mrdood

Anyone stay in a cat. 6e w/ the floor to ceiling window? Any movement or noise? What about pics? I couldnt find any with the search feature. Thanks!

...and you won't unless you go to www.webshots.com here are some of the identical sister ship - Glory click for full size...

Has anyone ever contacted another cruise line about matching your status on Princess? I know that cruises on other Carnival Corp. cruiselines don't contribute to one's status, but if I am Platinum on Princess would Carnival, HAL, or even RCL, NCL, etc match that status? Anyone tried? I know sometimes the airlines will do it as a way to earn your business but have yet to hear of anyone trying it on a cruiseline. Thanks for your input!

That would be totally counter for having the status or rewards program in the first place, at least in my opinion, never heard of it done on the airlines, any examples?

You have dozens of great options, lots of transportation information and reviews in the east coast departure forum:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=415

The charges are VERY similar to a doctors office and are pretty much in line with usual and customary fees in the USA on land. The difference is that for most of us, our insurance has "cut a deal" with the doctors for a much lower charge, and usually we only pay a small part of that deal.

On a ship you pay the full charge, no deal, no discount, if you have insurance, you can get reimbursed later, but you will be responsible for the full amount at the time of service.

I guess I'm just a sceptic. Since the new restrictions have not been enforced as of yet......the truth is no one knows how it will be handeled.

My opinion why even take a chance.

...I agree, I am on my third passport, I just find the whole picture of stranded americans laying all over the Caribbean humorous, the link I posted addresses the new restrictions, they will still let you back in.

Was this before or after 9/11? Considering the new restrictions as of 1/23/07 may not be as easy.

The incident in Germany was my son last Spring...

...the link I posted on the website regarding emergencies is valid for the NEW laws after 1/23, it really is laughable to think that in August if you debark the ship in Costa Maya for an emergency, you a)would not be allowed to fly back home b) would have to travel to Mexico City to get permission from the Embassy to do so.

The only time you would be hassled is if you did not check in first, and that would only require a secondary screening - per the State Department Web site.

The sky on this is not falling.

You're absolutely right, but I don't think that anyone is claiming that you would become a "man/woman without a country" if you tried to return to the US by air without a passport, as long as you're a US citizen. However, I suspect that it could be a major hassle, involving many phone calls and discussions with beaurocrats and airline ticket agents, who may not really know what the law really is (they've just been told that no one gets on a US bound plane without a passport).

Not true, one phone call, no delay, no hassle, I KNOW from personal experience from Germany... State dept. faxed the airline direct....

...and don't misunderstand me, I have a passport, have always had a passport, need it for work and play, I have lived in Europe for several years, traveled all over - had to get extra pages when I was in Europe because of all the stinking government visas etc. I highly recommend getting one.

I just don't like people spreading misinformation that a US citizen will be denied entry into the US without a passport if flying, that is absolutely NOT true. Again, if you are in a hurry, or the airline requires it you will need to be faxed a permission letter from the State Dept. if not, you will just be detained until your citizenship can be validated.

The US citizen, who did not violate foreign laws, trapped abroad is a load of BS!!!

well, as of Jan 23rd you will need a passport to enter the US when entering by air.

 

Personally, I think you should get a passport. Not all countries will accept your birthcertificate either.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

All cruise ports in the Caribbean accept BC and photo ID, or they would not have ships stopping there...:rolleyes: Who cares what is required to get into Beirut, I am not going there, and no, they will not let me in with my BC.

Please see my post above, if you are a US citizen, you will NOT be denied entry back into the US if you have an emergency and need to fly - no matter what country you are coming in from, no matter when in the future as of the current laws. You can expedite your entry by making arrangements in advance, SOME airlines will require you to do this before you board a plane, others will not.

You are being misinformed, you do not currently need a passport to cruise, if you have an emergency and need to fly home, that can be arranged with one phone call quickly and easily before your ship even makes port.

YOU DO NOT NEED A PASSPORT TO FLY HOME IN AN EMERGENCY!!!

here it is form the department of state web:

Q. What happens to U.S. citizens who attempt to re-enter the country without a passport or an alternative travel card?

Under the law, the new documentation requirements may be waived under certain circumstances. These exceptions include individual cases of unforeseen emergency and individual cases based on “humanitarian or national interest reasons.” In addition, the State Department has processes to assist U.S. citizens overseas to obtain emergency travel documentation for those with lost or stolen passports.

For the general public, people who apply for entry but do not have appropriate documentation will be referred for secondary screening at the port. In secondary, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will evaluate any evidence of citizenship or identity the individual may have and will verify all information against available databases. However, to prevent delay at the ports of entry, we would encourage all U.S. citizens to obtain the appropriate documents before they travel.

Come guys US Citizens are not the most popular around the world theses days but many of you are risking leaving the country without proper ID...[edit]

 

Then there is the medical factor if you need to get home in a hurry from any Island it becames far more difficult without a passport (and remember things are already going wrong - want something else to worry about?) Immigrations might let the actual patient back into the country without a passport for Humane reasons but the family might be required to return via the planned way - in this case ending the cruise as originally planned...

I agree passports should be obtained, but there are NOT any risks associated with cruising without one until required - cruise ships do NOT go to Beirut, they go to friendly places - for a reason, and the whole sky is falling thing is just not substantiated with facts, in an emergency you can be cleared with one phone call, even before the ship makes port or while headed to the airport, here it is from the "official" site:

Q. What happens to U.S. citizens who attempt to re-enter the country without a passport or an alternative travel card?

Under the law, the new documentation requirements may be waived under certain circumstances. These exceptions include individual cases of unforeseen emergency and individual cases based on “humanitarian or national interest reasons.” In addition, the State Department has processes to assist U.S. citizens overseas to obtain emergency travel documentation for those with lost or stolen passports.

For the general public, people who apply for entry but do not have appropriate documentation will be referred for secondary screening at the port. In secondary, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will evaluate any evidence of citizenship or identity the individual may have and will verify all information against available databases. However, to prevent delay at the ports of entry, we would encourage all U.S. citizens to obtain the appropriate documents before they travel.

I got my docs yesterday in the mail and they have assigned me a cabin on the Empress deck forward # 7216! Would not have been my first choice but hey I'm in a balcony on the Conquest how bad can it be! I've only been in one forward cabin and it was a little rockier than mid ship but I just take my bonine and I'm just fine. One plus for this cabin is there are cabins above & below and we are really close to the forward elevators! Look for the up side in everything!

That is not a bad location at all, on the Liberty we were on the same side, but back closer to the Atrium 6274 if I remember correctly, we were very close to the Elevators, noise was not an issue.

The only thing I don't like about your location is your balcony is less private, their is a public deck on top of the bridge that will have a pretty clear view of your balcony, which is fine unless you need privacy :p

...even if you found your room it can change right up to the day of sailing, so don't excited, we booked a BL gty were upgraded, then downgraded, it is best to not get your hopes up.

There is a very strong chance you may not find out what cabin you booked until you arrive at the pier, you will get gray tags, they work great, fill them out, then ask the porter what room you are in and write the room number in the space, they take great care in delivering the bags with gray tags.

If you need to order something, you will just have to call the provided 800 number.

Good Luck!

What specifically would you like to know about it???

I always buy one for DW on board - usually the first night if you get it done that night, they have a special - go tour the spa when you board, but I only pay $25 at the massage school for an hour, cuz I am a cheap when it comes to myself. Depending upon your ports, many of the beaches have massage tables and locals doing them, they may not be licensed, but dang it feels good;) you can always negotiate a great price!

I disagree with your assessment of it being popular. I have not read one review in the last 18 months where someone complained about loud music, so I think you are researching a topic that is significantly in the minority.

The live bands and even on the Liberty the outdoor theater is played loud, but it is awesome! There are many areas of the ships and the aft pools where you hear nothing...

If someone is btching about the muzak in the elevators then they truly have a problem...

I would love for you to post a link from a review where someone has complained about the music being too loud - I bet I can guess the demographic...

How do people dress for the dance night clubs? Is it jeans and a t-shirt or kakis and a polo shirt? Thanks.

There is no dress code for the clubs and entertainment venues, you will see it all! Generally it is pretty relaxed.