sirclean

I just booked a cruise that leaves in 2 weeks! I dont have the plus package this time. When I went to deal with the medallion I did see a $10 charge. So I backed out and selected pick up at port. I figure that I m not going to pay $10 and risk not having it delivered before I leave to drive to the port, and have to wait in line anyway! On our November cruise, we didnt get our medallions before we left (though it seemed several others had the same problem) and it still took only a few minutes to get the medallion at the port. Not going to worry about it! One less thing to forget while I m packing to go on the trip!

I was on the Ruby last week too! I didnt specifically do the MUTS, but I was at the bar under the screen getting a large glass of ice (so I could make tea), and the popcorn bags were by the bar. I dont know where they should be, or if they were not providing it to all shows, but there was popcorn available at least for one movie.

IF you like, bring post it notes with you. You can leave them on the mirror in the room, or the bathroom and the steward will find them. I was on the ship last week and left a few notes on the back of the breakfast menu card on the top of the lamp next to the bed. If you are on an 80s cruise, then you will have plenty of activities! otherwise, there are shows and entertainment on the ship. I was particularly impressed with one of the singing groups in the lounges, "Simphonee" . Very talented! (I am not certain of the spelling of their group name, but it is nt the spelling for the actual word).

Just off the Ruby. MUTS included the new Top Gun, the old Avitar, Date Night, and Bohemian Rapsady. The last few nights they were showing the basketball tournament.

I am a fan of Alaska Cruises. Princess has cruises that go into Glacier Bay Notional Park. That is my absolute favorite itinerary. Only 2 ships per day are permitted in the park! Also, IF you like the cruise tour options, Princess has several hotels and does a great job at the land portion as well. I like that you can get to Elite Status with as few as 15 cruise credits. While the benefits of having 'the black card' are diminished, it was much easier to earn status on Princess than the other lines. I am not a "Fun Ship" person, so Carnival is not an option for me. Im not yet 60, so Holland America is not yet for me, either. (as that clientele is a little older than Princess!)

This was my wifi on the Ruby on Saturday off the Yucatan (out of Cozumel). I tried to watch a youtube video update that I generally watch on Saturdays, and it was painful! The is no way that I could have participated in a zoom or other meeting requiring interaction! I posted my experience in another thread

It seems to be a flat fee per day. I have not seen a reduction in that flat rate.

"What happens for Princess LAX-to-ship transfers at Los Angeles? Flying SWA. " I fly this myself! At the luggage section, the agents will be there! You dont have to move your bags 100 feet to get to them! They will take your bags and you may have to sit there for a very short time. They will put you on the big bus and then take you to the port. On the way back, they will send you to one of the busses to the airport. IF I recall Southwest is one of the first 4 to get off the bus. (I dont remember if they are first, or fourth, or somewhere in between, but it is earlier than many).

(The Cozumel post was Friday. It didnt seem to post that day)

Saturday. 3:07 pm. Sea Day, heading back to Galveston

10 am in Cozumel. Crew running drills. Docked about 7am.

It is 9:15 local time. We are heading from Belize to Cancun. College Basketball tournament is on the Big screen , and on a 'Special Chanel' that was added. here is the info... not good!!

It is almost 11:30. In Belize today. ship leaves in 3 hours, so not too many people on board.

Roatan. 12:30 pm. Shore day

3/21/2023 3:45 pm local time Off of Cancun Mexico

Have not left the dock Only 2;30, so we can not yet be full!

boarding the Ruby tomorrow in Galveston. Will update this thread IF I am able to get online!!

Please look at this thread: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2896496-internet-unlimited-but-unusable-is-this-unique/ You can log into one device at a time, as described above. Whether you can actually connect to the internet is another matter entirely! There is a phone connection available, and if it were an emergency, that may be worth the cost.

Thanks for the added information. AS an alternative, I dont usually buy alcohol. How much can I buy and bring ashore tax free? And how much are taxes after that?

On the same deck as the Horizon Court, at the stern of the ship, there is a pool/bar area that has some cover, but is outside. It is an area with the infinity pool. However, there is a couch on the left side (looking forward). It is protected. However, IF you are going to Glacier Bay, why look at the glaciers behind glass? Also, if you have a balcony cabin you can sit on the balcony of your room and when you get chilled, come back inside. I was on Discovery in November, and explored the ship precisely with Alaska in mind. I ruled out the Discovery as a ship for me. I prefer to be outside in Glacier bay and look at the glaciers with my own eyes, and not shielded by colored glass. The only place I determined would be for ME was the smoking deck, just above the Infinity Pool I described above. From what I recall, (and I could be wrong) there are heaters by that bar so it may not be too uncomfortable in Alaska, but someone else will ahve to confirm that there are or are not heaters there.

That sounds interesting! Please let me know the details of using OBC at the casino? Do I have to do something first (before the cruise), or can I go to the casino directly to cash out the OBC?

I sail in 3 days and have abundant credits. Id like to use some to restock my Future Cruise Deposits. In your experience, is that a possibility?

Florida #8 I found that some T shirts they returned from cleaning still had to be ironed. Not a big deal. At least they didn't shrink them. It must be the Sea Air!! But after 3 or 4 days on the ship, ALL My clothes have shrunk -- Even the ones I didnt send to the laundry!! It must just be one of the hazards of going to sea!

I believe that there is a $100 price difference between the price of a member with a captain circle number. I dont know about booking 4 different rooms with past passengers, BUT I DO know that you should have the Prior Passengers enter one non passenger as they will each get $25 in cabin credit!! https://www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/ IF one of the past passengers books all 4 rooms, you should get the best price. However, if you are booking 4 rooms, consider looking to see if there is a group discount.

"Or... Just show up when it is convenient for you! " That is good to know! I was just going through all of this myself and I got one part that said that there were plenty of openings for all times and then none of the morning ones available. Which was prompting the next questions, IF Elite status, dont we get priority entry? Why do I need an arrival time at all?