12 minutes ago, Harters said:

You cannot assume that what is the custom in one country is the same as the next country. We all have our own cultures and that includes different  relationships with tipping. Check out specific websites advising about tipping - and try to find one that isnt American led - they always over estimate the need to tip.

 

You've posted to a Spain related thread, so I'll offer an opinion about that country (which I visit every year for several weeks). Spain is a low/no tip country. Employees are paid proper wages so there is no need to tip. And, indeed, it would never occur to me to tip and guide or driver in Spain. 

 

 

Thank you and no assumption meant, just inquiring.  Appreciate the input on Spain.  Thank you.

On 1/29/2024 at 11:18 AM, Harters said:

I visit Tenerife each year. As you suggest we either pay for things by card or withdraw euros from the ATM. Most banks make a usage charge (maybe 2 euro, sometimes up to 5). As at the time of writing, I know that the Banca March does not charge but all other banks do (unless you are an account holder).

 

Is it common for bank ATMs elsewhere in Spain to also make this charge or is it something specific to the Canaries?

 

Also worth mentioning that, when you pay by card or withdraw money from ATMs, you will be asked if you want to be charged in euros or your own home currency. Always, but always, select euros - that way you will be charged at the official interbank rate and not some potentially scam rate that the business has set up itself. 

Question on tipping for tour guides and bus drivers.  What is customary in Europe?  Thank you

I talked with my TA and she is saying package price varies depending on location and length of cruise, so that would explain the two different prices.

I'm confused on this new plan.  We have two cruises booked one for April -  9 Days on the Ascent and one for January -  12 Days on the Millenium.  The premium access is $33.99 a day on the April cruise and $22.99 on the January cruise.  I've already paid for upgraded 1 device Wi FI on both.

Is it not the same price on all cruises?  And does the upgrade I already paid get deducted?

Thanks.

Couple in our 60's, staying two nights pre-cruise.  Pro's and Con's of either location?  Thank you.

21 hours ago, LACruiser88 said:

What a bumner about the service you received.  Sounds like this crew is a bit burned-out?  As far as towel animals, they are still alive on Princess.  Below are photos from a recent Sapphire cruise in South America 

 

 

 

 

We were on this cruise and have sailed Princess many times.  I’ve never had a towel animal.  🥲

I'm on this cruise too.  Looking forward to it.  We are traveling with 2 other couples.  Doing Hop On Hop Off in San Diego as well but we did it on our own, not through the ship.  We are doing the ship's wine tour, I couldn't find a private tour that worked for us.

This is our first time as Premier, can you explain Princess Prizes?  I think I get everything else.  We'll have to stop for pictures, normally I wave them off.  🤣

Is Gelato included in the Premier package?  I found the Ice Cream in the Unlimited Desserts to be way too sweet (and I love sweets).  Thanks.

3 minutes ago, HBCcruiser said:

I sail from that port all of the time. Just stay together and tell the port folks you are all together if they ask - but they never asked us. Enjoy your cruise! 

I thought your name sounded familiar.  We're on the same cruise on 2/15.  Thanks for your advice!

14 minutes ago, HBCcruiser said:

We have never had a problem doing that. May depend on the port though?

Thank you.  Port is San Pedro, hoping we can!

I think I know the answer but thought I'd ask anyway.  We are Platinum and traveling with two other couples who are not.  Can they board with us as Priority?

Thanks.

Thanks everyone for the information.  Where will you find the photos on the app?  I looked and didn't see anything but perhaps that is because we aren't on the ship.  Thanks again.

We upgraded to Premier on an upcoming cruise.  What photos are included in the package?  We haven't had pictures taken in years and therefore I haven't paid much attention.  Do they still take them when you board and when are in ports?  Are the evening photos included?

Thank you.

Thanks for taking the time to post all of this information.  We're on this itinerary in February.  Looking forward to seeing this ship.

We have 2 days precruise in Barecelona in late April.  

Looking to use the Hop on Hop Off for transportation.  Pro's & Con's?  We are staying H10 Catalunya Plaza.

Looking for Food Tour company recommendations.

Thank you.

We are a group of 6 on the Discovery Princess, February 15.  I was able to reserve Sabatini's for 6.  I have not been able to reserve Crown Grill.  We have the Premier package, so we want to take advantage of the specialty dining.  I've tried to call Princess to discuss, this was an an epic fail.  I plan to address when we board.  Wondering, in the meantime, should we book separate reservations for Crown Grill, for each couple, so we have them?

Anyone with experience, feedback is appreciated.  Thank you.

Thank you for your review.  I'm on the Discovery in February.  Looking forward to it, my first time on one of the newer ships.

On 9/22/2023 at 1:32 PM, scottca075 said:

I like the Queensview Steakhouse at Parker's Lighthouse. Parker's is kind of a tourist trap, more expensive than it needs to be, but the steakhouse is well worth the cost. Gladstone's Long Beach is another landmark spot, also touristy, but fin; Shenanigans Irish Pub is good pub food and usually has live entertainment.

 

If we go to Long Beach to eat, it is usually L'Opera or Michael's on Naples, two outstanding Italian restaurants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are going to be in Long Beach, precruise.  Staying at the Hyatt on 2/14 for a cruise that departs 2/15.  In addition to Queensview, there's also a Parker's Lighthouse resturant, correct?  How is that?  We're a group of 6 and I'm sharing with the others the options for dinner.  Between, Parkers, Queensview and L'Opera.  Can you share your thoughts on  each of the three?  I'd originally thought the location by the water would be best  but based on time of year, it will be dark.  Thank you for your assistance.

On 11/3/2023 at 4:48 PM, scottca075 said:

Frankly, I'd never use Viator, we always book locally. I've used the company below several times.

 

https://bajawinerytours.com/valle-guadalupe-winery-tour/

Do you have favorite wineries you've visited?

14 hours ago, macaroni said:

Thanks everyone…will be there on a Thursday.

I'd love to hear how your stay is at the Crown Plaza, we're there in February and I read such mixed reviews.  Thank you and have a great cruise!

We are three couples traveling on the Discovery Princess in mid February.  We are Platinum, the other two couples are not.  We all upgraded to the Premium Package.  I've been trying to make reservations for all 6 of us (TA linked our reservations) for Crown Grill for one night and Sabatini's for the other.  Not having any luck except Sabatini's for a really early time one night.

Anyone have any experience with this, curious if you were able to resolve on board? The upgraded dining was one of the reasons we upgraded and it's frustrating to not be able to reserve.

Thank you.    

We are three couples traveling on the Discovery Princess in mid February.  We are Platinum, the other two couples are not.  We all upgraded to the Premium Package.  I've been trying to make reservations for all 6 of us (TA linked our reservations) for Crown Grill for one night and Sabatini's for the other.  Not having any luck except Sabatini's for a really early time one night.

Anyone have any experience with this, curious if you were able to resolve on board? The upgraded dining was one of the reasons we upgraded and it's frustrating to not be able to reserve.

Thank you.    

Taking a cruise out of Barcelona in April.  Spending 3 nites in Barecelona precruise.  Has anyone purchased a dual voltage flat iron that works well on thick hair.  I've researched and am seeing a lot of them don't get hot enough to work properly.  I tried a couple of cordless flat irons and they didn't work well on my thick hair.  I've also read the suggestion to purchase when you are in Europe, I'd much rather have this figured out before I go.   Any advice is appreciated.

5 minutes ago, Luv2cruze me and u said:

Check viator.com and search wine tours in Ensenada.  You should find a few in there that have good ratings.

Thanks.  I did see some tours there and others on line.  Was just hoping someone had personal experience with a tour/guide.  

We are in Ensenada on a Coastal Cruise in February '24.  Looking to do a private wine tour.  The ship offers one but we did a ship tour last year and this repeats one of the wineries.  Has anyone done a private tour with a company you would recommend?  Thanks.