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Okay, did not read all 7 previous pages, but got the jest of the title. After several post pandemic cruises and up-and-running app and Medallion, I am okay with both of them. I was in the group that was promised this remarkable new technology, only to find out that the ships that I had booked and expecting...never appeared. The hardware was in place, but cruise cards were handed out. I do like the fact that I do not have to complete information for each cruise. Passport information, credit card, emergency contact, preferences, photos, etc., all carry over to the next. Do I miss the old days, sure. I go way back to the days of "steamer ships". It was a time of romance, civility, formality, and opulence. But life changes and we all move on.

I was on a Carnival ship. My room mate locked the cabin door from the inside to take a nap. She’s hard of hearing. Deaf in one ear. Knocking didn’t work Calling on the phone didn’t work Panicking, I went to the front desk who summoned a supervisor Not always a good idea to lock the door from the inside. Maybe set Do not Disturb?

If you have insurance, Grandpa will get his fare back. New passenger would have to pay full fare (not free). Your TA or Princess will need to sort this out since it involves many complicated factors with the minor. Not only fare returned to Grandpa, but second cabin will now be a solo.

The verdict is still out regarding ordering from the MDR for delivery to the suite....with/without the ridiculous $5 call to room service. All other points are great. A suite is at least twice the size of regular cabin. Only the Royal ships have the Concierge Lounge. Plus you will get a mini-bar and water nightly. Is it worth the extra cost? That can not be answered by anyone else.

Except for disembarkation day (on the Caribbean Princess). One of the few ships that offered suite breakfast in Sabatini's on disembarkation day. The Reserve Dining Room AND breakfast for everyone else was moved to the aft dining room since they used the Reserve Dining Room for disembarkation groups. I think (I am trying to remember), we went to Deck 6 to meet for Princess Transfers. To confirm: Reserve Collection Dining was open for every breakfast/dinner and lunch on sea days.

Please do join our meet and greet. I am so glad you have decided to do a live. As you can tell from my previous journeys, I am not a good "live" person. Looking forward to finally meeting you. So much for a "quiet" Sabatini's breakfast. It is going to be a hoot. The team is so wonderful.

@chengkp75 clearly states…I stand corrected. Hawaii and Alaska voyages are not the same as foreign itineraries (overnight in Cabo). Mahalo

Mini-suites and Reserve Collection Mini-suites are NOT suites. They are larger balcony cabins and will not include the Specialty Mimosa Breakfasts. All meals will be in the Reserve MDR.

In my opinion, you made the right decision. That's a lot of sea days for a city and a town, both overnights. I am shocked that they didn't try to port in Kahului, Maui. Maui would welcome their contributions to the economy. There isn't enough to do to warrant an overnight stay in a tender port (Kona). The same for Honolulu. Passengers are doing this itinerary to get a feel for each island since each island brings with it its own charm, beauty, and differences. I've recently been on the Emerald. Enjoyed my cruise. Staff was great.

Suite breakfast was in Sabatini's on the Caribbean Princess as late as August 4th. Never heard of any changes coming up. Crew said their goodbyes and said they would see me again in a few months.

Weather will be your main concern. If it were the other way around, Hilo and join the ship in Kona, I would be a bit more worried (Kona is a tender port and we all know how that could play out). Hilo is a very sheltered bay and harbor. It would be very unlikely that the ship would not be able to port in Hilo. With that said, the Grand Princess had a fire that prevented her full control and thus the Coast Guard would not allow her to port in Hilo. Instead, she limped her way to Honolulu. She stayed there for three nights until she was "fixed" enough to limp back to CA. It would not be considered a violation of the PVSA because passenger embarked in LA/SF and disembarked in the same city (closed loop). It would be the same as "missing" the ship and catching up to it. Passengers do it it all the time when overnighting in Cabo San Lucas. Some stay off the ship for the night. Here's a back up. Get a hotel in Kona for the night for all the family. Knowing that the ship will be in Hilo, you can all drive back over the Saddle Road to meet the ship in Hilo. Great stay vacation for Hilo family. Very safe for you all.

There was a dedicated. concierge on the Caribbean Princess in July 2022. Her previous responsibility was the Loyalty and Events person. She is now a staff position and behind the scenes (no "office"). But I could meet with her and was was in constant contact by phone. There really wasn't anything that I needed or had a pressing problem. I just wanted to get to know her and had questions she could answer. I will meet with her again in October to question the $5 room service fee for MDR dinners in my suite. A very long time ago, I did experience help from a dedicated person/supervisor from Tours and Excursions who was able to help me out with a problem. This is/was listed as a suite perk.

I have received iMessages from friends while they have been onboard a Princess Cruise and DIDN'T have an internet package. I always purchase internet so unable to tell you yes or no. I have been with friends (on a cruise) who have hit and misses with iMessaging without a package. Would that be user error? Possibly.

I have been cruising for a "few" years, but have never had "free" internet until I reached Platinum. Since then, they have removed this perk and provided a discount for your devices. You will have free access to Princess.com I wish they would provide free access to a few news channels. You may use the INTRAnet for iMessaging, FaceTiming, and the What's Up app (not 100% sure of this since I am not a user). I also believe there is a daily (more expensive) rate.

@Steelers36 Always appreciate your comments and clarifications. Yes, I am aware that TSA is a US term. I had asked why (silly me) I only had TSA precheck in Montreal and not Quebec. Obvious answer. But did not pay attention to the answer.

I left from Quebec Airport. They had no US immigrations/customs facilities. I had to use Global Entry in Montreal when I transferred to a US bound carrier. Fortunately, there was no line and I breezed through. Also, I had to do TSA in Quebec and again in Montreal. I also had prechecked TSA. I would not chance a one hour layover at any major Canadian Airport. My sister just returned from Victoria to SEA and she said it was simple and quick.

I do not take using a wheelchair lightly. I can't do long distances, elevation changes, ramps, and with carry ons (not jetways) . In most airports, wheelchair assistance is a third party concession. These pushers know where to go; often putting in 10,000 steps or many miles a day. I know I don't have to suggest to @Ombud, but to others, please consider a well earned tip when they successfully get you to your destination. Be kind is an added bonus.

I am a planner and a worrier. This does not apply to your arrival but will give you my perspective. I had EZ Air on a return flight. Air Canada cancelled my perfect flights. I worked with EZ Air until they could "get" me something out of Quebec. It ended up being a 5:40 flight with a one hour connection in Montreal. I knew I wouldn't make it. People on cruise critic said it would be tight. EZ Air had no concerns....Not enough to change me to a 3 PM flight. I ordered a wheelchair. I made it because my pusher ran me through the terminal, and kept yelling coming through. We cut in front of so many lines. Here's the part from EZ Air. IF...I don't make my flight, will you put me up at a hotel for the night (last flight out of Montreal)? They told me to call them back if I don't make the flight and they would take care of everything for me. Not very reassuring, but I was on my way home and really didn't care. I don't think I would have felt as confident getting to my destination. You are wise to do it a day before. But you have to ask yourself how many flights will be available for you? Little known fact: EZ Air commissions x number of seat on certain flgihts (not all). If they have to rebook you, it may not be on the next flight. They did absorb my fare increase (of about $150). They would not put me on the 3 PM flight because it would cost them much much more. I do not blame EZ Air, since it was Air Canada that cancelled many flights. You are paying a reduced rate and will be at their mercy. If EZ Air will not get you to your destination, Princess Vacation Protection may have trip interruption. As others have recommended. Get an early flight so you have room to wiggle. Are you doing Victoria to ???? to Texas? The bigger the airport, the more difficult to navigate. And ... will you have to do US immigrations at that busy airport. Lots of factors. Do you have Global Entry?

I have seen a dish with three lobsters dropped. It was quickly replace in Reserve Dining. That may not happen in the MDR, IDK. In one of our Meet and Greets, the DRO mentioned that Princess does not plate ahead of time. Each plate is created when ordered. I also heard that Reserve Dining gets head of the line privileges. I have never had to return a dish because there was a hair in it. Princess MDR has never "run out of food". You will always get your first choice of dish. I do a low/reduced sodium diet when on the ship. My sauces are modified and always served on the side. I have to "beg" for cheese on my Caesar salad and French onion soup. Your Assistant Manager (Head Waiter) will accommodate your meals. If you have a really good one, he/she can actually create something special for you, if the ingredients are in the store.

And this is why the Captain is deciding to shelter in place. https://www.passageweather.com

But your $60 pre-cruise cost will have insurance added to the total.

We skipped Newport due to unsafe tendering. We were given a compensation for a missed port. I think it was $50. What time are you arriving in Brooklyn? Why can't they do immigration on Thursday so that you can at least enjoy NYC on Thursday night? Hurricane Lee is expected to make landfall in Nova Scotia this weekend. I can see why the Captain wants to get out of "her" way.

That means they will be rushing passengers OFF the ship. Better for embarking passengers. Risky for same day arrivals. No room for error (ship arriving late into FLL).

I only did this once. But I think it was because I was getting the elite discount and my sister was not. So it was "cheaper" to buy the 4 device than 1 device for elite and 1 device for newbie sister. But that was this spring. Who can remember that "far" back.