jpom18

Ate there on the enchanted in Feb.  No dress code that I noticed, I had on jeans and a polo shirt which is my standard dinner dress.  I didn't feel out of place and didn't notice anybody in there dressed any way specifically. 

I actually enjoyed the food quite a bit.  I had the lobster Mac and Cheese as my appetizer and it was really good, the burger (minus the Jalapeno) as my main was also very good, if a little smaller then I'd like, then I had the strawberries and cream for dessert.  All in all I was happy with it and even if I thought the burger a little small I did not walk away hungry.

For value at $18 I personally didn't think it was out of the norm and I would go back.

I don't think there were any TV's but if there were I didn't notice what was on them at the time.

I have seen something similar.  In my case I had a cruise booked and when looking at it when not logged in I was seeing the promo price for new bookings only. 

When I logged in the system was smart enough to know that I already had that cruise booked and so the price I saw was the regular price, which was higher then I had booked at originally and the New Booking promo price.  At least that's what the Princess person told me.

Personally I've found that Princess seems to be limiting promo pricing to new booking much more often now then they did before.  Whereas I used to be able to pretty much always just re-fare, now it seems like you often have to cancel and re-book to get the new pricing.  Sure it can be done if you have refundable deposit, etc. but it's a much bigger hassle then just re-faring.  Of course it could just be me as well.

I went back in February and it was different, which is why I went.  Like you I have been to the Crown Grill and Sabatini's a number of times so wanted to try something different.

That said, the food they have is not really my cup of tea so to speak, but it was okay.  I started with the Escargot, which while good had more garlic then even I would have liked and I love my garlic, I was feeling those the rest of the night.

The "goat cheese" olives were not what I was expecting but different.

I had the seabass fillet which was really good but small.

As stated above you're not really in a restaurant area but rather sitting in the middle of the atrium with people walking through on their way to wherever.

Was it worth the extra cost, tough to say.  For what I got I would be hard pressed to say it was, that said I went to try something different I wasn't really worried about if I was getting good value and it was different so there is that. 

Given the choice I would take CG or Sabs over BsM and I, personally, feel that that I get more "bang for buck" at those 2 then BsM.  Again, there wasn't anything really wrong with the food but it just wouldn't be my first choice in the future and I can't help but feel the other restaurants have better value.

I also had their Fish and Chips one night delivered to cabin, wasn't overly impressed, the fish reminded me of the the old Highliner Fish sticks my mom used to make when we needed a quick meal.

Off-Topic but I also went to Salty Dog for dinner and enjoyed that, obviously not in the same market as BSM but for the lower up charge and what I got I thought it was good value and I enjoyed it (just personal opinion).  $18 for Lobster Mac and Cheese, a good burger, and dessert didn't strike me as overly out of this world, but then I'm in Canada where a burger at a basic restaurant is $18 and at a burger joint can be $25-$30.

If you're Canadian, yes.  Some other nationalities do as well to get back into the country without quarantine, fines, etc.

If you are American and just headed home inside the U.S. as far as I know you do NOT.

I got off Enchanted in Fort Lauderdale last Friday (18th).  After getting off in FLL and going to the testing area I was told that they were not testing people flying out the same day.  Only people flying out the next day (day after disembarking) were allowed to get the test.  Anybody flying out same day had to go to the airport and get tested there at their own expense ($160pp USD).

Personally I had a backup Telehealth test from Switch Health with me so was able to use that, but I talked to a few people at the airport that had been told the same thing, they were going to try and get the cost back from Princess but I'm not sure if that ever happened.

We were given a notice on ship the day before disembarking telling us that testing would be available at the port at no cost.  They did say that due to constraints there may be a delay or line-up for testing but there was no mention at all that they would not be testing for people flying out same day or that there were limited supplies.

Also FYI - I was booked on a Princess transfer to the FLL airport and was off the ship around 8:30am, another couple i met up with at the airport walked off on their own around 7:30 and were told that they had run out of tests, not sure how that could have happened though.

Bottom line, I would not bet on Princess providing the required tests at the port for you to fly home.  Be prepared with a backup plan.

So for the record I got off the Enchanted yesterday and went to go look at getting  tested at the port in FLL.  Was off around 8:45am and the person at the testing station informed me that they would only test those that were flying out the DAY AFTER disembarkation.  If you were flying out the same day they would not test you and you would have to get tested at the airport. 

Thankfully I had brought a test with me and already done it that morning however I was talking with another couple off the ship at the airport and they had gotten off around 7:30 and were told that they had no more tests available at the port.  They had to go to FLL and pay $160 USD each to get tested. 

They were going to go back to Princess and try to get reimbursed but there was nothing provided on the ship stating that would be possible or that testing would not be available at the port for flying out same day.  In fact the info sheet given to us said that exact opposite and provided the same info that Princess states on it's website.  At lot of good that did people.

On 2/11/2022 at 2:41 PM, remydiva said:

so if Princess provides 'free' testing for those who need it to fly home ie. to Canada, but you wait at Port, why the sign with the prices posted? Also what if EZ air books you a 11 am flight but your test isn't ready in time so you twiddle your fingers waiting at the port vs waiting at terminal to fly home?

So for the record I got off the Enchanted today and went to go get tested at the port if FLL.  Was off around 8:45am and the person at the testing station informed me that they would only test those that were flying out the DAY AFTER disembarkation.  You were flying out the same day they would not test you and you would have to get tested at the airport.  Thankfully I had brought a test with me and already done it that morning however I was talking with another couple off the ship at the airport and they had gotten off around 7:30 and were told that they had no more tests available at the port.  They had to go to FLL and pay $160 USD each to get tested.  They were going to go back to Princess and try to get reimbursed but there was nothing provided on the ship stating that would be possible or that testing would not be available at the port for flying out same day.

May not matter much longer but something to be aware of.

Just had mine done on the Enchanted yesterday (In FLL today).  Received a notice the day before to meet in Amalfi Dining Room between 8-8:30am.  Got in line, scanned my Medallion, got a number and sticker.  When it was my turn to be tested they take the number and sticker (sticker goes on the test) and swab your nose (it's a rapid antigen test).  Then they tell you to go back to your cabin for 15-20 minutes and they will contact you if there are issues, no news is good news.

No charge for this, no results were provided and nothing was required to get back on the ship (I did not go out into FLL).  My assumption is that if you go out and wander then having the In Transit card allows you to bypass the requirement for test results as if you had tested positive the day before they would not have given you an In Transit card.

As stated we did not have to pack anything as if you tested positive you would have known the day before arriving in FLL.

Good advice, I check mine every day.  I had $200 charged to my account from the Spa two days ago.  Called the Customer Service Desk and they contacted the spa and had the charges removed, however they missed a $10 charge so I had to go back and have them remove that one as well.  I was no where near the spa at the time of the charges but they said likely they punched in the wrong cabin number.

They've been having this sale for a bit now, I think it is only cruises this month and next and maybe March (Princess says Spring 2022 but I don't know what they classify as spring) and it expires on January 24th. 

I know the Caribbean I am on next week the solo rate is $400 more then the per person rate for 2, two people are $4000 each (CAD) and a solo is $4400 (Balcony).  It is for new booking only (so didn't help me)

As to the OP, I see the same thing, likely because of the sale they are not offering the BSE on solo rates.  When you consider that a normal cruise solo's basically pay for 2 full fares I guess Princess figures that the solo discount they are offering is far better then the BSE value.

It makes sense (sort of) when the standard per person fare for 2 is $4,000 standard, $5,200 for BSE, and $4,400 for a solo (without BSE).  Under normal conditions the solo would pay $10,000+ for the BSE.  No way that the Drinks, Grats, and Wi-FI would come out to the $5,600+ difference.

Keep in mind all my pricing is CAD. 

The link is here, https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/covid-19-protection-program/

First point under shoreside states:
"If you test positive for COVID-19 during your cruise, you will be reimbursed for expenses for COVID-related medical care, including those incurred during any medically required post-disembarkation quarantine period. This includes air change fees if onward travel plans need to change."

Third Point:

"Any shoreside meals will be covered by a daily meal allowance, which you’ll learn about from the family assistance coordinator when you disembark. (No receipts required.)"

And Point 6 under the FAQ on that page:

"Can I book my own hotel if I am required to quarantine post-disembarkation before returning home?

Hotel accommodations will be arranged by Princess with one of our contracted hotel partners. Should you select a different hotel, you will be reimbursed only for the amount of the contracted hotel rate. Any incidental charges, costs related to room upgrades and additional room nights in excess of what is provided by Princess, requested or arranged by you, is your responsibility. Princess will provide hotel accommodations until a medical professional clears you to travel home."

I also double checked this and have a chat transcript with Princess confirming that Princess will reimburse for a set amount per day for hotel, and meals if you test positive upon disembarkation and have to quarantine.

------------

Lorraine R 
As verified, Princess will cover only a specific amount  for hotel accomodations for post cruise incidents.

Lorraine R 
This will be discussed at the port for the details.

Me 
Other points on that page indicate that Princess will work with one of their hotels (or reimburse to a certain amount) and will give a daily allowance for food.  I just wanted to make sure that I was not mis-understanding something and that Princess will cover quarantine costs if testing positive upon disembarkation (within the limits specified on that page).

Lorraine R 
Yes, that is correct. As mentioned, this will be discussed further at the port if  proven that you have contracted Covid upon disembarkation.

------------

One thing to note, from what I have been able to figure out if you cancel using the book with confidence, while the credit might come from princess you have to use that to book AND sail by the end of 2022 according to their site.

If you cancel using the Princess Insurance (via AON) then I was told you have 1 year from the issue of the credit to book and it can sail whenever.

I have 3 weeks booked in Jan/Feb that I am hoping to go on but if I have to cancel I personally would be hard pressed to book and sail on something else by the end of the year.  Firstly I would have to find an itinerary that I actually wanted to do and secondly I would have to get permission from work.  I usually make a request at least 12-18 months prior to take that amount of time off all at once. 

For that reason if I were to cancel I would go through AON before using the book with confidence given the choice.  That said if you cancel outside the 30 days I don't know if they give you a choice.

From princess site:

https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/covid-19-protection-program/

• If you test positive for COVID-19 during your cruise, you will be reimbursed for expenses for COVID-related medical care, including those incurred during any medically required post-disembarkation quarantine period. This includes air change fees if onward travel plans need to change.
• We’ll designate a Dedicated Family Assistance liaison for care and logistical shoreside support until you or the member of your immediate travel party is medically cleared to travel home.
• Any shoreside meals will be covered by a daily meal allowance, which you’ll learn about from the family assistance coordinator when you disembark. (No receipts required.)
• We’ll also offer assistance opening COVID-related insurance claims (for those who are eligible under their insurance policies or travel protection plans).

Can I book my own hotel if I am required to quarantine post-disembarkation before returning home?
Hotel accommodations will be arranged by Princess with one of our contracted hotel partners. Should you select a different hotel, you will be reimbursed only for the amount of the contracted hotel rate. Any incidental charges, costs related to room upgrades and additional room nights in excess of what is provided by Princess, requested or arranged by you, is your responsibility. Princess will provide hotel accommodations until a medical professional clears you to travel home.

This indicates to me that Princess will cover hotel, food, etc. cost (to a certain extent) if you test positive upon disembarking and have to quarantine before heading home.

20 hours ago, MustangGT said:

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerPort-Overload-Protection-Ultra-Compact/dp/B07D25RSWX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9XC7BKUND561&dchild=1&keywords=power+cube+charger&qid=1626908661&sprefix=power+cube%2Caps%2C236&sr=8-1

 

This has been our go-to for our last few cruises.  Works great!

I have one of these as well (I got mine early last year for something completely unrelated to cruising and of course haven't been able to take it on a ship yet).  I thought about taking it on my next cruise and I know it says it is Cruise safe, however the Amazon Canada site states "To preserve space, PowerPort Cube features surge protection, but cannot protect devices from damage caused by severe electrical storms.".  This does not appear on the US amazon site, even though they are the same product, or the Anker site.

I have a strip that has a built in breaker, it trips if my items draw too much and can be reset, but it does not have surge protection.  I don't know if the Overload Protection/Surge Protection they refer to in the product info is actually some sort of breaker or if it actually has some form of surge protection.  I love Anker's stuff but sometimes their product descriptions aren't the best.

12 hours ago, caribill said:

Cruise ships will have to report as a possible Covid-29 case anybody with any Covid-19 symptom.

 

However, it seems that Covid-19 symptoms now include just about any illness symptom including:

"any person with at least one of the following symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath, sudden onset of anosmia, ageusia or dysgeusia. Additional less specific symptoms may include headache, chills, muscle pain, fatigue, vomiting and/or diarrhoea."

 

 

So the first passenger on a cruise that is ill for any reason might make the ship regarded as a plague ship just in case that person has Covid-19.

Ill? Hell I have Headache, Pain, and Fatigue every morning I get up and have to drag my sorry butt into work, funny thing is they all disappear when I'm on a cruise.  Go Figure.

18 minutes ago, phabric said:

One time, I had purchased OBC under Onboard Services at a good rate, thinking I can use to purchase excursions online.  I was told by Princess that Onboard Services OBC could not be used until on the ship. 
 

I always purchase Onboard Services OBC usually it is cheaper than the bank.

Yeah, when Princess first started the Prepay policy for Excursions they didn't allow you to use purchased OBC to pay for the excursions however that was changed after a bit (few months), likely due to complaints.  For us dealing with exchange rates it does make it much easier especially since, as you say, the OBC rate is typically much better then the bank.  I have pre-paid for my excursions online using combinations of promotional OBC and Purchased OBC on every cruise I have been on over the past few years (since Princess started the Prepay policy. 

Yes, Excursions are always in USD whereas everything else in the personalizer (that I can think of) is paid for in CAD.  This is why I purchase USD OBC through the personalizer in CAD and then use that to pay for my Excursions.  This way I'm not getting dinged by the (typically bad) exchange rate and processing fee on my credit card and if I want to cancel or change excursions the amount paid goes back into my OBC.  If I cancel my OBC then I get CAD in the exact amount I paid.  It's much easier to do this rather then worrying about exchange rates and if the current rate is better or worse then you booked at.

Perfect example I had a Carnival cruise booked for later this year that I had pre-paid excursion on and Carnival makes you pay in USD.  When the cruise was cancelled I received the refund for my excursions but because the exchange rate had changed I actually ended losing over $100 on them.

Now whether you want to front he money right now to pre-book excursions, that's a whole different conversation.

From what I've been able to find out there is no set trade-in.  When I was on the CB earlier this month I asked at the Future Cruise office and was told that it would vary depending on ship and there was no way to know until you get on the ship and request the swap.

I also re-fared today and asked the same question and was told that it might be switched out for water, soda, or coffee cards, but he couldn't give an specific as to what exactly the vouchers would translate to in non-alcoholic options.

My guess is that since each voucher is worth (i think) $35 that they'll give as close to $35 in whatever you choose as they can but so far I haven't been able to find out if that's the case.

On 11/2/2019 at 9:48 PM, Chowchows said:

Does anyone have an idea what the nonalcoholic options are?

I'm waiting for a reply from my PVP to double check, however I am on the CB right now and checked with the future cruise office.  Initially they did not know, in fact that wording about non-alcoholic options available is not included in the paper copy of the sale that they have it's only on the website.  I asked them to look into it and let me know, yesterday they informed me that the non-alcoholic options are dependent on the ship.  In other words it's up to each individual ship as to what they want to offer in exchange for the wine vouchers and there is no-way to know what you are going to get for them until you get on the ship and find someone who will exchange it for whatever they decide it is worth, no idea who or what that might be though.

My suggestion is that if you are going to take this offer and plan on trying to exchange wine vouchers to print off the terms and conditions of the sale and take them with you so you can prove that it says you can exchange for non-alcoholic options.  I mean if there is no set option for the exchange then what's to stop the ship from not exchanging it at all, not likely you'll be able to easily fine the terms and conditions at the time of sailing so maybe having a copy it will help in that case.

Maybe someone else will be able to get more (better) info.

1 minute ago, FloaterBoat said:

 

Yeah, we'll be in the Caribbean, where the signal is supposed to be the best.

 

I'm taking a portable router also.  Thats what also makes it possible to Cast in hotels. 

 

So it sounds like if all goes well, we should be good.  Only concern I have now is changing the input.  Hopefully thats not a huge hassle.

Not so far, when the menu screen shows up select the live tv option.  Then use the directional button under the center of the tv, "clicking" it will bring up a option wheel, press the button right and click it again to select input menu then press it down and click it to select HDMI.  I'm watching a show streamed from my HDD right now on my tv.

Like is said after I have switched the input to HDMI and have used my firestick if I turn off the tv I have to unplug the tv and plug it back in for it to work again otherwise I just get a black screen when selecting the HDMI input, however I can switch inputs between HDMI and live tv without an issue.

Also fyi there is now a safetyvideo that plays the first time you turn on the tv, it's like 20 minutes (not sure as I wasntly really paying attention, was unpacking while it played).  As far as I could find there's no way to skip it intially and you have to go through it before you can use the live tv or on demand stuff.

Currently on the CB.  I have a fire stick, streaming is hit and miss, not reliable.  However I have a portable router that allows me to share a drive out so I can stream video that way as a local network.  Coupe things, to get the HDMI input to work you have to put a live tv channel on, if you are on their menu screen you can't switch to HDMI.  I have found as well that once I have the firestick up and running on the HDMI input if inturn the tv off I have to unplug and plug it back in to get it back again, if I don't then when I change to the HDMI input all I get is a black screen.  Don't know if this is just the firestick or just me.  Regardless as I said streaming at this time from online sources is not reliable however we are in quebec and as I understand the medallionet is supposed to be better the further south you are.  So far speeds I see are around 20-25mbps early morning to 1-2mbps during peak time, and ping times are 200ms+ (normal for sat connections as far as I know)

I just got off the phone with my PVP and he stated that the promotion can be booked now for cruises where airfare is not yet available and the $200 credit will be applied when the airfare is booked.

In my case however the cost went up $115/person and as we are going 2 weeks early we're not sure if we will use EzAir therefore to save $85/person (assuming we use EZAir) it wasn't worth it.  We already have the other 3FF perks.

5 hours ago, Tak8 said:

No one will know for sure until pricing comes out next week, but using the Landmark sale as a guide, there is, in my opinion, a huge difference in pricing.  I'm targeting a 10 day Caribbean cruise for December '20.  The travel agency I use has refundable and nonrefundable pricing on their site.

Here are some examples shown in pp rates

Balcony BD. No refund 1410.   Refund 1870

CC mini.                           2159.                2619

For two passengers, that's a good 800 plus difference.

I booked a 15 day Hawaii Cruise in Feb 2021 under landmark and for Balcony (BE) the difference between refundable and non-refundable was $25.  I cruise solo but am paying double occupancy so I'm not sure if that would be $25/person and I'm paying for one or $12.50/person and I'm paying for 2. 

So looks like there could be quite a bit of variation depending on the cruise.

at that price though it was worth the extra to have a refundable deposit for me

So I have the 4 Outlet Monster Power Outlet to Go power strip.  This was what was suggested to me for ship use a few years back.  The specs state that it has a re-settable circuit breaker, but it does not have a surge protector.

When I looked into it from what I could find the circuit breaker basically prevents the items i plug into it from drawing more power then the strip can handle.  A surge protector is designed to prevent power surges coming down the line, from the power source.

From what I was able to find a Circuit Breaker was fine on the ship where a surge protector was not.

I have never had an issue with this being taken away however now I am wondering if my information is correct and if this strip is technically "safe" to use on a ship?

TIA for any info anyone can provide. 

Great, thank you both for the info.