cruisequeen4ever

It can vary from ship to ship, and it has changed in recent years. The new way seems to be for elites to meet in a particular lounge to get their tickets, and then they are called before everyone else for the next available tender. I was skeptical because it used to be that we could just join the end of the line of the next tender, which was super convenient and easy, but we did the new way last week, and we were truly given priority tendering. Priority, tindering only works ship to shore, though. Unfortunately, there is no priority tendering on the way back, so be prepared for the typical long line.

🤣 I do think so. I can’t guarantee it of course, but that should be a good time. I believe the salmon start dieing off late August. Florida is my favorite state because I love the sun and warmth and cruising! Must have AC, though! We don’t have it in AK, so when it gets in the 70s, our homes get in the 80s, and there’s very little reprieve! Have fun planning!

So they created the Medallion system to wow people with the ability to have stuff delivered to them wherever they are for free, and now they’re suddenly going to charge for it?! What is going to make them stand out now that they’re gradually becoming more and more like the other mainstream lines? We fall right into Princess’s new target market age range. We have another 40 years of cruising potential, and we have loved the classic cruising experience Princess has long provided us with and don’t want that to be lost.

Thank you; it was fun reading this and seeing your pics!

That’s a good point. The prix fixe would need to give plenty of entree options to be worth it. For instance, what happens if the sushi roll you like isn’t included? Then it’s not a value, even with the Plus Package.

Yay, so happy you’ll be back at sea!

The new execs are really taking Princess away from its roots and making it just like the nickel and dimer lines. 😏 They tried charging $10 pp for Alfredo’s when it first debuted, and it failed, so they made it free. Charging for the new “prime” burger (that sucks btw) at Salty Dog when you used to be able to get a delicious basic cheeseburger for free is a total fail. Sure, the people who buy packages will be happy, but those who can’t drink alcohol or don’t drink enough to warrant the package are the ones who will be negatively affected.

I so enjoyed this! We live in Anchorage, so I was interested to see what you experienced. Kaladi Bros really is the best coffee here. Moose’s Tooth is the nationally famous local pizzeria. You really scored getting a Friends and Family discount at the Sheraton and Marriott as those hotels are sky high in the summer as are the other top downtown hotels. You did a great job hitting all the main spots on the Kenai Peninsula. I wouldn’t stay in Whittier as there aren’t any nice places to stay and not enough to do. I’m so sorry you took home a souvenir of Covid. 😔 Yay; enjoy your planning for next summer! You had a good idea to go later for the salmon. No 2 Alaska cruises are identical, so I’m sure you’ll have another exciting time. If you want some different ideas for land exploration, I suggest… 1) Drive north to Wasilla/Palmer to go to the Reindeer Farm where you can feed the reindeer and moose. 2) Stay at Alyeska in Girdwood if you go south again. Hike Winner Creek Trail next to the resort, and take the tram to the top of Alyeska. Eat at Double Musky or The Bake Shop. 3) In Anchorage, have lunch at 49th State Brewery or F Street. Both are stellar offerings of local food. Simon and Seaforts or Glacier Brewhouse are great for dinner. 4) In Anchorage, go to the zoo to see rescued Alaskan animals. 5) In Anchorage, tour the Alaska Native Heritage Museum for an engaging educational experience for your son. You can see what life is like for each tribe through outdoor exhibits. Thank you for sharing this year’s adventures, and happy planning of next year’s!

There were major crowds. We were thankful that we had done most of the major tourist sites already. For instance, the part of Rome we toured was calm and uncrowded. We made reservations for restaurants or arrived right when they opened to avoid waits. We pre-booked timed tickets for sites to avoid lines. They’re manageable; you just have to plan ahead and have a good attitude.

July was blazing hot. I had thought my husband would struggle, but I’d be fine. Oh no; we both felt it. There’s no AC in most places there, so there’s little to no respite. Late May/Early June was much better.

Though I didn’t run a speed test, I can say that the Enchanted had by far the best shipboard internet of any ship I’ve been on. I was able to pretty much do whatever I wanted. Some video calls cut out, though, and I should have but didn’t test out Zoom.

Pre-Pandemic, the Medallion was actually more advanced in respect to this. The bartender or waiter would see your picture on the screen and select you, so someone couldn’t order something unless they matched your identity. Now, they’ve regressed to the cabin # and name and only once in a while using the picture. I don’t know why.

We used to be able to exchange money in European cruises pre-pandemic, but this month’s cruise, we were not able to. There was no machine onboard like they used to have, and Guest Services was out of Euros.

An interesting read; thank you

Don’t rely on the ship to be able to exchange money for you. The Enchanted was out of Euros the entire 2 weeks we were onboard, and they don’t have a currency exchange machine like the Europe ships had pre-pandemic.

Some shows were at 7:00, some at 8:00, some at 9:00, and some at 10:00. We found that once we’d get used to a time, it might be different next time. Always check the Patter.

Pre-pandemic, we found the food on Europe cruises to be superior because the ingredients were sourced there. On our Europe cruise this summer, the food was decent with some standouts, but it wasn’t as good as what we had on a US cruise this year. I don’t know if it was a new supplier or the chefs. They did have regional theme nights, which we enjoyed.

Does anyone know how Kathi is doing? I’ve kept her blog page open to check for updates but haven’t seen any.

When we boarded on Saturday, I asked Shore Excursions, and they said we are still on for Marseilles.

Speed Test shows 2.89 on the Enchanted while in port today. I have to say that the internet has been consistent and useable the whole time thus far, exceeding all past internet experiences we have had on Princess. My hubby has even made some Wi-Fi video calls successfully.

Princess is wonderful with accessibility. Ask your TA to submit the mobility questionnaire in advance, and get a handicap accessible room. You drive it right into your room and then back out to leave. The carts do obstruct the halls, so I try to use the elevators closest to my stateroom. I have an electric mobility scooter and can get everywhere on the ship except for the sports deck. Shore excursion are where it gets frustrating because there are hardly any accessible excursions unless you just sit on a bus the whole time. Passengers are very kind for the most part and will hold the elevator door to ensure you make it in and out safely.

I had that happen, too, until 5 days later when it finally had a tracking # and actually shipped.

Thank you. I know; they’ll probably wait til we all board Saturday and put out a letter.

OP, have you received any info as to whether Marseilles will be swapped out for another port next week? If so, which one?

Our medallions arrived just 25 hrs before takeoff!! Phew!!!