New Princess "Secrets"??

[Cruise Raider]

I am with you ...and to the OP, thank you for starting a new post on this. The ones that take all evening to go through are just too daunting to even open.

 

We always take a pop up laudry basket and pack our clothes on disposable hangers as well.

 

Things I did not see mentioned:

 

We take a couple extra pairs of the sea bands....nice way to make friends that are sea sick. I did loan out my original pair and never saw that poor girl again. Oh well...I am sure she needed them more than I at the time. We use the sea bands in combination with ginger pills. Not a Princess secret, but grab or order a couple of green apples for your cabin if you are prone to sea sickness....they also really help.

 

I also think it is wise to go down to the purser's desk often and check the charges on your folio. On the Emerald, they have a kiosk off to the side of the purser's desk where you could just print out your folio (onboard charges) without waiting in line behind others with more complicated / lengthy issues.

 

The $2.99 drinks (limited selection) can be ordered from any bar after 8 PM....even in the casino. There are events with free cocktails -- the Captain's welcome aboard party, repeat cruisers party, champange waterfall event, art auctions....maybe others? Take advantage of the freebies.

 

Take part in the activities and shows. It is really a blast. I was hynotized on one of my cruises (truly) and it was so much fun to watch the video after the fact. Also, could never get my DH to do it but the Newlywed and Not So Newlywed game is always too much fun. Get there early to get a good seat. Watched the survivor game and laughed our xxxxes off. You can also get some prizes if you win the trivia contests, horse races, bingo, etc. All just a lot of fun.

 

Download money onto your casino card and cash it out if you need some extra cash. (we always end up just spending it in the casino) No charge incurred to put money onto your cruise card in the casino but they will charge for a cash advance or even to cash a travel's check in the casino. No charge to cash a travel's check at the pursur's desk, though....they will usually give you small bills if you need them for tipping.

 

Take pictures of your kids, grandkids, pets, etc....for all those that couldn't go. Decorate your cabin with these to make it your home for the week.

 

We take a combo travel alarm, noise machine that actually has a projector for the time, which projects the time onto the ceiling, acts as a nightlight and also provides white noise (waterfall sounds) if you are in a noisy cabin location. (made by homemedics)

 

Movies played in the theater / MUTS are oftentimes also repeated in your cabin if you miss it.

 

The laudry mats have irons you can use (since you are not supposed to bring your own onboard) -- will save you a lot on the ship's send out service....although their dry cleaning costs really aren't that bad and they do a great job. If you use the laundrymat, sometimes the closest one may be on a upper or lower deck.

 

If you have one, check your coupon book the first day. They may have sales for things you are already going to use. Sometimes the spa has specials while they are in port. If it is someplace you don't care to visit, you may get your spa treatment a lot cheaper.

 

There is a closet, usually near the library, where they store games you can use during the cruise. Please don't take them to your room and leave them up there unless you plan on using them a lot during your cruise. You can always check out library books during your cruise.

 

We oftentimes take some goodies for our room steward at embarkation if we board close to home. They really seem to appreciate the kind of food they cannot get onboard (we've been told that Doritos are a particular favorite and they do always seem to be a hit)

 

Ask your room steward for wine glasses for your room -- but don't leave them laying around the ship -- he / she will replace the dirty ones but not so much the missing ones.

 

Keep the suggestions coming though....I am learning a lot of cool secrets.

[remydiva]

I always travel with a container of Chlorox or other disinfectant pop up wipes.

 

Every time we return to our cabin and I see/think that our room steward has been in ie. beds made, beds turned down, etc I take a wipe and wipe down all the door handles, light switches, TV remote, sliding door handles, chairs arms...anything I think the steward may have touched.

 

My thinking is that the stewards work in several rooms and therefore may transmit germs or viruses from one surface to another. It's a premise that is suspect in hospital transmissions so why not a cruise ship?

 

Nothing is 100% guarantee but knock wood, so far so good and it's a small task to do 'just in case'.

[Sanibel*Gal]

WOW so many great "tips" here - we have cruised many times too but like all these wonderful ideas!:)

[6pack]

I take a hand punch to punch holes in our cruise cards. When we go to the Pursers desk they often don't know how to get the punch in the right place. I always bring my last cruise card to use as a template for the new one. We have lanyards we always use. My wife lost her cruise card 3 times before we got the lanyards unpacked.

 

I always had great luck at the Duty Free Store. Go at a quiet time and they are more than obliging (they have a punch at the cash desk)! The pursers desk is too busy.

Edited April 24, 2011 by 6pack

[kenexx]

Bernbun29 mentioned that room service liquor is available in litre bottles. Is this correct as I've only been able to get much smaller sizes?

[blueridgemama]

Thanks for all the "new" tips. I got tired of weeding through the last thread (it got way off the subject) so it is nice to have a new one:)

[dllyon]

*waterproof case, that will go around your neck and will hold your ID, cruise card, credit card etc. while swimming/snorkeling in port.

 

 

Where can you buy something like this? Thank you

[Bernbun29]

*waterproof case, that will go around your neck and will hold your ID, cruise card, credit card etc. while swimming/snorkeling in port.

 

 

Where can you buy something like this? Thank you

 

From your friendly cruise critic store, for a whole $6!!! http://www.cruisecritic.com/store/product.cfm?ID=26

 

Also, I read on here several times that Princess wouldn't accept faxes for an egg-crate mattress topper. I faxed in one last week and called yesterday, it was received and was noted in our reservation, so it is prolly a "crap-shoot" Do both, if you really want one and don't want to worry about them running out!

[dllyon]

From your friendly cruise critic store, for a whole $6!!! http://www.cruisecritic.com/store/product.cfm?ID=26

 

Also, I read on here several times that Princess wouldn't accept faxes for an egg-crate mattress topper. I faxed in one last week and called yesterday, it was received and was noted in our reservation, so it is prolly a "crap-shoot" Do both, if you really want one and don't want to worry about them running out!

 

Thanks. That was fast.

[Astro Flyer]

From your friendly cruise critic store, for a whole $6!!! http://www.cruisecritic.com/store/product.cfm?ID=26

 

Also, I read on here several times that Princess wouldn't accept faxes for an egg-crate mattress topper. I faxed in one last week and called yesterday, it was received and was noted in our reservation, so it is prolly a "crap-shoot" Do both, if you really want one and don't want to worry about them running out!

 

I just faxed a pad/pillow request & it is now noted in my Princess online booking summary. Although with the hectic changeover schedule of the cabin stewards it's understandable that it's 50/50 that they'll be there. A simple request onboard & the steward will provide them.

 

I read recently about a passenger with a problem with their safe. The bottom line, leave your safe unlocked the night before when you're leaving the ship (tours or disembarking). If the safe doesn't open in the morning there could be a delay resulting in a missed tour or a flight home.

[KansasScrapper]

As much as I love the Princess menu, it is a "western menu" made for western people, cooked by (usually) Asian cooks.

 

My secret or tip is to ask the waiter who the best chef is and ask if tomorrow that chef can prepare you some entrees (or family style) dished from his home country.

 

After so many cruises this is a great way to switch it up and to see what the chefs can really do. They always appreciate compliments on these dished and usually come out to see how you like them!

 

(This is "above and beyond," so be very polite and not demanding and try to schedule in advance or for the next day).

 

Hi Kansas City I live out side of Kansas City....

[Wanderlust_1]

To add to the above message:

 

There is another electrical outlet behind the tv above the shelf in the balcony rooms on the crown princess.

 

walkie talkies are a wonderfull way to stay in contact. We have always used on vacations and they were a must on our last cruise.

 

Orange juice is free until noon from room service and the resturants. If you order for 3 people you can get 9 juices to mix with your drinks, 4 people you can get 12. The come in tiny juice glasses. Transfer them to a large water bottle.

Edited April 25, 2011 by Wanderlust_1
spelling error

[Cruise Raider]

*waterproof case, that will go around your neck and will hold your ID, cruise card, credit card etc. while swimming/snorkeling in port.

 

 

Where can you buy something like this? Thank you

 

I found some great deals on these bags on Amazon. I have one that fits just money, credit card, id and room key. But, I also have one that fits a camera, passport, etc. in case I want to go on a trip that would otherwise require leaving stuff on the beach. Been there, done that....you have to swim or snorkel in shifts. Just read the buyer reviews to get one that is highly rated. We have been oh so happy with our purchase.

[Minoushka]

Vines provides the best Sushi and Tapas as long as you're enjoying a glass or bottle of wine! You can absolutely have a meal of it. My opinion,"some of the best service you will find on board!" :)

 

Dave

Our friends were told no food without purchase of a drink and no repeats on food ...3 pieces of suchi is All you get

I do not care for wine so NO FOOD!!!

[Iamcruzin]

I read recently about a passenger with a problem with their safe. The bottom line, leave your safe unlocked the night before when you're leaving the ship (tours or disembarking). If the safe doesn't open in the morning there could be a delay resulting in a missed tour or a flight home.

 

I read that same thread and also had the same thing happen to me. The problem with the safe is that the battery dies and has to be replaced before it can be opened. I don't understand why someone would lock up their sea pass when you need it at the very least to get in and out of your room. Fortunately for me they came immediately to change the battery and it was a day that we didn't have a tour booked.

[Iamcruzin]

If you join the roll call cut and paste the roll call list and any meet and greet information or any tours you planned with the group to a word document. You can either print it out or forward it in an email to yourself and save it to your smart phone or laptop if you bring one. I like to keep this in my phone so I can match the faces to the screen names. I also do this with any receipts I receive from Princess such as boarding pass, itinerary information, purchases that I make before the cruise such as internet minutes, or casino credits. I never actually need these but you never know when you will misplace the paper copies or if Princess does not post your purchases to your on board account. If I purchase FCC’s I save the email to my phone. This allows you to have easy access to the information such as captains circle number or the FCC information when booking your next cruise through a TA. I always have my phone at hand. Paper receipts get filed and aren’t always easy to find quickly.

 

If the time zone changes the night before the meet and greet be sure to change your clocks the night before. Last year the person who made all of the arrangements for the meet and greet missed the gathering because they over slept due to the time change.

[6pack]

Our friends were told no food without purchase of a drink and no repeats on food ...3 pieces of suchi is All you get

I do not care for wine so NO FOOD!!!

 

I can only provide comments on our personal experience. I can tell you that there was NO limit to the amount Sushi or Tapas you could order. You are correct in saying that they will not serve sushi or tapas without accompanying with wine. If they didn't have this restriction you would never get a seat!

 

We absolutely love the relaxed atmosphere and great service at Vines.

[Toto2Kansas]

Bernbun29 mentioned that room service liquor is available in litre bottles. Is this correct as I've only been able to get much smaller sizes?

Not anymore. You used to be able to order a litre bottle, now it is only 375 ML for about the same price we used to pay for a litre.

[Wanderlust_1]

Not anymore. You used to be able to order a litre bottle, now it is only 375 ML for about the same price we used to pay for a litre.

 

 

ok call me cheap but I found this link here on cruise critics and ordered the smugglers kit for our last cruise. I brought my own vodka on board in our luggage http://www.easytravelerinc.com/productgallery.aspx. ;)

[suzski]

Lots of great ideas on here.

 

A few I really endorse (non-paid, of course!;)) are:

 

-- Purex Complete 3-in-1. Very light and takes up little space in your suitcase. Saves you $$$ in washing.

 

-- Highlighters. I am obsessive/compulsive when it comes to the Patters. Don't want to find out after the fact about something I wanted to go to.

 

-- If you are interested in doing the Chef's Dinner, definitely call to book as soon as you get onboard. Price is $150 but, if you're a food or wine lover, it is definitely worth it!

 

-- A journal. I do so much research in advance and realize after I've gotten home that sometimes I've forgotten names of places, dates we visited, etc. I purchased a Fair Trade leather journal from Amazon to take on my trip this fall (although any would do) so that I can jot down my memories each day....and use them later to write my review, etc. If you get one that wraps up with a band around it, you can also use it to store scrapbook-type items (site tickets, etc.)

 

-- Pack less than you think you'll need. Believe me, we ALWAYS come home with unused clothing items. This year, I'm actually going to practice what I'm preaching!:o

 

Oh, and finally, it's all about the attitude. If you go in with a positive one, you will have a great time and will be able to take the little bumps that might happen on your trip with a smile.

[Nonnie1975]

I found a product called platypus for my adult beverages at Academy. It was $8.99 for a 1.0 liters or 34 ounces. It was in the section with water bottles. Now, I don't have to order it on line and pay postage.

[kenexx]

Not anymore. You used to be able to order a litre bottle, now it is only 375 ML for about the same price we used to pay for a litre.

 

Thanks Toto. I thought that was the case. :)

Edited April 26, 2011 by kenexx

[Friendlyangel]

Is smoking allowed in Vines? I have COPD and am HIGHLY allergic to cig smoke. Pays to find out things ahead of time.

 

My secret to a great cruise....attitude, attitude, attitude :)

[caribill]

Is smoking allowed in Vines? I have COPD and am HIGHLY allergic to cig smoke. Pays to find out things ahead of time.

 

 

I do not believe smoking is allowed anywhere on the ground level of the Piazza.

 

In general, there is no smoking in any area where food is served.

[robgvic]

I thought smoking was only allowed in the casino on most nights and in the cigar bar=not in vines or anywhere in in the Piaza