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I think it shows up as an option in the app while you’re onboard.

I am so frustrated that on our recent cruise it became clear to me that our package really was just for us adults, and not our kids. So they didn’t have internet access or drinks (unless we ordered them), and we ran into issues at the photo desk as they took some photos themselves and I had to beg for these to show up. If you’re booking as a family of four in one room, it would be good if they provided an add-on to cover all guests. It wasn’t clear to me that this was how it worked, being our first cruise for a few years, since the medallion was officially rolled out, with new packages. For our next one, I’m thinking we should get the Plus package for us, then I have to spend another $1000 so they can have their drinks and wifi, and buy photos individually. I was originally planning on doing the Premium package, but if the children (teenagers) aren’t included, it seems to make less sense. Not sure, but need to work it out. EDIT: Our recent cruise was only a short 6 day one, and I got the Premier package thinking it covered soft drinks for our children as well. Of course I knew they wouldn’t get alcoholic drinks. But in our last cruises, I would purchase the add-on soft drink and unlimited photo package and this option (photos) has gone. I would then put around $1000 (AUD) in our onboard credit to cover my husband buying beers and us buying stuff like souvenirs, gifts, perfume at the onboard shops. On our last cruise, there was very little to buy and somehow a lot of my onboard credit was still swallowed up due to some mistakes made by staff charging for things included in our package. Still waiting for that to be fixed up.

Thankfully the payments I made for specialty dining for my cruise much later this year have been refunded, as I went in and cancelled them. I'm not ready to sort them out yet. However, I also have a mini cruise later this year (2 days), and I upgraded to the premium package for my husband and I because the drinks package alone makes it worthwhile (more for him than me). So it includes 2 specialty dining for each of us, in other words, both nights. But I cannot seem to book these in advance without paying, rather than using the included credits. I have now paid the mini-cruise off in full. For our most recent cruise, I was able to reserve our dining using the credit. Looking at the terms and conditions, it says I will receive a voucher, and the time and restaurant will be organised by Princess Cruises. I don't think this is correct. Because we're only there for the two nights, I do want to ensure I am able to reserve us our spot. The app just doesn't help much. There is nothing to say that on a short cruise, this part of the package is not included, so fingers crossed it is. The website forces you to go to the app to book, but it only offers the option to pay upfront (which normally I do, but with the price rises, I'm only going to use the credits from the package from now on).

Stupid me was looking ahead at one of our bookings much later this year and found I could make a reservation for Crown Grill. I was testing out the times available. I haven't finished paying for this cruise yet, and didn't think I could do this. I was using the web interface of the app, because I was on my computer. Anyway, I managed to put through these three different times. But I wasn't sure if anything had happened, as it showed no prices - that part of the screen was effectively blank. I was also not given any payment page, which I have been in the past. So I gave up. I went off to my other cruise booked this year (a 2 day escape) and decided to make some payments. Checking my bank account later, I was charged three unknown transactions, which I figured out were the three attempts at making Crown Grill bookings. It turns out the price will have gone up from $40 AUD per person to $52.65 AUD for my upcoming cruise. There was no way I had any idea how much it would cost based on what the screen showed me, and I think that increase is ridiculous. Bearing in mind that on my last cruise prior this most recent one, the specialty dining was around $20 for adults (2019). It does show up correctly in the app itself, but as you can see in the web version on the site, it does not. EDIT: I did press a confirm button or similar, but I thought that would take me to a payment page. I can't remember what happened, and I wasn't game to try again to find out, but it wasn't obvious that I had actually booked it. I guess our days of visiting Crown Grill are numbered. I totally understand costs have increased, but that's just too far. SO - moral of the story is, don't use the web interface of the app - use the app!

We just did that cruise this week, and no alcohol or tobacco sales were available.

It was a weird one, there were people who got in at Adelaide, people getting off, and people getting on. There were plenty of people only getting off for the day though.

If you look at recent reviews you’ll see a lot of unimpressed people.

Sorry, we got off on Monday morning at 10am. Seems odd that it wasn’t obviously open.

Coming off the Grand Princess yesterday in Melbourne, it looked like the PTV counter was shut. Hopefully they’re open for you!

The problem with Jetstar is you get nothing, and pay for everything. You are also likely to get your flight cancelled. I prefer Virgin.

It wasn’t great, but it was usable. The app is definitely not as user friendly as it could be, nor are the tvs in the rooms. It took me the whole cruise to figure out some things because they’re not at all obvious.

We had a booking at Crown Grill last night too, and loved it. My daughter had the lamb chops, which I enjoyed on night 2, and the rest of us had the Filet Mignon. It was beautifully tender. We felt absolutely stuffed, even without having any appetisers (by choice to save space for dessert).

The trivia is extremely popular, and the lounge gets packed out quickly. We have tried to get there at least fifteen minutes early to grab a seat. The great thing about the Explorers Lounge is people passing by can be enticed to come in, while the Vista Lounge is more of a specific destination you need to intend to go to.

I don’t know if the Myki Explorer still exists. It’s certainly unclear on the PTV site. However, all of those attractions are genuine.

We didn’t get to Cape Willoughby, probably to make sure they got back for the next group. Still a good day. And I finally got up to do karaoke this cruise!

We’re heading off soon!

We’re on it right now and enjoying the food at Horizon Court. The ship is a little older, but it’s fine and the staff are doing a great job.

Waiting to go to Kangaroo Island but it might not happen as they can’t send the tenders out apparently. We’ve been waiting for almost an hour. Good thing I have my kindle. I knew this was a possibility though, we just need to see what happens.

We’ve been enjoying a night at Horizon Court as our first two nights were in specialty dining. I had some delicious meat at our early dinner. My girls are in the teen club and enjoying it. We went to Hahndorf on an excursion today, but it was only 2 and a half hours. I love Hahndorf, and it just wasn’t enough time to share with them all the things I’ve loved on my previous visits. It’s been four years since my last one and a lot of things have changed. We probably won’t go to the main dining room, as we like the flexibility of picking and choosing from what’s in front of us. I’m starting to think I’m probably fine with the standard package. I had four alcoholic drinks on the first night, but felt horrendous afterwards (I really don’t drink much), so I’ve been living off ginger ale and lemonade since. The only reason I like the packages is because of the wifi and photos. It might make more sense to pay for those separately, I’ve got to do the sums. For the four of us, it gets expensive. Not that it matters, but I’m not really taking advantage of the inclusions. I’m really impressed with staff on the ship. They work extremely hard, and do an excellent job. There are some little touches missing post-COVID, but it’s so obvious they all take great pride in their roles.

I’ve been suffering a bit with seasickness, and my girls have too. Hoping it will settle soon.

I would strongly suggest checking out the Lume for the Monet exhibition if you would like that sort of thing - it is absolutely beautiful.

Just checked the ship’s position and you’re practically here!

We’re going to be there later this year, so this is helpful! I don’t know if we’ll want it, but it’s good to know, so thank you.

Yes - we'll be in the later afternoon boarding - we're heading to have lunch at Mr Hobson before boarding.

Joining you tomorrow - can't wait to find out what is going on - if they give you details of tomorrow tonight, could you please put them up? 🙂