on board work? Are they limited to future deposits only or as OBC overall. Is the amount limited Cruise by cruise? I’ve purchased on NCL before at $500 for $1000 future but they can only be used towards room deposits and limited to $250 per room per trip. Sorry, I know this is a lot to digest. I think Princess could do a better job upfront providing info on these subjects. Thanks so much for any insight you can offer.

Thank you for the link. Based on the illustration above there is a SMP garage shown directly across from Terminal 25. After looking at the schedule you provided, it appears I will be leaving from terminal 28. Is the SMP garage close? Or should I consider the Express lot near Terminal 28? I’ve never parked in Galveston so just looking for some advice. I really don’t want to shuttle to a remote lot when we return, u would just like to get off the ship and walk to my vehicle. Tks

What terminal does Princess cruise sail from? Is the covered garage close enough to walk? Tks

Thanks so much for the feedback. Did Hilton provide a shuttle back to the hotel when your cruise returned? Or do you remember there being plenty of taxis?

I have some points I can use for a park and stay hotel, just wondering if my vehicle will be safe for the week. I’m looking at the Hilton Island resort, has anyone in the group stayed there before? If so any info would be appreciated. Tks

Thanks for all of the great information. It’s a shame there are so many different types of insurance where some win and some can’t even afford to insure. Even worse to see a CEO’s of these struggling insurance companies taking home $15 - $20 million a YEAR in compensation. The system is broken.

I’m considering my first MSC cruise in the near future on the Meraviglia, I would appreciate any advice as to which floor and / or location is best for a standard balcony room. Or those locations to run from. Also, I have been directing these boards and still am not clear on a few other things: Are gratuities included in the price of the cruise? What does the free drinks and WIFI include? Where can you find pricing for cruise add ons such as dining -package and thermal spa pools and etc? Do they have have comedy shows or other non-production shows? Can you use drink package while at the island on shore? Any other info you would like to throw in would be great! Thanks to all in advance!

Tks for the additional info. I will review Ehealth..

Thank you for your response. I will review the options you have mentioned . I am sure there are many different ways people have dealt with this so hopefully others will contribute to this question. Tks again.

I’m sorry if this thread is off cruise topic, but I have been searching for a group of 55 plus to maybe find great options for those retirees that have taken the plunge. My wife and I are considering retirement the end of next year so we can spend more time together and with family. I will be 60 and she will be 59. Our big hang up is health insurance for several years until we hit 65. We have had a terrible time dialing in the cost so we can budget and feel comfortable taking the leap. Any input as to good recommendations and what may work well for you would be appreciated. An idea of cost would help also. Thanks so much for pulling away from cruise mode to help.

We’re looking for some quick tips, from some past cruisers, for choosing a balcony room on an upcoming Breakaway cruise. It appears our choices are located on decks 9 thru 14. Is there any particular areas that would be beneficial or those to stay away from? I’ve also been told port side rooms are better, for what I don’t know. Thanks in advance for the advice.

Sorry, I was a little impatient and posted again in this forum just before you responded. I wanted to get it out here for more input before heading to work that day. I truly appreciate your insight. Tks

Thanks for the great feedback. I will reach out to the Trip Insurance Store for more information prior to booking.

Thank so much for the great input. I will contact the Trip Insurance Store for more information before booking.

Do you know how this works, will it be an outrageous surcharge or will there be a set fee?