Bemidji Ty

A friend who used to work at a local auto dealership tells the story that while working late one evening, near closing time, they saw a man looking at cars. No-one wanted to go see him. My friend said, "I'll go." Turns out he sold a car that night to one of baseball's best hitters and all around good guys ever.

We leave on our first post-covid cruise on HAL in 36 days. We've done a couple on Princess and participated in the "bid to upgrade" process. When can we expect to receive offers to bid on upgrades? Thanks.

When I booked our cruise, I was told I could have 8pm or any time dining. Not wanting to wait 1/2 hour or more, I was told to go to the dining room as soon as possible after boarding and secure reservations.

Thanks for asking. Coming back. First time since early 2020. Can't wait!!

Thanks.

Hi. I've searched this forum and am unable to find current parking options for Cruising out of San Diego. Any help is appreciated.

A few cruises back, I witnessed a large family reserve 2 (two) loungers per person - one in the sun and one in the shade. When they were in the sun, if someone asked nearby cruisers about the shady lounges, they would reply, "Those are ours!" Eventually, someone got a staff member who had a discussion with to the entitled folks and stopped this for a while. The only part I was able to hear was that they were on vacation and had paid for these loungers. Personally, I prefer a quieter, less busy and less dramatic environment with an ocean view. Cheers.

I board the Ruby in two days. My app shows a QR code with the instructions, "Proceed to Green Lane. Have your Medallion and travel docs visible upon arrival." Cheers.

Yikes. Reminds me of someone trying to parallel park without success.

Here's hoping you all get to go. Cheers.

Thanks so much.

Day before embarkation.

T'was a while back.

This reminded me of an incident several years ago on a Princess MR cruise. The ship had just left the pier in Puerto Vallarta when we see "that guy" (the recognizable loud drunk from the ship) yelling and waving his arms on the pier. We all waved back at him. Then, we saw him boarding a small, motorized boat and head for the ship. He's on the bow, still yelling and waving his arms. Our captain apparently decided to allow our ship to coast to a stop while a rope ladder was lowered from a door so he and his overserved girlfriend could climb up the rope ladder while the Mexican boat was riding mildly rough seas and striking the Princess ship with a bit of force. I thought I had a photo but can't find it. Cheers

Thanks for your well-written, honest review. Cheers.

Agree with Memoak. And some of us love the motion of the sea. Cheers.

Thank you for taking the time to post.

No matter what I do (I've tried rotating and retaking my photo multiple times) my photo always shows rotated 90 degrees clockwise online and on board. So be it. Cheers

Wow!!! Thanks again.

Have you told them yet? For me (after over 60 cruises) the anticipation remains fun and exciting.

Some of us recognize and enjoy sarcasm and humor. Cheers

My thoughts exactly. I did take the time to read the fine print in the "Big Box Store's" contract. It states, "Big Box Travel does not participate in cruise line bid-based stateroom upgrade programs."

I just now tried again and got this message. Your reservation is not eligible to place a bid at this time. To be eligible to submit a bid the following requirements must be met: Must be 21 years or older. The booking must be paid in full. Travel Agency must be a participating agency in the Princess Upgrade program. The voyage must be at least five days within final payment. Voyage Length Final payment due before sailing date Bidding opens before sailing 5 days or less 75 days prior 70 days prior 6-24 days 90 days prior 85 days prior 25+ days 120 days prior 115 days prior I believe all the other conditions have been met. My DW says we are fine. But I'll still call and confirm my info.

My TA was a friend who worked with an on-line agency. She got us good deals, occasional upgrades and OBC. When she retired, I looked at the big box store where we go at least once a week to purchase wine, meat, clothes and hot dogs in the food court. (Probably enough hints to figure it out.) Their price was good and included a credit in their store. When the dates for us to have access to the bidding came and went, I was unable to access that platform. I tried to use the Princess chat which can be helpful depending on who you get. I was told to contact my travel agent. So, I called the big box travel dept help desk. The person I spoke with said they didn't participate in that program. I should call again and see if I was given accurate info. But since it appears the ship is going to be full on that cruise, I'll probably let it go. Cheers.

Just a heads up. I didn't read the fine print and I accept full responsibility. We have successfully used bidding system to upgrade our cabin in the past and I was counting on doing so for our next cruise. Our TA retired and I thought that I would use a big box store's travel dept which gives a good price and a store credit for booking through them. When the date for me to bid on cabin upgrades came and went, I called and discovered that by using them, I am locked out of participating in the upgrade bid system. We are fine and will enjoy another wonderful cruise. Just thought some may not know (like me). Cheers.