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Princess is contracting with individuals and companies to come aboard and offer informational seminars. Most deal with health issues and usually are very informative and factual. Most of us could use some help in being healthier. Part of the "pitch" is a sale of their products. The warning of "buyer beware" is to be kept in mind, for the presenter is usually well versed in sales techniques. Sales are usually final once you are off the ship. So if you have buyers remorse be sure you take action before disembarking. I do believe Princess has a responsibility to carefully screen those whom they contract to make such presentations, so we who are "captive audiences" are not pressure and that the information and products have merit.

It's Billy Hygate. He is wonderful, very visible and extremely talented.

 

Justin Lawes is the Captain and he is the best captain I have ever sailed with. He is from the UK and is extremely communicative and is visible around the ship. He loves to stop and chat with passengers. He had his hands full on this last cruise with illness and a few emergencies as well as no internet for most of the trip but he always kept his cool and kept us advised.

In addition to Billy he had a wonderful staff who kept things lively. Can't say enough for all of them and for Capt. Lawes.

First of all, let me say I had a wonderful cruise. I might also say that there were a fair number of people onboard who are "glass is half empty' sorts. I am not. Yes it rained on several port days. I did not let it stop me from snorkeling with the rays and sharks. I was going to get wet anyway. Yes the internet was problematic at times, but we know, that happens. I live in the country and had satellite internet for several years before cable, and each time it rained, my internet went down. Yes the norovirus struck, and yes, I got it again (my third time on a cruise ship). I do not use the public bathrooms, I don't touch railings, I don't go into the casino and touch machines, I don't do the buffet. I never put my hands near my eyes or face unless they have been scrubbed. But, some people are more susceptible than others - read any report on noro. And I get sick. The medical staff always have to visit me TWICE in my cabin each time, because one shot of phenergan never stops the symptoms. My dh always takes loving care of me and he never gets it. Of course I have gotten it other times outside of ships too. Yes, I always notify the ship, because I do not want anyone to catch it from me. And, if I am going to have noro, honestly it's the place to have it. Tucked in my little cabin, room service at the beck and call, the hit squad sanitizing around me every few hours. So what. It was two days of mostly sleep and watching the movies and lectures on the TV that I missed. And on a 28 day cruise, with people coughing in the public areas from day one, I think there are far worse things to be caught.

 

As far as the delay goes, well, I commend Princess for the lengths they went to to save that young crew members life. As the Captain said, the diversion will cost the line over a million. Bravo Princess.

Neither my husband nor I acquired the virus, but for those whom we know did, through no fault of theirs, they were religious in hand washing, etc, but many of our fellow passengers were not. I witnessed several who refused to use the hand sanitizer, and went so far as to tap one on the shoulder and after being told to mind my own business I remarked that is it, for he is infecting me and others. well...he refused. Passengers like him should stay home. As for the ship's staff and crew they did a herculean job attempting to stem the virus and to save the life of the crew member who took us a day out of the way and a day later getting into port. If I or any of my family or fiends needed such I would hope Princess would do the same. I will gladly sail with Princess again.

Used Robert's Tours for four Hawaii ports recently. Tours, itinerary, driver/guides, transportation were excellent. As well the price. Offered a special for port tours that could not be better/ very reasonable. will use this company again.

Just returned from tour of Egypt/ Cairo/Giza/ Memphis while on cruise. We too had Ramses and guide Karim. Can't praise him enough. Not only did he give us a tour of a lifetime, but helped me settle a VISA dispute once we arrived home.