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Has this stopped future calls? Is it after x number of calls, they can be fined?

Flying West is much easier on me than flying East. LHR to the East Coast "shouldn't" be that bad. I fly LA/HNL all the time. It's coming back to California with DST that's a killer for me. Disclaimer, I was once a teacher....And you know how first days work. It's how many days before the weekend? If you get everything in order before you leave, it will be a cakewalk. For me, I would take an inside with Plus or use the money for excursions. I've done Hawaii (10 sea days) in an inside.

Not specific to the Regal but generic enough that it may cross over to other Princess ships departing from Southampton. Looks like you embarked at the Mayflower terminal. 1. Does it make any difference if you have a Medallion in hand or not? 2. I think Mayflower has seats before check in, then security. Is there priority check in/waiting area for Elite/Suites? 3. What time did you arrive/get on the ship? 4. Is smoking in the casino allowed? Many, many thanks for taking the time to reply back. I do hope that the weather allows you great sailing.

Was this on the 787? I've been watching a lot of youtube videos of both planes. Thanks for your review.

I am flying in Virgin Upper Class. There was more space in the Airbus 350 than the "coffin" layout in the 787 Dreamliner. Also not a huge fan of Boeing. No problem....I will be able to compare the two since my return flight is on the Airbus. Why do you prefer the 787? Thanks

Thank you for the translation. @Worn out mailman invited a friend to go along. Asking friend to pay tax and port fees. (very generous offer). The questions is: is OP also asking friend to buy a Plus bundle or will he pay this cost so that he could keep his Plus? Scenario: 1. She pays for Plus package (original question: "Will she though be required to also purchase the plus package?") 2. He pays for his Plus and also pays for friend's Plus since both need to have it if traveling in the same cabin. 3. If she doesn't want to pay for Plus bundle, then he can't have it either....pay as you go, share wifi (single or 4 device), each pay their own crew appreciation. I hope OP returns with their decision. Plus can also be bought on day of embarkation.

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You both could forego the Plus Package.... IF...you intend to keep the crew appreciation in place for both of you (In my opinion...only...) Share either one device or 4 device wifi And pay as you go bar tab. I've done it both ways. For convenience, you can't beat the package. But it does increase the cruise substantially.

I agree that people have different tastes and art is very personal. That's not what I was referring to. In order to get that "free" glass of champagne/bubbly (sorry for my first reference) you have to register with your cabin number to get a paddle. Very few of the art is original. Most are embellished to make them "worth" more. I purchased art from the Original Princess Fine Arts. I avoid Park West now a days. Only went with my sister on one voyage since she had more of an interest/background in the arts. Even she stopped going except to get the "free prints". I remember on one short cruise, I hit EVERY Spa presentation, Art Talk, Ice Carving, etc to get it "out of my system". Now, I cruise to enjoy the sea days, food, entertainment, and, yes, even my stateroom. Maybe I am a little jaded after so many cruises, but I don't want to have to be so cautious about what might happen if I let my guard down. It's called relaxing.

In all fairness, this is not a "scam". Misrepresentation maybe. But you have to sign a contract for this promotion (however they get you to do that). It is definitely a "buyer beware" red flag. I think, and I could be wrong, but handing over a credit card may suffice as an agreement to purchase said goods. I don' think that they "target" the older population, but the older population is less internet savvy (they doesn't buy wifi or have alerts), less techie, and more trusting. Regardless, this is a black eye for Princess. But I do not see them eliminating this promotion. Do you remember when Princess Fine Arts was a reputable company with decent (even sometimes good) art like Wyland? Then Park West Fine Arts took over, first as Park West, then as Princess Fine Art? Now you have to register your cabin number to get a glass of their champaign. In my opinion, they are shysters. I have so far managed to escape their cold calls or sales pitch on the ship. I follow the adage: " too good to be true". It is lucky for Cruise Critic Members to have these threads that forewarn them of such an approach.

I may have missed a post on this, I apologize. But just reading more about casinos being no smoking on cruises based out of Southampton/UK. Does this apply to Princess (Royal or any other ship) doing partial year cruises? I can only wish for this. Thank you for taking us all along on your cruise.

Will MIL be able to climb over a bathtub edge to get into the shower/tub? Will MIL’s wheelchair collapse to get through the 21 inch door? I would be more concerned about her mobility in a non-accessible mini-suite. If this is your first Princess cruise, mini-suites are misnamed “larger balcony” cabin and have no suite perks.

I haven’t seen this offer? How much? Is it just for the wi-fi only?

I’ve never been offered a Welcome Home offer. Not sure if it because I have FCDs on the books. But even when I don’t purchase them while on a cruise, I get nothing.

Is it just your mom on the cruise (without your dad)? Wasn’t HE the one to hand over the credit card? If they plan on being on more Princess cruises, they should purchase a few Future Cruise Deposits (FCD) for $100 US. No credit card involved. Charged to credit card on file. THIS is really a good deal.

Yes....It's like the bear story (you just have to be ahead of the last person). I was on an independent excursion in Panama. Ran into traffic. I was on the tender with the trash cans/stanchions/officers. Way too close for comfort.

You are correct. That is why you don't need to give them your credit card (while onboard) when you make the FCD purchases. It is not added to your folio. No one should be handing over a credit card to O.N.E. Princess really has created quite a mess with this restructuring. I do hope they come to their senses and cancels/not renew O.N.E. contract.

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).