Gretchendz

This is the way. Many of us nowadays pay for a software package service so we can put everything into one itinerary for our clients. Client can view it on any device, and can download and print a .pdf or view on line as they prefer. We print and mail them to our less technical clients. One nice feature is that if the flights are input and there are delays client gets automatic updates too. Bottom line, look for a TA who has a good customer management system as they can set the automatic reminders@cantgetin mentions.

It was supposed to be refurbished at start the new Svalbard Express sailings. Has anyone heard anything?

I'm a TA. I second what everyone said about calling the TA and having us go through the time and frustration of getting it fixed for you is what we do. It's part of the job--and sometimes we have access to systems where we can fix it ourselves, depending on the issue and cruise line. Re VV's commissions, they are fairly good as there are fewer items excluded from commissions. I'm not sure they are the "best in the business" but they are certainly better than many. Of course, if they are very glitchy and I spend more time fixing their glitches, is it really better? Not per hour 🙂 Other cruise lines are starting to move in the direction of paying on additional items and that's a good thing. But it's not just out of the goodness of their hearts, the cruise lines know it is cheaper to pay us commissions than hire and train more staff. *Don't get me started on the endless hours on hold during the Pandemic getting clients refunds they were not legally entitled to because they had not bought insurance...but that's another story 🙂 The point is we are there to try to reduce your pain points. We stay on hold so you don't have to 🙂

Ah the good old days of the much desired Upgrade Fairy....we miss her!

This showed up as event on my upcoming Scarlet Lady Dominican Daze sailing. Anyone done it and, if so, have any opinion?

LOL I know people who would go to pieces over the lack of mint 🙂 Horror! Looking forward to your review.

I'm on the Scarlet Lady June 23 for five nights and they began showing for me a few days ago. There is good availability. I have several brunches booked. Also, unlike dinners, they don't seem to limit to one restaurant per cruise.

Great thread. Two points. The status match program keeps changing (they are adding programs still) but you can see if you may have eligibility here: https://www.virginvoyages.com/sailing-club/eligible-loyalty-programs Also, I know people are saying that as a Deep Blue you can board early (like 1:30 or so) but I was explicitly told by an agent this is not true and it simply gets you a separate (presumably faster) desk at your assigned boarding time. So, coming two hours earlier might work, but don't be upset if it doesn't. I suspect it is like most lines who really push for you to arrive at your assigned time. But if you are there earlier, and they don't have a big back-up, they will likely let you on early. I plan to test my theory in...11 days.

You can always go to this link, enter your information and see if you are eligible to bid: Sweeping terrace views | Virgin Voyages

The shuttle appears to be back. I just received an email back from VV, in response to my inquiry. They said: Should you happen to arrive at the port before your scheduled arrival time, don’t worry! You may drop off your luggage with our Crew and then hop on the complimentary shuttle over to Bayside Marketplace for some unbeatable views of Miami and a stroll through their shops before embarking on your voyage.

Cross your fingers but I expect they will extend it. Probably giving themselves time to make changes in the program at that time. In fact, I recently recieved an email survey from them asking what amenities would make the program better. That's a good hopeful sign they plan to extend it.

I had the same thing happen. Despite my usual philosophy about gift horses, I did call in and ask about it, among other things. They said that yes, the deep blue extras are there. Apparently the email was incorrect. I chalk these things up to being a new line. As one of their agents said "things change fast." It's a free $100 tab. If you buy a $300 tab you will get $50 more from that. So would be $450 total.

Unless you are in Wisconsin where they are made with Brandy (not flavored), bitters, and white soda (like Sprite) .

Me too

Don't forget that you don't have to do the many stops cruise if you don't want to. Hurtigruten is beginning, this year, the North Cape Express. It has the Northen Lights Promise, but stays at ports longer, more like a traditional cruise. We are taking it in November 2023. It includes a couple nights in Bergin or Oslo on the front end, depending on which direction you sail. The Trollfjord is being renovated right now for it. In the summer there will be the Svalbard Express.

Two thoughts. If you actually end up with any OBC at the end, go to the front desk and ask it to applied as additional crew gratuities. Have not tried it myself with Princess, but most lines let you do that. Second, re tours I do recommend one of the all day Nicaragua tours that visits the volcano and Granada. A long day, but if you have any interest in volcanos, natural history, or like seeing historic towns, I receommend it.

Not entirely true. It is true that they currently do not have a teacher promotion. However, as I indicated, teachers can sign up to get verified and be put on the email list for future discounts. As Princess says on the link: "To thank teachers for all that they do for their students, Princess has special promotions throughout the year. There is not a current offer available, but when offers become active, they are sent via email to those who qualify. If you're not already verified with Princess as teacher, verify below!" And "Your successful verification makes you eligible to receive email offers from Princess that are exclusive to your teacher status. Be on the lookout for emails from Princess, and we can't wait to welcome you aboard!"

They will love you even more once you make final payment 🙂

No announcement for this year yet but you can prequalify and get on their email list for announcements: Cruise Discount for Teachers - Princess Cruises

You'll do great! Not on Cunard, but took my oldest on his first cruise on Sitmar (quite awhile ago) when he was about 8 months old. He was the star of the ship. No child care on board but between parents and grandma we managed just fine. Some tips. If you think they are too frazzled or cranky for a long dinner remember you have options--the buffet and room service. I would bring a portable travel playpen too. When the kids were a bit older (maybe 4 and 6?) we explained to them that this was a great time to try new foods as if they didn't like it the waitstaff would bring something else. My daughter still loves duck that she first tried as a 4 year old. As others have noted, the crew will go out of their way to bring them berries, ice cream, whatever the kids like. They will come back spoiled, in a good way. Our kids were always good at meals on cruises and restaurants because at the first sign of misbehavior, one of the parents would haul them out of the meal and take them to the room. We only had to do abruptly end the meal once or twice before they got the idea. Was never one to let my kid disturb others at dinner. And I want to echo this: from Space Oddity: For dinner, we had been assigned a table quite close to the aft exit of the Brittania restaurant (upper deck), early sitting; I don't know whether this was foresight on someone's part, or (maybe more likely) just because we booked quite late and were new to Cunard. Anyway, it turned out to be perfect for us. We had a 4-top, so it wouldn't bother anyone else if we chose not to show up on a given evening. We took both kids to dinner most evenings, but between courses, if the younger one was being at all rambunctious, we could quietly take him outside the restaurant to avoid disturbing anyone else. We did bring little books, coloring, etc., for the kids to play with during dinner. I would definitely not have wanted the late sitting with the kids -- it finishes quite late.

Also, if you use a travel agent, they should be able to help you find what you need and what works best for you.

If you travel more than a couple times a year, and you only need those items, consider an annual multi-trip plan from a third party insurer. Much more cost effective usually.

Understood! They do have a solo sale for this particular cruise right now. My sister-in-law is considering it 🙂

I should also note that this year, Hrtigruten has two new itineraries that will be much more fjord/destination intensive. Meaning, not dropping off the mail for 15 minutes. They will be on the Trollfjord which is being renovated right now. The summer version is the Svalabard Express: https://www.hurtigruten.com/destinations/norway/svalbard-express-southbound/ The winter version is the North Cape Express. Bergin to Oslo or reverse. Our family is doing in November 2024 mainly due to the Northern Lights : https://www.hurtigruten.com/destinations/norway/north-cape-express-full-voyage-bergen-oslo/?_ccid=20927&_ccst=1794&_hrgb=2#key-info

Same with us in October 2022.