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Correct, you should never have to hand over your credit card to purchase FCDs. Princess (not O.N.E) has your credit card on file. If you do decide to purchase FCDs via app/form to turn in, do it early on the cruise and be diligent about looking for that email confirmation. I have had it happen to me. Placed order via TV (old) and NEVER got FCDs.

You could in Japan. Couldn't while on a Canada cruise.

I know this doesn't help you in August, but I am wondering if one will be able to select Traditional Dining and Princess will randomly select a shared table for you (will this be an option....later)? Way...way...back when, I spoke to the Maitre d' on the Coral Princess. He said that he actually manually set up the dining tables (you could do that with a smaller ship). He would place passengers together that he "felt" might have similar interest (by regions or diet). Of course, it didn't always work. But it was done with positive intent. That was before Princess introduced all the other ways to dine.

Not to burst your bubble, but I think more and more passengers are opting NOT to share a table. Those days are in the past. I fondly remember meeting for the first time my table mates and shared a week with them. Lovely friendships developed on some of my cruises. Princess is bringing back Traditional Dining in September. I don't know if it will allow you to book a larger table with unknown guests. Good Luck.

Thank you for taking us along on another fabulous journey. I am right there with you on every excursion. Malama Pono (take care) on your way home.

I can see why Princess sent out the notice. It is probably generated automatically. It registered the gift card payment and then notified you that there was still an outstanding balance. Princess, is in fact, doing you a favor to let you know that you still had a balance. Otherwise, you run the risk of the cruise being canceled for $3.22 Stores do this all the time when you use a gift card. It deducts that payment and will show you that you still have a balance to pay. The "cashier" is the verbal written notice. They won't let you out of the store without paying what is still considered "due".

There are many people who will never travel outside the United States. For those who want to cruise the Hawaiian Islands, they can do this by flying over and taking a 7 day voyage on NCL* without the need of a passport. But will need a Real ID by next May. *Disclaimer, I did it once and cannot recommend this. I have a friend in Hawaii that has never left the state (and they are as old as I am).

Good that you will be on the Sky in July. Won't have to wait that long for another live. Maybe you will bring your Northern Lights luck with you (for all of us).

Thanks for the commentary on the boat. I thought King Crab was a winter harvest. I saw that they had a few "to see" in a tank. Did these go to the tribe or back in the water? I am glad I had a chance to do Tracy's Crab Shack in Juneau. Would have to rob a bank (or take out a mortgage) now. Your time on the ships are way too short. You need to do a world cruise. Thanks for taking us along. So happy you were able to see some Northern Lights.

The Ruby (Grand/GEM class ships) are small enough to visit all the islands (Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, and maybe Kahului/otherwise Kona). Rent a car early for each island. Very easy to navigate but the traffic can be horrendous. Book your excursions early, you can always cancel. There will be lots to do on the sea days. Entertainment will repeat since they can't rotate guest entertainers off/on in the middle of the Pacific. (lol).

I was literally stuck in HNL during the pandemic since Hawaiian cancelled all flights into LGB for 6 months. It was too difficult for me to fly into LAX. Hawaiian, as a courtesy did extend the expiration dates. And yes, usually one year from purchase date. Lucky for me, I fly back and forth enough to use up all the credits. And…you can’t combine travel credits or get a refund for unused portion. I use EZ Air most of the time for international travel. On my next ticket, I am “saving” $3,000 (yes that many zeros for business class). EZ Air has its perks and fine print. Of course, last minute flights are going to be more expensive. There may not be a change fee, but definitely not going to get away with an even exchange if you initiate change. Passengers like to blame Princess for the weather. Passengers often want to blame EZ Air for airline issues (equipment changes, cancelled flights, etc). I had Delta change my flight due to cancellation. I called Delta. They told me they could put me on an evening flight. I called Ez Air, they got me a seat first flight of the morning. I will acknowledge that EZ Air is sometimes not the easiest to work with, but they have come through for me. I know of some that have been totally frustrated with and will no longer use EZ Air.

Have you also seen the posts on EZ Air success stories? I've experienced a few and have posted them online.

I also travel with air tags now (or tiles for Androids). Just an added level of peace of mind.

Be sure to ask the ticket agent to see your baggage tags. If the end airport is Athens (ATH), you are good. If the tags say EWR, you will need to pick up your luggage at Newark and re-check them through. How long is your layover time? Be sure to have enough in your carry on to last you a few days plus all of your medications.

I am paid in full and have been getting that same screen shot for a while. I thought it was only me. Thanks for letting me know I am not crazy.

Did your adult children use a certified birth certificate only? Or was it backed up with a driver’s license too? If both, then I am glad it works. I still stand by my comfort zone to have a Passport.

Have you tried “just” a birth certificate as an adult? I know Hawaii is pushing hard to remind everyone that they need to get a Real ID before May 2025 to get off the island. (In case of an emergency and need to fly out of Hawaii.) While I was searching, I ran across another article that states that a Hawaii Driver’s License isn’t valid in Florida. Something about their new immigration law. (In case you are cruising out of Florida.) Yes, I am a supporter of getting a passport. My grandkids just got theirs.

I rarely am able to view WHICH window suites on the Grand or the Caribbean are available, so have to have my TA check. I have tried with Safari and Chrome. It’s listed as available but drop down menu doesn’t open for me. HaHa…it worked last night. As I said…rarity.

Please keep in mind that those checking you in ARE NOT Princess employees. What Princess allows (drivers license AND certified birth certificate may not be what the Port Agents want/know. Very important…you have to be born in the US with a US certified birth certificate.

At one point recently (don’t remember if it was web or app) I could book first night suite embarkation dinner at the Crown Grill. Did not offer me complimentary. Went directly to charge card. Now I am getting that annoying Error message. Giving up and just booking it when I board. I’ve never been able to book first night through the app.

Glad to see that DJ Lovely finally made it to the Cruise Director Staff. Thanks for posting the photo.

I've only done this once....dinner was running late and I wanted to do the production show and something else. I had my dinner then asked the Assistant Manager if I could return before 9 to enjoy desert. I was warmly welcomed back for desert and coffee. I am sure the MDR would have also accommodated my request, but they are so busy.

Keoke Coffee. https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/keoke-coffee Print and take with you. Very first ever thread. Way to go!

I just booked at cruise. Actually, sent my TA an email at midnight and she booked it before I woke up this morning. I could see the cabins available (I do not do guarantees). When I got up (and awake), I did look at other voyages. The b2b was sold out...but the first leg still showed availability. I wasn't interested in the b2b so it didn't matter to me...and got the cabin I wanted. Made no sense to me.

Yes, Full Suite Benefits. Keep F311. You will be fine. Shorter walk to the dining room. Which cruise will you be on?. More importantly, on the Grand, there is a women's bathroom on either end of hallway doors.