chrysalis

We're cruising to Norway this summer where local food is so expensive. I have zip locks on my list to bring cheese, crackers, sandwiches, etc. ashore for a "free" lunch.

This is illegal in many ports/countries

Never found a need for a highlighter, either.:)

Looks like this list is getting smaller, so packing is easier and lighter:D

Could be sunny, could be cloudy, could be rainy, could be warm and could be cool. Dress in layers and pack accordingly.

There are some great websites that show historical weather patterns and the princess website does that for various ports.

Let google be your friend.:)

The lobster tails are so small they are hardly worth it. You can go to the buffet on formal night and get all the lobster claws you like.

It has been a few years since we have seen them in the buffet

They used to rent them....some find them annoying. You can leave messages on phones or in mail boxes

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1428195&highlight=walkie-talkie

Is the anytime dining menu the same as the traditional dining room menu ?

Yes, it is.

What time do you leave the Hotel? Depends on the hotel location

Do you Taxi or Shuttle? Taxi

What time do you try to arrive at the Port? 11am

What time do they start the process of loading? (we are Gold members - not that I have seen any advantage to that). Between 11:30 and noon

What time do you typically set foot on the ship? About noon

What do you do once on the ship? Go the our cabin

Are there a number of things you try to do before the ship leaves the Port? Grab something to eat

What time is the Muster drill? 3ish for a 4pm "departure"

What time does the ship pull out? Depends on number of ships in port and the order in which the Harbour Master schedules departure

Where are you when the ship pulls out? Usually near Outriggers on the stern but depends on the ship

They only fire them up for water skiing demos.

I just did a google search, clicked images and found one immediately:)

Don't waste your time...they do not pay attention to it anyways, and will deliver you the standard selection. Call room service to get it switched out.

I don't think that one should put the onus on the steward to enfore the smoking rules. That is hardly their job.

It would be good to know what the Costumer Service Desk said when the OP reported it.

Since Customs and Immigration are the same person in Fort Lauderdale that statement is very surprising.

That was not always the case. Up until a couple of years ago, there was one person you went thru for Immigration and then another for Customs.

WhaT is the context of the question?

In my experience...No, No and No

Do a visit to the Embera Tribe in Panama if you can. It is a great day.

You might get some helpful hints if you identified the ship and/or the itinerary.

Thanks for posting. Im really interested to hear about the bungalows as we are planning on booking them in April. We have someone with limited walking abilities so Im not sure if they would be appropriate. He has a scooter but is that even usable to get to the washrooms?

Some can correct me, but I have never seen a scooter loaded onto a tender for a passenger to use ashore.

Yes, they do...as recently as in March and April. I have always seen them. Usually out on tables (blocking the aisles:rolleyes:)

If someone has pictures/comments of these ships" aft cabins, I'd appreciate your posting them.

 

THX

 

Gary

This is the Royal, but just the same.....

It's called Ogden Point, and is well marked on Google Earth and other mapping sites. (It's the docks just north of the large breakwater).

 

A few blocks to walk, or a short taxi ride into the heart of downtown.

Princess also puts on an unexpensive shuttle bus to the inner harbour, right in front of the Empress Hotel. Good service if walking is not what you want to do.

You know, if I spent my cruise time reflecting on how much profit Princess was making by way of a soda sticker, formal photos, shore excursions, foo foo drinks, extra charge restaurants, wine, casinos, chef's table charges and tapas from the International Cafe, I would end up driving myself crazy.

That is hardly what I want to do on my cruises, not matter how many advanced degrees I have.

I guess if people did not like the prize amounts vs what they paid for a card, then they would stop playing. Same goes for gambling in the casino.

yes, I have noted the blue card also on frequent cruisers

We have stayed on the Plaza deck on Grand-class ships before, and we will be on the Plaza for 20 days next year aboard the Emerald. It is a very convenient and pleasant deck to be on...close to the dining rooms and the International Cafe.

Either cabin will give you a great view out over the water. If I had to pick one over the other, I guess I would select the 211....since the other is across from the self-serve laundry room, and it is slightly more foreward.