nwcruiselover

When you print your boarding pass it will show the time for final boarding. You need to be there before that time.

I get an internet package on every cruise. I like to keep track of the outside world while totally enjoying the cruise.

After applying on-line, did you then have to mail your old passport in? Did they have to receive it before issuing the new one?

I too have been hesitant to use the AARP gift cards and just tried using them for the first time, to make final payment on an upcoming cruise. I purchased the gift cards, printed them out as a record, and immediately applied them to the balance owing on my cruise. I wouldn’t feel comfortable buying them and saving them for later, or emailing them to a travel agent.

The main thing you want to avoid is being under the galley. I have been in cove balconies in other areas and didn’t experience any noise issues, but I have read reports of people in coves under the galley that mentioned noise problems.

I agree with all the above posters who say don’t skimp on Alaska. I have been to Alaska 9 times already, so I now opt for simpler outings at the ports, but for those who are doing a once in a lifetime cruise, just save a little longer if need be, to do it right. If it means sailing in an interior cabin to free up funds for excursions, do it. You can always get outside on the open decks for your sightseeing while on the ship. Enjoy Alaska—it’s amazing!

Thank you!

Quick question. How long before the cruise can a person apply for the milestone credit? And does anyone have the phone number for the milestone desk, or do you call your PVP?

As I mentioned in my post on June 21st, I mailed my renewal application on June 20th, expedited processing and expedited return. I received my new passport yesterday, so 13 days from me mailing it and receiving the finished product.

I did get through two days ago. When I initiated the chat session it indicated there were 26 people ahead of me. It took about 8-10 minutes, but eventually someone came on and assisted me.

No fee, and all the Carnival employees involved were very respectful and helpful. The beautiful certificate presented the next day was in a padded folder with a photo of the ship, as well as precise details about the ash scattering. A precious momento.

The urn I used was biodegradable and I had proof of that, but no one asked for it. They just asked me if it was and took my word for it.

I did this recently, and arranged it through Guest Services once onboard. They contacted me with the date and time after clearing it with the environmental officer and the bridge. The time and place were such that the ashes could be scattered without blowback as they had assessed the wind conditions. I chose to scatter a portion of the ashes then threw the urn with the remainder overboard. There was a Guest Services rep and a security officer present. It was handled very well. The next day I was presented with an “official” document signed by the Captain showing the exact time and latitude/longitude where the ashes were scattered.

I’m glad to hear these timeframes. I mailed my passport renewal yesterday using express priority mail and paid extra for expedited processing and return. I’m hoping I’ll get the new one within a few weeks.

You would have to call Princess to find out whether someone else can take the place of the person not going. If that person doesn’t sail, at least their port fees, plus package and excursions would be refunded.

There is another thread on this topic with more information, including confirmation from John Heald that this is true.

They had the baked Alaska parade on the Majestic recently, but the “baked Alaska” looked like it was made out of plastic or paper mache, and had no candle on it.

The seats reserved for premier package passengers are released 10 minutes before showtime if not filled.

That sounds like a good alternative, which I will definitely consider.

I haven’t booked the shuttle to the pier yet, but from what I can tell the cost is $39.95.

I’m planning to stay out near SFO the night before my cruise from San Francisco. To me it seemed simpler to stay near SFO and then return to the airport in the morning and take the Princess shuttle to the ship.

Some things aren’t as wrinkle-free as I would prefer, but good enough.

I recently had R602 on deck 14 for a 33 day TP cruise. It was very quiet and I was 100% happy with the location. We had a few rocky days, and even though deck 14 is high, the motion wasn’t bad at all.

On the Majestic Princess the doors were opened at least an hour before the shows. People started arriving an hour ahead of time to get good seats. By 30 minutes before showtime most of the seats were taken.

Regular balconies with just the desk chair are great for solo travelers, but a bit tight for two people.