AGE CRUISER

20 minutes ago, muffydawg said:

If true she's getting some TLC in September then it will be quite exciting to sail her in early October

It is true as of now - it's on Princess Website Island Princess ship description -- when on in December I was told by a senior officer it's happening and in Italy.  Like you I'm looking forward to seeing her spiffed up on my December sailing!!  Enjoy your October!

45 minutes ago, In Toronto said:

I really appreciate everyone's input.

We LOVE the International Cafe so that is a definite negative, but as many of you mention, the itinerary is important.

Food for thought and will decide soon.

Thanks so much.

 

 Coral has put tiny IC by the casino when good Spirits installed.  Unfortunately on Island they took out La Patisserie (International cafe) a few years ago and instead have the Good Spirits in the space..  In the morning you can get all the usual coffees etc at the bar and they have a case with morning pastries etc but not the same for sure.  In buffet have some of the same "food" grab and go you'd find at IC as well you'll find Amuletto for the IC coffee, teas.  But not the same.  Can also get coffees on pool deck "scoops" and sit outside.  The main thing of course if the missing food items we love from IC. But there is a work around like with everything.  You have a big decision to make!

Island is scheduled for drydock in September this year in Italy - I have no details on what is being done.  I love the Island as I love the smaller ships for actual cruising and different unique ports they can get to.  Recent sailings on her were 3 times last year (last one Dec/Jan), also on her in 2021 and 2022 and pre-covid.  There are a few odd things you see around which need updating/usual wear and tear but I saw nothing major they've done a good job with replacing carpets etc. There have been problems off and on with the air con/heating system as she's gone between different climates (had no heat in my cabin but quickly fixed but that was at restart and nothing since for me) and heard about odd toilet issues onboard on most recent cruise but happens on all ships. Booked on her again for December/January this year.  I had comfy bed, cabin good as were all the venues - food, service etc top notch compared to my personal experience on other ships last couple of years.  If it's someone who likes to sail with all the new bells and whistles, things like the International Cafe and having a wider choice of venues is important to your cruise experience then I would say the Island not the ship for you. I agree with previous poster the gym area is tiny, usually crowded and inside unfortunately - dungeon a good descriptor.  I just pick a more off time to work-out and focus on outdoors instead for my personal solution for gym but agree it's downside.   I enjoy this ship for the actual cruise experience, nice wide proper promenade deck which doesn't go all the way around anymore with the changes so you just cut through the ship to other side to make circuit, lots of open deck space up and down for viewing, relaxing, nice wide corridors doesn't feel crowded, there's indoor covered pool area if needed. Buffet is forward not aft so views amazing sailing along you can see what's coming I prefer it to aft settings. The officers and crew have been consistently good in my experience and many want to stay with the ship for their contracts which is nice. The odd time an issue but gets looked after.   Familiar faces - have some new inexperienced staff as on all the ships but do well to maintain good service standard throughout and any issues quickly addressed. Nothing is perfect.   As the atrium smaller it is crowded when there are events and more limited seating area.  I don't understand the many complaints I've read about the ship as my experience is opposite.  i can only guess perhaps those folks had expectations of the Island it couldn't deliver on because of what it is - a smaller unique ship.  If you choose to go enjoy!!  What an experience it would be!

16 minutes ago, mrell345 said:

Good to know, I will post when mine arrives, you didn't receive a Canada post email I am assuming?

No nothing from Canada Post and of course they have their own tracking number which we have no way of knowing.  Guess we need to provide feedback on our post-cruise survey so they can learn as newer process for Princess mailing to Canada. Not that it would change!  

5 hours ago, mrell345 said:

Ours are coming to Canada, you would think if they were coming from overseas they would come directly here and not have to travel though the US.

 

Everyone else sending packages for Christmas is probably not helping either.

I just got my medallion today - notification Nov 27 with USPS tracking number that never worked - arrived Dec 7 - it was shipped by Canada Post Xpresspost from Mississauga, Ont so suspect for Canada they ship from US in a batch to USPS then batch sent on to Mississauga "Ocean Medallion Fulfillment" location and put in Canada Post.  Lots of time in advance as  I leave December 19th. Reassuring.  Confusing with the USPS tracking code but I think maybe it's part of the bigger batch sent out so won't track as individual item. Only a guess.  We will learn as this is new for us Canadians.

23 hours ago, mrell345 said:

We sail on the 23rd

I'm also in Canada - Nov 27 e-mail shipped and still getting no status message like you.  I leave Dec 19 sail 21st.  

Yes you can no problem at all have done it many times!  Especially handy when on those cruises with large number of Elites so laundry return takes several days.  

It's a real thing.  I had the same thing happen to me when booking a cruise in January - new this year in my experience all these years and first time my TA has ever seen but a couple of her colleagues had run into it as well in 2023 and with other cruise lines.  Princess online will let you mock book but once at the actual final step to book it won't let you actually book the single you get error message.  Single as well as Plus and Premiere are now "capacity controlled".  I waited a couple of weeks and single capacity became available again so my TA grabbed it fast you just have to keep checking.  Or has been suggested book as two people then have one no show but I'm not personally comfortable with that particularly for travel trip cancellation insurance etc.   I also wanted to book Plus on a different cruise but I couldn't do so "capacity was met" for that particular cruise and it didn't open up again for Plus fare but you could upgrade to the Plus drinks package only.   I agree so frustrating as in most cases we are paying 200% of fare but the concern seems to be the our onboard spend they figure we spend less than 2 in a cabin but I would disagree with that but they must have the metrics to support the decision - one would hope!  

I was on a week ago and there were quite a few books not as many or were they as current as in the past - did leave some donations! 

As free laundry is an Elite benefit, if you wish to do your own instead you see Guest Services and tell them you'd like to do your own and ask for tokens.  I've done this a few times when there are a lot of Elite onboard so laundry turnaround is 3-4 days or more and just did my own.  No charge for the tokens but you have to ask for them and say why.  

6 hours ago, Cash123 said:

We are on the Enchanted next week and wondered if you can get a Porn Star Martini, I havnt seen them on any of the drinks menu but we were able to get them  on the Crown a couple of years ago.

 

thanks

Just ask at Crooners most of their bar staff know how to make the martinis that have long since vanished from the current menus - had great luck with  that on the Island in June!  Enjoy!

In my experience it usually means either Sold Out (as we know all ships have to put aside a block of COVID isolation cabins so full capacity not the same thing) or they are actioning the guaranteed cabins bookings not necessarily assigning cabins but looking at what they have etc and see what needs doing.  They may open again for bookings - or not - no way to know for certain that I'm aware of what is going on the specific cruise.

A few days ago I booked on a Sept cruise that for 2 weeks showed unavailable then a few cabins opened up for booking and were gone within a few short hours glad my TA was on it right away or would have missed out.

The Vancouver return sailings are getting sold out as for many it means no flights so wouldn't be surprised if the Oct 18th is sold out for determined capacity or close to it. 

 Sorry Steelers36 thought I had copied and updated the latest one......not expecting you to do it.  This is from #374 with my previous update added to Island....thanks...

Please do not use the Quote button to update this list - see the instructions at the bottom. Thank you.

Princess Cruise Ships MAITRE D'HOTEL LIST

CARIBBEAN PRINCESS

Nicola Fulan (Feb 2019)

CORAL PRINCESS

Daniele Rosafio (July 2019 through Feb 6 2020

CROWN PRINCESS

Oscar Perego (Nov 2018)

 

DIAMOND PRINCESS

Adrian Cristian (March 2018)

EMERALD PRINCESS

Rui Pereira (May, 2018)

 

GOLDEN PRINCESS

Carlos Serrano Da Rosa (Sept 2019)

GRAND PRINCESS

Joachim Horst Rothe (September, 2019)

ISLAND PRINCESS

MAJESTIC PRINCESS

PACIFIC PRINCESS

Luigi Pascale (December 2018)

REGAL PRINCESS

Neville Saldanha (September 2018)

ROYAL PRINCESS

Generoso Mazzone (April 2019)

 

RUBY PRINCESS

Michael Boonzaier (June 2019)

SAPPHIRE PRINCESS

SEA PRINCESS

STAR PRINCESS

Mario Propato (June 2019)

SUN PRINCESS

PLEASE UPDATE LIST. DO NOT push the "Quote" button. It creates a copy that the next person cannot properly update.

Do a "Copy" of ALL of the text, including these instructions, from the most up to date Maitres D'Hotel list.

Go to the bottom left of the latest post and click the "Post" button.

Paste your copied text into the box that opens.

Make your modifications to the list.

Click "Submit Reply" button just below the list you are modifying.

Confirm that everything is correct - you can edit for up to 20 minutes.

If you are unsure how to do the above, just post your updates and the next person can update the list.

Thank you all.

I sailed on the Island Princess in May this year in cabin E710 - right next door - cabin was spacious and balcony larger than most and under cover with cabins above and below - very quiet and didn't experience any of the unusual aft vibration and noise some other's have. It was actually larger than standard - was 734 sqft - on the deckplan click right on the cabin itself and it give the size for that cabin - forward cabins are 722 - it all helps! Not obstructed view at all. Head aft from your cabin and you'll see a door to go out - there is a lovely big deck back there for additional viewing. The ship was in great shape, it is a little "choppier" in design now compared to the Coral with the addition of cabins and features. It can at times be a bit crowded here and there during peak times but I found not more so than others in the fleet. Loved it for Alaska. Staff were great. I'd sail her again and in the same cabin It's all personal viewpoints. Enjoy your cruise!

Yes you can check your baggage in with the stevedores at the pier and return later to go through the check-in process etc. It is in a separate area in the parking area underneath. If you are arriving by car/taxi/bus, they drive you right into that area (usually - sometimes depends on number of ships in - sometimes the baggage is collected in front). If you are arriving or being let out in front when you arrive at Canada Place, there are several folks around in front to help guide you - you can't miss them.

They offer Alfredo's at lunchtime in Sabatinis!! Same menu you experienced on the Grand. Check the Patter for times. It was terrific.

Please do not use the Quote button to update this list - see the instructions at the bottom. Thank you.

Princess Cruise Ships MAITRES D'HOTEL LIST

As of March 23, 2018 updated.

CARIBBEAN PRINCESS

Angelo Balbiani (Feb 2018)

CORAL PRINCESS

Giuseppe Castino (March 2018)

CROWN PRINCESS

DIAMOND PRINCESS

Adrian Cristian (March 2018)

EMERALD PRINCESS

Rui Pereira (sailing Nov 5/17)

GOLDEN PRINCESS

Carlos da Rosa (Dec 2017)

GRAND PRINCESS

Luigi Moretti (March, 31 May, 2017)

ISLAND PRINCESS

Michael Boonzaaier (May 2, 2018)

MAJESTIC PRINCESS

Francisco Patricio (April 2017)

PACIFIC PRINCESS

Oscar Perego (May 12, 2017)

REGAL PRINCESS

Ig****o D'Agostino (March 2018)

ROYAL PRINCESS

Nicola Furlan (Feb 2018)

RUBY PRINCESS

Giorgio Paisano (October 2017) (Jan 2018)

SAPPHIRE PRINCESS

Generoso Mazzone (February 18, 2018)

SEA PRINCESS

Jacques Ghennai (April 2017)

STAR PRINCESS

Mario Propato (March 2018)

SUN PRINCESS

Michael Boonzaaier (May 2017)

PLEASE UPDATE LIST. DO NOT push the "Quote" button. It creates a copy that the next person cannot properly update.

Do a "Copy" of ALL of the text, including these instructions, from the most up to date Maitres D'Hotel list.

Go to the bottom left of the latest post and click the "Post" button.

Paste your copied text into the box that opens.

Make your modifications to the list.

Click "Submit Reply" button just below the list you are modifying.

Confirm that everything is correct - you can edit for up to 20 minutes.

If you are unsure how to do the above, just post your updates and the next person can update the list.

Thank you all.

With the flight time, I would book a private transfer so you and not Princess and fellow passengers would be in control. Normally you would be in time with the Princess Transfer but 3 years ago we sat on the bus waiting for 4 more passengers - one in a wheelchair who couldn't be located after being turned over to a ship's crew member for disembarkation. We finally left not arriving at Heathrow until after 11 a.m. - there were several panicked folks on the bus who had flights prior to 1 p;m. (Princess guarantees after 2 p.m. from Southampton). You just never know including traffic. Have a great cruise!.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please update. Princess Cruise Ships MAITRES D'HOTEL

Caribbean Princess - Angelo Balbiani (February 2015)

Coral Princess - Daniele Saredi (Oct 7, 2014)

Crown Princess - Michael Boonzaaier (Dec 6, 2014)

Dawn Princess - Jacques Ghennai (Oct, 2014)

Diamond Princess - Beppe Castino (Nov 16, 2014); Jean Francois Ferat (Feb15, 2015)

Emerald Princess - Mario Propato (Dec, 2014)

Golden Princess - Giuseppe Castino (Oct 13, 2014)

Grand Princess - Rui Pereira (May 2015 on through mid July 2015) Silvio Zampieri (Aug 29/15 sailing)

Island Princess - Giuseppe Gelmini (July 9, 2015)

Ocean Princess - Luigi Pascale (June 20, 2015)

Pacific Princess -

Regal Princess - Silvio Zampieri (Dec, 2014); (Feb 1, 2015)

Royal Princess - Fabio Marcotti (Oct 11, 2014) Georgio Pisano. (7/20/15 sailing)

Ruby Princess - Generoso Mazzone - (March 21 - ?

Sapphire Princess - Francisco Patricio (Dec 18, 2014); (Jan 13, 2015)

Sea Princess - Antony Pollendine (Jan 27, 2015)

Star Princess - Jean Paul Musiu (Nov 24, 2014)

Sun Princess - Ignaz io D'Augustino (Dec 16, 2014)

How to Update Maitres D'Hotel List.

DO NOT push the "Quote" button. It creates a copy that the next person cannot properly update.

Do a "Copy" of ALL of the text, including these instructions, from the most up to date Maitres D'Hotel list.

Go to the bottom left of the latest post and click the "Post" button.

Paste your copied text into the box that opens.

Make your modifications to the list.

Click "Submit Reply" button just below the list you are modifying.

Confirm that everything is correct - you can edit for up to 20 minutes.

If you are unsure how to do the above, just post your updates and the next person can update the list.

Thank you all.

Princess Ships Captain List Updated April 2, 2015

The dates indicated are the most up to date confirmed date that the Captain is, was, or will be on the ship.

CARIBBEAN PRINCESS:

CORAL PRINCESS:

Captain Nicolo Binetti (April 12, 2015)

CROWN PRINCESS:

Captain Justin Lawes (March 3 to May 3)

Captain Justin Lawes (September 3 to December 3)

DAWN PRINCESS:

Ivan Jerman (February 14, 2015)

DIAMOND PRINCESS:

EMERALD PRINCESS:

GOLDEN PRINCESS:

GRAND PRINCESS:

Captain Heikki Laakkonen

Captain Ronald Wilson (April 21, 2015)

ISLAND PRINCESS:

OCEAN PRINCESS:

PACIFIC PRINCESS:

REGAL PRINCESS:

ROYAL PRINCESS:

RUBY PRINCESS:

Commodore Giuseppe Romano (Started February 18, 2015)

Captain Karl Austin (April 4, 2015)

SAPPHIRE PRINCESS:

SEA PRINCESS:

Captain William Kent (June 11, 2015)

STAR PRINCESS:

Nick Nash (Started February 27, 2015)

On 4/29/2015 - Captain Stefano Ravera

SUN PRINCESS:

------------------------------------------

How to Update Princess Captains List:

DO NOT push the "Quote" button. It creates a copy that the next person cannot properly update.

Do a "Copy" of ALL of the text, including these instructions, from the most up to date Princess Captain's list.

Go to the bottom left of the latest post and click the "Post Reply" button.

Paste your copied text into the box that opens

Make your modifications to the list.

Click "Submit Reply" button just below the list you are modifying.

Confirm that everything is correct - you can edit for up to 20 minutes.

If you are unsure how to do the above, just post your updates and the next person can update the list checking that they are adding all of the updates submitted since the last list was posted.

As a single traveler paying double the posted rate and being credited for two cruises I am wondering if I am still limited to one bottle of wine or if I would be allowed two before the corkage fee kicks in. Any other singles out there who have experienced this situation.

I travel as a single frequently - I have only had a problem once in the last couple of years and that was embarking in Honolulu in April - I had 2 bottles of wine with me and security pointed out under the policy I could only bring on one per policy and pay corkage on the 2nd - I spoke to a supervisor at security and they said no problem go on through - exact reasoning we do pay for 2 people in a cabin. Quickly and pleasantly dealt with. At FLL I was stopped and once I explained and my boarding pass checked I was waved through with 2 no problem. So I will continue to bring on 2 and pay corkage on any over that and if an issue (as the folks are told to enforce the policy are just doing their job) will ask to speak to a supervisor.

Pacific Princess in May there was free hot chocolate on deck during Glacier Bay day - otherwise a charge item now.