Sprocket

My recent cruises all show paid in full at the time of booking.  This has only started happening recently and it is a huge stress reliever for someone who had their first Princess comped cruise cancelled for non payment.  If it wasn't paid at time of booking I followed up frequently and if it went to 7 days I politely insisted they make final payment. 

On 4/27/2023 at 2:34 AM, neenee61 said:

There you go!!!! If you book thru Urcomped they offer longer than 9 n8ght cruises.  Very contradictory of Celebrity.  Oh well, I'm really looking forward to trying a few more cruise lines with different itineraries.

 

 

Does Urcomped match the Free Play as well?  

4 minutes ago, njhorseman said:

OAK doesn't even have a parking garage; it has outdoor parking lots. Per the airport's website rideshare pickups are at designated stations at the third curb outside the terminals. I think you're confusing OAK with SFO, where rideshare pickups are in the garage.

No... $45 to $50 minimum is probably more like it.

I have no idea specifically how taxi fares are computed for OAK, but that website has some of the worst taxi estimates I've seen for other cities. For example, it grossly overestimates the taxi fare between JFK and Manhattan. 

I have the feeling $160 is about double what it would actually cost.

Thanks looked at so many options guess I got them mixed up.  $45-$50 is doable and much prefer Uber over a taxi.

I am considering booking a cruise out of San Francisco in October port information I was able to find says the Crown leaves from Pier 35.  While I have done many coastal cruises that include SFO this would be my first departure from here.  And all my cruses we were berthed at Pier 27 I believe, it was just a short distance to Pier 39.

I can get an early morning same day flight that arrives before 8 AM into Oakland and from other posts I was able to find out that Uber leaves from the parking garage similar to Las Vegas I think.   Flight times into SFO are not an option.  Using Uber Estimate (not date specific) shows fare is anywhere from $15- $35 does that sound about right?  I understand Princess does not offer transfers from Oakland and private shuttle company prices are crazy.  Rome to Rio says taxi fare is $160+ big difference from Uber. I am in my 70's so not interested in Bart or bus as I will be solo and just want to go in a straight shot from the airport to the pier.

Flight arrives on a Sunday so am hoping traffic will not be an issue at that time.  

So for those that have used Uber from Oakland is the estimated fare even remotely close?  TIA

May 11th I believe the US will be updating requirements regarding vaccines or testing.  

Princess yes, Carnival and HAL apparently not.  

6 hours ago, disneyochem said:

I tip $2 for my cappuccino delivered to my stateroom at 4:30 am.

Have lots of those nights here at home, fortunately I am able to sleep on the ship.  Vanilla Bean or Butter Pecan latte with Baileys is my morning go to.

These are the ones I have, love the retractable cord and the bling.  I attach mine to the side of my purse or bra or bathing suit strap.  Available in both AMAZON Canada and US. 

We tip $2 minimum for drinks delivered to the cabin, we are generally way aft or on our upcoming cruises we will be right at the front.  And we have PP but it is a service we appreciate and enjoy.

They outsourced it basically.  I have no problem with it and currently have 2 bids pending.  
There is also a link in your booking so you can see if you qualify for an upgrade on your cruise. 

Did you enter your traveller number into the app?  There is a place for it but I have only entered my passport information.

1 hour ago, BuckeyeTraveler said:

Would you happen to know the name of these holders?  I went onto Amazon but can find only retractable holders for badges...I can't find anything that says it is for medallions. Thanks.

 

They won’t say they are for the medallions but the plastic piece at the bottom slips easily through the opening at the top of the medallion and it snaps securely.  I use mine everyday and all the colors work for me

1 hour ago, BuckeyeTraveler said:

Would you happen to know the name of these holders?  I went onto Amazon but can find only retractable holders for badges...I can't find anything that says it is for medallions. Thanks.

 

Try searching blingy retactable badge holders lots of options show up.

Don't forget to sign up on the Port Valet website before your cruise, and IIRC your steward should leave you a form to be handed in.  If you haven't received it by Wednesday stop by the Customer Service desk.  They need to check you in for your flight and give you the tags for your luggage.

2 hours ago, Sprocket said:

I bought these from Amazon and attach it to a small purse I bought on the ship.  They are retractable so no awkward bending or trying to place my wrist in the right position.  Use them every cruise.  Actually its the top ones I have the medallion slips attaches with loop and snap.

 

 

Wow those pictures are huge couldn't edit them sorry.  Just to clarify I ordered the 4 blingy ones and they clip not only on the side of my purses, but belt loop and bra strap when I wear a dress.  

I bought these from Amazon and attach it to a small purse I bought on the ship.  They are retractable so no awkward bending or trying to place my wrist in the right position.  Use them every cruise.  Actually its the top ones I have the medallion slips attaches with loop and snap.

5 hours ago, MarKay525 said:

Thank you Sprocket and psuboater. Our local airport is a breeze to get through and I've forgotten how much more time a large international hub airport can take.

 

Thankfully, we seem to be the only ship in port that day.

 

I've used the Seattle Port Valet a few times and really like not having to drag my bags everywhere.  I did not get a form in my cabin the last time and had to go ask for one I think I was a bit past the cutoff but he was able to arrange it for me.  

Well this is new sorry I should have checked first.

 am flying to an international destination; can I still participate in the program?
Yes, we are now offering Onboard Airline Check-In for international flights of the participating airlines, with the exception of Delta Airlines. May vary by port.

6 hours ago, MissP22 said:

There not wrapped chocolates but chocolates added to waffles at breakfast and crepes at dinner.

Um no that's chocolate.  Chocolates are filled with caramel, more chocolate, toffee, almonds etc. I thought I totally missed out lol.

Seattle port valet does not apply to international flights so you will have to check your bags.  SEATAC is very busy and even with Nexus one of our flights took 90 minutes from check in to arrive at our gate.  Multiple gate changes on my last flight YMMV.

Possibly multiple ships in port that day personally we would rather relax in one of the restaurants than be running through the airport.
 

We usually have to take the train to our departure gate but they run every few minutes and it doesn’t take long. So for us minimum 2.5 hours but honestly closer to 3.

23 minutes ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

We once booked a last minute two week cruise (on Celebrity) when DH had two broken wrists and one broken elbow and had had two surgeries in the prior three weeks. A quiet word with our waiter had DH’s meals served in manageable bites.

Wow! How unfortunate for you both, hope he was able to make the most of the cruise.

The waiters on recent cruises have been short staffed and run off their feet.  I would assess the situation first night and go from there.  I know my husband would take care of it for me with no issues.

Enjoy your cruise you'll figure it out.

3 hours ago, MissP22 said:

Pens were only distributed from the cabin steward if you asked. They had them on their carts. I didn't see any writing paper though so I used toilet paper to leave his notes. 😁

Plenty of cholates available at the buffet. Just ask for a cup full. 

I was on 5 different ships last year and never once saw chocolates?  Where in the buffet are they located?

3 hours ago, scottca075 said:

 

If you mean the Westin in DTLB, that is a VERY BAD idea. The Westin is in the thick of it.

 

https://www.gplb.com/circuit-map

Yep that one lol.  Guess I need to figure out a plan B.  
 

Thanks for the map.

7 minutes ago, Bruin Steve said:

Long Beach is a BIG city...half a million in population, covering 52 square miles.  The Grand Prix is in Downtown--near the harbor, southwest corner of the city.  LGB Airport is in the extreme north of the city.  The World Cruise Center is in San Pedro, 6-8 miles across the very large harbor.  The drive from San Pedro to LGB Airport, going through Downtown Long Beach is about 15 miles...but, during the race (and, really, most ANY time or date), a smart taxi driver or Uber/Lyft driver will avoid Long Beach almost entirely and go 110 North to the 405 South...adds about 4 miles...but not necesserily much more drive time since it's all major freeways.  You'll bypass the race area and probably won't have much in the way of extra traffic...You have VERY LITTLE to worry about with a 4:00 pm flight.

We are staying at the Westin pre cruise and I am hoping to Uber there and drop off our bags for a few hours before heading to the airport on our return.  Stayed at the Hyatt Regency last year but literally Ubered from the airport to the hotel and then to the cruise terminal in the morning so not familiar with the area at all.

If necessary we could always choose a hotel closer to the airport.