4x4bob

1 minute ago, Ken the cruiser said:

I would explain your issue on the PCL website's Online Chat to see if they can help resolve your issue.

Thanks

Bob

April this year was on the Discovery Princess for 7 days.  The Princess App malfunctioned when I attempted to operate.  Such as stating that while I was in our cabin it could not provide input because I was not on the ship.  Attempted to get help at the passenger service desk.  They sent me too the  Medallion desk and that was a no go, so just locked my phone in the safe and we relied on the Wife's phone/App.

Now today we just signed up for a September 2024 cruise to Alaska on the Discovery Princess once again.  

I unloaded the Princess App and then reinstalled it using the Confirmation Number to gain access.

On the top of the screen it states Discovery Princess, 11 days until embarkation instead of 112 days.  So, should I grab my suitcase and head for the pier or seek help.  Using option 2, seeking help.  For the record I unloaded the App 2 times and on reload it still gives me 11 days.

My Wife's phone/App does state 112 days until embarkation after she signed in using the confirmation number that I did.. 

Any ideas? 

Bob

10 hours ago, suzyed said:

Can you buy the Passports or do you make them or a tag yourself?

The ducks I purchase from Amazon come with a passport card and rubber band to attach it to the Duck.  However, I have found ducks with home made passports attached.

The passport had the warning about where not to put the duck if it is hid again and the "Conquakulation you have have found a Cruising Duck, yours to keep or hid again".

Bob

58 minutes ago, doghog said:

Hard to believe some duck hiders actually put their names and where they live on the duck tag. Then it ends up here on CC or another social media site. 

When I filled out the passport I used my Screen name and home state.

Bob

53 minutes ago, Canuker said:

Are they the classic 'bath-tub' yellow ones?

If yellow, they must be quite hard to hide.

Or is the idea to allow people to find them fairly easily?

Do children get involved?

No the ducks come in a wide variety of designs.  The ones I hid were dressed in white sailor  suits holding a ships wheel.  Amazon really has a large selection to chose from.  One year my ducks were of a viking theme.

Anyone who finds them are involved which of course includes the crew who really like to find them to keep in their cabins. 

Bob

From time to time the topic of Hiding Cruising Ducks on the ship during the Cruise pops up for a short time.

So, let me report on my experience on the Discovery Princess, 27 April to 04 May, out of San Pedro, Ca.

But first let me review the rules for hiding Cruising Ducks, which are small about 2 inch size plastic ducks think bath tub toys.  Never hide a duck that will: Interfere with the crew, Interfere with the operation of the ship, on open decks, in shops, or in pools.

Also, experienced Duck Hiders also attach a small pass port on the duck with the first name and home state of the person doing the hiding, the name of the ship, and the date of the cruise.  Also a copy of the above rules on hiding the ducks. And this statement: Conquackulations, you have found a Cruising Duck, yours to keep or to hide again. (add your name to the passport if you hide it again)

For this cruise I brought along 13 ducks to hide. (that is all of the space in the suit cases that she who must be obeyed allowed me 😁)

My plan was to hide the ducks early before too many people would be moving about.  To successfully hide one, you must not be observed such as being down on your hands and knees pushing a plastic Duck under the bottom step of the stairs. 

Since I also get up at 5:00 AM to take photos of the sunrise I would take 2 ducks with me each morning. 

I quickly identified several other Duck Hunters moving about the ship seeking the hidden treasures.  They were easy to spot. Narrow between the eyes, long pointed noises, buck teeth, and long bony fingers to pluck the Ducks from the hiding spots. OR maybe it was the finger prints on my glasses that made them look that way.  Any way I knew I had to up my game so I did not make too easy to find my ducks.

Most amature duck hiders place their ducks into one of the plants around the ship, so that is were the duck hunter first look. 

Here is some of the spots that I selected: Shelf in the laundry room; behind the rail in elevators; behind the holder, with holds a napkin wrapped around silverware, on the table in the buffet with the salt and pepper shaker pulled up close; under the bottom step of the stairs on Deck 5; in open space along side of the stairs  on deck 5; I made a V out of drink list book on a table on Deck 7 outside the Princess Live Theater with the open side toward the wall; In a plant out side of the Casino; in a plant outside of the door to Sabitinis Restaurant, Etc,

From time to time I would walk past the hiding spots to check on the Ducks that I had hid.  Every one of them was found by some lucky person. 

Do to the stiff  computation this Cruise, I only found one Duck my self. Sadly, the person who hid the duck I found did not put his/her name or home state on the passport. So, now it is on display in our curio cabinet along with other ducks that I have found over the years. 

Finally, I left one of the Ducks in the cabin on the desk for Cabin Steward.

Bob

On 4/19/2024 at 7:06 AM, skynight said:

Basically 90 minutes before sailing. Most U.S. port sailings now sail at 3pm, so plan on 1:30 at the latest if sailing from a U.S. port.

To add to what Skynight provided.  The ship must file a report with home land security before it departs reporting on the passengers and crew.

Just because the ship is still at dock does not mean a late arrival could board.

Bob

Another post mentioned high winds.  Here is my wind story for Mykonos.  Our ship was at dock with the wind pushing hard enough to put a slight tilt on the ship.  On the side of the ship was a tug pushing against the ship to keep it up against the dock.

While standing on the balcony I saw another large ship lose control and start running in a circle.  I thought that is going to hurt when that ship hits something.  However, it was down wind from our ship so no danger to us.

After 3 complete circles the crew finally got it under control. 

Bob

Since this topic has shifted, let me provide some information for your consideration.

As you know, Princess Cruises is very keen on re-cycling and protecting the environment.

So, a few years ago the Bean Counters at Princess Hq got wind of a new start up company in California.  So, they sent a team down to the new plant to evaluate their product and the potential application fleet wide.  The team also did a cost analysis on the new product versus existing similar products.  Then they place a order to cover the entire Princess Fleet.

That company's product was taking used sandpaper and turning it into rolls of toilet paper.

If you have any doubt, when in your cabin and you have a spare moment, go into the bathroom and take a sheet of the paper off the roll and rub it between you finger and thumb. 😇

Bob 

A few years ago while  on a cruise to Alaska we were in line to depart the ship.  There were two lines moving ahead.

In the left line was a young Woman who must have had the word Entitled embossed in gold letters on her tail assembly.

And, She was eating one the large muffins as she was walking off the ship.

A crew member stopped her and told her she would have to step out of line to finish the muffin or toss it into the waste basket.

In a loud voice to draw attention of those around her, she boldly stated NO I will stand right here until I finish eating this.

About 2 seconds later a female security officer grabbed her by the arm and frog marched her over next to the bulkhead.  At that time a Male Officer had his head down close to her talking and was pointing down to the dock.  I don't think he was giving her directions on how to depart the ship by walking down the gangplank. 

Moral of this story is, pay attention to port rules.

Bob

Yes, its  a slow day, so here is my input on this serius (typo on purpose) topic.

I always notice the 3 small dishes on a 10 top table with 3 pieces each of something yellow waiting to be spread on the dinner rolls. 

The 9 count does not affect me because years and years ago my Favorite Uncle exposed me to Fine Dinning in a facility we all called a "Mess Hall". 

At which we were served bread made with Rice Flour, Powdered Milk, and Dehydrated Eggs.  Since then  I have not been able to force myself to partake bread during a dinner meal.

This makes my wife happy, because she always wants me too grab one of the small dinner rolls that she loves and then slip it over to her when her roll has been eaten. 😇

Bob

19 hours ago, SCX22 said:

I'm tempted to buy a few gross of said ducks and having a release party in one of the ship's pools.  It'll be a field day for the deck attendants.

Before releasing all those ducks into a pool, be sure to pack your bags.  That will make it easier for you when you depart the ship at the next port.  And, be sure to look back to see all of the deck attendants standing at the rail waving good by to you.  😁

With Princess making changes every time I put my left foot down, My question is:  Can we still have the Cabin Steward make exchanges with the bottles provided for the Mini Bar?

Example:  I don't like gin so would like to exchange it for Brandy. And, the wife would like to exchange the other soft drinks just for Coke.

Thanks

Bob

Ug.  No door decorations.  That means at 10:00 or 11:00 PM I will have to stand out in the hallway to help the Wife find our cabin as she comes back from the Casino. 😁

Bob

On our last Trans Atlantic we received a note in the cabin that due large number of Elites on the ship our laundry service was going to take longer then normal.

On last week of cruise we did not send any out to play it safe.

Bob

2 hours ago, PMGS247 said:

 

When I did it I'd read mixed reviews on the topic.  As usual the experience is not always consistent, even on the same ship at different times.  For science I just ordered two scoops of Gelato and waited to see if I was charged for it despite my plus package.  If I was, I was prepared to roll my eyes over the few dollars it cost me but then just as quickly move on with life.  Was never charged.  Twice in a sailing.  Discovery about this time last year. 

 

As usual YMMV.  From everything I've read your best bet isn't likely to be to ask about it...seems like they'll play it safe and tell you "no" since they can be wrong about that and not have it blow up in their face, unlike the alternative, but in my and plenty of other's cases, the crew actually scooping the gelato isn't guaranteed to charge you for it.  I'm sailing on Enchanted in a month and intend to do the same thing.  I'm just going to order what I want and see what happens.  If they insist on charging me for getting a couple scoops of gelato instead of the premium monstrosity, I'll survive but be less likely to indulge going forward.

This sounds like a plan that I will also follow.  Try it once, if it works OK.  If not, will absorb the cost and move on. 

Bob

10 minutes ago, Mangrove Snapper said:

When we were on the Emerald this past October you could also use this benefit for the specialty cake slices at the International Cafe. 

Thanks for idea to try for cake instead.

Bob

11 minutes ago, PMGS247 said:

You get them at the Gelato place in the main piazza on Deck 5 I think it is.

 

There is a menu where you can choose from a few options.  You can also just get Gelato scoops rather than the full premium dessert choices.  The Premium desserts are a little intimidating lol

 

The fact that they offer 2 per day is kind of laughable.  Hats off to anyone who consumes 2 of these per day.....and I worry for the health of someone who pays out of pocket for a 3rd...

 

Thanks for responding.

Bob

We will soon  be setting sail on the Discovery Princess.  And, we purchased the Plus Package which provides two Specialty Deserts each day.

My question is, just where on the ship will I find these Deserts or do I have to flag down a waiter and have him/her bring it to me?

And, is there any choice or do we just have to accept what is delivered? 

Thanks

Bob

14 minutes ago, trbarton said:

Where do you get your ducks from?

 

Tom😁

To avoid any problems, let me suggest that big box store in the sky..

Since more people are showing an interest in Hiding Cruising Ducks let me review the Rules.

Ducks can be hid any place on the Ship EXCEPT: No place that will interfere with the crew, with the operation of the ship, on the top deck, in the shops and differently not in any Pool. 

Good Hunting

Bob

2 hours ago, Goldenrosebags said:

I was told the crew has a contest on some ships for who can find the most ducks. I think that's awesome. They work long and hard let them have a little fun. Right? I've found several ducks on my cruises this will be my first time at hiding them. I don't really care about registering them. Do I really need to register them?

No need to register your ducks that you want to hide.  The passports that most people attach around the Ducks Neck with a rubber band just gives the first name and home location of the person who hid the duck.  Plus a statement: "Conquakulations, you have found a Cruising Duck, yours to keep or hide again"..  Those who hide them a second time normally add their name to the passport.

I always take a photo of the location when I find one  for my trip photo album.  Then take the Duck home as a souvenir.

Good Hunting

Bob. 

18 hours ago, charliedalrymple said:

I've never actively looked for ducks on board but always hoped that I might randomly spot one. Never did.  Just how "hidden" are they?

I also am a Duck Hunter and also hide them.  Some have been in plan sight with people walking right past them with out noticing them.  Also, some did take a little looking to find them. Think hidden in behind a plant or something.

Happy Hunting on your next cruise.

Bob. 

A few years ago the Wife and I plus her sister and husband signed up for a 33 day cruise departing Southhampton.  The sister and her husband signed up on a different day then us.

We both chose cabins that we wanted and were happy.

Fast forward a few months close to departure  I sat down at the Puter to check on our account.

Much to my surprise the cabin number had changed. So, being a ex Boy Scout with map reading skills, I quickly brought up the ship deck plans.

Almost choked on my coffee when I saw that we had been moved--are you ready for this?  Exactly two cabins down the same hall. Called Wife's sister and told her.  She called back later to report her cabin number.

Guess what?  Nope not even close.

They were now next door to us.

So, I guess the Upgrade Fairy must stop by the bar for a few stiff drinks before starting to play on her computer to move folks around. 😁

Bob

Yes, happened to us today.  We booked without the plus package we wanted.  Then talked to our Princess Rep later and she got it added on.